Test drive results {VY Exec}

[Tammy]

Hi guys,
I took a 08/2003 VY for a test drive today {102,000kms for $12,850} it was at a Holdens used car center.
When the car was started I stood at the back and checked for smoke. It had a quick puff that looked more like vapour than smoke but hubby said he smelt petrol? It was only a puff though and was gone after a few seconds. Is this something I should be concerned with do you think?
It also had brake shudder but the salesman assured me that this would be fixed {they actually drove it straight into the workshop as we were leaving} its last service was at 93,000kms. It did have a few minor scratches and a couple of rather small dents that can probably be buffed off. It has a factory tow bar {which is the straight one} Should I ask for the previous owners number to find out what they have been towing with it?
It didn't have cruise control which we would like. Is it possible to fit cruise control later? Is that hard to do or expensive?
Carsguide - Vehicle details (dealer used)

We also went back to the dealer with the VZ. It was still there. 139,000kms for $11,990. Hubby took it for a drive and it made a rattling sound that I could hear up the street for longer than I would have liked.

I really appreciate your input guys

[stoged]

Hi,
I just bought my 03 VY executive four days ago from a used holden dealership. Now the kms are fairly high sitting at 170,000 but with full service history nothing breaking the 6000km mark. The body is imaculate, no scratches, dings, rips, worn marks in the interior or anything, and no noise or funny smells coming from anywhere.

Now 4 days isn't enough time to safely say it was an excelent deal because im sure im bound to find something wrong sooner or later. But i got mine for 8,990.

I think you could find a better deal.

[Tammy]

Where the heck are you guys getting these cars from
We've looked and looked...auctions, private, car yards and they are all around the same prices??

Are you guys interstate? I'm in South Oz

[scottifa]

You can try Pickles Auctions. Not all their cars are auctioned off, some are simply for sale. I got my 03 series II acclaim with 113000kms for $12400. An excellent buy. A dealership prolly would have spent a few hundred dollars fixing minor scratches and sold it for around $14000 so it was really good value. Find out where the nearest pickles is and go have a look.

[GOTMYN]

Hi, I bought Mine 2 years ago, 80,000k's, full service history from new, 1 owner, $12000.....

All I can say, is with 120,000 on the clock now, it has been a great car!!
Not one problem with it!! Not even a flat tyre...lol..

i tow my boat with mine, Done plenty of long trips in it, and it has never missed a beat, My brakes are shuddering, this is just warped disc's...Very standard!!, A quick Machining, and they are sweet again!!

VY is a great Car In My Opinion..........

[Tammy]

haahaa Thanks. Here I was starting to think that $12,000 was too much. Sounds like its just the right price.
Chrisso, sounds like you got an awesome car

and yeah, we've been looking at Pickles car auctions online. Heaps of VX's VY's and VZ's.
Does anyone know do you get any warranties with Pickles?

[andyman]

i think you may get a compulsary 3 months

[mmrdb]

I thought auction cars dont have any warranty (unless its the balance of the new car warranty). By the way, the VY should have cruise as standard equipment!

[Flat_White]

I thought auction cars dont have any warranty (unless its the balance of the new car warranty). By the way, the VY should have cruise as standard equipment!

you get warranty as long as the car is not over 10years old or has done more than 150,000m's

[mmrdb]

But does the warranty apply if you buy the car at an auction?

[Flat_White]

But does the warranty apply if you buy the car at an auction?

yes that is wat i mean.

[electricmonk]

Went to CAA yesterday and they do not have warranty...unless you pay for it. Government auctions specifically state no warranty. I would assume Pickles would be the same.
I just want to know why a vx executive 2002 with 130000 on the clock can be more than a vy executive 2003 with 110000. Both cars are in the same condition. It's like pot luck with pricing on Commodores

[andyman]

Went to CAA yesterday and they do not have warranty...unless you pay for it. Government auctions specifically state no warranty. I would assume Pickles would be the same.
I just want to know why a vx executive 2002 with 130000 on the clock can be more than a vy executive 2003 with 110000. Both cars are in the same condition. It's like pot luck with pricing on Commodores

manheim fowles give a 3 month warrenty, as said before for around 10 year old or upto 150,000kms

i was under the impression that an car dealer has a compulsary 3 months, anything extra is is upto them

[electricmonk]

Sorry I was talking about auction houses in SA Yes dealers give warranty with certain conditions, over $3000, under 150000k's and I think it's under 10 years old. A lot will try to sell extra warranty as well however I am not so sure that it's worth it

[andyman]

auction houses in SA Yes dealers give warranty

auction places are classed as dealers still i believe

[electricmonk]

Well she decided on the first VY she looked at. $12107 on road no more to pay. It comes with a five year "National Warranties" platinum warranty. It's a series II Exec, white plain boring...sorry where was I? Oh yeah what clauses could you recommend to put in the contract. We want a mechanical check and I want a written warranty that if the car leaks oil in the first few weeks it will be fixed to my satisfaction. We will also be making sure that the Dealer Warranty is not forfeit with the 5yr warranty they provide. Any advice would be appreciated at this time as she signs the papers tomorrow.

[vy_storm]

Well she decided on the first VY she looked at. $12107 on road no more to pay. It comes with a five year "National Warranties" platinum warranty. It's a series II Exec, white plain boring...sorry where was I? Oh yeah what clauses could you recommend to put in the contract. We want a mechanical check and I want a written warranty that if the car leaks oil in the first few weeks it will be fixed to my satisfaction. We will also be making sure that the Dealer Warranty is not forfeit with the 5yr warranty they provide. Any advice would be appreciated at this time as she signs the papers tomorrow.

Definately get an RAA check for what they are worth.

[electricmonk]

I used to believe that before I purchased my verada. There were a stack of things they did not pick up, even the simplest thing like the car had been in a front on accident. I picked it up a year later when I was under the car and saw the over spray on the cross member and a few other places. It was the full check and body was on the list..mind you he did pick up that it needed windscreen wiper blades. Then the President of the Statesman club I was in left the Air force and was working for a large mobile mechanic company for a whole two months before going back to the military. He said he had never met a bigger bunch of sharks in his life. But then if I don't get it checked something could be missed. Ahh what a lovely situation

[scottifa]

haahaa Thanks. Here I was starting to think that $12,000 was too much. Sounds like its just the right price.
Chrisso, sounds like you got an awesome car

and yeah, we've been looking at Pickles car auctions online. Heaps of VX's VY's and VZ's.
Does anyone know do you get any warranties with Pickles?

It's your choice. They do offer a 3 year warranty. It was about $300 extra but it covers major parts so if my transmission falls out or the engine ****s itself then you are covered.
While you cant test drive the cars, you can perform a few checks yourself. Try starting the car and engaging drive and reverse. You can move the car forward and back a bit. See how quickly the car engages the gears. This can give some indication of the condition of the gearbox.
Having someone with you who know a bit about engines will help too.
Most of the cars there are ex fleet cars. Mine was an Esanda fleet car so it has a full service history. Once I bought it, I had it serviced to see if there were any nasty surprises. Luckily I had bought a gem. If it had been a lemon I would have sold it and Im sure I would have been able to get my money back if not more!