Purchasing a Holden

[AdamAnt]

Hi,
I live in New Zealand.
I am looking at purchasing a Holden and am looking to spend around 16000-18000. From the cars that I have looked at so far around this price range the type that I like the most are the 1999 Supercharged V6 Holden Commodores. However, I do not want an automatic car. I would like to know how much approximately a auto to manual conversion will cost. Also, does anyone have any other suggestions for cars to get in this price range.
Thanks
Adam Ant

[SiLENCE]

not sure about prices over in unzud, but if our prices are anything to go by you should be able to get yourself a nice VT2 ss manual for around that price.. if not a vx.

[AdamAnt]

Hi,
I can only really find V6 supercharged (which is also good) for around that price, for example this calais http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=66640614&key=207312. However they are all automatic. How much approximately is a conversion to automatic.
Thanks
Adam Ant

[Ghosn]

Hi,
I can only really find V6 supercharged (which is also good) for around that price, for example this calais http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=66640614&key=207312. However they are all automatic. How much approximately is a conversion to automatic.
Thanks
Adam Ant

If they are auto only, wouldnt there be a reason for that? Seems the money could be better spent. You might need to seek an alternative car. Just my opinion.

[AdamAnt]

Im sorry but I dont understand what you mean. What would be the reason that they are automatic only???. Any alternative car that you would suggest for that price???.
Thanks
Adam Ant

[Wonky]

All Calais for the last quite a few years are automatic. There may have been the odd one or two that someone with good Holden contacts managed to get built but if so it is extremely unlikely you'd ever find one, especially over there as if any were built they would most likely not have been exported. Therefore, forget looking at Calais if you want a manual.

From something posted on here a while ago when someone else was contemplating doing the same I have a feeling they worked out the cost of converting auto to manual was going to be in the region of A$5,000. Best thing to do if you end up going that route is find someone with a manual who wants to convert to auto - there are sometimes people who want to do that. Swapping parts (with cash adjustment if required) cuts out a significant part of your costs.

That said, why not just go for an LS1? Plenty of manuals around and the supercharged V6 supposedly doesn't have much better economy than a V8 and has less go.

[AdamAnt]

Sorry but im not very familiar with the holden terms, what is an LS1 and would I be able to purchase one in that price bracket.
Thanks
Adam Ant

[vt350phantom]

Forget the V6 mate, as Silence said get a VT or VX SS. LS1 is the designation of the V8 engine in the car.

[AdamAnt]

Hi,
What year(s) are the VT and VX. Will these be within my 16000 -> 18000 or possibly 19000 budget.
Also, do they have traction control as that would be preffered.
Thanks
Adam Ant

[vt350phantom]

VT LS1 powered cars began in mid 99, with the VX series beginning in late 2000 or early 2001 if my memory serves me correctly! Your money should easily get you into a low km VX SS. Alternatively, you could spend a touch less on the actual car and save some money for modifications as they really improve the driving experience a hell of a lot

[vt350phantom]

Hi,
What year(s) are the VT and VX. Will these be within my 16000 -> 18000 or possibly 19000 budget.
Also, do they have traction control as that would be preffered.
Thanks
Adam Ant

Traction control was not available on manual cars, only autos in the VT series, and also the VX I think. You really don't want it anyway as I've heard its a fun killer!

[Wonky]

Sorry but im not very familiar with the holden terms, what is an LS1 and would I be able to purchase one in that price bracket.
Thanks
Adam Ant

You're on ls1.com.au and don't know what an LS1 is? :( OK, it's the 5.7 litre Gen III V8 Holden used in cars from VTII on. Don't get a series I VT as they had the old 5 litre motor - doesn't compare!! Make sure nobody tries to pull a swifty on you and sell you a 5L as an LS1!

Not sure what prices are like over there but with the current petrol situation you should find prices of LS1 similar to (maybe a fraction more) the supercharged V6's you've been looking at. The thing is many people are desperate to sell V8s now and buyers are few and far between so you should be able to get most down quite a few thousand on what they are asking.

However, make sure you take someone with you who knows LS1s, or get the car checked by someone who knows them. They are a great motor but some (mainly early ones) had to be rebuilt under warranty with oil consumption and/or noise problems. (Do a forum search on rebuilds.) You don't want to end up with one that is dying.

[AdamAnt]

Hi,
The main reason that I want traction control is to stop the car from getting too sideways (as this will be the first rwd car I will have owned) but I suppose the best way to ensure that is to ift off the right foot :D.
Would a holden dealership be a good place to carry out a pre-purchase inspection on any potential car.

Alternatively, you could spend a touch less on the actual car and save some money for modifications as they really improve the driving experience a hell of a lot What modifications are you thinking of???
Thanks,
Adam Ant