Sedan or Ute?

[Wa77o]

G'day all,

I currently have a VL commodore (NA Berlina). Which I'm looking at selling the the near future and upgrading to a VY or VZ SS Commodore.

However I'm unsure if I should get a sedan or ute. I've always been keen on the utes, they looks really tough on the road. However lately I've been leaning towards a sedan, mainly because i think the back seats MAY come in handly sometimes (and seems like more value for money).

Afew Questions for guys who have had/driven both

1. I notice when driving the newer cars (holdens and fords), that the visability when checking blind spots is no where near as good as my VL. Is this the same in Utes?

2. Has anyone encountered any problems with the handling in the utes? I'm just worried about driving the ute around with no load in the back (making it front heavy) and all the power running throught the rear wheels.

Of course i will be test driving the cars out before buying, i'm just after some general comments and things other people have picked up. Cheers guys :D

[fathershags]

The VZ SS Ute does feel very front heavy, but i'm not sure if it's because a ute or the SS's are just like that, i've never driven the sedan.

I'd take the sedan in a heartbeat, even picking up grocerys in the ute is such a PITA, especially if you have a passenger, they've gotta go in the back, so you need to unlock TWO locks, throw them in, listen to the cans bash the insides of your tray every corner you take.

Take the sedan :)

[diabolic]

My ute doesn't have traction control, gotta do slow gearchanges when going through roundabouts in the wet :)

[ace078]

UTE,UTE,UTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!! First of all you CAN have split pipes for the exhaust:driving:

Grab a cargo net from a wagon to hold the shopping still in the back or there are slots in the tray liner that you can put a piece of anything in, to split up the tray into three small sections.

And yea, keeps you on your toes in the wet, but nothing to scarry unless you ask for it!


UTE,UTE,UTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

[VZSS250]

I've considered the SS ute twice when buying my VX and VZ, but the extra$10k for the sedan was well and truely worth it.

You can have a second hand 6.0 litre VZ SS for maybe $38k these days...why would you buy a ute? Really, the only reason you buy a ute is to save $10k when buying new. Since this isn't the case in your situation, go the sedan. It looks just as good, you can have three mates in the car, and you dont have to explain why your driving a ute when you don't need one for work (sounds like you dont).

[VU_SS_UTE]

The utes are fine if you "de-torrie" them, i.e change the fact the rear is 10 inches higher than the front.
Mine has decent tires, manual v8 (no traction ctrl in them) and its never a problem in the wet unless i want it to be... :D

Ute's also hold their value WAY better than sedans!

[ace078]

The utes are fine if you "de-torrie" them, i.e change the fact the rear is 10 inches higher than the front.
Mine has decent tires, manual v8 (no traction ctrl in them) and its never a problem in the wet unless i want it to be... :D

Ute's also hold their value WAY better than sedans!


Same Same, no probs. Utes will hold better resale. And they look heaps better than the mum n dad sedans.

[Holdendriver]

The utes are fine if you "de-torrie" them, i.e change the fact the rear is 10 inches higher than the front.
Mine has decent tires, manual v8 (no traction ctrl in them) and its never a problem in the wet unless i want it to be... :D

Ute's also hold their value WAY better than sedans!

Another vote for the Ute! As above, they actually hold some value for resale!
If you are young without a family, grab one for yourself, once you have the rugrats you are stuck with sedans for 20 years or so.

Another plus, you don't need to drag a bloody trailer around when you want to move something larger than a shoebox!

Also less to wash / polish ;)

Cheers

[BJ4D]

I vote ute aswell... :yahoo:
I was actually shocked at how well i can see out of the ute (ie blind spots + etc). Cos i've driven other utes and newish cars and expected it to be awful.
All depends on what you want out of it.
I use mine to haul my downhill mountain bike around in it, which is awesome and convenient.
Have found hauling your mates around a bit of a pain in the ass. Side benefit is you dont have to drive everyone around as often. :woot:

[plonkerchops]

get a sedan , the ute is a pain in the arse . If you have a missus/passenger/whatever often , then they become claustaphobic (maybe I have some deep seated psychological trauma:D ). There is a blindspot I find on the right side where the little corner window is behind the door, cos its rather deep I find I always have to have another look, either that or stick my melon out the window for another look.
Left hand side doesnt have this problem cos you can look out the back window
Also it might be an SS ute...still rides like a bloody ute..quite choppy I found.

