Need advice on new car. Is the GXP worth it ? Or better of 2nd hand GTS/R8?

[Omarko]

Hey guys

I am looking at buying my next car and have approx $55-60K budget

What I would like to understand is :

1. Is the new GXP worth getting ? Its within the budget and offers really nice performance however, the interior is such a turn off and I can’t believe you can’t have leather and 20” rims as options.
2. Is there anywhere I can see a list price with the cost of the car and how much each option is ? I would def like to add things like sat nav, park sensors etc. I know I can get all this from a dealer but still, is this info available anywhere else ?
3. Should I rather get a 2nd hand R8 or GTS ? There are few good deals floating around for around the $55K for a 2007-2008 GTSs with 40K on the clock. Is it worthwhile to get something like that ? is the new 6.2L engine much better than the previous 6.0L or even the first 5.7L ?

Also, I prefer to buy the car through a dealer as I have a trade in (a regrettable sale only few months ago and it looks like what I will get for it will be less than the current payout so I will either have to refinance that or cover it with savings).

I will not be modding or putting anything else in the car. I basically want a good looking , powerful machine that I don’t have to do anything to it , just drive and enjoy. Also, having a VE SV6 recently, I am not too keen on the SSV as it looks the same and I would like a bit of visual change.

Finally, I prefer not to buy new / demo as from past experiences the value of Holdens / HSVs just drops way too fast, however, if the GXP is REALLY a good value, I will consider getting it new.

Thanks in advance.

[BEARWOOD]

For that kind of money you should be able to pick up a very good R8 with the LS3 in it. I havn't seen the GXP up close so can't comment but you could make a very nice SSV with that kind of money and have some change.

[Pepps]

Try www.discountnewcars.com.au

From memory I think that has bits where you can add options etc.

[pmac]

funny i read this thread this morning, then went for a walk to get some meat for tea 2nite and as i was walking down duthy street a white gxp ute drove by and all i can say is if you want a hsv go for the used gts/r8 but if you want the pontiac look get the ssv se. imo the gxp is :spew:

[lowhsv]

why comprimize?
go the r8 should be able to get a e2 r8 for that price

[spank]

if you must trade in you currant car, id be shopping the dealers looking for the best 2nd hand clubby or gts i could find. i think the GXP will plummet big time, even worse than regular HSV's, and imho, they dont look great :spew:

[VX BY DESIGN]

if you must trade in you currant car, id be shopping the dealers looking for the best 2nd hand clubby or gts i could find. i think the GXP will plummet big time, even worse than regular HSV's, and imho, they dont look great :spew:

Got to aggree with this, wont hold the value as they dont have the goods..... I was considering getting a GXP but for the price you pay and what you get, you would be better off going 2nd hand.

I can understand why you would have to trade (under finance and owe more then it is worth) but you will get more for a private sale.
Find out what you owe, find a buyer and front up with the difference (this is what iam currently doing) You may have to cut into some savings but will be far better off in the long run.

[R8tourer]

I saw a GXP Maloo the other day... it looks like someone had a ss ute and bolted on a hsv front to make it look like a maloo and put the badges on. Wasn't really a fan...

Having said that if you can't afford the real deal i suppose its not too bad to get the same engine and so on.

[Omarko]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I probably should have been bit clearer, may fault so apologies. The difference between payout and what I get in trade in value will be at least $5K. Not great I know. That means I have only around $55K to play with and that’s pretty much what the GXP is. I do hope to get some options included so if anyone bought a GXP sedan recently, I’d appreciate if they could let me know how much they paid for it so it gives me an idea for how much haggling power I have. I do hope to get it for around $55K with Satnav, tint, leather and rear park sensors although it might be a stretch.

I spoke with 2 dealers so far who are going to look at the trade in value and cost of the new car with the options I want so I’m curious to see what they get back to me with.

That said, IF I could find a 1-3 year old GTS/R8 with low kms and with the options I want for the $55K , of course I would rather go for that but I don’t see a dealer out there in NSW atm that is selling one.

