question?? re: 2001 vx commodore exec

[dc22]

Hey everyone

Just looking for some info regarding a commodore, preferably from an owner.
Im looking at buying a 2001 vx of my mates brother but its done around 226,000km...should that be a concern? i know that most of his km's are freeway diving (melb to werribee).

i dont do that much driving (8000-10,000 kms per year) and i only want the car for 4-5 years max, so im hoping i can get to 280-300,000 trouble free kms

i havent had a good look at the car yet but there has been no serious problems or accident damage, and it is stock standard -no mods and im pretty sure it is a series I so im thinking of paying no more than $5k

is that around the mark or am i dreaming? ive heard he wants around $7k but im not willing to pay that.

any advice, thoughts or comments would be appreciated, good or bad....

thanks.

[dc22]

thoughts...?

[feistl]

Hmm, does it include roadworthy and rego?

The car is probably worth between $5k and 7k... at least you know the history of the car (providing he's telling the truth).

Kms are starting to get up there, but if you give it a full service and treat it properly it should easily do 300,000+ kms.
Budget in around $1k for a full service if your doing it yourself (could be more at a mechanics).

Personally, for that sort of money i would be getting a VTII Calais with ~150,000kms. Much better car to drive and own, and with less kms its going to last longer.
As a general rule its better to get a slightly older but higher spec model, than a new entry level one.

Comparison...
http://www.redbook.com.au/used-cars/...d=12607AB77A88

The calais has these extra features over the vx exec....

10 Speaker Stereo
Climate Control
Side + Passenger Airbags
Alarm
CD Stacker
Traction Control
Cruise Control
Electric Passenger Seat
Fog Lights
Leather Steering Wheel
Power Windows

It might be a few years older, but its a much better car.

Not sure where your located... but just as an example

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...s=47&silo=1011

VTII Calais with 165,00kms for $7k from a dealer. Thats a much much better buy compared to your mates VX Exec with 220,000kms and no real warranty...

[dc22]

thanks for the reply feistl

the car has rwc but im not sure how long to run on the rego.

i agree that the VTII calais is a better ride, and value given the extra features, but im hoping to pick up the vx exec fairly cheap (5k) as the seller is getting a company car and is pretty keen to sell quickly.

my main concern is the k's and hoping that nothing major needs doing in the next 3-5 years, my old mans 94 falcon is going strong but only done 150,000kms, so id really like to get opinions from vx andother holden drivers.

but i guess it is always a gamble with a used car....

[feistl]

thanks for the reply feistl

the car has rwc but im not sure how long to run on the rego.

i agree that the VTII calais is a better ride, and value given the extra features, but im hoping to pick up the vx exec fairly cheap (5k) as the seller is getting a company car and is pretty keen to sell quickly.

my main concern is the k's and hoping that nothing major needs doing in the next 3-5 years, my old mans 94 falcon is going strong but only done 150,000kms, so id really like to get opinions from vx andother holden drivers.

but i guess it is always a gamble with a used car....

Thats fine. I was just getting at using that as a bargaining chip.... saying "why would i buy yours when i can buy this for x amount".

If it helps my mates VT (Same engine/driveline) has done just over 320,000kms without a major issue. Although we do service it pretty often using good quality parts.

As mentioned in a few threads... provided you take car of the car it should last 500,000+ kms. I would still recommend a full service when you get it, eg Engine/Diff/Trans oils + filters, Coolant, brake fluid, plugs, leads, fuel filter, air filter.. Also check for error codes and possibly the O2 sensors.

Make sure the car shifts smoothly. The gearboxes are the weaker part of the design. Also rub your hand above the back wheels... if you get a whole bunch of little black rubber balls, it means the cars been doing burnouts.

Drive the car and listen for the common things like rattles, diff whines etc. Check error codes as this will give you a fairly good idea if anythings wrong.

Cheers

[dc22]

thanks for the advice, im pretty sure the car has been looked after well and given thats is stock standard - no mods, i dont thinks its been thrashed (he's not the type of guy anyways) just seems a good buy.

yeah i was thinking that a major service would be required for my own piece of mind and i'll def have a mechanic take a good look at it before making a decision.