Should I buy this VZ HSV build 003?

[vuster]

I just went for a test drive in a 04 plated Red VZ clubsport. I was surprised to see that it was build number 3 and i was a bit disappointed at that as I was ready to lay down a deposit if the car was all OK.
The car has 2 small scratches which I've been told can be removed when they detail it.
It has about 9000km/h and is a HSV demo vehicle. It has binnacles, towpack, and short shift gear stick.
I can get it at 55K drive away.
The test drive was fantastic. A week ago I drove my mates VY R8 260kw and thought that there wasn't enough grunt but the VZ blew me away.
I originally purchased a Typhoon but cancelled the order because of clutch and performance problems. After a drive of the 260kw R8, I felt that I made a mistake by not going for the typhoon but now I am convinced that the LS2 will make me happier. The LS2 is a must for me now.

Is this a bargain at 55K drive away? If I buy new I will get 4K fleet discount.

[djl]

It's not the same one all the motor mags have been flogging, is it? That one was red.

[vuster]

Now you are scaring me!
I've got that edition of MOTOR with the red HSV cover. Anyone here from MOTOR who can confirm the build number?

[flappist]

Easy to find out, ask the dealer and if he says it is not then ask him to put that in writing and you will sign immediately.
If he:-
a) says is was a journo demo
b) won't answer
c) doesn't know and will not find out

It is probably a journo demo.

If he puts in writing that it is not and you find out that it actually is he will not have fun as fair trading force him to refund or replace your car and he gets a "please explain" as to why he should retain his dealers licence. (and probably a kick up the arse from HSV too)

[ssberlina]

I would have thought that the journo test cars would have been the pilot compliance one that are scrapped afterwards.

Could be wrong though.

Mickey T should be able to answer it though

[IIV8II]

HSV doesn't often have Pilot cars as it sources from Holden. Holden has the pilot cars which journos often drive, but by the time HSV are letting out media cars, Holden is 'up to speed' with production, so the HSV cars - even early ones - are legit production
Highly likely that it's the media car...

[V82xist]

Thats a good starting price and it's probably just been run in for you.
Just have a chat to them and get what you want in writing like the others have said. Have a check of the rear tyres and see if you think the wear is similar to the fronts. I hope all goes well cause that would be a sweet ride.

[IIV8II]

lol.. if it's what we think it is, i'll be on its fourth set of tyres and second set of brakes by now...

[COSMOS]

i didnt think you could get fleet discount on HSV - only get the GST off for leases etc
t

[Rod]

Assuming everything is in working order, what is the problem if it is the journo demo? I've always run mine in as hard as I can,within the law, and it seems the general consensus on here is for a tough run in period. So the journos have done that for you. Like I said as long as nothing is broken, the fact that it has been given a bit of stick is probably par for how you would of run it in yourself anyway.

I'd only be concerned to use it as a price bargaining point, feigning reluctance to purchase a potentially abused vehicle ;)

[GTS JaZzA]

I wouldn't be keen on buying a demo car, as i've seen the way they treat them. dont let the warm up and then flog the hell outa them. but then again who knows.

[GTS215i]

I wouldn't be keen on buying a demo car, as i've seen the way they treat them. dont let the warm up and then flog the hell outa them. but then again who knows.

Depending on what Demo car you talking about, maybe the majority as you would expect have had a hard time, however you can benefit from such a car.

I have build 002, it was a press/media/demo car and has been featured in numerous magazines and television being driven hard. So far almost ten years later i havnt had any problems and now i have one if not the 'most famous' HSV car ever built and been driven by so many great Legends, both motorsport and media personalities.

If you are confident about the car and know of its history, getting it checked out etc, you may find yourself with a unique car with a unique history.

[vuster]

i didnt think you could get fleet discount on HSV - only get the GST off for leases etc
t

My understanding is HSV do not give fleet discount however the dealers have a big margin to play with. I asked for fleet discount on a new HSV and they said that HSV don't give fleet discount but they were willing to give me a big discount and I could call it fleet discount if I wanted to.
A work mate of mine purchased a VY1 R8 2 years ago and the RRP was about 68K + on road. He managed to get it for 63K drive away.

