The VL 6 is said to now be a cult car , especially for young men who cant wait to spend a fortune increasing the already adequate power.
the combination of an overpowered car with an inexperienced driver is worrying
obviously VLs are cheap but there must be other appealing things such as the shape, size, rear seat headroom and ease of visibility for the driver
the next commodore, the VN is quite unwanted
the RB 30 engine is smooth and powerful but the nissan skyline with the same engine isnt popular.
The demand fot the VL makes it top of the list for being stolen, helped by the fact that almost any VL commodore key will open and start any VL. The cause seems to be wear in the lock cylinders over the years
a security system is essential
any ideas why the VL is so popular, perhaps it looks strong and healthy, all later commodores look pregnant and sick to me
Personally, I never new much about VL's as being a cult car or much about the Nissan motor.
My VN got stolen, I needed another car and since my Father In Law had his up for sale I bought it because it was garaged and regularly serviced, he is an old bloke and not a hoon.
From "word-go" the power of the RB30 was comparable if not better than my VN V6; I was impressed but again never knew of this cult like status for a VL. My young bloke reckons all his mates likes them because as a new driver they are one of the cheapest and most powerful cars available.
The motors have a reputation of lasting a long time as does the gear box.
They are an easy car to drive and have very good vision which is nice to have when you are a learner "Ls". They are also easy to repair and there's plenty of parts. But from what my lad says, it's mostly because of the power of the motor. As a Red P plater in NSW ya can't drive a turbo or v8 so that doesn't leave much option for a young bloke who likes a 4 door with good fuel economy and limited dollars.:whistling
A few things worry me as a Dad and that is, soon I'll be picking up a new VE, I'll be keeping the VL; an old mate of mine who drives hire cars and has owned Taxis gave me some advice that stuck in my head. He said not to give the VL to my son because they are just too powerful.
Yeah, I know it sounds dumb but I'll probably drive around in the VL more than the VE. At least I know that if he does do something wrong he'll be protected by air bags etc. :whistling
I remember what I was like when young; a lead foot and I reckon my lad will be the same.
But getting back to the main thread, it's the powerful engine to low weight ratio that makes the VL stand out.
And, if a young person or old person buys one, make sure the seatbelts are in good shape and the brakes are spot on and for heaven sake have some good tyres in preference to a boom box.
I'll now step down from my soap box:thumbsup: Sorry to rant on but I've had plenty of mates die because of inexperience and fast cars:cry:
