Thinking of buying a used VE Calais V V8...

[michaelh82]

It is my first post here and I have commenced my research to replace our current car (which is unfortunately a Toyota Camry).

Test driven a couple of Euro's, but didn't like their performance for the money.

So, that brings me to the Calais V V8. Loved the handling and performance of this car, the interior isn't great but it is still much better than my current car. Plan to buy this from a Holden dealer for their used warranty (peace of mind for my wife).

So is there anything in particular to watch out for on an 08 or 09 model? I have already read lots about the transmission flaring issues.

Appreciate your help.

[Lumps of cheese]

Yeah the trannys flare a bit, but a good tuner should knock most of it out for you. I'm the same really, i don't like the ve interior either but i'm pretty happy with the way the car rides and the extra ponies under the bonnet help to.

[michaelh82]

Yeah the trannys flare a bit, but a good tuner should knock most of it out for you. I'm the same really, i don't like the ve interior either but i'm pretty happy with the way the car rides and the extra ponies under the bonnet help to.

Thanks, keen to keep it stock. Has more than enough power already for me.

Drove a new one today, quite impressed. Not sure it is worth buying new, depreciation seems quite steep in the first year.

Anything else key to look for on a used one?

[talljoe]

Creful of dealer warranties, they are usually for like $1000 max per repair incident, and sometimes with limited no.s of claims.

I bought a new VE largely because I didnt think they were worth much 'peace of mind', especially given the problems some people have with VEs (that sometimes require new engines)

[clock]

hey mate i bought a calais v v8 06 model 1 mth ago... grab one 2nd hand with low k's 08 or 09 u can get around 30-35 mate... you will love it

[womble66]

forget the holden dealer warranty just get a 2 year old one with low km's that is still covered by new car warranty. new depreciate so much in the first years. I got my 07 V6 Calais V with ~60K km for sub $30K which is about 45-50% depreciation in 22 months.

[michaelh82]

Creful of dealer warranties, they are usually for like $1000 max per repair incident, and sometimes with limited no.s of claims.

I bought a new VE largely because I didnt think they were worth much 'peace of mind', especially given the problems some people have with VEs (that sometimes require new engines)

Was only interested in the "Holden Approved Used" vehicles. They tend to be better value than most of the private sellers in SA anyway.

[johnnyv8]

I have a 2007 calais v v8 and love it these cars are a good value.I got my one at a ford dealer and know i did not go there for a ford.It was a year ago and i paid $29000 it had 60000km and 5 months factory warranty left .I booked it in at a recommended holden dealer and they did engine mounts and a gasket i did not even know i had any issues .Having some factory warranty made me feel more confident in buying it.Now it has 70000km and going strong .Got vcm otr 2.5 walky full exhaust and tune done last year after holden repairs and servicing.Good luck with your car shopping .

[HEXEM]

Only thing I'd say is watch out for cold start lifter rattle. I've been unlucky to have had 3 new engines in my SSV because of the issue, now I have it again with an August 2009 built engine (L98). Try to start the car first thing in the morning when its stone cold, you'll soon tell. Or at the end of the day when the engine is cold.

Cheers
Phil

[Johnsy]

Nice choice in the Calais V !! Doesn't matter where you buy it from as long as it is under 3 years old and covered by factory warranty. Get an independant mechanic ( NRMA in NSW ) to go over it from bumper to bumper with a fine tooth comb and Holden will fix everything ( if anything wrong ) as it is still covered under warranty.

[michaelh82]

Only thing I'd say is watch out for cold start lifter rattle. I've been unlucky to have had 3 new engines in my SSV because of the issue, now I have it again with an August 2009 built engine (L98). Try to start the car first thing in the morning when its stone cold, you'll soon tell. Or at the end of the day when the engine is cold.

Cheers
Phil

Thanks for the info on the cold start lifter rattle. I think I will definitely look for a car still under factory warranty now.

[michaelh82]

I know this is a Holden forum, but did anyone also test drive a G6E Turbo to compare to a Calais? If so, why did you choose either?
Thinking a little about a G6E also, but I've only driven one and think it had a hard life. V8s do sound better though