[ace078]

LOL. Your mates only complain till they need something moved.


Bumper sticker: YES, I own a ute....NO, I won't help you move!!!

[Middlez]

I say wagon! haha but thats just me, and you can move a lot with a wagon! :D

[fathershags]

I'll agree with the blind spot, behind you on the drivers side is a pain, always need to take a 2nd look.

[SS-Z LS1]

Yep, definately drivers side blind spot on the utes.

No problems with handling on the ute - spent 400,000+km in VT & VX S pack (FE2 Susp) sedans and handling between them and the VZ SS Ute is very similar - actually the longer wheel base makes the ute a little easier to control :driving: when the rear steps out compared to the sedans.

Cheers

[BLU50L]

Id get the sedan. I just traded my ute in on a sedan because even though ute come in handy they can be a pain in the arse. You might not think it but back seats and a boot come very in handy.
My 2c

[Angeldust]

my vote is for sedan too,,

i felt claustrophobic driving my mates VZ ute, but i guess its something u get used to..

theres definetly a blindspot though. ;)

[VU_SS_UTE]

and you dont have to explain why your driving a ute when you don't need one for work (sounds like you dont).

Thats easily explained, they're tougher, and the old classic:

"Real aussies drive utes" ;)

Some of us just like utes!


Also it might be an SS ute...still rides like a bloody ute..quite choppy I found.

I've driven a standard VU SS and standard VX SS, and the same two modded, ute doesnt feel any worse to me...


my vote is for sedan too,,

i felt claustrophobic driving my mates VZ ute, but i guess its something u get used to..

theres definetly a blindspot though. ;)

There is a bit of a blind spot, but you get used to it. Theres blind spots in every car somewhere or another.

In regards to feeling claustrophobic, thats something you must get used to without realising it, cause i get in sednas/hatches/the work wagonn now and think WTF when i look behind.

[michaels1v8]

I think a sedan is more practical. Sure you can not haul loads of stuff around such as when your moving, but I am sure you know someone with a trailer or a ute to help haha. Sedans can still carry stuff, just not as much but you can also carry more than 2 people... The way I see it is if you do not need a ute do not get one (no offence to anybody).

anyway do not be persuaded by what others say, think of how often you use your backseat and then think about how often you need to carry something so large it would not fit in a sedan... Weigh up the pros and cons and I am sure you will make the right decision;)

*cough* sedan *cough*

[Tombo]

Ute! It has to be the Ute! The better half has a Astra Hatch so if we need to take some one other than the two of us we take the Astra otherwise we take the Ute. Too easy...

[SUX350]

go the ute!!!:driving:

[VZSS250]

The ute faction is once again coming out in force here. No doubt the ute looks great and performs virtually the same, but if you've got mates or live with family, go the sedan. I've been using an MX-5 as a daily driver until my Caprice arrives and I can tell you that a two seater is hard to live with on its own. If you have another car, then think about the ute.

[Veeate]

The ute faction is once again coming out in force here. No doubt the ute looks great and performs virtually the same, but if you've got mates or live with family, go the sedan. I've been using an MX-5 as a daily driver until my Caprice arrives and I can tell you that a two seater is hard to live with on its own. If you have another car, then think about the ute.

Agree. I was close to getting a ute because i could afford more options on a ute (i.e R8 with leather , AP 6 spots blah blah blah).

But was so concerned about only having a 2 seater i bailed out and got a sedan. Having always had sedans that wasn't a hard choice but i do love the Maloo utes.

And in about 3 weeks me , the missus and 2 of my mates are all travelling down to PIsland in my car for the V8's. You can't do that (obviously !!) in a ute.

[ace078]

Ute!!!! Other half has Corrola wagon for family stuff. Just the two of us and it is always the ute we take.

I had to make this decision myself, and at the end of it all I thought to my self, am I buying it for me to enjoy or so my mates dont have to walk/buy there own car?
Whenever we all go out, I never get stuck as the designated driver, someone with a sedan has to put up with that

[SUX350]

And in about 3 weeks me , the missus and 2 of my mates are all travelling down to PIsland in my car for the V8's. You can't do that (obviously !!) in a ute.


yes you can. minus your 2 mates.:yahoo:


Ute!!!! Other half has Corrola wagon for family stuff. Just the two of us and it is always the ute we take.

