Buying an SSV, MY12 or 11?

[Gravity]

Hi all,
I've been deliberating about buying my VE SSV (auto) and wanted some thoughts on depreciation.

I'd be buying one this month as long as I can convince myself and talk the wife around to it – the alternative is the Ford Territory, since this will be the weekend family car, but otherwise my daily drive to work. With three kids you can see there's a pretty good argument to get a large car (eg. pram takes up a third of the SS sedan boot).

Anyhow, that's just for context, the thing I wanted to chat about was: a very-low KM demonstrator or a new 2012 model? In either case, it'd be a novated lease company car which I'd keep for at least two years, maybe refreshing whenever the Commodore VF is released.

The 2011 are going for between $49K (new) to $46K (with up to 2000 Km).
The 2012 has been priced with fleet buying power at $56K, including just $800 of options.

Since the 2012 SSV is essentially the same as 2011, just some chrome bits added to the foglights, there is nothing really to distinguish the two except depreciation. If the 2012 model had some new features it'd be easier to choose it.

Using redbook data, I figured that in two year's time the 2011 model will be worth at least $26K, and the 2012 maybe $30K. That value is between redbook's lowest private sale and lowest trade-in values.

In terms of depreciation, the difference is only about $6K for a 2012 model, but that's still real money and the 2012 would cost more per month too, so I was interested to hear some opinions.

For example, do you think the release of the VF will accelerate the depreciation of VE models? In two years, will people care if it's a 2011 or 2012 VE, or just look at its condition and Km, given how they're basically the same car?

[dmacey]

At the end of the day it will be up to the individual buyer and for the most part that will depend on the condition & KM's at time of sale.

A 2012 model with loads of km and a poor service history will be worth less than a 2011 with low km and a decent service record.

It's impossible to predict future prices and market conditions, as a general rule. When a new model (VF) is released all models that are supersede depreciate in value until they become collector items or rare.

If you are leasing the car, talk to the finance manager to discuss your options. They can taylor a package to suit your individual circumstances and needs.

All the best with your purchase.

[Thumpin]

I can't add advice for residual value but with young kids I would go the Sportwagon over the sedan for sure.

My SS is a daily commuter and a family car but I do have two cars and the Wife's get used mostly for Week-end duties (preservation). To be honest, an SSV is not the best choice for your needs but what's the alternative when it comes to the smile factor and self indulgence...

[Gravity]

Sportswagon is more practical, you're right, but I don't love its shape as much as I do the sedan.
I guess it's an example of heart vs head.

The SS is definitely a self-indulgence decision.

[SSV Redline]

I'm glad someone said they like the sportwagon shape. If it had not been for that distinctive shape my wife would be happily running around town in a European made car, probably with the words Touring on the back. The VE sedan (left unmolested) will for a long time be tagged as a taxi cab. I think thart is unfair and I cant wait to for the government to regulate the taxi cab industry and force them to all drive hybrid so the stigma of owning a 'taxi' can be dumped. Of course there is no suggestion anty of that will happen. It's wishful thinking. I think the VE is one of the best looking model's Holden has produced to date. It's reported the new VF is loosing some of its masculine lines which is a shame, but it is the runnout model of the Commodore range and Holden is not about to give it a distinctive makeover. My wife loves the SSV sportwagon and this is a gal who has a DB5 parked next to it in our garage, so I think that says a lot for it. If depreciation value is a major issue then consider leasing the vehicle and let the lease company wear the depreciation costs. You can swap / upgrade every 3 to 5 years. PS: Seek advice from a financial planner before making any decision as I am just the hubby of a gal who owns an SSV.

[EraserHead]

Interesting - I sold my 2006 Territory Ghia RWD to buy a Holden.

Terri was a great car, nice to drive and did all the things I wanted - this is the car Holden should have built - instead we got the Crap-tiva. My only gripes were the Ford dealer and their complete inability to diagnose a problem let alone fix it, the crappy plastics inside and various creaks and groans from the door trims, and the whole Ford/Dealer relationship where Ford would advertise so-called service 'Specials' but they were only available at 'paticipating dealerships' and I could never actuially find a 'participating dealer' in Melbourne... The plusses - high driving position, went really well - (the inline 6 is so much smoother than Holdens V6), very comfortable to drive over long distances, had the 3rd row seats for any dwarves I was carrying at the time, had the auto dimming mirror, towed great, memory drivers seat which was just the best - I really miss this! The minuses - light steering, light brakes (road feel was ordinary), a few more issues under warranty that I would have liked or expected, used about 2-3 litres/100km more fuel than the Commo around town.

