Just saying hello - possible, potential owner!
Discussion
Hi all,
I've been lurking on this forum for quite some time now, soaking up the available information and doing my own research on the Monaro. I've been considering the possibility of a big engined monster simply for that lovely V8 soundtrack, so I thought I'd say hello and try to be a bit more active on here and maybe gain a bit more of an insight by talking to some folks on here.
My car history is very Japanese orientated, although my first car was a Mini, which taught me A LOT about cars and the meaning of the phrase "money pit"! I've had various Primeras, including my chromaflair GTSE which I loved! I then moved onto a Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart VR-4, which introduced me to the world of excessive petrol purchasing. From What I've read, the VR-4 is probably not too dissimilar to the average fuel costs associated with the Monaro - the twin-turbo V6 in the VR-4 was quite a thirsty engine at times. My current car, in keeping with the Jap theme is a Honda Integra DC-5. This is a fair bit more economical, apart from when you engage the VTEC and keep it there - I've never known a two litre engine empty a petrol tank as quickly!
My own preference with the Monaro is the 5.7 Monaro VXR, although they seem to be fairly rare. However, if I do come to a point where I am actively seeking to buy I think I'd be pretty open and I wouldn't rule out anything; the CV8 is still a great car and I do like the later 6.0 Monaro VXRs as well. Like I mentioned, this is all something I'm considering at the moment, just weighing everything up. I've also noticed that there seem to be a few owners in the Teesside area. I live in Yarm and work in Middlesbrough so if anyone sees a blue DC-5 trundling along with someone staring at them it'll probably be me!
Cheers,
Andy.
I've been lurking on this forum for quite some time now, soaking up the available information and doing my own research on the Monaro. I've been considering the possibility of a big engined monster simply for that lovely V8 soundtrack, so I thought I'd say hello and try to be a bit more active on here and maybe gain a bit more of an insight by talking to some folks on here.
My car history is very Japanese orientated, although my first car was a Mini, which taught me A LOT about cars and the meaning of the phrase "money pit"! I've had various Primeras, including my chromaflair GTSE which I loved! I then moved onto a Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart VR-4, which introduced me to the world of excessive petrol purchasing. From What I've read, the VR-4 is probably not too dissimilar to the average fuel costs associated with the Monaro - the twin-turbo V6 in the VR-4 was quite a thirsty engine at times. My current car, in keeping with the Jap theme is a Honda Integra DC-5. This is a fair bit more economical, apart from when you engage the VTEC and keep it there - I've never known a two litre engine empty a petrol tank as quickly!
My own preference with the Monaro is the 5.7 Monaro VXR, although they seem to be fairly rare. However, if I do come to a point where I am actively seeking to buy I think I'd be pretty open and I wouldn't rule out anything; the CV8 is still a great car and I do like the later 6.0 Monaro VXRs as well. Like I mentioned, this is all something I'm considering at the moment, just weighing everything up. I've also noticed that there seem to be a few owners in the Teesside area. I live in Yarm and work in Middlesbrough so if anyone sees a blue DC-5 trundling along with someone staring at them it'll probably be me!
Cheers,
Andy.
Hi there, I wanted a VXR when I was looking as at the time I preferred the more agressive looks, the fact it is an HSV and the LS2 engine, however my budget couldn't stretch at the time so I have a VZ CV8 and if you choose one of these you won't be disappointed. The more discrete looks have grown on me.
Factor in several thousand pound of mods that you will end up doing if you are anything like those who have gone before!
Seriously I planned on leaving stock but the modding bug is addictive because you gain so much from each mod. On the CV8 at least anyway.
Factor in several thousand pound of mods that you will end up doing if you are anything like those who have gone before!
Seriously I planned on leaving stock but the modding bug is addictive because you gain so much from each mod. On the CV8 at least anyway.
Hi and welcome, like 007 said whatever one you get you will have a big smile on your face everytime you drive it 
mine is probably the lowest spec of all of the ones down hear in Kent but still love it and not wanting to change it.
You should come down when there is a mini meet on at 007's place and see and hear all the cars.
mine is probably the lowest spec of all of the ones down hear in Kent but still love it and not wanting to change it. You should come down when there is a mini meet on at 007's place and see and hear all the cars.
I think the rule of thumb is if you want to keep it standard go with the VXR or if you are on a budget or plan to modify, the CV8 is better value. They are cheaper to start with and the HSV parts that make the VXR what it is are pretty average. Most people replace the brakes with APs a few more replace suspension parts too so the the advantage of the VXR is soon eroded.
The 5.7 LS1 can make more power than you will ever need with the right mods but the tuning bug becomes so addictive that it's part of the ownership experience. The standard car is a blank canvas that can easily be improved upon and personalised with lots of aftermarket parts.
Whichever model you choose, find one that's been well cared for with AP brakes and go from there. You'll love any of them.
The 5.7 LS1 can make more power than you will ever need with the right mods but the tuning bug becomes so addictive that it's part of the ownership experience. The standard car is a blank canvas that can easily be improved upon and personalised with lots of aftermarket parts.
Whichever model you choose, find one that's been well cared for with AP brakes and go from there. You'll love any of them.
Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 6th December 11:32
You'll love it
Welcome to the forum and good luck with the purchase. I don't think you'll be disappointed whichever model you chose. Most people agree that the ride and breaks on the CV8 are pretty bad. I have a 5.7 CV8, although I was lucky enough to get one with the brakes and suspension already uprated, so I have no idea how a stock one handles and (doesn't) stop 
Happy hunting.
Happy hunting.
Wow, quite surprised by all the replies, they're much appreciated! At the moment I'm in no hurry to buy, it wouldn't be until well into the new year, possibly even spring before I make a decision. I'm happy enough at the moment doing a little more research and seeing whats around. This forum seems to be one of the friendlier and more open car forums I've been on! Some others are a bit cliquey or people trying to get one over each other (biggest turbo, bhp, etc...), however I feel welcome on here already - and I'm not even an owner.... yet!
Cheers!
Cheers!
Andy Teg said:
Wow, quite surprised by all the replies, they're much appreciated! At the moment I'm in no hurry to buy, it wouldn't be until well into the new year, possibly even spring before I make a decision. I'm happy enough at the moment doing a little more research and seeing whats around. This forum seems to be one of the friendlier and more open car forums I've been on! Some others are a bit cliquey or people trying to get one over each other (biggest turbo, bhp, etc...), however I feel welcome on here already - and I'm not even an owner.... yet!
Cheers!
Cheers!
Best thing decide which model you want then be prepared to play the waiting game to find the right car to come along, can take time to find the right one just be prepared to be flexible on colours, I ended up with one I didnt want lol
Nah no one on here plays trying to have the biggest turbo etc, those titles have already been taken and are unobtainable
"From What I've read, the VR-4 is probably not too dissimilar to the average fuel costs associated with the Monaro"
Ha ha ha, that's what I thought! I came to the Monaro from a 3000GT, which basically runs the same engine as the VR-4 and like you I thought it was thirsty. Believe me, those cars are almost teetotal compared to a heavy drinker like a Monaro. Especially in traffic or when giving it some right boot. But then you won't be considering a Monaro if you're worried about fuel consumption!
Ha ha ha, that's what I thought! I came to the Monaro from a 3000GT, which basically runs the same engine as the VR-4 and like you I thought it was thirsty. Believe me, those cars are almost teetotal compared to a heavy drinker like a Monaro. Especially in traffic or when giving it some right boot. But then you won't be considering a Monaro if you're worried about fuel consumption!
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