Potential CV8 purchase

[hotrodkkk]

Hi forum buddies,

I’ve been checking out the threads over the last couple of weeks and would like your informed feedback.

I took out a 5.7VXR a couple of days ago and was impressed. A couple of things let it down; a very firm skittish ride over unbroken road (19’s); very agricultural gearchange and the paint finish was average (door handles peeling) + rust on exposed screws.

The car was an old dealer demo and a little unloved.

I am potentially looking for a 2006 late model CV8 in silver and my question to all you Monaro owners is please could you give me a ‘warts an all’ appraisal of the CV8 with any lo-cost mods you would suggest (Wortec ECU/Exhaust/Ripshifter).

I know you’ve probably done this before for potential buyers, but as its quite a niche model, I need the honest facts.

Cheers buddies,

Hotrod
Bournemouth

[ringram]

Before you go too far look in the boot on the 04 and 05+ models. That might make your mind up.
I think the 04 CV8 is the better buy because of the boot. Should be cheaper too. If you want the later model bonnet the savings will more than pay for it.

Otherwise they are much the same. The exhaust was changed on later models, but still sucks. Both need throwing away and aftermarket performance exhaust installed. As do the brakes. Though I think the 05+ are slightly larger. A rip shifter will help with the gear throw, but its still heavy and clunky.

Im sure others will chip in with more info.

Edited by ringram on Tuesday 20th February 14:30

[greens vauxhall]

The boot....I have never had an issue with the boot being 'too' small. Smaller yes, too small no.

[o.versteer]

greens vauxhall said:

The boot....I have never had an issue with the boot being 'too' small. Smaller yes, too small no.

....and let me guess, it actually does 37mpg on the motorway as well?




sorry couldn't resist

[greens vauxhall]

Almost!!!

[hotrodkkk]

Thanks guys... keep it coming.

Does the basic Wortec ECU/chip upgrade on the 350hp CV8, take it up to 380Hp?
How loud are the stock pipes... are Wortec again the favoured option.
How is the paintwork holding-up on your cars. Good or adequate???
Is 20mpg on mixed driving (CV8) achievable.

So many questions, so little fuel!

Cheers,
Hotrod

[VXR_Daz]

How loud are the stock pipes... are Wortec again the favoured option.

Compared to aftermarket exhausts they are very quiet. Wortec does seem to be the favoured option but there is also Milltek amongst others.

How is the paintwork holding-up on your cars. Good or adequate???

Mine is holding up well, but I still think it seems a bit "soft" and more prone to scratches and swirls more than previous cars I have had

Is 20mpg on mixed driving (CV8) achievable.

Probably, but "spirited" driving would bring those figures down a lot!

[delmeekc]

I do spirited driving, err, all the time and get 15mpg so a mix should bring it upto 20mpg.

[ringram]

I get 1/2 tank 34L from London to Manchester. I think Id get there and back on a full tank if I was very careful. Thats 400miles. Normally I wouldnt expect that much though.
I average about 280m to a tank. ~55L fill.
That includes mucho throttlo.

[The Jackel]

I have a 04 CV8 with Wortec Sports Pac and interchangable exhaust 18' HSV alloys and rear boot spoiler in Phanton Black with 23k on the clock which I may be looking to sell in the next 6 -8 weeks if you are interested

It has a FVSH and the Sport Pac was installed by Greens

[picador]

Hotrod
Door handle paint problems are relativly common but very easily sorted under warranty, I echo greens comments, there's too much fuss made about boot size, the driving experience is what the car is about, not the size of the bleedin boot for god's sake.
Wortec are generally the best tuners option IMO, they know the car inside out and the kit is 1st class.

[wayne marsh]

I've had my 6.0 VXR since the 10th Jan 07. It's covered 3000 miles and has averaged according to the LCD display 22.5 mpg over that 3000 miles. I do a mix of driving including Motorways and drive the car as it was intended! Now either I'm not trying hard enough or my car's bl***y good on fuel!

[jimb0]

picador said:

the driving experience is what the car is about, not the size of the bleedin boot for god's sake.

That's a generalisation. The size of the boot may be of concern to the potential buyer. Therefore it's correct to point out that '05 model year and newer have reduced boot space.

[ringram]

If the car is your only car or daily driver then the boot is important. For weekend warriors its not.
As mentioned its customer dependent. Its nice to have the choice. Just going by the amount of discussion on the topic suggests it is an important consideration for some.

[marlvargs]

picador said:

there's too much fuss made about boot size, the driving experience is what the car is about, not the size of the bleedin boot for god's sake.

To be honest for me it did make a big difference, being at the time our only car. If I couldn't get a pram in the back then it would have meant the Monaro would have gone by now.

As it happens its going to have to go in a few months but I've managed to get another V8 to fill the gap

Hotrodkk - if you're prepared to wait until the summer my Silver '04 CV8(with the big boot!) will be up for sale.

Been very happy with it, great fun, very reliable and well built (as mentioned most probs fixed under warranty), MPG not too bad for what it is (the Jag was a joke), and for most occasions is practical.

It's just a shame that I'm not going to have it long enough to get the most out of it with some of the mods available.

The only reason I will be selling it is that when a baby comes along and its your only car, there just isn't enough room for all their baggage for long trips - oh and the missus eventually gets tired of having to be double jointed to get the baby seat in the back

[ringram]

marlvargs said:

but I've managed to get another V8 to fill the gap

Hopefully you mean an HSV Clubsport / VXR8

[hotrodkkk]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the useful feedback.

I’m looking at the latest CV8 (small boot) in silver as my daily driver. I prefer the cleaner, stealthy 05/06 model plus I’m a big fan of the Q-car look... ie no fins, spoilers, bling wheels etc. So the VXR is out... sorry guys!

I presently own a Golf V6 2.8 4-Motion which I do enjoy, however the allure of the V8 is strong. Incidently I currently only average around 24mpg with spirited driving, so I guess the V8 fuel consuption isn’t a huge issue considering it’s engine is twice the size.

I’m going to keep an eye out for a late 2006 CV8 model, but I do value all your feedback to help me focus on the possible pitfalls.

I’ll be out of the loop for a few days now... catch you all in March.

Cheers,
Hotrodaka Steve

[marlvargs]

ringram said:

marlvargs said:

but I've managed to get another V8 to fill the gap

Hopefully you mean an HSV Clubsport / VXR8

Sorry Ringram, but I've gone to the dark side and got an Audi S4 Avant. So for the next few months it will be which V8 will it be today, decisions decisions...