What to Look For?
Discussion
Apologies for repeating what has undoubtedly been covered elsewhere but here goes...
Can anybody give me a few pointers as what to look for when buying an 04/05 Monaro (either the standard version or the VXR version).
I've checked the FAQ's section already - perhaps adding a few common problems to the FAQ section would help newbies like myself!
I currently have a Peugeot 406 Coupe 3 litre V6 but me and my mate are planning a European driving holiday and I think that 4 years of 406 ownership is more than enough. I haven't actually ever driven / been in a Monaro yet... the local dealers in Bristol don't have any at the moment, but from what I've read and seen, they look awesome cars - more than enough to keep up with my mate's M3 when we're going through France, Italy, Switzerland etc !
The idea of a nice holiday has brought the missus round to the idea of a new car as well, so that's the first major obstacle cleared - now all I have to do is find a good one!
Budget is up to £16k max. 1st choice is Black (Phantom black?), then blue, then silver (don't want a red or yellow one - personal choice and not meant to offend anybody). Already checked and my insurance will only go up by an extra £250 on what I pay for the 406 already! ! Bargain ! !
I've read a few of the posts on here and have picked up a few pointers already:
1) check clutch fluid (should be clear, but can turn brown which may affect clutch operation).
2) brake disc warping (easy to check on a test drive).
3) door seal leaks (not sure how to check for this. Does water collect in the rear footwells if there is a problem? Suppose I should be looking at the car on a rainy day to check this - but careful of roundabouts on the test drive eh!!!)
4) anything else that is Monaro specific apart from the usual used-car checks?
Can anybody give me a few pointers as what to look for when buying an 04/05 Monaro (either the standard version or the VXR version).
I've checked the FAQ's section already - perhaps adding a few common problems to the FAQ section would help newbies like myself!
I currently have a Peugeot 406 Coupe 3 litre V6 but me and my mate are planning a European driving holiday and I think that 4 years of 406 ownership is more than enough. I haven't actually ever driven / been in a Monaro yet... the local dealers in Bristol don't have any at the moment, but from what I've read and seen, they look awesome cars - more than enough to keep up with my mate's M3 when we're going through France, Italy, Switzerland etc !
The idea of a nice holiday has brought the missus round to the idea of a new car as well, so that's the first major obstacle cleared - now all I have to do is find a good one!
Budget is up to £16k max. 1st choice is Black (Phantom black?), then blue, then silver (don't want a red or yellow one - personal choice and not meant to offend anybody). Already checked and my insurance will only go up by an extra £250 on what I pay for the 406 already! ! Bargain ! !
I've read a few of the posts on here and have picked up a few pointers already:
1) check clutch fluid (should be clear, but can turn brown which may affect clutch operation).
2) brake disc warping (easy to check on a test drive).
3) door seal leaks (not sure how to check for this. Does water collect in the rear footwells if there is a problem? Suppose I should be looking at the car on a rainy day to check this - but careful of roundabouts on the test drive eh!!!)
4) anything else that is Monaro specific apart from the usual used-car checks?
05 Phantom black CV8. A fantastic colour...when clean.
I hassled Vauxhall in Bristol to source a CV8. The garage wasn't convinced a was a serious buyer and would not let me test drive one without going through some vetting process. At this point I didn't feel like a customer anymore so drove to Weston Super-Mare and bought one.
The biggest issue I've had with mine has definitely been the wheel alignment. Factory settings are rubbish and will lead to quick and excessive typre wear. Monkfish's re-alignment works and was money well spent.
I hassled Vauxhall in Bristol to source a CV8. The garage wasn't convinced a was a serious buyer and would not let me test drive one without going through some vetting process. At this point I didn't feel like a customer anymore so drove to Weston Super-Mare and bought one.
The biggest issue I've had with mine has definitely been the wheel alignment. Factory settings are rubbish and will lead to quick and excessive typre wear. Monkfish's re-alignment works and was money well spent.
Know what you mean about the main stealers in Bristol. I suppose I did turn up on a day off so was in jeans and t-shirt rather than being suited and booted in my work stuff. Suppose I looked more like an Astra buyer than a Monaro buyer !
I reckon that they will get quite a few young men coming in just looking to rant around in a big V8 for half an hour with no intention of buying, but to be fair on them, the salesman did take my details and wasn't too bad.
The hardest thing I am finding at the moment is one for sale fairly locally so I can have a ride / drive of one before looking seriously. I am expecting a longish trip to buy a good one and don't fancy travelling 100's of miles just to test drive my very first one!
I reckon that they will get quite a few young men coming in just looking to rant around in a big V8 for half an hour with no intention of buying, but to be fair on them, the salesman did take my details and wasn't too bad.
The hardest thing I am finding at the moment is one for sale fairly locally so I can have a ride / drive of one before looking seriously. I am expecting a longish trip to buy a good one and don't fancy travelling 100's of miles just to test drive my very first one!
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/517487.htm
Swindon based and happy for you to come have a look around - loads of spares and extras and well within budget
take a look and give us a shout!
Mike
Swindon based and happy for you to come have a look around - loads of spares and extras and well within budget
take a look and give us a shout!
Mike
Thanks for the kind offer Gas Man. I'm away from home with work at the moment, but would love to take you up on that when I get back in a few weeks.
...and thanks Mike - I've sent you an e-mail already.
First impression is that you are all a friendly and helpful bunch... let's hope I can become a 'proper' contributor to the forum once I make it to ownership status!
...and thanks Mike - I've sent you an e-mail already.
First impression is that you are all a friendly and helpful bunch... let's hope I can become a 'proper' contributor to the forum once I make it to ownership status!
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