VY Maloo - buyers guide

[b2tf]

Hi all

long time reader first time poster. Just after some advice and opinions.

Currently I own an AU3 XR8 Ute 5M with a few things done to it and am thinking about making a switch to an LS1, ideally a VY or VZ Maloo. Always liked the look of them and the ability to get good numbers out of these engines for comparatively little cost is what is appealing to me. With the windsor you need to spend a lot of coin to get even a small gain.

I have a budget of about $20k so from my searching on carsales etc I am hoping to get into a VY2 or maybe a VZ Maloo if I'm lucky. I'm after a manual and ideally around 100,000kms or as close as I can get. Other than that not really fussed on what the car has. Ideally white or silver in colour and definitely not Snothouse Green. I did find this one:

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/hsv-maloo-2003-11859351?cr=2&distance=25&vertical=Car&eapi=2&sort=~Price&VNAV=A&__N=1216%201282%204294965530%204294965329%20429495 0610&silo=Stock&Range=Price:Min,Max~1|Mileage:Min,Max|Year:Min,Max |Seats:Min,Max|EngineSize:Min,Max

Looks quite good although the KM's are a little higher than what I would like.

Wondering what I should look at when buying one of these cars, I know my way round falcons fairly well but the Holdens and HSV's are new to me. Are there any known issues that I should be aware of?

Similarly, if anybody is interested in my XR8 let me know as it needs to go before something else can take its place.

Thanks for any advice.

[mailly]

Hey,

Imo, thiat is not a great example. It would most likely have been in an accident, thats why it has an upgraded Z-series front.
With the amount of Kms and Modifications, i would steer clear.
Again, imo, an un molested car is a far better starting point and will give you less grief in the long run.
You may have to settle for an earlier Y-series, but you will have a better car for your money.
I recently bought a Z-series R8, completely standard. I looked at over a dozen before purchasing this one.
Many of the cheaper ones were in rough condition either mechanically or cosmetically or both! I paid a higher price,
but as the saying goes, you do get what you pay for.
Like i said, just my opinion. Good luck with finding one, they are an awesome car!
Tommy.

[b2tf]

Thanks - I only used that one I linked to as a bit of an example as I reckon it looks good. It may 'be' good but it looks good!

What sort of money is MAFless tuning worth? I'm keen to give it a go if I get one.

[mailly]

MAFless tuning is very good bang for buck :)
The shop that did my last tune did it for $999 and that included supplying and fitting an over the radiator intake.
Picking a reputable tuner is a must but there is plenty of info here on the forum about that.

[black_friday]

MAFLESS around $1000 depending where you go. One thing to consider when buying a modified car is that if it has things like exhaust/extractors fitted you are gonna save cash if you were planning on fitting them anyway. You always run the risk that its had a hard life but thats the same with any car.