Finally, I might have to stick it out and see how much I can get for it through private sale and if the payout is too big, I’ll wait another 6 months. Yeah, sucks .... but ... oh well ....

One more thing, I noticed that the GXP is getting LOT of negative feedback on forums ... can someone tell me why exactly? Is it the looks (which I don’t mind) ? The way I was looking at it, getting a new car with the LS3 engine for $55K I thought that alone would be amazing.

[VYCLUB]

Hi it's been a few years since I've been on here but have a look at this http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/demo/details.aspx?R=8368813&__sid=129C7CC74BB9&__Qpb=true&Cr=10&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_PriceSort_D ecimal%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Mod el_String%7c0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294965530% 204294964634%20399%20448%20898&PriceFrom=399&PriceTo=448&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=50&silo=1011 If you haggle hard enough I think you could get close to your price.

[Omarko]

thanks mate buts its a manual ... plus once u add sat nav, I think we'll be over the budget ... :(

would really love to get the R8 as I think the rear end is fantastic vs the GXP which looks just like an SS ... but ... they are just too much.

[iloveholden]

My Opinion but id be looking at an option up LS3 E1 GTS.

[justin_d]

I know that it's still a HSV but the GXP just reminds me of a Porsche Boxter or any Alpha Romeo... a poor man's Ferrari or Porsche. GXP's look :spew: :spew: :spew: :spew: :spew: :spew: :spew: :spew: :spew: (can't hit that :spew: enough times). Go for an E1 or something along those lines.

[Omarko]

is this a good deal ?

LINK (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_R ankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_St ring|0&YearFromShort=1651&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&R=8899620&MileageTo=748&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201252%204294965530%20898%201651%2 01621%20%20748&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=36&__sid=120AED292320)

what price should I pay for it ?

would u take it over the GXP ?

[ssv402]

My Opinion but id be looking at an option up LS3 E1 GTS.

The mid run ones with the LS7 clutch too :)

[VX BY DESIGN]

Leather is not an option on the GXP so you can count that out, as for sat nav???

[spank]

is this a good deal ?

LINK (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_R ankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_St ring|0&YearFromShort=1651&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&R=8899620&MileageTo=748&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201252%204294965530%20898%201651%2 01621%20%20748&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=36&__sid=120AED292320)

what price should I pay for it ?

would u take it over the GXP ?

im personally not big on that colour but its a nice enough car, take your car there and see what deal they can do, put it this way with those klm's id take it over an auto GXP if you were happy with that cars condition and options

[Pickles]

Well, it all boils down to dollars really, to a large extent anyway.
Look, there are some HUGE discounts on R8, but there are ALSO some HUGE discounts on GXP....getting fairly close to SSV pricing, BUT.....you get 317KW of LS3.
You were saying that you just wanted a good car with plenty of grunt, that you've got to do nothing to...an everyday driver.....well, the GXP could be just what you want....don't like your chances of getting factory leather though....I don't think the GXP has those sorts of options, & there's no way I'd want aftermarket leather.
I reckon you ought to go & drive a GXP, see if you like it, then see how far you can screw the dealer, and go from there.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Omarko]

yeah I have the Friday off so I have booked in come test rides for the GXP and the R8.

with the GXP and leather , all dealers said so far they can get a 3rd party company to put it in for me as part of the package however, I will have to sign some waiver or something re: warranty.

RE: that R8 I linked up, I don't mind the color but yeah it depends what condition the car is in. going off the kms though, 27K in 3 years is nothing so I wonder what was happening there.

The other thing is, I am bit worried about buying 2nd hand car, always bought new / demo just for piece of mind so the GXP wins in that area too.

[HARMSY]

It depends what you ultimately want, new or second hand?? Do you plan on keeping it for a while? I don't mind the GXP, haven't seen one in the flesh but they look good value for money and have potential.....

[Omarko]

I change cars quite often, every 2-3 years ...

how much do u guys reckon the GXP will drop down to in lets say 3 years ?

