First impressions of the VE

Scooter79 · #1 08-07-2008, 10:59 AM

A couple of weeks ago I took a 2007 model SV6 for a test drive. Nice instrument cluster. I like the red sporty look. Felt pretty solid and sure footed on an open road. The actual car itself felt heavy. Like you could feel the engine pulling that big load under acceleration. I'm sure the 6L V8 is a pleasure to drive but in a world where the cost of petrol is a big consideration it makes more sense to stick with a 6cyl. The semi auto box seemed ok. A little hard to comment on the gearbox after one drive.

Interior wise is was quite nice. You really felt like you were sitting down 'in' the car. Anyone who have ever driven a 90's falcon will know how bad it feels to be sitting up so high. Finish was ok. A work mate has a VE calais and my first impression of the calais interior was bland and boring. But the SV6, for obvious reasons, felt a little..... 'sportier'.

Exterior: I love the look of the front bumper, rear spoiler, larger wheels and overall aggressive appearance of the SV6. Much more exciting than the appearance of the omega.

The sticker price on this particular car SV6 was $32,740. Remember this was a 12 month old vehicle with 30000km's on the odometer. They offered me $3000 trade in on the VS calais leaving a drive away price of $29,740 and that was the lowest they could go. After some discussion I then told them I needed to discuss it with my wife. They quickly wrote down another figure of $29K. Told them I still had to discuss it with my wife. Then the salesman said "Ok, $28K". Told him "whatever you offer I still have to talk to my wife". to which he replied "$27K". As I stood up he said "My final figure $26K". So we've gone from $29740 which was the 'best' he could to down to $26K even.

Anyway, back to the car. Very nice drive. Nice interior depending on what model you look at. But feels heavy even with the 195kw engine. Would I buy one? I'd probably wait a few years and pick up a second hand one through a private sale.

Cousin Slow Poke · #2 08-07-2008, 11:52 AM

Had a VE V6 (Calais) and currently have a VE Clubsport (LS2).

I average about 2 litres per 100km more in the LS2 than the 195kw Alloytec V6. Which translates to $18.00 per 500km based on 98RON petrol at $1.80 a litre. On the highway you can halve that.

The SS and SSV are both the L98 6 litre V8 which some have experienced better fuel economy again.

Anyhow, I guess what I'm trying to say is there is a common misconception that a V8 costs a whole lot more than a V6 to own. It doesn't. You just have to decide whether for every 500km you do is the V8 worth $20 more than the V6?

Scooter79 · #3 08-07-2008, 12:13 PM

I'm not gonna argue that if you've had both. I was just going by the figures at the dealership and those on Redbook. If someone gave me a V8 I definately wouldn't knock it back.

Holdfast · #4 08-07-2008, 06:25 PM

Airstrike Plus

Scooter79 · #5 08-07-2008, 09:35 PM

Honestly after test driving the SV6 and then driving away in the trusty old VS I kind of prefer the VS. The VE left me felling a little... 'Meh, whats all the fuss about'. I know that sounds silly but for one thing I kind of have a preference for the L67 motor. Sure it's slower and old technology but it's pretty much bullet proof. Plus with some simple bolt on mods you can make it reasonably quick. Also I like the interior of the VSII calais. I know I'm going to have someone reply commenting that I'm comparing apples to oranges but I just can't justify forking over a large chunk of money when I'm still more than happy with what I have now. I can't see the point in upgrading just for the sake of upgrading.

SlickHolden · #6 09-07-2008, 12:24 AM

Just think, With mods on a 195 you will improve the motor's efficiency and should also improve fuel econemy.

A VE Calais would be the best option if you don't mind not being lairy..
Full safety features comfort it's a simple thing to drive fuel econemy is much better then it's given credit for, I still miss the VE Calais i drove over 1200km

.

Driving the L67 i wouldn't give that up easy also.. And if you went into a new car maybe try and match it up like the Calais give you some more toys to play with.

Also the base engine isn't as bad as i always thought, Went for a drive last night in one, Not loud as expected little more poke but wasn't let down as i was told i would be.

CruznCalais · #7 09-07-2008, 12:37 AM

i'm with scooter on this one

Dad's brought home the fleet cars, which i know is just the basic spec Omega, but i've done the adelaide trip a few times with him and i don't like it. yes, i know the SS/Calais variants are much nicer, but i'm not overly impressed by it. my mate has an exec VZ, and that seems a much nicer car to me.

Stay with the 'lais mate, they are awesome cars

CC

Scooter79 · #8 09-07-2008, 09:29 AM

I'd seriously consider leaving Holden for a Toyota Aurion Sportivo. 200kw 3.5L V6 and average fuel consumption of under 10L/100. Very nice looking car too. I'd better put on my flame suit

But seriously I think for the next few years at least I'm sticking with what I've got.

Cousin Slow Poke · #9 09-07-2008, 10:21 AM

The biggest problem Toyota have is they dont make RWD cars!!! If they did, Im sure a LOT of Ford and Holden owners would switch!

Scooter79 · #10 09-07-2008, 11:08 AM

I think there was a 'RWD vs FWD' thread about 12 months ago so I don't want this thread to go the same way. But me personally, I'm not one for taking my car to track days or burnout comps so FWD wouldnt be a big deal to me. Then again any fans of 'Top Gear' will see little European FWD cars doing hot laps on a weekly basis and they handle quite well.

Holdfast · #11 09-07-2008, 11:49 AM

Airstrike Plus

davey g-force · #12 09-07-2008, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scooter79

Honestly after test driving the SV6 and then driving away in the trusty old VS I kind of prefer the VS. The VE left me felling a little... 'Meh, whats all the fuss about'. I know that sounds silly but for one thing I kind of have a preference for the L67 motor. Sure it's slower and old technology but it's pretty much bullet proof. Plus with some simple bolt on mods you can make it reasonably quick. Also I like the interior of the VSII calais. I know I'm going to have someone reply commenting that I'm comparing apples to oranges but I just can't justify forking over a large chunk of money when I'm still more than happy with what I have now. I can't see the point in upgrading just for the sake of upgrading.

Scooter, I'm in the same boat as you. I'm due for an upgrade in December this year and hence have test driven a couple of SSV's. I too thought 'Meh, whats all the fuss about'. I mean they're pretty nice and all, but my VY SS has a nicer interior IMO and feels just as quick! Plus there's absolutely nothing wrong with my car and I've never had any problems with it. Plus all these little issues with VE's I'm reading about on this forum has kinda turned me off a bit.

I can see the point in upgrading though - I like driving something fairly new, so we'll see what happens in December...

Cousin Slow Poke · #13 09-07-2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davey g-force

Plus all these little issues with VE's I'm reading about on this forum has kinda turned me off a bit.

You do know the problems you read about on forums are in the minority?

had two VEs and both have had two problems that were completely fixed under warranty (while in for services anyway).