~$12k on a car

[alex2_s]

Got in the 11 - 13k bracket to spend on a new (2nd hand) car... thoughts anyone? Upgrading from a (fairly stock) VS Acclaim... I'm thinking VY Berlina or something like that, although open to all considerations not just commodores even. Can't be more than 6 cylinders (P plater restrictions).

[TVR-190]

could get ur self a vz exec for that cash, that means alloytec. yay

[VS Omega]

Another vote for a VZ of some variety (probably exec) since you're limiting yourself to a 6 cylinder, means you're getting the Alloytech (VZ/VE/VF) instead of the ECOTEC (VS/VT/VX/VY). There's two versions though I think the high output 190kw version exceeds the power to weight ratio allowed for P platers anyway (could be wrong).

It's a sliding scale of age versus luxuries...
VZ Executive
VY Berlina
VT/VX Calais
VS Statesman Caprice

In fords... BA has 182kw, BF has 190kw (high output I6 non turbo versions). Many will argue the ford I6 is better than the ECOTEC, others will strongly disagree

EDIT: Just buy 3 VS executives, when one breaks move onto the next, you'll have years worth of cars

[social]

i recon even tought you could get a newer car, getting a older but more special car would be better. Something falling into the statesman / calais / hsv section of older models, somethign to stand out and not Blend in...

[greenfoam]

I'll stand on a limb and say AU XR6 VCT (with irs) , You'll get a mint one for way under budget and you wont find a faster/better handling car in the later Commodores. Just check it out on all the seems for rust to make sure its a good one, The XR6 has a verrrrry impressive IRS in the rear end

Something like this

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars...=xr6&trecs=136

Not sure what the BAs are worth now but they are worth a look too

[social]

i'll stand on a limb and say au xr6 :d, you'll get a mint one for way under budget and you wont find a faster/better handling car in the later commodores. Just check it out on all the seems for rust to make sure its a good one, the xr6 has a verrrrry impressive irs in the rear end

traitor!

[Pub247]

i have to agree if your looking at a 6cyl fords tend to have it all over commodores if you prefer to drive a commodore and wouldnt be seen dead in a ford get one. If you want a good late model 6cyl car get a ford

[MikesCalais]

I'll stand on a limb and say AU XR6 VCT (with irs)

of all the fords... an AU? even the ford that ford lovers are embarassed of? lol

I'd say a VY II Berlina (looks better exterior wise, fog lamps, chrome numberplate surround, imo better looking wheels)

should be able to find a nice one for that price.

Oh.. if its what your looking for... I've seen 2 WH (2000) V8's (one statesman, one caprice) for around the 10,000 mark.. with acceptable kms

*Edit* sorry... i just read the bit about 6 cyl max well... i guess that example just goes to show that WH's (V6's) will also be in your price range

[VS Omega]

2000 Ford Fairlane Ghia

An example:
2000 Ford Fairlane Ghia silver 4sp A Sedan - eBay, Passenger Vehicles, Cars, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 03-May-09 10:38:29 AEST)

[VS Omega]

If you want a V8 get a Holden
If you want a I6 get a Ford

Since OP needs a 6 then he should get the ford

[Pub247]

2000 Ford Fairlane Ghia

An example:
2000 Ford Fairlane Ghia silver 4sp A Sedan - eBay, Passenger Vehicles, Cars, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 03-May-09 10:38:29 AEST)

thats also got the tickford VCT motor in too bonus

[greenfoam]

That's very nice posh

[Lumps of cheese]

bah, get yourself a hq premier. Old school ftw!

[greenfoam]

As much as I love HQ's (my all time favorite car) the times for using one for as a daily driver are long gone. Good parts are hard to get, they have bad rust issues and really they are a sunny Sunday kind of car now

[Fun_Bucket]

Pretty much agree with what everyone has said about Fords inline six, BA onwards, Fords 4.o LT twin cam makes Holden Alloytec feel like a an age old buick all over again. Sad but true, unless it's a V8, Ford has, and has had the edge, for quite some time now. Anyone who's been in an XR6 Turbo will testify to that!!

[Jo3_Blo]

Yeh! Get a BA XR6/XR6T!!!!

bah, get yourself a hq premier. Old school ftw!

+ 1

[Fun_Bucket]

Yeh! Get a BA XR6/XR6T!!!!







+ 1

Isn't the OP in his P's...? But the BA XR6 non turbo's
are still sweet drive.

[VZHSV]

AU XR6 series 2 FTW

a manual is faster then a 5litre

[alex2_s]

Thanks for your input guys. The ford is something to consider but honestly how bad does the taxi-pack BA look. Also that plastic dash that stretches on for miles?

Also I'm in NSW, so it can be any NA 6 cyl, (even the 190kw Alloytec) but not turbo or 8 cyl.... as I said the input is valuable will consider. I guess the VY has the same motor and tranny as the VS i'm stepping up from, so a change would be nice... although not too keen on the VZ executive (blandest car ever?)...

So yeah I'm thinking VY Berlina, it looks overall a nice car (or Calais if can find one cheap enough) or similar in ford age/trim level.
Will test drive as much as possible i guess to see what personally suits...

Something I noticed, How cheap are magnas of the same age... although... just no.

[Lumps of cheese]

Doesn't take much to make a vz exec. look good though. For the money you have to spend you could get into one and have some coin left over for some small personal touches.

[TVR-190]

VZ Lumina: Used HOLDEN COMMODORE Private Seller Cars For Sale - carsales.com.au

VY S pack: Used HOLDEN COMMODORE Private Seller Cars For Sale - carsales.com.au

VZ Berlina: Used HOLDEN BERLINA Private Seller Cars For Sale - carsales.com.au

VY Berlina: Used HOLDEN BERLINA Private Seller Cars For Sale - carsales.com.au


Theres some of the good ones i found

[Fun_Bucket]

I wouldn't touch a magna with a pole, although i'm sure it would touch a few of it's own come a rainy day. AWD versions are kinda cool though...

[HamaTime™]

Ford 6's suck...

if you want a Ford get a Mustang...