Is a V2 series 3 Monaro too old? Opinions

[joeboss]

I am turning 30 in June and I am looking to buy myself a present and looking at a 03-04 Monaro.
Ever since I saw one at the 1999 Motorshow, I fell in love with them and have always wanted one.
I have seen a few on carsales and it looks like the good ones are 27-30K.
I will be after an auto with maybe just slight mods, exhaust, tune.
Now I know you can get a VE SSV for similar money which are obviously newer, but I was wondering on peoples opinions on if the Monaro is getting on a bit, especially for a daily driver. And if any problems I should be looking for when checking one out.

Thanks

[cashie]

I am turning 30 in June and I am looking to buy myself a present and looking at a 03-04 Monaro.
Ever since I saw one at the 1999 Motorshow, I fell in love with them and have always wanted one.
I have seen a few on carsales and it looks like the good ones are 27-30K.
I will be after an auto with maybe just slight mods, exhaust, tune.
Now I know you can get a VE SSV for similar money which are obviously newer, but I was wondering on peoples opinions on if the Monaro is getting on a bit, especially for a daily driver. And if any problems I should be looking for when checking one out.

Thanks

Not too old, just get one that's been looked after.
Plenty of minor common problems that are cheap to sort out (ie. suspension wear etc).
I'd be looking for a stock car and mod it yourself.
I still miss my two Monaros, a real nice car and you never tire of the attention you get driving one.

[lukemcg]

what year are you talking here? I drive an 02 VU SS daily and its fine. For the last 2 years before that I drove a 94 calais 700km a week to work and back through traffic, not a hiccup, so I would vote no, not to old.

[DaveFry]

I was talking to a bloke about his earlier today, the only thing he had to say was the head room if you're a bit taller. Great cars though IMO with timeless looks.

[cashie]

what year are you talking here? I drive an 02 VU SS daily and its fine. For the last 2 years before that I drove a 94 calais 700km a week to work and back through traffic, not a hiccup, so I would vote no, not to old.

He said 03/04 in his OP (also mentioned a V2 Series III).. agree, not too old if the car has been looked after and has reasonable kms.

[Mick1]

Will hold it value better than the VE, go for it!

[Cletus]

I bought an 05 CV8-Z back in October. I've also been keen on one since they came out, and just decided to go for it.
I was struggling to pick between a series 2 cv8-R(love the turbine colour), a normal series 3 and a VZ CV8-Z.

Due to the sunroof in mine, the head room is a little restricted, I can feel my hair brushing the rooflining sometimes, but overall I just love it.
Reliability will be no different than any commodore of the same vintage.

[Wonky]

As with any used car there will be some absolutely beautiful Monaros out there, plus some absolute dogs which have been caned to within an inch of their life!! V8s are not selling well and from what I saw even 2 years ago when I was tracking Monaro sales on Carsales looking for a good cheap one for my daughter they are usually over priced and not many sell. The market is even worse now. Therefore, don't be in a rush, do your homework tracking them on Carsales for a while and eventually you'll pick up a good one for a reasonable price!! There are a number of very low km examples out there - if you can get one of those for a good price you're a winner. :) Just make absolutely sure to do a REVS check to make sure whatever you get has not been a repairable write off - plenty of guys out there make a living selling them to suckers!! :mad:

[charlie15]

I was in the same situation a few years back. It was a VE ssv or a Monaro. Went with the Monaro and never looked back. The fact that they won't be outdated every year was critical to making my decision. Bought mine for $32,000 2 yrs ago and it's done 45,000km now. According to red book it hasn't depreciated at all. An ss drops way too quickly these days and a new model /update is always around the corner. Won't happen in a Monaro and mines still a blast to drive

[JET-33]

monaro's are fantastic, i would have kept mine forever if budget allowed. go for it, you wont regret it if you get a good one :yup:

[OZY67]

hi joeboss ...

