VX 'S' pack or Belina

[dukeleto]

Okay, this is my first post, and first time I've bought a car in years.. so after some friendly advice if I may.

I'm looking at getting a VX series Berlina or 'S' pack either later this year or very early next year.

I'm wondering what the main difference is between the two, and if there is much of a price difference between them in the second hand market. ie is the Berlina slightly more expensive because it's considered to be more of a luxury car?

Also, if I am looking at trading this car in at some point in the future, which of the two options would provide better trade-in value.

In this series, what were the changes made between series I and II, and are the differences enough to show a preference for the series II?

Finally, assuming I'm prepared to pay for the assumed pricier option (berlina?) would it be better to go for that as the chances of a berlina being "better" cared for over the 'S' pack are higher?

Thanks for any help or advice offered.

[daggett]

Well, where to start is the question....
The Berlina & 'S' Pack Commodore are two different builds! With the Berlina you have much more "options" to play with i.e Climate Control A/C, V6, Supercharged V6 or the mighty 5.7L V8, you only get the option of auto, but you gain much more creature conformts. Just have a look on CarPoint or somewhere similar and they will have listings on the specs or some of the other guys/girls here maybe be able to get into a little more detail.

The 'S' Pack is a more "Sporty" package, so not so many comforts like no Climate Control, Harder Fe2 Sport Suspension (Great handeling though), you can get leather but very rare! Get the option of auto or manual, manuals being harder to find. Only get the choice of two engines V6 or Supercharged V6 and the Supercharged 6 does NOT come in the manual, so unfortunally have to do the work yourself there if you want more power. The 'S' Pack is basically an executive with body kit and sports sus.

Berlina is for sure going to be worth more than the 'S' Pack but bother depend on options that have been selected when pervious owner(s) had the car & how many K's are on it. Series II is always going to be better than I, Series two had more upgrade and better engine refinement.

So the question is do you luxury or sports?

The other guys might have more time to expand this into much more detail.

Cheers.

[Robbie]

I have a VT Berlina and I prefer it over the S-Pack

Putting Fe2 in is not a great cost and some Berlina's would already have it.

It does depend on whether you want sporty or luxury seats. Other than that Chris hit the nail on the head. The S -pack is just an Exec with better seats, suspension and a bodykit. You might get bigger wheels but if you are going to put your own on anyway that's a waste.

I think when i was buying it was about $1000 more for the berlina over the Exec. Not sure about the S-Pack. That was private sales. It might be an idea to compare the features and then the prices of ones you find. I don't think there will be a huge difference in price. and hey, you might find a nice Berlina going cheap. if you are patient you will.

Cheers,

Robbie

[dukeleto]

Thanks for all of that guys!

[namzie]

i own a vx S and have driven a vx berlina as well.
the berlina had the Fe2 suspension but what i found was that with the extra options, the berlina is a much heavier car. bring heavier would mean its slower to drive and also more thirsty on the petrol..
my s-pack is much lighter and much more fun to drive!!

berlina or s-pack ? i'd choose the s-pack because i really dont need climate control or the ugly woodgrain.. i'd prefer a lighter and more fun/sportier car

(btw, im 18 so my opinion would be different to the older generation) :P

[ads_german]

I'd agree that Chris has pretty well summed up the differences between the 2 models.

As far as Series 1 vs Series 2 goes - they're mostly minor revisions, except those made to the rear suspension - essentially the changes fixed the problem of the wheels leaning in at the top so much, especially under heavy load or acceleration (excessive positive camber? - someone with a bit more technical knowledge might correct me here). This leads to premature tyre wear - owners of vt's and vx 1's can tell you they chew through the inside edge of rear tyres in no time. If you can find a series 2 at the right price, I reckon it would be worth it for the extra control arm on the suspension alone.

[MaNiac_VP]

Yes all good responses.
The S is cheaper, but very plain interior & not many options - and the seats are either 'love them or hate them' pattern!

The berlina has much nicer feel to it, more refined and classy, lots of electrics and nicer trimmings. Probably better for a family who wouldn't drive the car very hard and who would prefer the extra luxuries..

Insurance would be very similar, but the Berlina is more expensive than the S.

[VXWAGMAN]

I'd say go the Berlina. Much more confort. The S and SS and even some of the Clubby's dont even sport climate control which to me seems pretty cheap but you know Holden. You get better qualitytrim in the Berlina. The Berlina is much more classy than the S. To me the S is just a poor man's SS. Somebody who can't afford to run a V8. So I'd say go the Berlina!

[Berlina]

I may be biased, but.........
GO THE BERLINA

[Storm]

Hi peoples,

First post here! I have a VX Berlina and it has all the luxury go gear as well as a supercharged V6 and FE2 suspension. Great ride and plenty of power to boot, even though a few FIT mods would be nice.

Ciao ...

[prettyboringbloke]

Berlina... got one... love it. Insurance is cheaper as the S is considered "sports" by many insurance companies (my ins $280). Love the luxury, the GenIII, woodgrain, climate, leather S/W, oh and it is Looooow