I looked at the MOTOR magazine last night with the red LS2 and the number plates were not the same. However I will confirm with the dealer about it's history.

I'm pretty sure the car has been abused as there were stone chips behind the front wheels.

[VX11SS]

I'm pretty sure the car has been abused as there were stone chips behind the front wheels.

Stone chips bhind front wheels seems to be common enough, my car has them and has not been abused, has only 5000k. I would put this down to 19inch wheels and the P Zero tyres which seem to be stone chip vacuums, they suck up and spit 'em back out. Plus as we all know Holden paint is not the hardest out there.
if you like the car buy it, its got a 3 year warrenty.
Cheers Jay

[vuster]

Ok...
i spoke to the sales manager again. He has confirmed that the car was a journo car! It is the one in front of the motor magazine.
He said that the first 2 builds were HSV test vehicles which do not get sold and that the 3rd one would be sold privately.
He also said that before the car goes out for a test hsv change the brakes, wheels etc. It also gets changed before being sold to the dealer.

He's given me a price which I can't seem to refuse.
52700 drive away as is without the options I wanted.
8000kms.
Now that's a bargain isn't it?

[CSV Strada SiR]

Ok...
i spoke to the sales manager again. He has confirmed that the car was a journo car! It is the one in front of the motor magazine.
He said that the first 2 builds were HSV test vehicles which do not get sold and that the 3rd one would be sold privately.
He also said that before the car goes out for a test hsv change the brakes, wheels etc. It also gets changed before being sold to the dealer.

He's given me a price which I can't seem to refuse.
52700 drive away as is without the options I wanted.
8000kms.
Now that's a bargain isn't it?

No bargain if its been thrashed at any price, ask them about a 5 yr driveline warrantee, clutch diff and motor.
Save your $$ and buy a new one

[Swordie]

Sounds like the car is famous.

[djl]

Well, that's a positive development on the price. I'd get it checked out thoroughly (and check the brakes, wheels etc are actually new). At least you know it's not a dud one - it seemed to perform pretty well for the journos.

[Tez82]

That is a really good price mate... I would grab it if I was you, and remember the car still has full warrenty and all so if anything goes wrong you will be covered. But lets face it, we all drive hard here and there. Even though its been used and driven hard, i would say it will be fine. Plus you arn't going to loose as much on it, resale wise cause you are getting it for a bargin price. Its the same price as getting a bloody SS... :rolleyes:

[vuster]

I've just rang HSV to confirm the full details.
The car was first registered as SVGEN4
The car first appeared in Sydney motor show.
Then HSV runs in the car properly
Then the car becomes a journo test car.
Then sold to this dealer.

I have been looking for a demo VZ for around 55K drive away without success and this car is in the right colour and transmission and at 52700 it is so hard for me to turn down.
If anything goes wrong with it while it is on lease, my company maintains it's so all is well.
I think decision is to buy. I'm just waiting to confirm price including additional options.

[Tez82]

Good stuff, but yeah if you are leasing the car its pretty good then as they allocate funds for repairs etc. What other options are you getting added to the car...

[vuster]

the car has already got the short shift.
I want to add the towpack and binnacle guages.

[myles]

Wouldn't it be in HSV's best interests to provide the best possible car, run in and performanse-wise to the journos?

They wouldn't pass on a dud. I'd be thankful it wasn't run in, like many other HSVs, by the pimply-faced dealer. HSV prepared the car and at least the motor journos can drive, that's their job.

[vuster]

Final price I got was 53,730 drive away with the guages,short shift, and tow pack. I will be signing tonight. Can't wait to drive it. :)

[HSV,_I_GOT_ONE]

And if I were you I would get a copy of that motor mag so you can show it off to anyone interested. Think of it this way, you got free professional photography already done.

