Opinions sought - Which HSV would you buy for low 30K's?

[Mondie]

Hi all,

l am a long time Holden nut but have never owned a HSV. l need a second car for a runabout and have very low 30's to spend.

What car represents the best value in the age/features/resale vs performance stakes? There is a VX GTS FS at the moment for $34k but it has had the motor rebuilt 3 times for piston slap so not too sure if l should let this put me off? The VX Clubby is probably my favourite looking HSV of the lot but l am not sure what benefit there would be getting into a VY, was there much improvement in the VY over the VX?

Please let me hear your ideas and ownership experiences, l am pretty open at the moment.

Cheers Mondie

[phunky_monkey]

I was in the same boat about a year ago now and went for the VXII Clubbie. It's my favourite looking of all the HSV's, and I didn't really see a big improvement in the VY, and didn't like the look of them as much.

I'm happy with my choice thus far.

I'd definately go the VXII over a VX though, just for the rear camber issues that the VT-VX had.

Any questions just fire away :)

[HSV,_I_GOT_ONE]

If the GTS has been rebuilt 3 times 3rd times gotta be lucky, right?
I would go a VX over a VY just on the looks factor alone. Make sure you get an R8 so you at least get the performance brakes or if you are lucky it will have been optioned up with the 4 pot Premiums. VX R8 will give you the nicer coulson seats as well. Save your money and go a VX I reckon. The only thing I can see going for a VY is the updated interior and the 285kw tune (if a series 2, Seires 1 only got 265kw, VX had 255kw tune). The tune is easily rectified with an edit.

[Swordie]

If it was me GRANGE WH II.

[Gee]

I reckon for a low 30K run-a-bout I'd be looking at a Monaro.

Sorry, I know its not an answer to the question not being an HSV, but nicer cars IMHO.

Anyway, whichever way you go, its a nice dilemma you have ;)

[EXCESSV]

another one for the VXII R8 from me...especially if you can get the premium cross drilled brakes and sunroof...
i paid low $30K for one 6months ago with 40,000kms, M6 and the above options.
so its definately possible to find.....especially since perth prices are dearer than eastern states it shouldnt be too hard for you being in VIC...

personally i think the VX HSV is a better looking car than the VY and the extra 5kw difference (VXII R8 255kw to VYI R8 260kw)
but thats me. oh how i miss it :bawl:

Deano :driving:

[LS1Grange]

If it was me GRANGE WH II.

damm straight!!!

[EXCESSV]

damm straight!!!

thats not biased at all is it mate...:p

[macca_779]

VTII or VX GTS for that money.

[XCLUB]

Definitely go the VX Clubby. Should pick one up with good negotiating for mid to high 20's. Spend the rest of the cash on some decent mods and you won't regret it.

[LS1Grange]

thats not biased at all is it mate...:p

Nooooo of course not hahaha Mines a Series I

I should add that you need a missus and a chauffers hat if you buy a Grange :lmao:

[EXCESSV]

should add that you need a missus and a chauffers hat if you buy a Grange :lmao:

or a young wippa snappa who is waiting for his second SSV as the first one was built by a blind man will be more than happy to don on the chauffers hat for a special cruise occassion.....:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[GMMAD]

i would go a VX GTS or VX R8

[Mondie]

I was in the same boat about a year ago now and went for the VXII Clubbie. It's my favourite looking of all the HSV's, and I didn't really see a big improvement in the VY, and didn't like the look of them as much.

I'm happy with my choice thus far.

I'd definately go the VXII over a VX though, just for the rear camber issues that the VT-VX had.

Any questions just fire away :)


Thanks mate, that is the way l am leaning. A nice VXll with some tasty options and low kms. If get an edit and do no other mods, could l get close the to GTS 300kw anyhow? Is the edit detectable at all? Sorry l know these q's have been asked 1000000 times before!!


If the GTS has been rebuilt 3 times 3rd times gotta be lucky, right?


You would reckon so. The guy mentioned the first two rebuilds were just the bare minimum, the 3rd rebuild was a full strip down and since then (60000kms ago) there has been no issues. The VX GTS is tempting but if l can get into a series 2 VX with some good options, an edit and do it for less tahn 30k its a pretty good alternative.

Cheers

[goofafidamedes]

Get yourself a VXII R8 if possible. You shouldn't pay much more than $28k for one now, anyone asking for anything over $30K should be selling gold bullion with it for that price, unless it's done 376 genuine kilometres. I've seen a lot of VX GTS's advertised and stay advertised for a long time - with constant reductions in asking price. There seems to be some stigma attached to them - especially stock ones. This may be related to the cam disasters with those early C4B engines.

If you're lucky, you might be able to get a VY II R8 for a smidge under $35k - seen quite a few advertised at mid $30's - and disappear pretty quickly compared to some other VY II R8's which are still listed for $40K+.