[Omarko]

just got a reply from one of the dealers - they quoted me $62.5K drive away for auto GXP including sat-nav ($3.5K) and leather ($3K) ... crazy !

plus what he offered for my trade in vehicle is so ridiculously low, I would have to refinance / pay out of my savings $12K !!!!!! insane ...

[spank]

RE: that R8 I linked up, I don't mind the color but yeah it depends what condition the car is in. going off the kms though, 27K in 3 years is nothing so I wonder what was happening there.



i wouldnt worry too much about that, some of us buy these things and just dont drive them enough, ive sold a VTII clubby with 16000klm 3 years old, 2 VY clubbies both around 12000klm also 3 years old and i have a VS MANTA thats 14 years old with 110000klm on the clock and ive only done 7k in my 06 VZ GTO that i bought new. with 27k id look at the tyres and brakes to see if they look about 40-60% worn and things like stone chips etc will give it away if you suspect that the speedo may not be correct, quite a few people i know have these things as "weekenders" so as long as the car is in good nick i wouldnt be too concerned

[brentonsav]

i had the same issue and went for an e1 gts with LS3. pretty happy with my choice - they are a lot of car for $50-something grand.

i like the look of them better than the e2 r8's which was my other option.

[rgmast]

Seriously I wouldnt be to concerned about the Sat Nav . They are not as good as the portable ones . And the portable ones are a lot cheaper and I def wouldnt go the 3rd party leather

[Benton]

R8/GTS will ultimately have a slightly better resale value I believe in the future.

[rgmast]

i had the same issue and went for an e1 gts with LS3. pretty happy with my choice - they are a lot of car for $50-something grand.

i like the look of them better than the e2 r8's which was my other option.

+1 for a E1 GTS LS3

[Omarko]

I can't see any for sale in NSW - LINK (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/results.aspx?Qpb=true&keywords=&SearchAction=N&sid=129B7EE9F212&Nne=15&tsrc=allcarhome&Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|1 ||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&N=1216%201246%201247%201252%204294965530%204294965 529%20898%201621) from a dealer :(

[Omarko]

are any of these GTSs worth getting? Its the first series.

for example:

LINK1 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=8551701&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%204294965530%2042949 65529%20898%201621&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=11&__sid=129B7EE9F212)

LINK 2 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=8670638&__Qpb=true&Cr=3&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%204294965530%2042949 65529%20898%201621&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=11&__sid=129B7EE9F212)

LINK 3 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=8925881&__Qpb=true&Cr=5&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%204294965530%2042949 65529%20898%201621&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=11&__sid=129B7EE9F212)

LINK 4 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=8862849&__Qpb=true&Cr=2&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%204294965530%2042949 65529%20898%201621&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=11&__sid=129B7EE9F212)

I really like the one in link 4 but 65K kms ? isnt that too much for a car like this at that price? what if its been trashed a lot?

[quityabitchn]

Hey guys

I am looking at buying my next car and have approx $55-60K budget

What I would like to understand is :

1. Is the new GXP worth getting ? Its within the budget and offers really nice performance however, the interior is such a turn off and I can’t believe you can’t have leather and 20” rims as options.
2. Is there anywhere I can see a list price with the cost of the car and how much each option is ? I would def like to add things like sat nav, park sensors etc. I know I can get all this from a dealer but still, is this info available anywhere else ?
3. Should I rather get a 2nd hand R8 or GTS ? There are few good deals floating around for around the $55K for a 2007-2008 GTSs with 40K on the clock. Is it worthwhile to get something like that ? is the new 6.2L engine much better than the previous 6.0L or even the first 5.7L ?

Also, I prefer to buy the car through a dealer as I have a trade in (a regrettable sale only few months ago and it looks like what I will get for it will be less than the current payout so I will either have to refinance that or cover it with savings).

I will not be modding or putting anything else in the car. I basically want a good looking , powerful machine that I don’t have to do anything to it , just drive and enjoy. Also, having a VE SV6 recently, I am not too keen on the SSV as it looks the same and I would like a bit of visual change.

Finally, I prefer not to buy new / demo as from past experiences the value of Holdens / HSVs just drops way too fast, however, if the GXP is REALLY a good value, I will consider getting it new.