[webwombat]

Ok...
i spoke to the sales manager again. He has confirmed that the car was a journo car! It is the one in front of the motor magazine.
He said that the first 2 builds were HSV test vehicles which do not get sold and that the 3rd one would be sold privately.
He also said that before the car goes out for a test hsv change the brakes, wheels etc. It also gets changed before being sold to the dealer.

He's given me a price which I can't seem to refuse.
52700 drive away as is without the options I wanted.
8000kms.
Now that's a bargain isn't it?

buy it before some lucky bastard get it with his lotto winnings

[alexcs]

thats an awesome deal dude, especially because youre leasing. who gives a shit if the driveline ****s itself, itll be in waranty during the period you have it!

enjoy a well run in car with new brakes etc, you are a certified Bastard :)

[dominik]

Final price I got was 53,730 drive away with the guages,short shift, and tow pack. I will be signing tonight. Can't wait to drive it. :)Congrats. Like everyone has said, you've got the warranty in case something goes wrong and you can tell everyone your car has been on the cover of Motor twice in the last 4 months :)

[matty s]

Just dont s**t ya self when you see the PCOTY DVD!I have last years and there was also a red clubbie R8 in that and was given an absolute hiding,But how can you say no at that price!
Well done on the bargaining by the way

[VooDoo]

If you do ever have any driveline failures you can blame the Journo's for thrashing it and Holden KNOW its had a tough life for those 8000k's. I'd love to see em try and turn down a warrenty claim on the car.

Congrates on the purchase. Hope its everything you think it will be.

[myles]

Hope all goes well Vuster. I think you've picked a top car to fulfil the void left from the typhoon. Let us know what your decision was, and if it was to purchase, let us know how the ride's been. :burnout:

[Febs]

$53k...fantastic price. Even with it's hard life...you've still got warranty. Sh*t, I'd buy it if I was in the market. :)

[VY Sandman]

Dude, that is WILD.

You're car is basically early-build-style famous and this will help it hold it's value.

In 5 years time when many HSVs the same age will have about 100,000k's on them, it won't make much difference if the first few thousand were tough or not.

That's amazing - your car in a magazine, being caned in front of a professional photographer! Makes me getting my Gemini in Street Machine's readers cars (panelvan section) seem a bit tame!

Cheers

Dave

[RamRod]

9000km/h

Damn! A car that does 9000km/h for $55k.......buy that car. LOL :D

Sorry..... :) ;)

[XLR8 V8]

vuster,
As you seem to have decided to buy the car, I would suggest contacting Wheels and Motor to request some A3/A4 prints of some of the photo's taken on the shoot. It may cost you a few $$, but it's the sort of thing you could have framed along with a cutout from the magazine. Get the stone chips etc fixed up and just enjoy your new car.

[vuster]

Thanks everyone for their kind words in regards to the purchase of this ex Journo Demo car. As you can see from my "current ride", I have actually signed the purchase contract. I'm just waiting for the novated lease paper work to be done before I pick up the keys.
I personally think that I have chosen the car that is perfect for me.
I'm looking forward for the LS2 edit to come out and also get a new exhaust fitted :)
My number plates will be "vuster" so give me a wave if you spot me on the streets of Melb.

[myles]

Vuster, I hope the other car enthusiasts don't give you too much over on the other boards ;)

You now own a car, that for the price, is the most powerful new car stock around. And with an LS2 edit, catch you later to everyone else. :p!

Good to see since coming here you've managed to update us on your decision along the way. Hope you continue to fill us in and make us guys envious!! :cheers: :burnout:

[GEN111LX8]

Assuming everything is in working order, what is the problem if it is the journo demo? I've always run mine in as hard as I can,within the law, and it seems the general consensus on here is for a tough run in period. So the journos have done that for you. Like I said as long as nothing is broken, the fact that it has been given a bit of stick is probably par for how you would of run it in yourself anyway.