Thanks mate, that is the way l am leaning. A nice VXll with some tasty options and low kms. If get an edit and do no other mods, could l get close the to GTS 300kw anyhow? Is the edit detectable at all? Sorry l know these q's have been asked 1000000 times before!!You probably won't get to that, but you could see an increase of anywhere up to 15-20 KW's. The improvement to fuel consumption and driveability can be a lot more apparent than the extra oomph.

[macca_779]

Thanks mate, that is the way l am leaning. A nice VXll with some tasty options and low kms. If get an edit and do no other mods, could l get close the to GTS 300kw anyhow? Is the edit detectable at all? Sorry l know these q's have been asked 1000000 times before!!

Cheers

Getting 300+kw is very common for a bolt on only stocker. If you go with a MAF tune and whoever does the job keeps the standard OS. All holden dealers I've dealt with would be none the wiser.

[Mondie]

Get yourself a VXII R8 if possible. You shouldn't pay much more than $28k for one now, anyone asking for anything over $30K should be selling gold bullion with it for that price, unless it's done 376 genuine kilometres. I've seen a lot of VX GTS's advertised and stay advertised for a long time - with constant reductions in asking price. There seems to be some stigma attached to them - especially stock ones. This may be related to the cam disasters with those early C4B engines.

If you're lucky, you might be able to get a VY II R8 for a smidge under $35k - seen quite a few advertised at mid $30's - and disappear pretty quickly compared to some other VY II R8's which are still listed for $40K+.

You probably won't get to that, but you could see an increase of anywhere up to 15-20 KW's. The improvement to fuel consumption and driveability can be a lot more apparent than the extra oomph.


Thanks, good advice. l have had a look on car sales but there doesnt seem to be much around in the way of sub 30k VXII R8's at the moment. Is an SV99 worth considering, there is a nice looking manual one around for less than 30k?

Macca779, what is a MAF tune? l have heard this mentioned many times but never worked out what exactly it is?

Cheers Mondie

[Greeny34]

If it was me .. VYII R8 or if they were too pricey then the VY Clubby.

I prefer the VY over the VX.

My 2 cents

Scott

[vxclubby85]

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/vxclubby85/DSCN4831.jpg
enough said :thumbsup:


ps. ive done just catback exhaust and mafless tune and picked up around the 310-320kw mark

[RED R8]

I love the outside look of a red VX Clubbie but I coundn't live with the old looking dash ansd console (I love the inside of my VY ss) I would look for a cheap VY S1 Clubbie but again thats my biased opinion.

[goofafidamedes]

Thanks, good advice. l have had a look on car sales but there doesnt seem to be much around in the way of sub 30k VXII R8's at the moment. Is an SV99 worth considering, there is a nice looking manual one around for less than 30k?

Macca779, what is a MAF tune? l have heard this mentioned many times but never worked out what exactly it is?

Cheers Mondie

I myself wouldn't get one. I'd rather go for something a bit more recent, given that I can afford it. Booran Cheltenham have got a VY1 R8, black, manual for sale for around the mid 30 mark.

VX II R8 - Auto - black, Vic (http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/HSV/CLUBSPORT/Victoria/csn1066168.aspx)
VX II R8 - Man - silver, Vic (http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/HSV/CLUBSPORT/Victoria/2423422.aspx)
VX II R8 - Auto - red, Vic (http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/HSV/CLUBSPORT/details.aspx?__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32%7C 1%7C%7CpCar_ImageCount_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_LastMod ifiedDate_DateTime%7C1&Make=HSV&__Nne=20&State=Victoria&R=626186&state_id=82&__N=4294965530+82+4294964634+834+285+257&distance=25&__Dx=mode+matchany&trecs=19&Model=CLUBSPORT&__sid=10FE4B8BD0EB&__Ntk=CarAll&silo=1003&keywords=vx%20r8&Cr=3&__D=vx%20r8&seot=0&__Ntt=vx%20r8&__Ntx=mode+matchallpartial)
VX II R8 - Auto - red, Vic (http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/HSV/CLUBSPORT/details.aspx?__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32%7C 1%7C%7CpCar_ImageCount_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_LastMod ifiedDate_DateTime%7C1&Make=HSV&__Nne=20&State=Victoria&R=1009521&state_id=82&__N=4294965530+82+4294964634+834+285+257&distance=25&__Dx=mode+matchany&trecs=19&Model=CLUBSPORT&__sid=10FE4B8BD0EB&__Ntk=CarAll&silo=1003&keywords=vx%20r8&Cr=0&__D=vx%20r8&seot=0&__Ntt=vx%20r8&__Ntx=mode+matchallpartial)
VX II R8 - Man - red, Vic (http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/dealer/HSV/CLUBSPORT/details.aspx?__Ns=pCar_StatusSort_Int32%7C1%7C%7Cp Car_Price_Decimal%7C0&Make=HSV&__Nne=20&State=Victoria&R=1093665&state_id=82&__N=4294965530+4294964634+903+834+285+258+287&distance=25&__Dx=mode+matchany&trecs=5&Model=CLUBSPORT&__sid=10FE4B8BD0EB&__Ntk=CarAll&silo=1000&keywords=vx%20r8&Cr=4&__D=vx%20r8&seot=0&__Ntt=vx%20r8&__Ntx=mode+matchallpartial)

That's what 5 minutes of searching has turned up. Be prepared to negotiate though, and if you aren't getting anywhere with negotiations, walk away.