I had to make this decision myself, and at the end of it all I thought to my self, am I buying it for me to enjoy or so my mates dont have to walk/buy there own car?
Whenever we all go out, I never get stuck as the designated driver, someone with a sedan has to put up with that

totally agree.i bought mine cause thats what i wanted. who cares if your mates have to walk everywhere..:lmao: :hide:

[ace078]

yes you can. minus your 2 mates.:yahoo:



totally agree.i bought mine cause thats what i wanted. who cares if your mates have to walk everywhere..:lmao: :hide:


After I bought my ute, my best mate rushed out and bought a sedan.... every time we would line em up, I would leave him for dead!!! Must be that back seat full of people(250kg aprox).:lmao:

[brentonsav]

i was in the same situation just 8 wks back.
i got the sedan, more seats and less money

didnt need a ute and think both look good so got the sedan

[mmm]

UTE FOR;
1. look tough (after lowering of course)
2. handle awesome in dry, you can hang it out & leave it there at some good speeds
3. handy tray for handyman
4. looks killer with a motox'er in back
5. you dont get picked as designated driver if can only carry 1 passenger
6. utes get the 2nd look every time

UTE AGAINST;
1. Look like shopping trolley standard (high in the back)
2. You are popular........when people are moving house
3. 1 passenger only (what if you met hot twins??)
4. blind spot over right shoulder.....ALWAYS have a good look!
5. lowering reduces tray capacity by heaps
6. dangerous in the wet

sedans only 40kg heavier
you would have thought more huh?!

[ace078]

Its only 40kgs till you put three fat ass friends in the back!

Dangerous in the wet..........O.K. But it does let you know your alive!!:driving:

[VXEXEC350]

The utes handle better than the sedans, I have no real traction issues with either, you need to feather the throttle lightly with either in V8 form.
If you get the SS sedan you have to put up with a spoiler that looks like the handle off a shopping trolly. The ute looks better and holds its value more (the reason the sedan looks like better value). My ute has the L76 and my sedan has LS1, I like both engines best :driving:

If you are not planning on a family get the ute. If you are get the ute anyway and get a sedan or wagon when children arrive.

pluses for ute,
no back seat
looks hot
hammers
handles better

Plusses for sedan
has back seat
looks hot (except for rear spoiler)
hammers
Handles spectacularly

I currently run both see:-
http://homepage.mac.com/petarvennixvennix/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-07-21%2023.45.45%20-0700/Image-BF9D3300194C11DB.jpg

[SICK SS]

get both thats what i did:yahoo: and you will pull more looks with the ute:driving:

[Wa77o]

Wow - Thanks for the replies fellas. I didn't expect so many.

I'm moving back home soon (new job), so i will be living with family. Brother has a ute (older toyota) and the old man has a hilux (work ute). Looking at purchasing a offroad bike to go out riding with my old man and brother, however we'd be transporting them in their utes if any.

Don't plan on having any kids etc soon. So i mean if i DID get a ute, i could easily sell up when that happens (which isn't soon).

So I'm still thinking about the UTE, it looks alot better on the road personally. But it makes sense to get a sedan. I'm rarely the desinated driver, so that wouldn't be the problem, however not having back seats leaves doupts in my mind.

The main thing I'm concerned about is that if i did get a ute, is the traction. Some people have said thay you can loose it easy in the wet and some people have said that they are better then sedans in handling. I also read on drive.com.au (not sure how creditable they are) that the utes loose it really easy and that the tracton in the sedans is the strong point.

I guess when the time comes to purchasing (afew months) i'd be able to test drive each myself and see how they go :)

Thanks again for the replies and keep them coming :)

[VU_SS_UTE]

The main thing I'm concerned about is that if i did get a ute, is the traction. Some people have said thay you can loose it easy in the wet and some people have said that they are better then sedans in handling. I also read on drive.com.au (not sure how creditable they are) that the utes loose it really easy and that the tracton in the sedans is the strong point.