I'd only be concerned to use it as a price bargaining point, feigning reluctance to purchase a potentially abused vehicle ;)

I guess it's that idea of if you're buying a new car/demo you want it to be a nice car. Cast your mind back to the article in Motor regarding for the HSV coupe 4. They wanted to take some nice pics in this area near the Murray river. The coupe ended up getting bogged. They obviously tried to get it out. The car was completely clogged with mud. Then they show a photo inside. Tell me you really want to buy a $80K car when you know what's happened to it. I agree if you are getting a good deal and saving heaps go for it. A couple of weeks after I bought the Adventra there was a Avalanche for sale in Brisbane for $55K. While a little upset the first thought I had was what was wrong with it.

[lxhatch]

Nice pick up Vuster - enjoy m8 :D

[plonkerchops]

I guess it's that idea of if you're buying a new car/demo you want it to be a nice car. Cast your mind back to the article in Motor regarding for the HSV coupe 4. They wanted to take some nice pics in this area near the Murray river. The coupe ended up getting bogged. They obviously tried to get it out. The car was completely clogged with mud. Then they show a photo inside. Tell me you really want to buy a $80K car when you know what's happened to it. I agree if you are getting a good deal and saving heaps go for it. A couple of weeks after I bought the Adventra there was a Avalanche for sale in Brisbane for $55K. While a little upset the first thought I had was what was wrong with it.

as long as its been cleaned and it didnt do any untoward damage...what the problem.? :confused:

[dominik]

My number plates will be "vuster" so give me a wave if you spot me on the streets of Melb.Vuster, glad to hear it's now yours and you've iced the cake with personal plates.

I think it's fair to say there are LS1s out there that have been gently nursed from day one but for whatever reason have had a lot of mechanical problems from the get-go... and then there are others that have been thrashed to hell and back and never had anything major go wrong. Just the luck of the draw. You've got that warranty to back you up and should anything need replacing early on I doubt Holden will be blaming you for it knowing its early history. For the price and all that Motor exposure, you got yourself a very nice deal :cheers:

[VYSHSV8]

Great buy mate i would have bought if for that price at the blink of an eye, so keep up the tradition of the car and get some new picks for all to see

[GEN111LX8]

as long as its been cleaned and it didnt do any untoward damage...what the problem.? :confused:

All I'm saying is at that kind of money I wouldn't want to be buying a car whose interior had looked worst than some base model 4by's where you can hose out the muck

[seldo]

All I'm saying is at that kind of money I wouldn't want to be buying a car whose interior had looked worst than some base model 4by's where you can hose out the muck
If it's been cleaned up and you can't tell, what's it matter? Yours may have looked the same at some stage, and because you can't tell, you don't know... Don't rain on his parade..

[sixxer]

i would be careful if you dont know the history, for all you know the car has been thrashed and have problems a few months down track, such as a blown clutch.

[GTS215i]

vuster,
As you seem to have decided to buy the car, I would suggest contacting Wheels and Motor to request some A3/A4 prints of some of the photo's taken on the shoot. It may cost you a few $$, but it's the sort of thing you could have framed along with a cutout from the magazine. Get the stone chips etc fixed up and just enjoy your new car.

SIXXER: A troubled clutch is hardly a big issue and they wouldnt release it with a blown clutch, plus he is getting a Warranty, Mine is a lot older, was used more than any other HSV press car (incld A lot of track/Strip work) and i havn't had any problems except for standard wear and tear items.

At the end of the day his going to have himself a great car, great price and a coffee table read....what more would you want :)

AS my m8 XLR8 V8 ;) suggested track down the magazines.
Here are a handful of mine which offers great coffee table reading :D
http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/GTS215/10of22.jpg

[MNR-0]

You got a fanstatic deal there bloke. Well done. And if you are like us, you will continue to drive it hard so what's the fuss? The fact its been displayed and photographed can only add value come resale time.

Good pick-up! :yup:

[GEN111LX8]

If it's been cleaned up and you can't tell, what's it matter? Yours may have looked the same at some stage, and because you can't tell, you don't know... Don't rain on his parade..

I wasn't trying to "rain on his parade". My statement/opinion was one based on what I had seen done to a car. The car that started this thread may be fine and probably will be.

I have a sneaking suspicion you'd be able to have some clue if there had been some problems.