I have no complaints about my Commo except the IQ still does weird things every now and then (even after the upgrade), I can't get quite as much 'stuff' in the boot when going away, the rear seats don't fold down - maybe I should have got the Sportswagon!, and I can't drive up gutters anymore...

Which would I choose today?? It's a close one... but I think the Commo will be more durable in the long term, is a whisker cheaper on fuel, and is more a drivers car. It's that close...

[Gravity]

I sent a few images of the Sportwagon to my wife earlier.
Maybe that's the smart thing to do; SS Wagon. Go with the look which doesn't excite me as much, but is more sensible overall, plus it's still a real V8 .

As for Ford, the new Territory is a really well put-together car. Improved on 2006 model markedly, and has a great diesel option now.

[burleighboy86]

I'd personally steer clear of the MY12 update. The chrome touches belong on a Calais more so than a sports model. Apart from that, they are basically the same car aren't they? Although I do like the new Perfect Blue.

[Calaber]

For example, do you think the release of the VF will accelerate the depreciation of VE models? In two years, will people care if it's a 2011 or 2012 VE, or just look at its condition and Km, given how they're basically the same car?

Gravity

Whilst the VF will only be a significant face-lift of the VE body, it will be substantially different in appearance and will "date" the VE design, which after all, will be seven years old by the time the VF is released. The worst part about the VE is that externally, it's difficult to identify a MY 12 from a MY 09 for the average noddy and resale values on all Holdens are never very good. The question you really need to ask yourself is "Do I buy a late model VE, or wait a bit longer for the VF?" Yes, it's still a couple of years off, but it will look much more up to date than the VE, which I think is really looking dated now, particularly the SS.

You might get two years happy use out of a VE now, but when the VF finally comes out, you might regret not waiting.

Your choice - you'll probably be happy whichever way you go.

[Gravity]

I think you're right Calaber, the VF will make the VE look dated.
I like the new colours in 2012 too, burleighboy86. Probably a bit loud for me personally, but I think they're nice to look at.

I'm thinking more and more the 2011 is the sensible choice.

I drove out to a dealership today and had a good long stare at a few Sportwagons. I'd been dismissive of them before mostly because I just love the sedan look. Also looked up a few rides here like Kikki's (pretty spesh soccer mom ) and I'm thinking they can polish up pretty well. The tinting on rear windows and lowered makes a big difference to their look. I now think I'd be happy in a wagon, maybe 2011 model... carsales has a few. Has to be from a dealer to get the GST saving for novation.

I also asked the lease company to give me monthly repayment quotes on a new vs demo car: $64 a month difference. I could also go for a two year lease instead of usual three years, so like Calaber warned, when the VF comes out I trade it. That'd be better than being stuck on a three years lease and looking at all these schmick VFs I want to own during my third year.

Maybe alto grey.

Thanks everyone. This has been really helpful.

[UFO]

sportwagon 100%.

2011 model. save your money mate... that's an aweful lot of green stuff to make the 2011 model exactly like you want it (or to make the mrs very happy spending it) .

[EraserHead]

Alto grey - a good choice!! Looks sweet with tinted windoze even if I say so myself

Also a good time to buy as new ones come with 5 years factory warranty and roadside assist - this will be a big plus when you come to selling it.

[Gravity]

5 years factory warranty and roadside assist - this will be a big plus when you come to selling it.

That's a good point. The warranty is transferable eh. So it'd be reassuring for the next owner.

[TraidMarc]

I'm glad someone said they like the sportwagon shape. If it had not been for that distinctive shape my wife would be happily running around town in a European made car, probably with the words Touring on the back. The VE sedan (left unmolested) will for a long time be tagged as a taxi cab. I think thart is unfair and I cant wait to for the government to regulate the taxi cab industry and force them to all drive hybrid so the stigma of owning a 'taxi' can be dumped. Of course there is no suggestion anty of that will happen. It's wishful thinking. I think the VE is one of the best looking model's Holden has produced to date. It's reported the new VF is loosing some of its masculine lines which is a shame, but it is the runnout model of the Commodore range and Holden is not about to give it a distinctive makeover. My wife loves the SSV sportwagon and this is a gal who has a DB5 parked next to it in our garage, so I think that says a lot for it. If depreciation value is a major issue then consider leasing the vehicle and let the lease company wear the depreciation costs. You can swap / upgrade every 3 to 5 years. PS: Seek advice from a financial planner before making any decision as I am just the hubby of a gal who owns an SSV.

