Buying a VY Monaro. What price seems fair?

[charlie15]

Hey people,

I currently have a 2006 350z and im looking to buy a cv8. I am currently looking at one for 32k. Its an '03, 6 speed manual and has around 30,000kms on the clock. Does the price seem a little steep for a car thats 6 years old? What would you personally offer?

I know that these posts come up a lot, but i'd just like some feedback

Any advice would be appreciated

[Audi King]

late 20s . It does have very low kms

[JulieRush]

what colour is it mate? and is it stock or modded?

to be honest from what I've seen, that's pretty much ball-park for an 03. They're holding value fairly well from what I've noticed around the traps. A classic in the making (my own personal biased opinion :) )

thing is, there's redbook value and there's the actual value. You'll pay thick end of 30 grand for a decent munro even if it's an 02. at least here in SA you will.

The Odo reading seems real low which suggests it's not been driven much - should be pretty clean but if it's not driven much it can cause issues with things like tyres and even lube/greases.

obviously there's the usual "take it for a test drive" etc etc etc advice before buying. But check the usual things like tyres, wear on the pedals, check for scrapes under the front bumper and the age of the battery and water pump - monaros are notorious for chewing through both from what I've heard.

other than that if it seems good and drives well, the price is about what I'd expect for a low kms tidy monaro.

[diabolic]

Is it a Series 2 or 3? Redbook says that price is right for a Series 3, and it has very low kms.

Cheers,
Dan

[charlie15]

Thanks guys. Its yellow 2003 model so im assuming series 2. No modifications at all. Yeh the reason ive chosen the monaro over something like a vz clubsport or ve ss is mainly because theyve stopped the production of the cars and i personally think theyre one of the nicest looking cars holden has built so far. Just hope they go well stock!

[Ls1_ReZ]

i'm surprised how strong the Monaro is holding value over there unlike the Middle East

[JulieRush]

redbook on an 02 is significantly lower than what private and trade are actually selling for. taking trade into consideration you'd be mad to let one go for redbook value.

only real issue with yellow is that there's so many of them, something to do with a cancelled export order I heard.

I think there's little difference between the series 2 and 3 was subtle changes to trim on the interior - series 2s have silver trim round the aircon vents and door handles which the series 3s don't have? Might be wrong on that though so happy to be corrected.

stopping production was both a shame and genius. makes them instantly more wantable but it's awful for those that drive them - I couldn't get rid of mine now because there's no way I'd be one of those people that say "oh yeah I used to have a <insert exotic cool car name here> but got rid of it" and always regret the day I let my GTS/sandman/GTHO/charger/etc go.

[keen]

I saw an 04 go for 16k at auction about a week ago.....

[Pickles]

Monaro prices vary more than most, IMHO, with respect to Ks and originality, so if the car you're looking at is totally original, with an unmarked, perfect interior, with all books etc, then I'd say the price is OK.
Cheers, Pickles.

[redvxr8clubby]

With only 30,000 Km on it, the price seems OK to me. I don't doubt you can pick them up cheaper at auction, but finding one with low km's and in really good condition at auction probably won't be so easy.

[planetdavo]

i'm surprised how strong the Monaro is holding value over there unlike the Middle East

Recently I was told the the ME car park is virtually all under 3 years old, with older cars worth almost nothing.
True?

[planetdavo]

Thanks guys. Its yellow 2003 model so im assuming series 2. No modifications at all. Yeh the reason ive chosen the monaro over something like a vz clubsport or ve ss is mainly because theyve stopped the production of the cars and i personally think theyre one of the nicest looking cars holden has built so far. Just hope they go well stock!

Can't see you being unhappy, for some reason...:)
PLENTY of low km like new ones are around, but not getting sold. I believe this is one of the reasons the prices are staying up, as they are still a bit new to be a classic in the $$$ sense.
My own Jan 03 Series 2 CV8 has only 37,500kms on it.

[charlie15]

Just got back from looking at it, condition was ok, few marks here and there. It wasnt immaculate as the add said though!

Anyway, i noticed that the car was extremely low to the ground, so decided to check the rear guards. Thats when i saw that the paint was peeling and there was a little surface rust, meaning the guards werent rolled properly as paint was beginning to crack to the body of the car. i also noticed that there was a strong oil burning smell whilst i was driving it, is this a major problem with these cars?

