VX II R8 or Y series?

[Sroked]

Hey Champs,
I am in the market for an LS1 Clubsport with $20-25k to spend. I have been looking at VX II R8s and the base model Y series 1s (Not an R8 pack) as they both seem to fall into this category. Updating from a lagging Jap car because I need a tow car and there's no replacement for displacement!

Just wanting some advice on which would be the better model to go for?

Are the brakes, suspension etc superior on the VX II R8? Or are they matched in the base model Y series? I know these cars were released just 1 year apart and that the RRP (when new) of the VX R8 is about $10k more.

Handlings important to me but I’d prefer not to have to fork out much for handling mods. (In the near future anyway) Whatever I get would probably receive an exhaust, OTR and tune though in the near future just to bring the LS1 closer to its potential.

Personally I prefer the curves on the VX but the interior of the VY. The R8 bucket seats are prety hard to beat! Any help would be great.

Cheers

[Hubble80]

Y Series mate... Series 1 was 260kW, and if your budget can stretch to Series 2, go for that. 285kW.

R8 seats were ok, but I found being a bigger sort of bloke, the bolsters on the sides were too hugging. I had a Series 2 VY Maloo and handling wise it was pretty good. R8's normally had bigger brakes, but am unsure how they line up in comparing VX to VY.

You could probably even pick up a VZ SS for not too much more than that if you shop around.

PS Don't forget to check the classifieds on this site.

[troytroy]

Another vote for the Y series....

The interior hasn't aged as much and the bodykit is still relatively newish and edgy looking (I'm trying not to be biaised either)

In terms of power, who cares, if you're already thinking about exhaust, OTR and tune each car becomes equal on that front!......unless you consider a 6.0litre VZ SS with leather ( personal preferences!) ...which would also get my vote... The 6.0 litre will put out more power than the HSV's with the previous mods.

If interior gadgetry etc is a important point for you the R8 will have more gizmos. but this maybe very little to a far newer VZ SS

Insurance may be a little easier with the SS as alot of insurance companies hate HSV's!

[TAKEITEZ]

go the VY if you can mate...

as the dude above has said they're a much more modern looking car...

the VX is a nice thing, and you can pick them up pretty cheap now!!!
but the VY is just that little bit fresher still... the interior is also much smarter looking too. and they have the cool pop out cup holders :)...

you don't need an R8 unless you are dying to have leather coulsens and big brakes... you might find a non-R8 which has been optioned up, as it was optional to include the brakes and leather i think...

but yeahp...

here is a biased vote for the Y series HSV range...

[Ryan_04]

deff vx..great curves best looking hsv imo

[Uncle Tone]

The VY R8 partial leather seats are worth the extra :bow:

Best seats out of any HSV so far, including the VE.

[vschouten]

This VY R8 look pretty good.

http://carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/HSV/CLUBSPORT/details.aspx?R=6664231&Make=HSV&__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32|1||pCar_ImageCo unt_Int32|1||pCar_LastModifiedDate_DateTime|1&Model=CLUBSPORT&__N=4294965530%200%204294964634%204294931628%20121 6%20834%20285%20257&State=All%20States&distance=25&silo=1003&seot=0&Cr=10&__Nne=20&trecs=26&state_id=0&__sid=11EEABE4863A

[VYSLED]

VY R8 II are my favorite...

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x182/VYSLED/user0.jpg

[mikek73xu1]

VX for me - still a classic shape.

[zaim]

huge vote for the VY.... the vx was nice, but so very yesterday

[GRUNTS]

mate its personal choice which shape you like, i like the VX shape more myself but don't get me wrong i like my VY, but if i was buying now i would get a VX

[pelagonia_ss]

Y series all the way although stock the VY series 1 clubby was slower than a VY series 1 SS.

[255-LS1]

Y series all the way although stock the VY series 1 clubby was slower than a VY series 1 SS.

really??? even thou it has better gears, tune and exhaust??