Thanks in advance.
I was having the same issue, i decided to go the Second hang Gts as i sore the Gxp on the road and they look like a SS with a Hsv front. I know they are trying to change the look of Hsv but stick with making the car different to the standard commodore.. 2Nd hand GTS all the way i say

[DR-vyss-108]

you would be crazy to buy a brand new car if you already thinking of trading in 2-3 years, if you were going to keep it for say 8 years + then fair enough

[Omarko]

booked in few test rides this Friday for the GXP and the 2nd hand GTS at my local dealer. Looking forward to compare.

I have driven the GTS number of times before so Im more keen to see what the GXP does.

will post thoughts then ...

[Omarko]

well, I am a proud new owner of HSV Senator E 2007 :) my god the power is insane.

I test drove few GTSs and R8s ... I have to say, unless I was buying privately and could meet the owner in person, I would not touch those with a ten foot pole. Every single one I test drove, some with low kms, were absolutely trashed. The clutch, transmission was so loose and rattly ... the interior clearlynot looked after, smell of man sweat, shockers.

Then I came across the Senator, absolutely in immaculate condition, 20K kms, one owner (older gentleman senior executive), according to service books has been overserviced. Tires, interior everything in absolutely perfect condition. I did not have to think twice. The ride is so smooth and firm, the 307kW are insane. the engine just purrs at 500rpm idle, cruises around 1000-1500rpm ... but when you press the accelerator ... whooooooaaaa ... its like 550Nm OMG!

thank you guys for all your thoughts and inputs!!!

[redvxr8clubby]

Wow, well done Omarko. The Senator often gets overlooked I think, but if your after an auto they are a great choice. What colour did you get - I'm not much into black cars, but black Senators look awesome. How many Kms on it?

[Omarko]

thanks, yeah the Senator is me definitely, Im a lazy driver who wants to have a nice car with a bit of grunt. Btw its EVOKE with just over 20,000 kms on the clock.

has every option, even a DVD player for rear passengers which I'll never use LOL ...

now one question I wanted to ask, it has been last serviced exactly year ago and since that time, the owner put 9000kms on it. The service was a major one. Is it worthwhile taking it for another service just to be safe? ie replace oil, filter and get a general check done? thoughts?

[Don't need one]

definately worth it if u ask me mate, maybe drive it for a week first so u notice the difference more when it starts running puurrrfect, good buy :goodjob:

edit:: my ride thread....kgo

[SammyK]

oh good choice mate, love the senators and you're right from what you described earlier in the thread, it sounds like you are a senator kinda guy lol...
Now go and get that camera out

[tmob]

wow mate that is a great purchase.. gotta love bein in the right place at the right time ey....

goes without saying, but....... enjoy!!

[Omarko]

thanks guys .... just took it for a nice short ride .. what a beauty ! sits so nicely on the road, amazing ... I have to get used to the gas tough as its automatic and if you just stroke it nicely gently, it purrs along and cruises along. But the moment you press it bit faster and harder... it downshifts and just goes like insane. hehe

will be giving it a nice wash and polish tomorrow as well giving it a good clean inside. The dealer had it detailed but .... I still wanna do it myself.

btw how wierd is this - my previous VE SV6 had rego BCY59P, this car is BCY55Z !!!! I think it was a sign that I was meant to buy it !!!!! hahahahahahahahhahahaaha

[SS V8]

Compared to SSV the GXP sedan has to be the winner at this price, 317KW, Park Assist, Brembo Brakes, Boot Net, HSV Floor Mats, Clubsport Interior, DRL's, HSV Individuality and I reckon you could do better as these are advertised prices so maybe $50K cash. :goodjob:

Melbourne's Herald-Sun Friday Cars Guide
Ralph D'Silva Holden Melbourne
Brand New 2010 GXP Sedan $50990 D/A
Brand New 2010 GXP Ute $46990 D/A

With prices like these makes you wonder what it will do come trade-in time for those who paid full price for either SSV or GXP where as R8 and GTS remain high. And since GXP Sedan prices have been reduced some $14000, and stocks at dealers still high, regardless of what HSV may say in the media this limited run idea has failed and won't be repeated.