And lastly it didnt perform as well as i hoped, my 350z felt a lot quicker. I offered him 29k because of these issues but he wouldnt budge from 32k.

Is it worth me still bothering with it by getting the engine checked out or wait for another monaro to come along?

[max350]

I saw an 04 go for 16k at auction about a week ago.....

Yes you may have but theres a big difference between 300000k's and 30000k's. Price seems good to me provided the car is in expected condition for 30000k's.

[mickeyVX350]

I'd walk away from it mate. If that stuff is bothering you now, it'll ALWAYS bother you, or cost some cash to fix.

Another will come along.

I echo a lot of the sentiments here, I know that I'd want an arm and a leg for my '02 Monaro with 35K on it, certainly not the $23,000 that the "Market Value" decided!

My Dad always said: "It's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it" high or low!

[JulieRush]

Mickey's spot on there... definately walk away.

there's plenty more out there that won't have those sorts of issues.

[feistl]

Keep an eye out, there are some nice models around at a good price.

I test drove a few, and yeah they really do feel sluggish in stock form.

Exhaust, OTRCAI, MAFless and possibly cam will make it go/sound like it should.

Depending how you drive, its also worth upgrading the brakes as stock are fairly average.

You could buy one with these mods already done... but it probably means it was driven fairly hard. So might be worth getting a stock one, and doing the mods yourself.

Deff go the S2 though... VY interior is amazing :)

[Ls1_ReZ]

Recently I was told the the ME car park is virtually all under 3 years old, with older cars worth almost nothing.
True?

many VX cars are now dropping value very fast but the VZs are somehow holding value very well. early VE's are now approaching A$25K and this is an SS we're talking about.

Infact I remember a low option Caprice (Statesman) was sold for A$27.5K :eek:

sorry for the offtopic but are there any export vehicles still left in factory lot such as WM Caprices or VE SS' that have not been exported?

[redvxr8clubby]

I'd let it go, another will come along if your still interested in buying one. The performance may just be because car is standard. They aren't that quick standard, especially at low revs. I drove several standard cars when I was looking for a VX SS, there was a noticeable difference between standard car and one that had extractors. Perhaps the oil burning smell is from a split PCV "Y" pipe. May only be small problems, but I would look around.

[charlie15]

thanks for all of the input guys, ill steer clear and keep looking. i think its best, instead of regretting the purchase.

[HSV590]

I guess too the decision on what you buy is also dependant on what $$$ you are prepared to spend as well...When I was buying my Monaro I wanted something that was low k's and so was willing to fork out a bit extra, maybe I paid too much as well. I bought it 12 months ago, it is an 04 series III CV8, and had 12800 k's on it..Paid $39k...was it too much? maybe, but to me it was exactly what I wanted so I paid up...To top it off the colour is awesome too..Impulse Blue...Just keep shopping around and eventually you'll find the right one at the price your prepared to pay..
Cheers
Mark

[feistl]

I agree with Mark.

I was shopping around for a Monaro a little while back, but couldnt find one i was happy with. Ended up picking up a VX SS for $25k which is quite pricey, but its exactly what i wanted.

And to be honest, there isnt that much difference between the VX SS and Monaro (ill get flamed for that remark), but the look similar, same mechanical running gear just the SS has 2 extra seats.

Yes i know the monaro is only 2 door, rarer and better looking.... But between the choice of a stock monaro or heavily worked SS with the extra seats for $10k less... i went with the SS.

[JulieRush]

I reckon it's just whatever floats yer boat :)

if you have the cash and get exactly what you're looking for then you can't ask for more than that.

Feistl, two extra doors, only one extra seat but a lot less win. :P :D

[feistl]

Feistl, two extra doors, only one extra seat but a lot less win. :P :D

Haha yeah, fair point. You can use all 4 seats in the monaro for a long drive etc.... but for a short run i really couldnt be bothered with moving the seat each time.

I will admit, i do love the monaros (Series II or III) in Yellow with really dark tint.... Seriously hot. But yeah, a little out of my price range at the time. Plus ive always been in love with the VX SS... Happy with what ive got, which is exactly what you said...

[JulieRush]

glad to hear :) actually my biggest bugbear with the munro is the motorised seats. I live in SA and a wine run through the Barossa is a great way to spend the day, but not if you've got passengers in the back. Getting in and out is a pain! fine for long drives as there's heaps of room but you miss the convenience of a sedan.

either way, patience and keeping your eyes open for the right car is the key.