[PBoB]

I'm voting for the VX, purely because it's going to be cheaper, thus leaving more money for mods :up2sum:

I wish I hadn't bought a VZ SS, if I'd bought a VY II then I would be able to afford to modify it. It really depends on your financial position too mate, if you can afford to get the VY AND modify it then go for it, better suspension technology, more power, newer looks etc.

[pelagonia_ss]

When they came out the Y Series Clubsport (260kw) was slower than the VY SS (235kw) down the quater.

Don't ask me why..

0-400m:
HSV Y Series Clubsport: 14.28 @165.3 km/h
Holden Commodore VY SS: 13.97 @168.1 km/h

The series II clubby obviously blew the series II SS to the shitter.

[ssdamo]

id go the vy or a nice 6.0 vz ss over the vx only cause i cant stand the dash in vt/x ones. either one im sure you will rapt in :burnout:

[pelagonia_ss]

Im spewing I didn't wait 2 years to buy my car. For the price of my SS in early 07 I would've had a Y series clubby now :bawl:

[troytroy]

Im spewing I didn't wait 2 years to buy my car. For the price of my SS in early 07 I would've had a Y series clubby now :bawl:


in a couple of years time - you'll be saying "for the price of the SS I could have bought a nice LS3 clubby..." LOL!

Depreciation - the gift that keeps on giving

[pelagonia_ss]

LOL or just buy a LS3 clubby in a few years. :)

[Sime]

I don't know if this is a fair comparison but I went from a VT2RB to a VY 1 standard Clubby. The VY felt much more refined than the VTR8 with less clunks and noises in general. I also got 40,000kms out of the rear tyres whereas I'd only get 15,000kms out of the VTR8. I think HSV made some mods to the rear suspension by the VX2 but I don't know how it compares to the VY. I wouldn't worry about what power the badge says on the back. My VTR8 was definately quicker than the VY. The standard PBR brakes on the VY were much nicer and more civilised than the Harrops in the VT and on my current VZR8. They obviously faded a lot quicker though which meant the Harrops are a lot better when towing. The PBRs were better for around town driving. The Harrops on the VT2R8 were optional at the time. I'm not sure if they were or not on the VX2 but something for you to be weary of. The R8 handles better due to the stiffer suspension but I guess it really depends on how silly you get when driving as to whether it matters. The VY still handles great. As far as looks go, you can't go wrong with either. I reckon you'd only get an SS if you wanted to blend in with the crowd. Both cars tow great but I highly recommend getting some poly air coil assist air bags for the rear if you're towing a boat, car, or caravan. It wouldn't hurt to get a proper transmission cooler also, not the standard garbage Holden use. The akter market ones a pretty cheap. VY has side air bags also if you care. I loved the Coulson seats in the VTR8 but I would only go leather as the cloth ones look like puke! My only cons for the VY are the cr@p steering wheel and the annoying fasten seat belt beeping which will have you stabbing your ears with a pencil! Gotta love ADRs!

I hope it helps with your decision and good luck with the purchase

[redvxr8clubby]

I think the VX is better looking on the outside, but prefer the VY on the inside, the VXR8 has bigger brakes than standard VX, I think VY standard brakes are the same as VX standard brakes. On the inside at least the VXR8 has the climate air and digital dash rather than the 3 dials in the standard car. Don't know if standard VY 1 Clubsport had climate control air, but VY II SS did. The Coulson seats feel great to sit in, but are also a bit on the firm side, as good as the Coulsons look, I wonder if the standard type seats might be a little softer and possibly actually a bit more comfortable over a distance. VX R8 has 10 stack CD in the boot. Suspension wise VX II had improvements in the rear suspension (extra link) over the early VX, I think VX II is little different to VY. VX R8 has chrome strip gutter - looks better than standard black trim. I think R8 also gets extra interior lighting, similar to a Calais or Berlina. The VX R8 is a Berlina based car where the standard Clubby is Exec based. If you are looking at an auto with leather,you could consider a Senator also.

