Hello to all, completely new here.
I am picking up my new car today, a 11/10 plated new Alto Grey SSV Redline Sedan which I'm quite excited about.
This forum has helped greatly with my decision so thanks to all. I have been reading with interest some of the threads discussing the various attributes of Australian v European v Ford etc. with interest, here my opinions on my recent purchase.
I've been in the Euro car world for many years, this time around I really thought about what I wanted from my cars, I'm in my mid 40's now, got a good business behind me so $ wasn't going to be the no1 factor, Im used to the Euro price tag. I wanted a V8, 5 seat sedan, satnav, blue teeth, Ipod connectivity, reasonable stereo, leather, decent suspension and brakes, a decent all round sedan.
So onto the purchase, I test drove the usual Euro suspects and did not drive anything that wasn't outstanding, I really do believe it would be hard to find a bad car from Europe these days. I have always liked the idea of an Aussie V8, but for some reason never gone and tried one so decided to throw Ford and Holden into the buying mix this time. The ford, although a good car, I really can't say why but it just didn't do it for me, I then drove the SSV Redline and quite frankly I was surprised at how much I really liked this car as soon as I drove it, it was exactly what I was looking for. I went back for a second drive (had the car most of the day) and liked it even more, it is very good bang for buck, so I bought it. After this process It would seem I no longer want to justify the sort of Euro premium anymore. I went for the redline as I like the idea of better brakes and suspension and I wont be changing these, the mods I think I will do in time are an OTR & tune simply to sharpen up response as modern cars are generally restricted and detuned. Top KW numbers don't interest me, theres more than enough torque in this motor to satisfy me, my boy racing days are long gone (got my first 911 at 26, and live to tell the tale)
My Euro cars (JAG, Merc S class, Porsche 911's) were all great cars but all had there own reliability & fit and finish issues so I will be interested to see how the SS holds up over time, I am hardly qualified to quantify the differences in quality & reliability of the SS against anything else, however, it won me over. I hope my enthusiasm for the car remains throughout ownership.
BTW I have been restoring an 86 Porsche 944 which is a great handling small sports car and have enjoyed the project immensely, I installed a hoist in my barn and have completely rebuilt all of the mechanicals, suspension, brakes, everything myself so have decided the 944 will cover the sports car requirement.
I'll keep you posted after I pick it up.
Cheers
Rob
Welcome to the forum Rob.
Sounds like you've had some experience with various cars in your time.
Hope you enjoy this forum!
Welcome Rob.
Good choice. Alto Grey is very close to the old Turbine colour which I love.
As for the long past boy racer bit, yer right...
Did ya get auto or manual?
VE II SS-V Sportwagon
Congratulations on the purchase! It will certainly be different to the other cars you've had in your garage - call it more 'agricultural' if you like - but that has it's merits in some cases. The big thing I like about the 6L is that it's no nonsense. It is what it is and you'll either love it or loathe it.
All the best with the car.
Thanks for the welcome guys.
Thumpin, Its an Auto, and must admit that every now and then, especially on my Triumph 1050 triple, the urge sometimes rears it ugly head!
TinSnips, I know what you mean, its hard for me to explain why I like it, I think it seems to be "honest" about what it is, I suppose time will tell with this car.
Cheers
Rob
Good choice of colour!
One more vote for Alto you Voodoo guys...!!
Just picked up, I'm liking it,
Congrats Redbarn, a very good choice. I've done the Euro & Jap thing for a few years now too, but nothing I've driven gives me the hairs standing up on the back of my neck like the SSV does.
Picked an SSV sedan up today, liking it too!
I read your thread Swaytan, I note you've gone with a slightly bolder colour and setup than me! Nice ride!