To those trying to decide which way to go given the minimal upgrade to VE2 this may be the last opportunity to jump onto the HSV brand at an affordable price.:bow:

[redvxr8clubby]

thanks guys .... just took it for a nice short ride .. what a beauty ! sits so nicely on the road, amazing ... I have to get used to the gas tough as its automatic and if you just stroke it nicely gently, it purrs along and cruises along. But the moment you press it bit faster and harder... it downshifts and just goes like insane. hehe

will be giving it a nice wash and polish tomorrow as well giving it a good clean inside. The dealer had it detailed but .... I still wanna do it myself.

btw how wierd is this - my previous VE SV6 had rego BCY59P, this car is BCY55Z !!!! I think it was a sign that I was meant to buy it !!!!! hahahahahahahahhahahaaha

It will be interesting to see how the fuel consumption compares to the SV6. My VX V8's on the highway are the same as a 3.8 V6, but heavier around town.

[Omarko]

well I can tell u right away that its much higher ...

the SV6 after exhaust upgrade and PCM tune did avg 12.5L in town ... the HSV is around 19L

[redvxr8clubby]

Ouch, I drive my LS1 VX Calais to work - Sydney peak traffic. Usually high 16's. A little lower ATM around 16 or just under - school holiday traffic a bit lighter.

[Deco28]

well I can tell u right away that its much higher ...

the SV6 after exhaust upgrade and PCM tune did avg 12.5L in town ... the HSV is around 19L

Something tells me you're not dirving as lightly as you did witht he Sv6 thouhg :rofl:

[Pickles]

well, I am a proud new owner of HSV Senator E 2007 :) my god the power is insane.

I test drove few GTSs and R8s ... I have to say, unless I was buying privately and could meet the owner in person, I would not touch those with a ten foot pole. Every single one I test drove, some with low kms, were absolutely trashed. The clutch, transmission was so loose and rattly ... the interior clearlynot looked after, smell of man sweat, shockers.

Then I came across the Senator, absolutely in immaculate condition, 20K kms, one owner (older gentleman senior executive), according to service books has been overserviced. Tires, interior everything in absolutely perfect condition. I did not have to think twice. The ride is so smooth and firm, the 307kW are insane. the engine just purrs at 500rpm idle, cruises around 1000-1500rpm ... but when you press the accelerator ... whooooooaaaa ... its like 550Nm OMG!


thank you guys for all your thoughts and inputs!!!

Glad you're happy, & that you've bought something that you REALLY like, & also a bit unique.
Do you feel like disclosing dollars....what did they value your SV6 at.....C/O figure etc.....most get raped on trade ins, so it'd be interesting to see how you went.....HOWEVER, IMHO, all this is secondary to getting a ride that you really like.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Omarko]

majorly pissed off ... the battery in the car is dead ... got stuck in a car park in a shopping centre and luckily and had to buy jumper leads and ask a stranger to help me start it.

seriously WTF !!! man so pissed off ... just rang the dealership, the manager is not available ... not happy Jan !!!!

I have the car at home atm and trying to charge it but only have a 6amp charger. Car wont start at all now.

EDIT: what battery do I need to buy for this and how much is it ? I will of course ask the dealer to cover it.

[spank]

pretty standard, get the police spec battery from the holden dealer spare parts dept and you wont have to worry about it again. one thing with these cars is if you want to listen to the radio etc while you have the engine off, remove the key from the ign, it will flatten then batteyr in no time, also its easy to sit there with the lights on with out realising it, if you turn the car off with the head lights on only the fog lights will turn of until you open the door. very easy to flatten the battery in these cars

[Omarko]

pretty standard, get the police spec battery from the holden dealer spare parts dept and you wont have to worry about it again.

how much is it and whats the model no ?

thanks

[Omarko]

btw uploaded few photos in my ride section - LINK (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=1761993#post1761993)