[SS Enforcer]

VY R8 II are my favorite...

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x182/VYSLED/user0.jpg

That looks exactly like my car It's a series 2 R8 M6 and I am very happy with it. It handles well and the big harrops pull it up quickly. It has a 2 1/2 x-force cat back on it and a with a maffless tune and gets along nicely. This isn't going to be a high HP screamer at all so it will only get a small cam in it to boost it's midrange punch a bit in keeping with it's fast tourer image.

cheers

[Rub]

IMO i wouldnt go either, i'd go for a VZ SS.. ive seen a couple of 6ltrs on car sales for under $25k with about 50,000kms on the clock..

http://carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/HOLDEN/COMMODORE/details.aspx?R=6516898&trecs=95&Make=HOLDEN&__Ns=pCar_YearMade_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_PrivateSpec ialFlag_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_ImageCount_Int32%7c1&Model=COMMODORE&__N=4294965857%200%204294965745%204294926826%20429 4932735%204294933185%201216%20834%20285%20257&State=All%20States&distance=25&silo=1003&seot=0&Cr=8&__Nne=20&sort_type=7&state_id=0&__sid=11B28AC59E51

[pelagonia_ss]

Only if it was yellow..

[troytroy]

the annoying fasten seat belt beeping which will have you stabbing your ears with a pencil! Gotta love ADRs!


....very true...:rofl:

[R8CHEV]

My vote goes for the VY bud. I have a VY R8 and my mate has a VX R8

I love the look of both infact think the VX is probably a little sexier however the VY interior is where is blows the VX away in just looking newer and better.... Look around , Ihave seen r8 VY's around for under 25 and its worth the stretch for the colusen seats...

At the end of the day you will be happy with either they are both AWESOME cars and what ever come up at the right price.

Also not all VX R8's came with the climate control and small options etc...

Brett

[pelagonia_ss]

VX Clubby sexier than a VY Clubby?:confused:

[R8CHEV]

well i think the boot and curves on the vx are better thats all..... lol... dont hate me .. i do drive a vy by choice lol

[pelagonia_ss]

I reckon VX Holdens and HSV's look outdated compared to the VY-VZ series. Big step looks wise.

[Sroked]

Thanks for all the advice/opinions!!

Definatly sticking with a clubby over an SS. Would only get a manual!

Agree the back end of a VX looks way better than the VY. VY interior is definatly better. Seats i found fairly similar, except the patterns on the vx cloth seats were shocking! Leathers great!! VY does look less dated but there is something about the curves on a VX thats hard to beat, it was the end of an ira! VY would probably hold its value better.

Have had a drive of both... I do reckon the vy's smoother, the vx R8s suspension felt tighter/firmer. Whatever I get will hopefully have a brake upgrade.

Tough decision... guess I'll just have to look at a few and see what stands out over the rest.

Thanks

[iloveholden]

Hard choice if you ask me......Good tuff looking VX R8 but older style interior or newer looking Vy with better interior but without the big brakes and maybe leather (unless it was optioned up).

mmmmm hard choice but i'd probably end up in a Vy if that's your only choices other i'd be looking at 6L SS etc.

[pelagonia_ss]

HSV Y Series II Clubsport R8 in Cosmo...... mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm :bow:

[mickeyVX350]

VX R8 All the way... by far the most aggressive looking clubby from the 2!

I also prefer the less fiddly VX interior to the VY+ Interior.

After mods both will output roughly the same.

We got a VXII here in Shanghai in an R8 Pack with the R8 Wheels (Duh) and it looks the grumpy Biz as compared to the butchered angles of the VY.

[pelagonia_ss]

Each to their own.

[Sime]

VX R8 All the way... by far the most aggressive looking clubby from the 2!

I also prefer the less fiddly VX interior to the VY+ Interior.

After mods both will output roughly the same.

We got a VXII here in Shanghai in an R8 Pack with the R8 Wheels (Duh) and it looks the grumpy Biz as compared to the butchered angles of the VY.

I have to actually agree with you a little bit on the butchered angles comment. One thing that always irritated me a little bit with my VY was the front on view of the VY. The fake air intakes on the sides come in on an angle designed to flow with the head lights but works against the other lines when looking directly in front. Also there's a slight arc that flows across the front connecting each fake air intake which doesn't flow with anything. I think the car looks fantastic from any other angle but a car should look good no matter where you're standing.

[iloveholden]

I hope VX Club doesnt mind.....one tuff VX clubby imo

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc85/ilovehsv/VXCLUB6.jpg

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc85/ilovehsv/VXCLUB2.jpg

[tuff304]

VX for sure but I'm biased :smilesandbanana:

[planetdavo]

VX for sure but I'm biased
I prefer the VX shape, but the VY interior.
Something the Monaro has, come to think of it! :banana:

[redvxr8clubby]

Also not all VX R8's came with the climate control and small options etc...

Brett
I would disagree - the VX R8 is a Berlina based car and as such has climate air - if you have seen VX R8's without I would say they are not a genuine R8 or perhaps been stolen and recovered and standard air fitted. VT (II) R8 didn't get climate air. A genuine VX R8 will have climate air (digital dash controls), and bigger 343mm slotted brakes as standard, and may have have been optioned with bigger brakes over and above the 343's. Also will have the Coulsen seats (leather optional), 10 stack CD and upgraded interior lighting. To me, my VX R8 in red (champagne wheels) looks great and even alongside a VE still looks good.

[dark]

I had a VX11R8 and then the VY11R8 and in my opinion the VY handled and performed a lot better. The VX would still wear the inside of the rear tyres but the VY did not, though I think you can get kits for them. The both had an edit by F1 Performance in Blackburn Victoria (not sure where they have gone). I would certainly take the VY.

[R8CHEV]

I would disagree - the VX R8 is a Berlina based car and as such has climate air - if you have seen VX R8's without I would say they are not a genuine R8 or perhaps been stolen and recovered and standard air fitted. VT (II) R8 didn't get climate air. A genuine VX R8 will have climate air (digital dash controls), and bigger 343mm slotted brakes as standard, and may have have been optioned with bigger brakes over and above the 343's. Also will have the Coulsen seats (leather optional), 10 stack CD and upgraded interior lighting. To me, my VX R8 in red (champagne wheels) looks great and even alongside a VE still looks good.


My mate has one and its genuine weve checked all the plates and numbers.... and it doesnt have climate.... Plus when i was looking for clubby i looked at a fair few vx's and many of them didnt have it either and they were r8's surely someone isnt going around badging ALL of them.. they do always come with the coulsens and a different design of wheel, although the same size.... and the things like 10 stanck etc

[redvxr8clubby]

The HSV website shows single zone climate for the R8 - quote below, I notice they also say grooved front and rear rotors - my rears aren't grooved, I got the car at about 68,000 Km - would have the rears would have been original - I did get the rear pads changed at about 75,000 K's but have touched discs. If you have seen a few around without climate, I wonder if some dealers around there put Coulsens in some and whacked R8 badges on them. Aside from wheel design also (as you said same size), there's not much to visually distinguish an VX R8 from standard Clubsport.

Upper level single zone climate control HSV centre console owner's compartment with quality tyre gauge, Maglite torch, wheel nut cap remover and multi-purpose pen knife Maestro sound system with 10 stack CD player, 260 Watt amplifier and upper level speakers (8)

[R8CHEV]

Yeah it is a weird thing I have noticed that they supposedly came out with these extra features but alot dont have them...... The features of an r8 my mate has, the chrome strips around the door and the r8 wheels, The cd player never worked when he bought It so I cant remember whether or not it was a 10 stack or not, also has leather coulsens..... Also His brakes were just the stock clubsport item when he got it not drilled or slotted.... (the same as another mate with just a standard vx clubby, Non R8)

Surely the dealers couldnt just throw some badges and coulsen seats it though... I mean theres the fact of the vin plates etc saying clubsport R8...