I love the sportwagon shape, but my first car was a wagon, type 3 vw. And I agree that the VE is the best looking commodore to date, but I thought that about the VT. I bought the VE now because I heard the VF was coming and didn't like the sounds off it loosing the masculine lines to lower the drag co-efficient by .01 doesn't sound like a heel of a lot to me!!!!! plus it won't be 6L it will be less(but most likely have more valves and overhead cams) so for the sake of muscle the VE may be the last of the BIG 8's(even though the new car motor will be more technologically advanced) so 30 years down the track maybe the car might be worth something who knows, and I'm taking the chance, my car has done 602 klm's since taking delivery on the 1st of july, I am on a five year contract on a job that I fly to/from and the car sits in the garage, so it will be lucky to see 15000km in the next five years, and then it will become my second car( as I will by a new one) and just sit in the garage for the rest of its life.

[Gravity]

Unless my wife completely hates it when she sees it for the first time tomorrow, I'm going into my local dealer to buy the SSV Sportwagon, alto grey, 2011 model. Will lower it an inch and tint. The wagons cost a bit more than sedans, there are less of them too, so I had less leverage on price but I'll be a happy chap.



Thanks for the input on this thread.

[dmacey]

Congratulations mate, what dealer did you get it from?

Hope she likes it

[Thumpin]

Nice one Grav.
Alto is nice. Welcome to the club...

BTW, who cares what she thinks....oops!

[Gravity]

My wife liked it. I ordered it. Very happy.
From Suttons Waitara.

[Gravity]

I'm picking up the SS this weekend. Just dropped by dealership since the tint and lower is done, and I wanted to check it out. Kings springs - super low, so about 1.5" lower. Very awesome! Here she is:

[SP00KSTER]

very nice mate

[Reaper]

Hi all,
I've been deliberating about buying my VE SSV (auto) and wanted some thoughts on depreciation.

I'd be buying one this month as long as I can convince myself and talk the wife around to it – the alternative is the Ford Territory, since this will be the weekend family car, but otherwise my daily drive to work. With three kids you can see there's a pretty good argument to get a large car (eg. pram takes up a third of the SS sedan boot).

Anyhow, that's just for context, the thing I wanted to chat about was: a very-low KM demonstrator or a new 2012 model? In either case, it'd be a novated lease company car which I'd keep for at least two years, maybe refreshing whenever the Commodore VF is released.

The 2011 are going for between $49K (new) to $46K (with up to 2000 Km).
The 2012 has been priced with fleet buying power at $56K, including just $800 of options.

Since the 2012 SSV is essentially the same as 2011, just some chrome bits added to the foglights, there is nothing really to distinguish the two except depreciation. If the 2012 model had some new features it'd be easier to choose it.

Using redbook data, I figured that in two year's time the 2011 model will be worth at least $26K, and the 2012 maybe $30K. That value is between redbook's lowest private sale and lowest trade-in values.

In terms of depreciation, the difference is only about $6K for a 2012 model, but that's still real money and the 2012 would cost more per month too, so I was interested to hear some opinions.

For example, do you think the release of the VF will accelerate the depreciation of VE models? In two years, will people care if it's a 2011 or 2012 VE, or just look at its condition and Km, given how they're basically the same car?

Easy answer on this one. The $46k car with 2000km on it will loose less money in absolute dollar terms in 2 years when compared to either of the other 2 alternatives. As long as both are series II and in tip top shape I'd just get the cheapest one I could find.

At the end of the day it will be up to the individual buyer and for the most part that will depend on the condition & KM's at time of sale.

A 2012 model with loads of km and a poor service history will be worth less than a 2011 with low km and a decent service record.

It's impossible to predict future prices and market conditions, as a general rule. When a new model (VF) is released all models that are supersede depreciate in value until they become collector items or rare.

If you are leasing the car, talk to the finance manager to discuss your options. They can taylor a package to suit your individual circumstances and needs.

All the best with your purchase.

Whilst you are right about impossible to predict exact future values etc, it's fair to say that VE SSV's are a dime a dozen and get hammered on resale just because there are sooooo many to choose from. With such a small difference between most MY's, it's virtually guaranteed that the less you pay for the car to begin with means you will loose less when you come to sell it.

Reaper

[OldDog]

Do yourself a big favour before you buy and check the build date of the engine (on the inner edge of the rocker cover opposite #1 coil). You don't want a potential rattler on your hands like some of us have. If the engine is manufactured in 2011 then it'll probably be ok.

Cheers

OD