I brought my monaro YEARS ago which is a CV8-R ltd edt 2004 series 3 , ive only done 58,ooo kms since new and its in pristine condition .. each time I take it out I have people asking if I would sell it , you wont go wrong with a monaro as long as you get one in exc cond,low kms and been driven not abused . there are plenty of good deals out there and if you can efford to buy one try and find one thats a ltd edition if you can ...

mine ...
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/ozyr1/2008_1108monaro0013.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/ozyr1/mikespics024-1.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/ozyr1/mikespics023-1.jpg


good luck and I hope you find your dream monaro ....

cheers

oz

[Angeldust]

wow, they have held their value very well. You can get an SS at almost less than 1/2 that price.

[Pickles]

So, Ya've got the message?.....NO WAY is it too old.....and the S111 is a ripper model.....you get 245KW, better underbody protection & paint for the U.S. market, PLUS, you get the big boot.
So, make sure you get an ORIGINAL, low K unit, with books & full history.
Like others have said, it IS a buyer's market, & there are some real "dogs" out there...cars AND owners?...So, be careful.
But, you'll love your Monaro.....just sitting in it, will make you feel good.
We've owned both a S111 & a VZ GTO....both beautiful cars......and by the way, if ya gonna get a Monaro.....there's only one colour, and that colour is "devil yellow"....of course!
Good luck, Pickles.

[JET-33]

wow, they have held their value very well. You can get an SS at almost less than 1/2 that price.

SS's get made in abundance every year, the monaro was a classic that got remade for a few years only and as time goes on more and more are either not looked after or written off so they will only get better if looked after

[288vxgts300]

I,m still driving 1968 monaro,s,so no way is that model to old,not much goes wrong with those cars.

As has been mentioned,buyers market,knock the prices around,and find good cars with full service history and books.

I vote for devil yellow aswell,i want one.

[dyno junkie]

We've still got our 2001 V2 CV8.

[planetdavo]

A Monaro is really only "old" to people that want the latest look all the time...
My weekender Monaro gets sh!t loads more looks than my new VE work jobbie. Says plenty I feel. :)
Just buy one that's been looked after (as others have said), but that applies to used VE's as well.

[HSV590]

Get one now while you want it or you'll regret it. I had a CV8 series III and loved it, looked awesome..I sold it to do some house reno's. Later when i was in a position to get another car, I tossed up between another CV8 or a VE SS. I bought the VE as I wanted to go with a later model car. That lasted barely 6 months, was sold and I bought a HSV GTO. Not that there was anything particularly wrong with the VE, they're just not a MONARO!!

[OMR346]

Get one now while you want it or you'll regret it. I had a CV8 series III and loved it, looked awesome..I sold it to do some house reno's. Later when i was in a position to get another car, I tossed up between another CV8 or a VE SS. I bought the VE as I wanted to go with a later model car. That lasted barely 6 months, was sold and I bought a HSV GTO. Not that there was anything particularly wrong with the VE, they're just not a MONARO!!

A GTO is not a Monaro either :p

It is 1000 x better ;) Your car is exactly what I would buy if I was to get a 2 door.

As for the original question. It doesn't matter how old a car is. If you want it, then go for it. Any car can be reliable and good for a daily if it has the right set up and is maintained properly.

[joeboss]

Thanks for all the replies guys.
I have always wanted one, and I thought while I am still single I might as well do it now without having someone saying I cant do it!
I will be looking for an original one, I am not in a rush. My brother just bought a BF F6 and it took him 6 moths to find his one.
And yes, I will be looking for a devil yellow one.
Thanks again guys, I knew I was making the right decision

[SAMCRO]

The thing that I don't get is that Monaro is based on a vt or vx platform and as we all know VE is much more advanced in every aspect from safety to mechanical side of things... If you buying a Monaro to drive it every now and then and travel fewer km ( say up to 5000 km per year) then I think its worth getting it as an investment as well, but if you buying it now as a daily driver where you'll do 20-30k per year I don't think it's worth it. It's older, doesn't have features and technology of series II SS, it's slower, has worse fuel consumption..... It is not a better car than series II SS and anyone who says otherwise is just kidding themselfs..!!
Would I get one? YES, but as an investment only, not a daily driver. You paying 40K for a 6-7 years old car with 50+ keys on the clock and you'll only keep clocking more and more keys on it....
brand new series II ss 36K... decision made...
Don't mean to put you off, but it's common sense what the better car is!!
But if you don't care about any of those factors and just like the look of the Monaro and you're in love with it then I'd say go for it and don't look back as to if it's a better car than a VE,, coz the truth is: It's not!