If you're looking interstate, NSW prices seem to be a little high compared to everywhere else. If you use a certain car listing site, there's a pocket of VX II R8's which appear together, all from NSW dealers, all priced exactly the same. Funny thing is, they've been listed online for a LONG, LONG time.

Locally, there is a Silver VY2 clubby at a dealer in Morwell. If you search online, you should be able to find it. They've just dropped the driveaway price 2 grand, you should be able to negotiate that down a bit further.

PM me if you want anymore details. Good luck.

Cheers, Goof.

[Mondie]

Goof,

Thanks for the ideas, l have spotted most of those. l am actually considering going a bit earlier and looking at a VT1 Senator 220i, anybody own one of those? l like the old 5lt donk and when stroked they were torque monsters down low. There is so much choice with all the used HSV's around these days!

Cheers

[brentonsav]

Goof,

Thanks for the ideas, l have spotted most of those. l am actually considering going a bit earlier and looking at a VT1 Senator 220i, anybody own one of those? l like the old 5lt donk and when stroked they were torque monsters down low. There is so much choice with all the used HSV's around these days!

Cheers

whatever you do mate, get an ls1.
holden 5L are yesterdays news and lsx's are the motors to have if u want heaps of power/torque...
just get searching and reading, so much to be learnt!

[Swordie]

A 220 VT Senator would be very nice. Great sound and nice tourque. The last of the Australian made V8s.

[phunky_monkey]

Thanks mate, that is the way l am leaning. A nice VXll with some tasty options and low kms. If get an edit and do no other mods, could l get close the to GTS 300kw anyhow? Is the edit detectable at all? Sorry l know these q's have been asked 1000000 times before!!



You could get close enough with an aftermarket exhaust on it, and maybe just a panel filter/other induction mod. I have a twin aftermarket 2.25 inch exhaust (same size as stock, just a different design) and an edit, still retaining the MAF, and I got 233rwkw's in shootout mode on a dyno dynamics, which with calculating a loss of 15% is around 290 fly wheel kw's.

As far as I'm aware it won't be detectable, bot not 100% sure. I've had mine in for a service and they didn't say anything :)

Dane

[VTSII Clubby]

Im just about to sell my VTII R8 and its in near perfect condition. (Not bad plates either) PM if you would like more information.


Im just about to sell my VTII R8 and its in near perfect condition. (Not bad plates either) PM if you would like more information.

Sorry forgot link.
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=73069

[Mondie]

Guys,

Thanks for the responses. l have a soft spot for the Holden 308 thats whay the 220i appeals so much. The 308 is a tough sounding motor, no other donk can match it for aural bliss and the stroked 215/220kw versions were reputed to be torque monsters which to me screams good driveability.

VTSII Clubby, you car looks nice mate except l dont like the rims, do you have the originals still?

Cheers all,
Mondie.

[ratty05]

Guys,

Thanks for the responses. l have a soft spot for the Holden 308 thats whay the 220i appeals so much. The 308 is a tough sounding motor, no other donk can match it for aural bliss and the stroked 215/220kw versions were reputed to be torque monsters which to me screams good driveability.

VTSII Clubby, you car looks nice mate except l dont like the rims, do you have the originals still?

Cheers all,
Mondie.

Hi Mondie,
The manual red VXII R8 at ferntree gully was mine until two weeks ago when I traded it. I was only asking 26990 in the end and that was a little above what the gave me so you'll get them below 30k. I loved it, never had any trouble, only problem was I loved the VE more!

[subwayboy]

VX clubby for sure

[Goodie308]

If you can get a SV 99 in good condition you wont regret it.

[Phizzle]

Hows that post count going? Should be able to sell something on here in no time flat by bringing up 2.5 year old threads.....

[BennyMac]

Nah id stay well away from the SV 99 they are total crap and the car ain't much better....

[WKGrange]

WK or WL Grange remember size matters!!!!! and mine is bigger than yours.

[decoupe]

For around the low to mid 30's I would be looking at an '02 or '03 GTO Coupe .
The '03 would be the pick if you can find a good one .
I just had a look online and there a few down your way around your price mark !
I have had a few HSV's over the years and the Coupe certainly gets my attention both to look at and to drive ....

[rgmast]

for the guys that dont know this thread is nearly 3 years old. I seriously hope the OP has got his car now

:closed: