VQ Statesman, should I, or shouldn't I

[PJVedderGirl]

(X-Posted by mistake.. sorry mods )

Hi guys,

About now, I had planned on updating my VR for something a bit more special, but miracle of all miracles, hubby and I are buying our first house, and the car monies have dropped a fair bit. I'm not a fan of car loans, do it all cash in hand, debt free sorta thing.

So.. I did want a VS Statesman, or Calais, but I've seen a nice enough VQ in the trader, and we're going to check her out tomorrow. It's a 5 litre, so first of all, could someone give me a better view of how much petrol is going to cost me. We'll still be keeping the VR, so during the week, it'll really only be used for school trips, and local shops. If longer outings are needed, I can always swap for the commy. Soooo... stupid idea wanting a V8 ?? Also, the new house is in walking distance to the school, so maybe less driving will be done. So... V8 drivers... on an average week, how much would you be looking at spending on fuel ??

Also, can VQ owners give me a few helpful hints as to what to look for when we go see it. I've always wanted one, but I'd rather look rationally at it, I don't wanna get goo goo eyes when I get there, and buy it just cause i want it lol.

Any comments welcome

Thanks

PJ

[TVR-161]

Ive heard that the V8's actually do quite well on the fuel, if you drive them sensibly.

[HoZy]

Well put it this way, My old VQ SII Statesman was better on fuel than my VN Ecotec... That VQ got written off an I'm picking up another VQ this Saturday but I'm getting a VQ SII Caprice, with sunroof/foglights/abs etc...

Fuel economy of an 8 is great an you won't ever be late

[greenfoam]

Great car to get for highway cruising but a bit silly for short trips to drop the kids at school, it'a big engine and takes along time to warm up (and to cool down), while cold they suck the juice a bit. You would be much better off with a lpg AU falcon or a little car and put the money in the house and the kids. The 10-20 bucks you save a week that can be going on the house loan turns into 50!? bucks a week in the long term if that money doesn't go to the house.

I know it's not so romantic as a VQ and I'm not even that sensible myself but if I was ever lucky enough to be in your position, I'd drop the VP 5 litre in a second for a 1.5 litre Honda , the only reason I have it really is because my life has no purpose at all so for me it doesn't really matter if I have money or not

[hemi01]

Jeez 'Foam, you allright there. You have at least one grand purpose in life. Hotting up old cars by GM and flogging them for short distances. Just like Victor Bray.

[greenfoam]

oh yeah well come to think of it if I'm really lucky my banana plants will arrive today and I've been waiting 6 years for them, so that's something to keep me entertained over summer !

[Mack]

Originally Posted by greenfoam

Great car to get for highway cruising but a bit silly for short trips to drop the kids at school, it'a big engine and takes along time to warm up (and to cool down), while cold they suck the juice a bit. You would be much better off with a lpg AU falcon or a little car and put the money in the house and the kids. The 10-20 bucks you save a week that can be going on the house loan turns into 50!? bucks a week in the long term if that money doesn't go to the house.

I know it's not so romantic as a VQ and I'm not even that sensible myself but if I was ever lucky enough to be in your position, I'd drop the VP 5 litre in a second for a 1.5 litre Honda , the only reason I have it really is because my life has no purpose at all so for me it doesn't really matter if I have money or not

I agree with you there Jase. I woudnt get a VQ for funning about town, its not practical, long highway trips SURE, but going to the shops and school its not worth it, better of with a smaller car. Best of luck!

[vnv8driver]

Things to look out for are, shonky steering which includes shudders, bumps vibrations, etc. Check to see the transmission kicks down and upshifts properly at moderate acceleration, see if it will start a few times first time every time, check the front seats that they arent worn and wonky when you go around corners, any abnormal noises when the motors idling, excess smoke coming out of the rocker cover with the cap off after the motors been shut down, interior sqeaks, bad camber issues in the rear, and not so powerful when its stock... Im sure theres more bu thats a good start..

Just be wary of the transmission and motor/suspension and you cant go wrong.

[Wagon_Wheel]

Personally i would buy it, but thats me, and i dont have kids or a house and what not.
Short trips are the killer in the V8, most of my trips are only 5 mins to work or to the shop and i average about 17L/100 k's, but as soon as i hit the highway fuel consumtion is awesome

[VR304]

i only put $50 a week but i dont drive my car during the week only on friday nights and sat
i average around 17L / 100 not to bad i guess 30litres gets me 180kms.. but as said short trips are a no go with 5litres lol

[STEALTHY™]

Both my 5Ls are awesome on short trips.

My work is only 8 minutes from home, so the car barely has time to warm up.