[El Narros]

Monaro! Don't worry about future value or any other crap like that. Absoulutley awesome car. Mine is almost 9 years old and still as tight as a drum. The only problem is that each year you will have to replace things like diff, radiator etc. My a/c needs replacing at around $1000. And don't go an auto. Go the manual, you may as well get a v6 omega if you want an auto.

[planetdavo]

Monaro! Don't worry about future value or any other crap like that. Absoulutley awesome car. Mine is almost 9 years old and still as tight as a drum. The only problem is that each year you will have to replace things like diff, radiator etc. My a/c needs replacing at around $1000. And don't go an auto. Go the manual, you may as well get a v6 omega if you want an auto.

Each year...??? :confused:

[El Narros]

Each year...??? :confused:

Not quiet, feels like it though.

[Mick1]

Don't mean to put you off, but it's common sense what the better car is!!

Monaro!:flip3:

[SAMCRO]

Keep dreaming! What's the finger for? Pissed off coz it's true? Tosser!!

[HSV590]

Samcro, whilst what you say makes sense, I imagine most people who want/drive Monaros do so because they look friggin awesome....

[Mick1]

Keep dreaming! What's the finger for? Pissed off coz it's true? Tosser!!


:lol:............................:fishing:

[joeboss]

The reason why I am not thinking about a VE is the fact that I get a new SS at work every 18 months. I don't really want to jump from that car and straight into mine when it is the same car. I am thinking of resale as well, If I only keep the Monaro for about 2 years, I don't think it would lose much value in that time, where a SS would drop more.

[JET-33]

It is not a better car than series II SS and anyone who says otherwise is just kidding themselfs..!!

no point arguing, each to their own. people that are looking to buy a monaro these days are looking for them for other reasons besides later and greater. i just sold my monaro and now have a VY clubby which by theory is slightly newer and slightly more advanced but id happily have the monaro back anyday. some people like to drive around in something that has a more special feel to it rather than an everyday run of the mill dime a dozen commodore (ss). in sying that, would i drive a ve ss, SURE! they're great. everyone just has different tastes and there is no right or wrong if your buying based on what you want as opposed to whats got better technology

[rob227]

I started reading this thread a couple of hours ago and it inspired me to take the old girl for a cruise. It's almost a religious experience.

[planetdavo]

The thing that I don't get is that Monaro is based on a vt or vx platform and as we all know VE is much more advanced in every aspect from safety to mechanical side of things... If you buying a Monaro to drive it every now and then and travel fewer km ( say up to 5000 km per year) then I think its worth getting it as an investment as well, but if you buying it now as a daily driver where you'll do 20-30k per year I don't think it's worth it. It's older, doesn't have features and technology of series II SS, it's slower, has worse fuel consumption..... It is not a better car than series II SS and anyone who says otherwise is just kidding themselfs..!!
Would I get one? YES, but as an investment only, not a daily driver. You paying 40K for a 6-7 years old car with 50+ keys on the clock and you'll only keep clocking more and more keys on it....
brand new series II ss 36K... decision made...
Don't mean to put you off, but it's common sense what the better car is!!
But if you don't care about any of those factors and just like the look of the Monaro and you're in love with it then I'd say go for it and don't look back as to if it's a better car than a VE,, coz the truth is: It's not!

