What to buy

[Greesie]

Hey,
I used to own a vz v6, then bought a Fourbie. Im thinking of selling it again and buying another car or maybe a ute, I should have about 20000 so i wanna buy a car for up to about 16 so i have enough for insurances and maybe a couple of goodies when I get it.
Im a tradie so I'm contemplating the idea of a ute, only thing is the lack of passenger seats,
Second is do I go for a v6 or v8...how much difference would insurance be and running costs?

do I get something new that is reliable or something older and spend money on it and be able to do more myself?

[someguy360]

Depending on what kind of tradie you are a VE sedan has a very big boot.

I used to be a cabler and could fit all my gear in with ease

[MikeCuzzy]

I know it'll open a massive debate, but a V6 is plenty of power, and reasonably fuel efficient.
Depending on your age, insuring a V8 maybe somewhat of a nightmare. As someguy360 said, the VE boot is very big - same goes for just about all Commodores - especially VT onwards. For 16 grand you should get a nice VE, maybe 2007 model with a few extras tacked on. Or if you got back to a VZ, a whole lot more will be out there.

Not sure, but maybe go for a Colorado/Rodeo? Compromise between the ute and sedan. There are plenty around your price range, I've got a mate who's a plumber, he never had any problems with is Rodeo that I know of, was an 05 I think. Personally I think this is your best bet.

[Drawnnite]

depending on the trade and how you get your tools too and from work and where you store them (eg on site or carry them everywhere)
id personally say a v6 for work due to fuel economy and so forth. its ment to be for work, not play =P
if you are travelling in areas of high traffic (city) id suggest an auto, as burning out the clutch isnt fun especially in peak hour times.

[PhatCommy]

If your worried about not having back seats with a ute maybe you could look at getting a crewmen as a compromise

[MikeCuzzy]

Crewmans don't have rear seats so much as they have a large parcel shelf. Excellent for transporting dwarves of middle earth. But if you want a ute with back seats that is effectively a sedan as appose to the Colorado. It's your only option.

[GEN3RATD]

crewmans are pretty awkward cars, not too mention when i see one a spew a little bit in my mouth because they look so ugly. IMO of course lol.

nice clean VZ ute for me or if needed can pick up a nice VU SS for that. LS1 ftw

[Jonesy484]

VU V6 or V8 with hard lid or sports bars

something like this

2001 HOLDEN UTE SS VU Private Cars For Sale in NSW - carsales.com.au

[Greesie]

thanks for replys guys,
i think im gonna maybe lean towards a 2 door ute, called up my insurance company and going of an 04 vz ss or and 04 vz sv6 there was only about 15 bucks a month, so might see if can get a v8 ute for under 20k....
ive oly had v6s before, are v8s pretty much the same reliability wise? i spose their more likely to have had a hard life....but if i get one with decent ks i spose it should be right