[Wonky]

People often say in ads that their car is immaculate or showroom condition but when you see them they’re not. However, such a low km car should really be in top condition unless it has been parked in car parks where people open doors on it and are generally careless. However, the inside definitely should be in showroom condition unless the owner didn’t look after it well, in which case walk away.

At one point you said it was unmodified, yet then you said it was very low??? Next thing is, what actual proof is there that the car is one owner and is the service history from a Holden dealer? If they have an original contract of sale from the dealer and receipts from a Holden dealer showing service history I’d be prepared to investigate further eg. ring the dealer or better still, go in and speak to the head service guy to verify.

I’m not trying to be racist here, but raised this point in a similar thread years ago and had most replies agree, the contact name given in the ad does not inspire me with confidence. Unfortunately such people in selling cars tend to have a higher degree of dodginess and try to hoodwink people. We once sold a Pulsar ET turbo we’d bought through a contact at Nissan (it had been a display and company car and had 12,000km on it when we bought it) and when we sold it it was 4 years old and had 84,000km on it. It was a unique car with definite distinguishing features I’ve never seen on another. We sold it to a foreign guy and a few months later saw it advertised again as a ONE OWNER and with half the km on it (same contact number and name).

It’s easy to get a mechanic mate to dodge up some phoney service receipts, which is why you should look for a Holden service history (another reason I use my dealer for services even though I know Chev would do a better job and cheaper, but Chev checks it for me anyway).

[planetdavo]

And to be honest, there isnt that much difference between the VX SS and Monaro...

Yes i know the monaro is only 2 door, rarer and better looking....

I believe your second line above proves exactly why there is a fair bit of difference!
Most 2 door cars are heavily based on 4 door sedans. Simple economics at work. Not all pull it off so well though. :)

[planetdavo]

It’s easy to get a mechanic mate to dodge up some phoney service receipts, which is why you should look for a Holden service history (another reason I use my dealer for services...

You risk some serious backstabbing posting this sort of "rubbish" Wonky.
According to most of this forum, anything dealer serviced should be a steaming pile of cow poop you run a mile from...:hide:

[Wonky]

You risk some serious backstabbing posting this sort of "rubbish" Wonky.
According to most of this forum, anything dealer serviced should be a steaming pile of cow poop you run a mile from...:hide:

Ah well ...... You will note that I qualified that statement too. :)

[Red CV8 R]

I agree with Mark.

I was shopping around for a Monaro a little while back, but couldnt find one i was happy with. Ended up picking up a VX SS for $25k which is quite pricey, but its exactly what i wanted.

And to be honest, there isnt that much difference between the VX SS and Monaro (ill get flamed for that remark), but the look similar, same mechanical running gear just the SS has 2 extra seats.

Yes i know the monaro is only 2 door, rarer and better looking.... But between the choice of a stock monaro or heavily worked SS with the extra seats for $10k less... i went with the SS.

I traded a modified VXII SS that i bought new on my CV8-R (also new) and they drive very differently. I was surprised as before driving the Monaro I thought like you did. I only set out to buy one because it was a 2 door and I loved its looks. Now i wouldnt buy another SS but would buy another Monaro in a second.

[JulieRush]

I only set out to buy one because it was a 2 door and I loved its looks.

qft.

same here. I didn't care what it drove like, I had to have one.

[planetdavo]

One point I find very representative of Monaro buyers when the cars were new.
Most actually never test drove them!
They just knew it was the car they wanted. :)

[Pickles]

Yeah, I love the CV8 shape too.
I wasn't even thinking of one.....but when I saw the yellow S111, there was no going back.
When I "fell in love", I hadn't driven one either.....just loved the shape.....and when I sat inside......it's just different.....really really good ambience inside....and all this before I'd even driven it!
I'd recommend anyone to buy one......providing you can live with two doors!
And, as I've said many times, try to buy a good low K original car, with a pristine interior.....there are plenty of cars around like this.....if you have to pay a few dollars more to get the right car, I would't hesitate.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Peter B - CV8]

One point I find very representative of Monaro buyers when the cars were new.
Most actually never test drove them!
They just knew it was the car they wanted. :)

Yup - I'm in that category. Although I did actually sit in one & have a fiddle around with the controls etc. The cupholders clinched the deal:goodjob:

[Ls1_ReZ]

it was an impulse buy........................

[Groboz]

I was deciding on either a 70's C3 Corvette or modern Monaro. I soon realised that the Corvette was too cramped, too hot and required more mechanical skills than I possessed to keep it on the road. The Monaro was more comfortable, more modern, more powerful, better built and handled better. A drive in a work mates 2002 Monaro convinced me that it was the car to go for. However I got a 2004 VZ because I loved the bonnet scoops and twin exhaust and mainly because it was more powerful than my mates. :evil:

Cost $36K from a Holden dealer (wanted the extra buyer protection) early this year with 49,000 kms on it and stock. However it's not stock anymore!:dancenana:

[JulieRush]

that's pretty good for a VZ model. How do you find the interior? My mate has a series 3 which to be honest I don't like as it's too dark inside. the series 1s had the light coloured interiour roof lining but I believe later series went all black inside.

[UTESRULE]

not a bard deal whats the space in the back like in the monaros

[feistl]

I traded a modified VXII SS that i bought new on my CV8-R (also new) and they drive very differently. I was surprised as before driving the Monaro I thought like you did. I only set out to buy one because it was a 2 door and I loved its looks. Now i wouldnt buy another SS but would buy another Monaro in a second.

May have been becuase i was driving a stock monaro (didnt test drive a worked one) but obviously stock its very underpowered. I found the brakes were a little weak, and there was a fair amount of body roll. Wasnt as precise as i was expecting, as stock they are more of a GT car.

When i first test drove my SS it had the Harrop big brakes, massive power, upgraded suspension and better tires. Overall it felt more planted and precise, and i had more confidence going quick through the corners.

Obviously a worked monaro would be even better, although i couldnt afford to modify one.

So it was either a stock monaro or heavily modified SS for $10k less. Again, im not saying my car is better and everyone should buy one... im just saying for my personal situation the SS suited me better.

(Plus ive always loved the VX SS in black the same way most people love the Monaro. Being young, i wasnt around for the first production of the Monaros so never loved them as much)

[Red CV8 R]

May have been becuase i was driving a stock monaro (didnt test drive a worked one) but obviously stock its very underpowered. I found the brakes were a little weak, and there was a fair amount of body roll. Wasnt as precise as i was expecting, as stock they are more of a GT car.

When i first test drove my SS it had the Harrop big brakes, massive power, upgraded suspension and better tires. Overall it felt more planted and precise, and i had more confidence going quick through the corners.

Obviously a worked monaro would be even better, although i couldnt afford to modify one.

So it was either a stock monaro or heavily modified SS for $10k less. Again, im not saying my car is better and everyone should buy one... im just saying for my personal situation the SS suited me better.

(Plus ive always loved the VX SS in black the same way most people love the Monaro. Being young, i wasnt around for the first production of the Monaros so never loved them as much)


Stock for stock a Monaro is a better handling car then the SS, I didn't notice excessive body roll wiht my CV8-R. I could have lived with the stock suspension in my Monaro but the SS was terrible! Especially at speed, it would wander all over the place. Bilsteins and Eibachs fixed that though. The Monaro and SS brakes are crap. Worst part of the car. Both are also underpowered stock. Second worst thing about the car! So yes a modified version is going to appeal in that regard but its not apples for apples.

Monaro's aren't really for everyone. Lots of people prefer the sedan and find as you said it suits them better. Depends on what you want and what you are happy spending. I too didn't have any link with the original cars. I only liked the new ones but this car has given me an appreciation for the old school stuff too.

VX SS is a great looking car still. Mine was an M6 Black with Grey Leather. Looked good lowered with wheels.

[Groboz]

that's pretty good for a VZ model. How do you find the interior? My mate has a series 3 which to be honest I don't like as it's too dark inside. the series 1s had the light coloured interiour roof lining but I believe later series went all black inside.

Definitely all black inside and mine was spotless. It looked like no one had ever sat in the back seats, just some rubbing on the driver's bolster. I love the all black interior with silver high lights; makes me feel like I'm sitting in a Lambo or Ferrari. On going mods means it's starting to perform like one. Didn't buy it for the boot space either so it fits my needs.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv52/groboz/IMGP2549.jpg

[JulieRush]

not a bard deal whats the space in the back like in the monaros

to be honest dude it seats two ample/sturdy adults with ease. heaps of legroom, comfy seats. the only real problem is getting in and out - not ideal as the seats fold forward and are motorised but they don't go forward enough or quick enough. Once you're in and sat down it's fine though.

Obviously there's lower headroom due to the coupe but that's not really too much of an issue unless you're verging on 7 foot tall.

Groboz.... noice, although I must admit I prefer the earlier models simply because of the colour options on the interior. I still to this day can't fathom why you can't get interior trim detail to match the exterior so much these days. Even as an expensive option. I recall seeing (on walkinshaw's website) a GTS that they supercharged, but stripped it down and re-painted it a lime green and added this colour to the inside too. looked bloody fantastic! Gaudy as all hell but awesome to boot.

[irvbulldogs72]

In the US, the price of GTOs has dropped like a rock. An 04 (LS1) GTO thats done 69000kms will fetch 16,000AUD.

My 06 6-speed with big ROH Drift-R 19x9/19x10s, Pedders bushings/shocks/struts/springs, Hotchkis sways, Magnaflow exhaust, HIDs, a GMM shifter, and Lingenfelter Cold Air Intake had 33790kms on it and cost me around 24,000AUD.

[feistl]

Stock for stock a Monaro is a better handling car then the SS, I didn't notice excessive body roll wiht my CV8-R.

There were a number of changes from the original 2002 monaro to the CV8-R


"Major changes introduced with the Series III include: Dropping of CV6 model (averaged only around 5% of sales), and the CV8 is now powered by the 245kW High Output V8, with a front strut brace."

"In addition, body structure refinements combine with powertrain improvements to offer better-than-ever build precision, performance and safety"

I didnt test drive a CV8-R as it was out of my price range... but i do appreciate they are the best model of Monaro.


I could have lived with the stock suspension in my Monaro but the SS was terrible! Especially at speed, it would wander all over the place. Bilsteins and Eibachs fixed that though. The Monaro and SS brakes are crap. Worst part of the car. Both are also underpowered stock. Second worst thing about the car! So yes a modified version is going to appeal in that regard but its not apples for apples.

Yeah, i fully agree. I only test drove one stock VX SS, and it was pretty average. The Series II did fix a lot of the suspension issues, altough still was fairly average. The VX SS Series II i purchased has a stroked LS1 (6.3L making 330rwkw), large 4pot harrop brakes, upgraded suspesion and tires, GTS gearbox/Diff and a number of other changes. This really adds up to make the car drive nicely.

Had i purchased a monaro (Was looking at a Series II/III with the upgraded interior), i wouldnt be able to afford to make those mods. I know its not apples with apples... so not really a fair comparison. But if you've got a limited budget the SS (being a "cheaper" car) will give better bang for buck.


Monaro's aren't really for everyone. Lots of people prefer the sedan and find as you said it suits them better. Depends on what you want and what you are happy spending. I too didn't have any link with the original cars. I only liked the new ones but this car has given me an appreciation for the old school stuff too.

VX SS is a great looking car still. Mine was an M6 Black with Grey Leather. Looked good lowered with wheels.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=129879

Thats a link to my VX. Black with very dark tint, red leather interior, sunroof and debaged makes the car look mean. Still similar design/look to the monaro (just the simple lines etc) so i enjoy the look of both.

So yeah, i do think the Monaro is a better car and would love to own one. But only being 23, they were a little out of my price range. The VX was a good alternative as it was modified to go like the monaro should have... and was $10k cheaper.

Still gets a lot of looks at the lights (could have something to do with the engine noise) and is enjoyable to drive.

Oh and ive got the monaro bonnet flutes (genuine steel ones from holden), so from the drivers seat at least it looks similar to driving a monaro :).

(I didnt put the monaro bonnet on either, it was like that when i purchased the car. I dont really like the idea of it, as its "ripping" the monaro off)

[Red CV8 R]

Pretty nice ride you have there! Would be a bit better to drive then a stocker ;)

[charlie15]

Well guys i'm still looking with not much luck at all! Anyone wanna sell me theirs!? I think the best monaro released was the 04 Cv8 R, how much should i be looking at paying for a decent lowish km one? Theres 2 nice ones interstate for $37,000 but just seems a little steep for a car that's that old (yes i know there were only 320 made), considering a vz model can be bought for around that price now. BTW i'm not trying to be cheap (i'll pay it, if it's worth it) but the monaro prices vary quite a lot, just need a heads up.

