dilemma - me v missus

[johno5.7]

no, it's not about a sparring match between the missus and I nor any marriage breakup..

dilemma is - what LS1 to buy after a little siesta out of the LS1 scene. time is fast approaching to replace the ageing VT wagon.

I like the look of a 2004 VZ SS sedan with sunroof, lowered, 19inch chromies, mafless tune and full s/s exhaust for $28000 with 46k on clock...

missus wants to get a crewman, because we have a dog and kids and it would be good to have extra payload space for luggage and crap, but i don't like the back seat for the kids (7 & 4 yo), it's too upright.

or, go for one of two crewmans,

04 VZ SS 66k on clock, extractors, 3inch exh for just under $25k

05 VZ "Z" 54000 on clock, exh, cat, extractor, cool air & dyno'd for just on $28k

what do you good ppl think, if you were faced with this plight, what would take your fancy...oh, by the way, they all have the calais interior meaning, leather, climate/c, aluminium pedals, door levers, s/wheel inserts etc.

it may be a little early days just yet, but any opinions welcomed...

[Holden Nut]

Given kids/payload etc and wanting an SS...first thing that comes to mind is an SS wagon. Or a Berlina V8 wagon if an auto will suffice.

[johno5.7]

Given kids/payload etc and wanting an SS...first thing that comes to mind is an SS wagon. Or a Berlina V8 wagon if an auto will suffice.

yes, i've looked at these too - haven't seen a berlina wagon 4 sale for ages and the ss wagons i've found are very highly priced - meaning $34k + - but i suppose because they're as rare as hens teeth. if i found one for under $30k with good mileage it would probably take over the dilemma with a decision made.

[ls1vt209]

Don't worry about the back seat of the Crewman being too upright it's just too bloody small. Take your missus and the kids to have a look at any crewman sit the kids in the back with you and the mrs in the front and see how much room they don't have.

There is SFA room in the back seat of a Crewman, get the wagon.

[OOL51]

Pity you're not in Qld, know a guy selling his wagon for under 30k has cam, heads, fast manifold, exhaust and tuned for 309rwkw

[johno5.7]

Don't worry about the back seat of the Crewman being too upright it's just too bloody small. Take your missus and the kids to have a look at any crewman sit the kids in the back with you and the mrs in the front and see how much room they don't have.

There is SFA room in the back seat of a Crewman, get the wagon.

have done and by god, wtf did the designers have in mind when they designed it...couldn't fit SFA in there. both kids almost were contortionists, and me being over 6ft, i was just about sitting on the friggin s/wheel.

oh well, back to drawing board - eyes out for a berlina v8 wagoooon...

[tanka5.7]

avalanche :)

[VYClubby]

avalanche :)

Nah, better off buying a berlina wagon and spend the extra on mods.

[V8BEER]

Ive seen two ss wagons in yards in perth for less than thirty, both in the autotrader at mathew lyolld motors in oconnor

[Hoonstar Deluxe]

Stay away from crewmans!

They are heavy & slow!

They have chunky primitive live axle and chassis rail rear ends and the diffs are problematic and noisey!

The rear seats are a joke! A chiuaua would be uncomfortable in there!

Be patient and wait till a good deal on a wagon comes around, they are more spacious, comfortable, lighter and they drive better!

Holden should be ashamed of the crewmans!

[255-LS1]

if auto wagon suits this is what you need

http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/HOLDEN/BERLINA/Western%20Australia/csn6242857.aspx?State=WA

or

http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/HOLDEN/ADVENTRA/Western%20Australia/csn6377792.aspx?State=WA

[jamit]

I have 2 boys 6 and 9 they have no issues with the back seat did a trip down to Busselton on the last long weekend and had no complaints from them.

I would say the seating arrangement would be a squeeze for 4 adults on a long drive but that's not a problem for me.

As for the performance I am happy but it will never be a Monaro or HSV but for me I would not expect it to be. However I believe that CAPPA had a crewman producing +1000 HP so if you pockets are deep enough they there is performance there.

My 2c worth.

[brockee05]

6 litre wagon!!!! HOT :)

[brindal]

i like the sound of the sedan for 28.. i've both driven and sat in the back of a ssz crewman and i was not impressed at all. :toetap:

[macca33]

Johno - there are plenty of decent SS wagons for sale over here (Vic) at the moment, 25-28k, maybe a trip is in order...:idea:

I don't like the Crewmans for the simple fact that the rear seats are disgraceful and a huge compromise IMO.

Cheers,

Macca

[johno5.7]

thanks for all your input guys...

thanks jamit, good to hear a response from an actual owner with kids.

macca33 - would love to come over to melb, haven't been there for years, have looked at a few wagons just before and yeah there are a couple, but for simplicity, will buy in w.a.

hey camov8 - thanks for the links. i've seen the berlina 6ltr add on carsales, unfortunately no bloody photo's, may have to pack a lunch box and take a drive as i'm NOR.

v8beer - does ML have a website for the yard, can't seem to find one...will have to buy the auto trader mag.

hoonstar - mmm, i've heard they are heavy, but the other stuff i haven't - throw it back to 'jamit' for a response from his POV.

[Marco]

Adventra maybe?

[Swordie]

I would go a wagon. They have plenty of space to carry a dog and people. There is not much that comes close to a VY / VZ on space. Not even 4WDs have the same space.

Leather is worth considering; it helps reduce dog hair on seats and if the kids spill something it wipes off.