The traction isnt a problem at all, people who say that need a long hard look at their right boot if you ask me, and its the driving not the ute thats the problem. Mine has never stepped out on me in the wet, unless I have wanted it to (and of course thats only on my private test track ;))

[VXEXEC350]

The traction isnt a problem at all, people who say that need a long hard look at their right boot if you ask me, and its the driving not the ute thats the problem. Mine has never stepped out on me in the wet, unless I have wanted it to (and of course thats only on my private test track ;))

Agreed it is no easier to loose traction in a ute as it is in a sedan. If traction is what your worried about you have no worries.

Pete

[dadem0n]

The traction isnt a problem at all, people who say that need a long hard look at their right boot if you ask me, and its the driving not the ute thats the problem. Mine has never stepped out on me in the wet, unless I have wanted it to (and of course thats only on my private test track ;))

You obviously dont have enough power :stick:

[michaels1v8]

The traction isnt a problem at all, people who say that need a long hard look at their right boot if you ask me, and its the driving not the ute thats the problem. Mine has never stepped out on me in the wet, unless I have wanted it to (and of course thats only on my private test track ;))

Agreed....

I have driven my brothers VU SS Ute many times and have never once lost the back end on accident...

I have driven it in the wet and dry and it is like a tamed lion.... If I was to drive like a clown though:woot: the beast lets rip....

I still say go the sedan but it is your decision and if the only reason you are seriously not considering a ute is because of traction... then you would be a fool....

good luck with your choice

after some mods both cars are going to have traction issues anyway!!!!

cheers,
Michael

[VU_SS_UTE]

You obviously dont have enough power :stick:

Your telling me! But does anyone lol

But still especially in manual all thats needed is throttle control.

[jerrel]

just get wat YOU want.
dont worry about whether the tyres grip a bit less, i wouldnt anyway.
i have been asking my self the same question lately, because for some reason i want a ute.
soo wat if u only get 2 seats in a ute, i have 5 seats atm and its no great glory, just more vacuuming.
i have no need or purpose for a ute, i just want one because i like them.
as far as im concerned it doesnt get much better then this:
http://images.carsales.com.au/private/1570639.jpg

[ace078]

Thats hot!!!! Dam hot:thumbsup:

[BLKSSZ]

At least you won't get treated like a taxi service if you go the Ute :party:

[VU_SS_UTE]

At least you won't get treated like a taxi service if you go the Ute :party:


Or like like your driving a taxi (can of worms open) ;)

[VXEXEC350]

At least you won't get treated like a taxi service if you go the Ute :party:

True that :yahoo:

[jerrel]

hmm i dont no if anyone mentioned this. to be honast i cbf reading it all again....but a crewman might be the perfect option for u. just a thought.

[lee ls1]

just got my first v8 and its a vz manual ute, love it! can get a little tail happy in wet when hard in the corners but very easy to hold! i have been looking into T/C for it die to the girlfriend driving it and think after looking at the wiring loop that after a few little mods the sedan T/C may work, but i will keep you posted! :driving:

[Carrots]

All depends on your circumstances really...I've got a VU ute for pretty much play only these days and sedan for work. Best of both worlds! Numerous pros and cons have been mentioned - they're both gold really, but the ute is that little bit more fun!

[plonkerchops]

just got my first v8 and its a vz manual ute, love it! can get a little tail happy in wet when hard in the corners but very easy to hold! i have been looking into T/C for it die to the girlfriend driving it and think after looking at the wiring loop that after a few little mods the sedan T/C may work, but i will keep you posted! :driving:

you guys saying that a ute is easy to hold in a slide? have you guys lowered your cars at all or are they standard.My ute is standard height ( read : looks like a rollerskate) and after my old VR SS which I found rather easy to control in a slide , my ute I find it totally unpredictable. . I found that it'd grip without warning , usually at the worst possible moment, resulting in some rather nasty tankslappers. While not professing to be a gun driver its scared the crap out of me a few times...

[BIG V]

Loosing traction is about power vs weight over the rear wheels, utes are lighter in the ass than sedans so its easier to break traction. FE2 springs in UTEs are crap for getting weight transfer over the back wheels, they are just too hard and high. Dropping the ride height made a big difference for me. Of course I can still break traction but the weight transfer is better when making hard launches and there isnt as much body roll on corners.


you guys saying that a ute is easy to hold in a slide? have you guys lowered your cars at all or are they standard.My ute is standard height ( read : looks like a rollerskate) and after my old VR SS which I found rather easy to control in a slide , my ute I find it totally unpredictable. . I found that it'd grip without warning , usually at the worst possible moment, resulting in some rather nasty tankslappers. While not professing to be a gun driver its scared the crap out of me a few times...

