Looking to buy a SV6

[squiddles]

Howdy,

I'm looking to buy a VZ SV6 in the next few days as my last car was written off about a month ago I'm willing to spend upto a max of $20k and was wondering a few things:

Any known faults with SV6's?
Anything to look for before buying?
How much would you pay for one around 80k - 120k km's in really good nick?

I haven't driven one yet, but I've been in one, and have pretty much fallen in love with the car, to the detriment of my bank account.

Also, is it worth looking at the Holden Certified ones that come with a 3yr/175,000km warranties?

[ashbox]

max i'd spend on a mint auto would be 16, manual's fetch a bit more but they're worth it.

holdens certified warranty isn't worth the paper its written on ie must service so often at such as such place, wont cover this and wont cover that.

bcm's are known to be faulty but fixable thru dr.bob or holdens for a bit of cash.
oxy sensors ( i haven't had this yet)
there was a recall on 05 model vz's with side airbags (faulty mounting bracket)

theres def more but i can't think of them.

i picked my auto sv6 up for 15700 at auction just over a year ago in reasonable nick with 59000kms on the clock and full service history.

would i buy one again - No, i would get the calais, much nicer looking and better equiped and you can generally pick them up for around 20k, same motor/trans if you get the 6 just a better car i believe.

[JBDrifter]

If you're spending up to $20k why not look at some Calais'? When I bought mine I was looking at SV6's as well but ended up in a Calais, was surprised how cheap they were going for to be honest!

You still get the 190kW engine, but you also get all the extra luxury features inside. Body kit isn't as aggressive, but still aggressive enough while looking very classy. Suspension is also stiffer in the SV6, which might be slightly better for performance but the Calais' suspension is still an upgrade from the standard in the Exec's, so in my opinion provide the perfect balance for comfort and performance.

Think about it... you wont regret it if you do decide on the Calais... you'll get something very decent for $20k. Unless you were set on a manual... then you'll need an SV6.

[84dez]

also depends on what state ur in u could buy mine if u want,

[Kal123]

Another vote for the Calais.

For basically the same price, the Calais is a much nicer car.

If I had my time again, I'd definetly get the Calais.

[BXHD]

im different, i wanted the calais, but got the SV6 and im so glad i did! they look a lot sportier and i love the body kit. yes the calais has added extras, it depends on how much u are going to spend. i got my SV6 for $15,500 with 105,xxx kms and apparently the engine is in fantastic nic. (got it checked over by mechanics and panel beaters) but the diff isnt as good as it could be, apparently VZ diffs can screw up.
id get a manual SV6 if i were u! i got auto
goodluck with ur decision, and post a ride thread when u get the beast

[squiddles]

Yeah, I've been looking around at SV6 prices in Melbourne, seems to be around 19k-20k sticker price from dealers, and around 15-16k private. Pretty much any car is a big step up from what I had (had the grandfolks 1.6L KF Ford Laser, massive pos). I'll look into the Calais, but the SV6's looks are winning me over at the moment.

I would really like to spend around 15 -16 k, with around 3k in cash, rest on finance. Also does anyone have a guesstimate for full comp insurance, lowest I could find was 1.3k a year for 21yo driver on P's (for another year and a bit).

[PaulSV6]

Well here's my 2 cents:

So far since everyone that has posted has a auto SV6. Ill tell you it took me about 3 months to find one that was a 6spd & blue. So you'll spend abit more time finding a manual but you never know u mite get lucky!
I bought mine in May '08 with 40690km for $23,250. Ive have noticed now you can get them for around $15-$20k mark but if your willing to spend $20k then as said why not have a look at a Calais.

Ashbox has already point out the main issue's associated with the SV6 but so far on mine i havent had any, just make sure it's serviced regular & looked after

[brockee]

ever thought of buying a decent commie model ie.... hsv vt gts vx clubsport and so on theyh are a good price an off course gunna be worth i bit more than an sv6 in time to come ..and also ive hada vz was a very nice looka but they ajust like a vacuum cleaner gutless and chew the juice jus my 2 cents mate!!!ls1 all the way

[Kal123]

Hahaha righto.. You do realise that most SV6 owners are on P Plate restrictions?

And I think anyone would much prefer a new VZ to and old VT lol.

[BXHD]

Hahaha righto.. You do realise that most SV6 owners are on P Plate restrictions?

And I think anyone would much prefer a new VZ to and old VT lol.

YUPPERSSSS.
p plate restricions, plus i wanted a newish car.

[the_trademarc]

Ah the joys of being off ya P's! LOL!

Mate, personally, I couldn't drive a Calais, only cuz I can't stand an Auto. If you want a manual (and there is a big difference once you get the shift shortened), you can't got past a SV6. You could pick one up for 17-18 stock.
However, if you're looking at an Auto, and you got the cash, then consider the Calais. It depends on how desperate you are. Like PaulSV6 said, it took him 3 months to find a manual, it took me 6 (in 07, albeit). So if you desperately need one, then consider the Calais, which actually looks quite sweet and different from the rest of the range. But if you have time to spare, look for a decent Manual SV6. Best 6-cyl vehicle in the range, hands down in my opinion.

[HoldrodeoLT]

I hear the lag on the Electronic Throttle Control is a let down..
But im happy to be proven wrong..

[GTRwilson]

I hear the lag on the Electronic Throttle Control is a let down..
But im happy to be proven wrong..

My SV6 doesnt have any lag. The box is a lil slow in dropping back a gear or two as its auto but throttle wise no complaints.

p.s. buy mine lol.

[mattsv6]

Having owned an SV6 for the past 3 years, here is my thoughts:

Pros:
* Looks good with SS kit
* Handles great compared to other car's ive owned/driven
* Mechanically reliable - havent had many probs with the alloytec

Cons:
* Torque is terrible
* Very tall gearing means it doesnt accel quickly from a standing start
* Paddle shifts in the 5 speed auto arent as snappy as you would like
* Eletronic throttle is shit - wish i could convert to a cable setup.

Would I buy one again? Nope... I wish I got a XR6 turbo or VY SS.

Hope this helps.

[the_trademarc]

Having owned an SV6 for the past 3 years, here is my thoughts:

Pros:
* Looks good with SS kit
* Handles great compared to other car's ive owned/driven
* Mechanically reliable - havent had many probs with the alloytec

Cons:
* Torque is terrible
* Very tall gearing means it doesnt accel quickly from a standing start
* Paddle shifts in the 5 speed auto arent as snappy as you would like
* Eletronic throttle is shit - wish i could convert to a cable setup.

Would I buy one again? Nope... I wish I got a XR6 turbo or VY SS.

Hope this helps.

Do you think a VZ SS would have the same problems? I'd say the gearing is different (5th and 6th are overdrive gears I believe)
Having said that, there's a few VZ SS and SV8 goin for around 16-19k on CarSales and Autotrader, have a geez at those (Auto though)

[squiddles]

Do you think a VZ SS would have the same problems? I'd say the gearing is different (5th and 6th are overdrive gears I believe)
Having said that, there's a few VZ SS and SV8 goin for around 16-19k on CarSales and Autotrader, have a geez at those (Auto though)

Would love to, but I'm on my P's and can't touch a V8

[Ruzz]

Yeh im on p's too! It's up there with the most powerful car's we can drive.
i got mine last month for 13geez 100,000kms and sunroof off a customers so knew the service history and over the time they had it the battery, alternator and 4cyl coil crapped themselves since new.
The torque and launch aight that great but i plan to fix with a higher ratio lsd and vcm tune.
Other then that pretty awesome car for the time being on p's. Drive one! If you like it, Get one!

[PaulSV6]

Do you think a VZ SS would have the same problems? I'd say the gearing is different (5th and 6th are overdrive gears I believe)
Having said that, there's a few VZ SS and SV8 goin for around 16-19k on CarSales and Autotrader, have a geez at those (Auto though)

Yes, cause the SS shares the same electronic throttle system & no, the SS has the 4 spd auto not the 5 spd.

[Fishman88]

Go the Calais!! i was looking at SV6's but then realised i can afford a Calais. They are a much classier car inside and out. Cant beat the Calais dash!! a pleasure to drive at night. Same engine/transmission so why not a Calais with all the features. I never loooked back.

[the_trademarc]

Yes, cause the SS shares the same electronic throttle system & no, the SS has the 4 spd auto not the 5 spd.

Sweet, I was referring to the Manual in terms of the gearing, but cool anyway