Many people buy cars out of passion rather than "logic". Who'd want a HDT car, or an early HSV anymore, if we use pure logic?
I have both a brand new VE and a 9 year old series 2 Monaro in the garage (under 40K). I'd take the Monaro any day over the VE, if work paid for the Monaro's fuel...;)
Newer might usually mean better, but it doesn't automatically mean it's more enjoyable. Same goes for women. :lol:

[SAMCRO]

Many people buy cars out of passion rather than "logic". Who'd want a HDT car, or an early HSV anymore, if we use pure logic?
I have both a brand new VE and a 9 year old series 2 Monaro in the garage (under 40K). I'd take the Monaro any day over the VE, if work paid for the Monaro's fuel...;)
Newer might usually mean better, but it doesn't automatically mean it's more enjoyable. Same goes for women. :lol:

Lol. Just like I said. Yours is not a daily driver (4,500 km per year on average is ok) therefore it will have a better value over one that's been a daily driver and ends up with 150+ key... and you'll potentially make money on it a few years down the track... which is what I'd be looking for in a Monaro..

[SAMCRO]

The reason why I am not thinking about a VE is the fact that I get a new SS at work every 18 months. I don't really want to jump from that car and straight into mine when it is the same car. I am thinking of resale as well, If I only keep the Monaro for about 2 years, I don't think it would lose much value in that time, where a SS would drop more.

That's different and obviously if you get a new SS that often then I wouldn't want to buy one either.
The Monaro look the goods though and 20 years from now ppl will still want to buy it, I agree, probably at much higher cost than now..which is a good thing if you look after it and not drive it as often...

[SAMCRO]

Samcro, whilst what you say makes sense, I imagine most people who want/drive Monaros do so because they look friggin awesome....

No argument here. I agree I must say... :yup:

[OMR346]

Samcro, whilst what you say makes sense, I imagine most people who want/drive Monaros do so because they look friggin awesome....

And some people also think that VE's are boring and very common. I would take a VZ SS (and not just because I already have one) over a VE SS any day.

Same with the Monaro.

[planetdavo]

Lol. Just like I said. Yours is not a daily driver (4,500 km per year on average is ok) therefore it will have a better value over one that's been a daily driver and ends up with 150+ key... and you'll potentially make money on it a few years down the track... which is what I'd be looking for in a Monaro..

What I DID say is that I'd take the Monaro any day over the VE. They are simply a much better "feel good" car. If you need the practicality of four doors, go for the VE. To answer how you took my answer, why would I drive the Monaro all the time when I have another car with full fuel costs, wear and tear and servicing costs paid for by my employer???
Save mine for the nice days now and again, but if I didn't have a "free" company car, yes, I would use the Monaro as a daily. It was NEVER bought for 60K brand new to make money out of...:)

[Pickles]

What I DID say is that I'd take the Monaro any day over the VE. They are simply a much better "feel good" car. If you need the practicality of four doors, go for the VE. To answer how you took my answer, why would I drive the Monaro all the time when I have another car with full fuel costs, wear and tear and servicing costs paid for by my employer???
Save mine for the nice days now and again, but if I didn't have a "free" company car, yes, I would use the Monaro as a daily. It was NEVER bought for 60K brand new to make money out of...:)
And that is correct.
Very few people drove our GTO, except for karen & I. When servicing took place, any driving to be done, was OK....as long as I was in the passenger seat. So, when the car had to be driven, the Service Manager would take me for a drive.....and the totally unsolicited comment from him, when he got behind the wheel was "How good are these ... they drive better than a VE"...His words, not mine......he gave lots of reasons......doesn't matter......when you sit in a CV8....of any description, you'll know what I mean!
Cheers, Pickles.

[charlie15]

This thread makes me want to take mine out now.

The ve is obviously safer and more advanced, however, after driving a ve Ss I can honestly say that I prefer my monaro. Not saying that the ve isn't a great car, it is, and I'd have one, BUT I much prefer my monaro, it's unique. I hardly see them on the road anymore, they're becoming rarer as days go on and they don't seem to be depreciating. A mate of mine spent $36,000 on one not long ago. He bought a vz cv8 over a ve r8.

I wouldn't sell my monaro unless I could afford a new Gtr or 911/ or lost my job etc, and even then - if I could afford a Gtr I could probably afford to keep the cv8 as well.