[planetdavo]

Well guys i'm still looking with not much luck at all! Anyone wanna sell me theirs!? I think the best monaro released was the 04 Cv8 R, how much should i be looking at paying for a decent lowish km one? Theres 2 nice ones interstate for $37,000 but just seems a little steep for a car that's that old (yes i know there were only 320 made), considering a vz model can be bought for around that price now. BTW i'm not trying to be cheap (i'll pay it, if it's worth it) but the monaro prices vary quite a lot, just need a heads up.

Those pulse red dash inserts weren't to everyone's tastes...:hide:
The colour is also a b!tch to match your brake upgrade caliper colour to as well. :lmao:
Just keep looking. You'll find something good if you don't rush into a purchase.

[Pickles]

Well guys i'm still looking with not much luck at all! Anyone wanna sell me theirs!? I think the best monaro released was the 04 Cv8 R, how much should i be looking at paying for a decent lowish km one? Theres 2 nice ones interstate for $37,000 but just seems a little steep for a car that's that old (yes i know there were only 320 made), considering a vz model can be bought for around that price now. BTW i'm not trying to be cheap (i'll pay it, if it's worth it) but the monaro prices vary quite a lot, just need a heads up.
You're talking two different models there....a ltd production model....yes, some don't like the red dash inserts, & the later more common VZ. $37K for those models certainly isn't dear IF they're in the condition I've previously described.
As far as finding a car, there's plenty of cars to choose from on carsales.com etc, & also MASSIVE price differences.....depending on condition etc. I've seen S 111s for $22/23K, & I've seen some for $40K+.
There's always someone who'll say they got a car for this, a car for that....ie, really cheap etc.....and for sure some do......but generally, you get what you pay for.
Some buyers aren't looking for an immaculate car......some are, but pay less money for an "average" car....they then spend heaps trying, often unsuccessfully, to make it immaculate.....they actually would have been better off spending the extra dollars to buy a really good car.
Happy buying, Pickles.

[HSV590]

You're talking two different models there....a ltd production model....yes, some don't like the red dash inserts, & the later more common VZ. $37K for those models certainly isn't dear IF they're in the condition I've previously described.
As far as finding a car, there's plenty of cars to choose from on carsales.com etc, & also MASSIVE price differences.....depending on condition etc. I've seen S 111s for $22/23K, & I've seen some for $40K+.
There's always someone who'll say they got a car for this, a car for that....ie, really cheap etc.....and for sure some do......but generally, you get what you pay for.
Some buyers aren't looking for an immaculate car......some are, but pay less money for an "average" car....they then spend heaps trying, often unsuccessfully, to make it immaculate.....they actually would have been better off spending the extra dollars to buy a really good car.
Happy buying, Pickles.

Yep, dead right Pickles, find a top notch low k Monaro in "immaculate" condition, it's gonna cost ya top dollar, as mine did..($39k/13000klm) but if you only objective is to get your bum into a good looking car, ie a Monaro, theres plenty of cheap bargain ones out there..

[JulieRush]

oh man what I wouldn't give for one of those cherry red CV8Rs with the sunroof and twin exhausts... they're such a sweet colour.

Most of the munros I see here in Adelaide are either yellow, black or silver.

In terms of rare, the rare ones here in SA seem to be the CV8Z in tiger mica (I think that's the colour), the CV8 in turbine with light coloured interior, not many in hothouse green (stunning colour imho) and the purply-colour (apologies I don't know it's proper name).

If I was buying again I think I'd look for a bog stocker and do the mods myself. Mine was already modded when I bought it.

[charlie15]

Is it possible to change the red dash inserts for the pulse cv8R? I'm not a fan.

[Red CV8 R]

Is it possible to change the red dash inserts for the pulse cv8R? I'm not a fan.


Yes easily. Piano black facia is a great replacement but hard to find. I have stuck with the red until I get my hands on the Piano black ones.

[planetdavo]

Is it possible to change the red dash inserts for the pulse cv8R? I'm not a fan.

No problem at all. Cost being the only real issue.
Any VY or VZ Commodore, HSV or Monaro with climate control (but not either Monaro style top gauges, or the lidded bin) will fit, which gives you several different colour options, from satin silver to steel to pinspot, carbon look and piano black.