[WHLS1]

General consensus is probably going to be that the Clubby got better with age so the latest model highest spec you can get is the go. Aim for a VYII R8.

With the way prices are going for used cars I would have thought that taking a little time wil get you a VYII R8 for your $25K or better.

[255-LS1]

General consensus is probably going to be that the Clubby got better with age so the latest model highest spec you can get is the go. Aim for a VYII R8.

With the way prices are going for used cars I would have thought that taking a little time wil get you a VYII R8 for your $25K or better.

doubtful, they are fetch 30-35k for good ones, the series 2 looks great thou, GTS wheels, full leather instead of "mesh inserts".

[Uncle Tone]

doubtful, they are fetch 30-35k for good ones, the series 2 looks great thou, GTS wheels, full leather instead of "mesh inserts".

If the VY2 had the new design seats then I would be going for the VY1.

[R8CHEV]

If the VY2 had the new design seats then I would be going for the VY1.

Yeah the vy 2 was the first without the colusen seat.... the whole back is just sorta flat now barely any bolsters at all.... still a nice seat but I like the big head rest on the coulsens more...
Unfortunately though they do come with the mesh inserts and they suck balls... I got a quote to change the inserts to red leather and Got quoted
2.5k!!!!!

[redvxr8clubby]

Yeah it is a weird thing I have noticed that they supposedly came out with these extra features but alot dont have them...... The features of an r8 my mate has, the chrome strips around the door and the r8 wheels, The cd player never worked when he bought It so I cant remember whether or not it was a 10 stack or not, also has leather coulsens..... Also His brakes were just the stock clubsport item when he got it not drilled or slotted.... (the same as another mate with just a standard vx clubby, Non R8)

Surely the dealers couldnt just throw some badges and coulsen seats it though... I mean theres the fact of the vin plates etc saying clubsport R8...

If the HSV build plate showing R8 it should be a genuine car. Something like brakes could have been downgraded if replacement was needed and the cost was too high for the owner - especially it's coming up to end of lease or something, soon to be sold - probably wouldn't want to spend the money. The same thing happens a lot with tyres mine had new Falkens on it when I bought it - the Bridgestones are too dear for most at replacement time. With the CD not working in your mates car, I noticed mine has a sticker on the stacker in the boot like a wrecker might put on to label parts on the shelf, so I think my stacker must have been faulty and replaced with one from a wreck. The chrome strip you mentioned over the doors suggests R8 - comes with the Berlina based car. I'm surprised no climate air in what sounds like a genuine R8 otherwise. When you think the VX Berlina was about a $40K car and the R8 was about an extra $30K you would think it should have it.

[macca33]

I'm still a huge fan of the VX HSV shape - more rounded, less 'edgy' and the bodykit was Ian Callum's last design for HSV, thus, it is very special. I don't mind the interior and would actually say that the VY interior looks too black and sterile for my taste - I do have and like the woodgrain though...:hide:

Of course, I could be biased; or, simply, a good judge of automotive excellence!!!

As some have posted, buy the best optioned, latest model and best condition car that you can afford and you should be happy - I'd certainly be getting an R8 if possible, as it has better standard features.

Cheers,

Macca

[WHLS1]

doubtful, they are fetch 30-35k for good ones, the series 2 looks great thou, GTS wheels, full leather instead of "mesh inserts".

I was looking at selling mid last year. Mid 30s was going to be good dollars and dealer offers were way under that. Mine has done only 50K - for $35K given the deals that can be done on new cars, selling the R8 would be tempting. At what I think the market will pay I would rather keep it as a toy and get the missus a new car.