I recently had an opportunity to get rid of mine and buy a 335i or 370z. Just couldn't do it

[cashie]

Any one who has not owned both can not provide a comparison on owning a VE over a Monaro.
I've owned several of each and both have their pros and cons over the other.

[planetdavo]

Any one who has not owned both can not provide a comparison on owning a VE over a Monaro.
I've owned several of each and both have their pros and cons over the other.

Yes and no.
Your answer is only applicable if you apply 100% logic to the discussion. As I said earlier, logic isn't always why people buy cars. Desirability is a major factor for many people.
Some cars have desirability by the bucket load, and some don't. You don't NEED to own a car to know if you desire it or not...

[cashie]

Yes and no.
Your answer is only applicable if you apply 100% logic to the discussion. As I said earlier, logic isn't always why people buy cars. Desirability is a major factor for many people.
Some cars have desirability by the bucket load, and some don't. You don't NEED to own a car to know if you desire it or not...

Good point/s but my reply Davo was more directed at the op, he asked for input on day to day running of a Monaro, then several others included the VE into the equation.

[BlackIce]

I picked up my V2 series III Purple Haze Monaro with just on 11,000km on it when it was 7 months old (an ex GMH company vehicle). I've owned it for just over 7 years now and yes, I was single back then when I bought it. Now I'm married with a 22 month old boy and a brother or sister for him is due to join us in late August. Do you think that I will be selling it for something more "practical" now that another child is on the way? Not a chance! That's what the Mrs' car is for.

The Monaro still puts a massive smile on my face every time I take it out for a drive - more so now as I usually have my boy with me when I take it out for a drive. Sure it's sometimes a bit of a hassle to get him in and out of his toddler seat in the back, but every time I turn around to check on him, he has a smile on his face so it makes it that small amount of hassle worthwhile. The dual 2 and 1/2 inch exhaust in combination with the 4 into 1 headers might also have something to do with it...

Long story short to the OP, if you've really always wanted this particular series of Monaro, don't hesitate to get your hands on the best possible example that you can find. Life is too short to regret not having gone for it!

Things to look out for in your search for a V2 series III (from my experience):

- check for any sign of water in the rear passenger side footwell after rain. This model had an issue with water getting inside due to some problem with the sealing where the rear support panel (behind the back seat) is joined to the passenger side panel (if my memory serves me correctly). In my case, this was fixed under warranty (inclusive of installation of new floor carpet throughout). I've had no problem with this since then. It might be an idea to see if paperwork to this effect is present together with the log books.

- check for excessive wear of the outer bolster on the leather of the driver's seat. Mine is just starting to look noticeable and I can only hope that I'll be able to track down the matching purple leather to repair this!

Good luck with search and let us know how you go with it.



BlackIce

[mickeyVX350]

Bah - age... hahaha!

I have an S1 Monaro, and it's going nowhere! 37K (only 15K on motor) on it, and I guarantee that it isn't leaving the shed for $25K.

Practical - ish, but I have an Adventra on LPG, and the Missus has a VTII Calais for practical.

They are great to drive, not a lot on the road, and they still get looks. We have an AP5 being restored too, so we like to buzz a car can bring - even if it isn't the latest technology and chassis!

[El Narros]

I picked up my V2 series III Purple Haze Monaro with just on 11,000km on it when it was 7 months old (an ex GMH company vehicle). I've owned it for just over 7 years now and yes, I was single back then when I bought it. Now I'm married with a 22 month old boy and a brother or sister for him is due to join us in late August. Do you think that I will be selling it for something more "practical" now that another child is on the way? Not a chance! That's what the Mrs' car is for.

The Monaro still puts a massive smile on my face every time I take it out for a drive - more so now as I usually have my boy with me when I take it out for a drive. Sure it's sometimes a bit of a hassle to get him in and out of his toddler seat in the back, but every time I turn around to check on him, he has a smile on his face so it makes it that small amount of hassle worthwhile. The dual 2 and 1/2 inch exhaust in combination with the 4 into 1 headers might also have something to do with it...

Long story short to the OP, if you've really always wanted this particular series of Monaro, don't hesitate to get your hands on the best possible example that you can find. Life is too short to regret not having gone for it!