I have never had the rear end break away unexpectedly. I know where the limit is and when the rear or even the front for that matter starts sliding the ute behaves predicably and correcting isnt a problem, just fun :woot: .

If you push your sedan or ute past the limit of your skills for the road conditions then hold on and hope you can correct it before you crap yourself.

Good Luck

V

[VU_SS_UTE]

hmm i dont no if anyone mentioned this. to be honast i cbf reading it all again....but a crewman might be the perfect option for u. just a thought.


Crewmans look SHIT though, they are the ugliest thing from Holden in a long time!


you guys saying that a ute is easy to hold in a slide? have you guys lowered your cars at all or are they standard.My ute is standard height ( read : looks like a rollerskate) and after my old VR SS which I found rather easy to control in a slide , my ute I find it totally unpredictable. . I found that it'd grip without warning , usually at the worst possible moment, resulting in some rather nasty tankslappers. While not professing to be a gun driver its scared the crap out of me a few times...

Yeah they do need to be brought back to planet earth, for both handling and looks, mins slammed and its great fun in the wet, will hold 2nd and 3rd gear fishies no worries.

[David Webb]

I have just gone from the VY Maloo Ute, traded it in on a VE GTS, got $45000 Trade in on it held its value very well. I did end up getting the S***s with it occasionally because I had to unlock the two locks throw the stuff in the back, lock it back up again. The obvious plus was it held good resale value. The time I did drive my VE GTS I actually now love having a sedan back it makes it so much easier. Plusses and minus's for each, glad I went back to the Sedan.

[andrewdisco]

I've thought about getting the ute alot of times and I think i'm going to bite the bullet now. For me what i list as is positives are :

1. Better depreciation
2. You can get out of FBT
3. You can put a couple of dirtbikes in the back.

But negative's i'd say would be :

1. You can't just toss shit over your shoulder, you have to undo the tarp
2. You have to have less then 2 friends
3. If you bought a trailer you could take 3 dirtbikes :p
4. The ute is very long, same length as the station wagon, difficult to p.park

In my mind, if I didnt have a need/want to use the tray them the ute would definately be less practical than a car. But I guess that's only logical.

The most practical i guess would be the SS station wagon ?

I've noticed the amount of v8 utes on the 2nd hand market has really increased lately though... perhaps more than the market can handle ? LS1 powered utes seem to have started dipping below 20k for VU SS's lately. Lost and lots of pages of ads now if you search for SS Ute.

[VU_SS_UTE]

4. The ute is very long, same length as the station wagon, difficult to p.park


I'd tend to disagree with that, I find the ute very easy to park, as you have full view out the back window of where the tray ends etc.

My ute is the easiest car to p.park that i've had, even though it is rather long.

[trashman]

iv had utes since i had my lic ... at 1st all me mates pined crap on me for haven a ute with the hole only being able to have one person but now 10 years on they all have utes and would not give them up for any thing ...

the only time its steped out on me in the wet is if i been going into a cr a bit too fast or iv hit a oil pach on the road left by some truck or bunky car ...

as for the back seet being usefull .... chuck a swag in the back of the ute and you can stay any where you can park the ute ... if you have a bit to much at the pub or ya mates bbq you can just roll it out and have a kip ...

as for meeting a pear of twins ... where thers a will thers a way ... trust me :lol:

but i would deff have to say GET THE HARD COVER!!!! there the best !!! you can through the esky and ya swag/tools in the back and you know there not going to go walking whill your parked up.... as for haven to undo 2 locks ... i only lock one most of the time and only if im going to be away for a long time i lock both ...

to stop stuff rolling around in the back just get a cargo bar or tie straps and put a box in the back for the shopping (and you can fit a hell of a lot more shopping in the back of a ute than a sedan lol)

I would have to say my vote gose to the ute ... would never give ether of my utes !!!

[Funky_Munky]

Damn straight. Especially for any young single guys who still live with their folks. :lol: