Hi all - newby here

[neonsouthafrica]

Hi all

Just to introduce myself:

I am from Johannesburg, South Africa and currently drive a Chrysler Neon 2.0LX (which I love).

Although in the last couple of days I have already decided that my next car is going to be a Chevvy Lumina SS (as they are known over here) with the manual transmission.

They are great looking cars and are really good value for money over here.

Cheers

[motomk]

Hello South Africa!

I knew the Falcons went over there...didn't know they had the Holdens!
When you get the car....Do not read the technical section!!!!! I guarantee you will want to spend more money if you do!!!!!;);)

motomk

[neonsouthafrica]

It will still be another 3 years before I buy it though - just bought the Neon.

But that's cool cause over here it's all these old conservative guys that drive them so I am pretty sure I will get one in very good condition for a good price - and once again I will be owning an American Car and some real power - V8!!!!!

[Danv8]

once again I will be owning an American Car and some real power - V8!!!!![/QUOTE]

Erm uhmmmm ahhhh

Anyway welcome mate :-)
:lol:

[neonsouthafrica]

Ok :) very new to this - will be reading up a lot more on this car - but is this an Australian vehicle or how much input does GM in the US have over it?

[chook]

The Lumina SS is based on the Holden Monaro, cosmetic changes were made for the export market. The vehicle is Australian. Here is the link to the home page http://www.holden.com.au

[ssberlina]

The lumina SS coupe was based on the monaro, the SS would be our own SS wouldnt it? as per the export market to the UNE.

[V-Car]

Ok :) very new to this - will be reading up a lot more on this car - but is this an Australian vehicle or how much input does GM in the US have over it?

GM in the US supply the engine and trans.
Your Lumina SS is basically the same as our Commodore SS 4 door.

Hoe gaan dit! :)

[Sid447]

As V-Car says,

The Lumina is just a re-badged Holden Commodore.
The Holden Commodore for much of it's life used the (now deceased) European Opel Omega/Commodore platforms and about 90% of it's suspension.

But thankfully some legend of a bloke (needs his hand shaken) decided to adapt the LS1 V8 engine from the Corvette (also used in Z28 & Firebird) along with the Tremec T56 6-speed txmsn (or 4L60/65E auto) to fit in it rather than the Euro V6 (and previously straight-six) and four cylinder engines.

To give V8 enthusiasts, thugs and hooligans one of the best, honest, bang- for-buck performance cars you can get your sweaty mitts on in Oz and the M-E.
What sort of price do they sell for new in S.Africa? (USD please).

--- Sid447 ---

[neonsouthafrica]

Thanks for all the great replies :) Ja dit gaan goed hier in sonnige Suid Afrika :)

Anyway - prices paid for the cars here:

Brand New
Lumina SS - Manual Tranny - USD 50 000-00 +-
Lumina SS - Auto Tranny - USD 48 000-00 +-
Lumina S 3.8L V6 - Auto Only - USD 42 000-00 +-

Used
2001 Lumina SS - Auto - USD 30 000-00 +- (80 000km)
2001 Lumina SS - Manual - USD 25 000-00 +- (140 000km)
2001 Lumina S V6 - Auto - USD 22 000-00 +- (68 000km)

So see that's why I am so excited about these cars - by the time I am ready to buy mine I will get a manual V8 for a very reasonable price and being a strong V8 mileage of 140 000km is nothing.

Damn thee years wait is long but it's gonna be worth it :)

Thanks

[ROGUE]

USD$50K for an SS????

ouch. :confused:

[Sid447]

Thanks for that,

Prices are similar to what UK are selling the base CV8 Monaro for.

Sounds like someone is making some serious money in the export/import deals.

Good luck on your 3 year wait.

--- Sid447 ---

[neonsouthafrica]

Yeah - new car prices over here are absolutely ridiculous - but I guess thats what you can expect in a market that only sells 200 000 cars per annum. Our competition board actually investigated the car market recently and Toyota was fined USD 2 000 000 for being anti-competitive. They were basically fining their dealerships for giving discounts to customers.

Oh well on the other hand houses are very cheap here - basic 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house will set you back a measly USD 70 000 - yeah I know it's scary cars cost more than houses over here :)

[Capt Hollywood]

$50,000 US :eek: :eek: For that price I'll ship mine over to you, only 30,000km on the clock!

Hollywood :cool:

[evil_weevil]

welcome neon!
i actually lived with 5 south africans when i was living in london!!
boy was it tough!! :D :D
just kidding mate!
bia dunky
(is that how its spelt??)