Things to look out for in your search for a V2 series III (from my experience):

- check for any sign of water in the rear passenger side footwell after rain. This model had an issue with water getting inside due to some problem with the sealing where the rear support panel (behind the back seat) is joined to the passenger side panel (if my memory serves me correctly). In my case, this was fixed under warranty (inclusive of installation of new floor carpet throughout). I've had no problem with this since then. It might be an idea to see if paperwork to this effect is present together with the log books.

- check for excessive wear of the outer bolster on the leather of the driver's seat. Mine is just starting to look noticeable and I can only hope that I'll be able to track down the matching purple leather to repair this!

Good luck with search and let us know how you go with it.



BlackIce

Fo shizzle. I have a 6 month old boy, who is one of the fastest + coolest kids in Perth when he gets to ride in the old mans car. Exactly right about the missus's car being the family mobile. The Monaro is staying, even when the AMG joins the family in the next few years. Hopefully the young fella can enjoy it when he's driving.

[joeboss]

I have found one which I am picking up on Tuesday. It's a series 2 in red. 73kms and not a mark on it. It only has a cat back exhaust and I was very impressed when driving it. It is a 8 hr bus ride to get it, but I guess it's a 8 hr drive back with it.

[Lowry87]

I have found one which I am picking up on Tuesday. It's a series 2 in red. 73kms and not a mark on it. It only has a cat back exhaust and I was very impressed when driving it. It is a 8 hr bus ride to get it, but I guess it's a 8 hr drive back with it.

If it is a good price go for it mate. 73k's is great and really low, series 2 still has a modern interior and when have you looked at a monaro and said it looks old? It will never be dated. I have an 04 Maloo and it goes great, holdens were on their game for sure

[Peter B - CV8]

I have found one which I am picking up on Tuesday. It's a series 2 in red. 73kms and not a mark on it. It only has a cat back exhaust and I was very impressed when driving it. It is a 8 hr bus ride to get it, but I guess it's a 8 hr drive back with it.

I think the trip back might be just a tad quicker...... Nice pick up by the way !

[motorin on]

I have found one which I am picking up on Tuesday. It's a series 2 in red. 73kms and not a mark on it. It only has a cat back exhaust and I was very impressed when driving it. It is a 8 hr bus ride to get it, but I guess it's a 8 hr drive back with it.

going to be a long day out,can't a mate drive you to pick it up.
8 hours on the bus sounds like a 5 hour drive

[joeboss]

I'm breaking the trip up by stopping in Canberra for the night on the way there and back so it should be ok

[motorin on]

Is there a Countrylink station there or near by,the seller should have been willing to pick you up,I really hate going by bus after having no other way to travel previously.I was lucky the driver on the Melbourne to Bris o/night let me bring some cans on board long as I behaved myself


I'm breaking the trip up by stopping in Canberra for the night on the way there and back so it should be ok

[joeboss]

Nah there is no train station nearby. But I don't mind, just load the iPad with a few new movies.

[GTO16SIGNATURE]

Not too old. I would go for 2004 Series 3, VZ, or CV8Z. These were the best.

I have a 2004 Series 3, and a HSV GTO Signature, last Coupe/Monaro made.

Just make sure any you look at have a full service history and check inside rear tyre wear as when they get lose IRS this can start to be a problem. Easily gixed with new bushes and perhaps a rear camber kit.

Don't discount the HSV Coupes like the GTO. VZ had the same LS2 that went in the first VE and make 297 kw. Plus have HSV suspension. They go, stop and handle way better than the normal Monaros. And a normal Monaro will easily outhandle a Commodore in standard trim as well.

Not a great car for kids though. Worlds slowest seats and getting in and out of the back seat can be a bit of a pain. But there is plenty of room back there when you are in.

Boot size is best up to series 3 2004. The VZ on is actually US GTO spec with fuel tank moved into the boot. It takes up about 55% of the original boot space so room for a nice packed lunch is about all you get.

Love V2 Monaros. They are the best modern Australian sports tourer made to date. Simple.