[ssvyredute]

I've just rang HSV to confirm the full details.
The car was first registered as SVGEN4
The car first appeared in Sydney motor show.
Then HSV runs in the car properly
Then the car becomes a journo test car.
Then sold to this dealer.

I have been looking for a demo VZ for around 55K drive away without success and this car is in the right colour and transmission and at 52700 it is so hard for me to turn down.
If anything goes wrong with it while it is on lease, my company maintains it's so all is well.
I think decision is to buy. I'm just waiting to confirm price including additional options.

just spotted you in kogarah sydney on west botany street with no plates SVGEN4.
Did you end up buying it? i can`t believe they gave you the plates as well!!

[vuster]

That can't be me! I'm in Melbourne. Was the car red?

[ssvyredute]

100% sure red vz clubby with victorian white on black SVGEN4 plates.

[vuster]

That's strange. Either the guy at HSV lied to me or the number plates were transferred to another car which so happens to be also red. I don't know what to believe. Build 003 has got to be the first red VZ clubby built.
Now when I tell people my car was in magazines I won't be confident.

[ssvyredute]

yeh thats weird, thats why i asked if you got the car with the svgen4 plates.


what lie did hsv tell you?

[vuster]

I called the guy from HSV to get the history and he told me it was a X journo car and it had SVGen4 number plates on it previously. If the car you saw was the one the journo's used then obviously my one isn't.

[ssvyredute]

..............................

[Febs]

Isn't it more likely that they stuck the SVGEN4 plates on another red Clubby, after they sold yours?

[myles]

What would the HSV person gain from lying?

It doesn't make sense. As shown on here, an ex-demo car could make someone not want to buy the car, while others wouldn't mind if it was an ex-journo demo or not.

By telling Vuster it was an ex-journo demo, the HSV rep probably had more chances of losing out on a sale. Most would be more inclined to say it WASN'T an ex-journo demo to ensure a higher chance of sale.

[MrCLubby]

i dont know why you would worry if you paid 55k drive away, I think thats a steal these days. Especially since so many vehicles are very expensive. Im sure if you ever sell it you wont lose more than 10k after a year or 2. Enjoy the ride, i know i would.

[drone14]

I thought it was possible to have same plate names in different states. Someone may want to correct me if I am wrong.

The plate in Sydney is a NSW rego number and the plate the Melbourne dealer didn't want to let go of is a Victorian rego number.

Does this sound plausible??

Just realised the plate was identified as Victorian anyway. Sorry!!

[OLS108]

I thought it was possible to have same plate names in different states. Someone may want to correct me if I am wrong.

The plate in Sydney is a NSW rego number and the plate the Melbourne dealer didn't want to let go of is a Victorian rego number.

Does this sound plausible??

Just realised the plate was identified as Victorian anyway. Sorry!!
yeah i think u can have the same plate in different states.

[HSVREDSLED]

Vuster...I would contact the dealer you bought the car from. My guess is that the 'selling point' for the next HSV they sold was...'and we can also hook you up with some great plates.." either that, or someone who works at the dealers or with HSV has looked after a mate who knew the plates were available.

Congrats on the purchase....and colour choice. Very low maintenance colour indeed. Mine has not been washed in weeks and with rain etc still looks a picture.

[vuster]

I am not worried about this issue. I'm just unsure about it's history.
It doesn't matter if the car was not a media car or not. I can't be happier with this car. And yes 54K was a cheap find esp with the options.

myles, the hsv guy has something to gain if in fact my car was a test mule.


i dont know why you would worry if you paid 55k drive away, I think thats a steal these days. Especially since so many vehicles are very expensive. Im sure if you ever sell it you wont lose more than 10k after a year or 2. Enjoy the ride, i know i would.

[COOKIE!]

Vuster was that you i saw today at about 10.30 on springvale rd???

If it was its a great looking car mate.

[vuster]

Vuster was that you i saw today at about 10.30 on springvale rd???

If it was its a great looking car mate.


Yeah it was me. Thanks mate.