Is the SV6 the way to go?

[Holden_Man]

I've read all the reviews I could find on the VZ SV6 and they seem like an awesome car. We're going to update some time this year. I'd like to hear from those that actually own and drive them. Are they as good and reliable as the reviews claim them to be?

[ruffiano]

Loving mine... Spend a couple of hours doing the 2 hole MCAI, it's worth it. But I still get a big dirty grin every time I get in it and drive it....

[Holden_Man]

Loving mine... Spend a couple of hours doing the 2 hole MCAI, it's worth it. But I still get a big dirty grin every time I get in it and drive it....

Thanks for the reply. I have no idea what the "2 hole MCAI" is, but I'll google it lol. Thanks again.

[ruffiano]

Search for it in here, there's a great 'how to guide' for it

[torana355]

To be brutally honest i like my SV6 but not a day goes by where i don't wish i had of got a V8.

[Holden_Man]

To be brutally honest i like my SV6 but not a day goes by where i don't wish i had of got a V8.

Owning a V8 is just a personal desire or do you feel the SV6 actually lacks something with the 3.6?

I've got practicality on my mind. The wife wants to go HSV. I don't see the value in them. With the budget we'll have, V8s aren't really an option and according to the reviews the V8s are either a hit or a miss and apparently most are oil burners. This is just what I've read. I much prefer to hear from those that own and drive them. Appreciate your input. Pity I couldn't get the same response from the HSV forum lol.

[ruffiano]

The big advantage of the Sv6 is the fuel efficiency over the V8, 200Kw is nothing to sneeze at, nice for everyday. But a V8.. well that's a whole different kettle of fish....

[torana355]

Owning a V8 is just a personal desire or do you feel the SV6 actually lacks something with the 3.6?

I've got practicality on my mind. The wife wants to go HSV. I don't see the value in them. With the budget we'll have, V8s aren't really an option and according to the reviews the V8s are either a hit or a miss and apparently most are oil burners. This is just what I've read. I much prefer to hear from those that own and drive them. Appreciate your input. Pity I couldn't get the same response from the HSV forum lol.

No the SV6 is not lacking to the point that a V8 is a necessity but i do prefer the extra grunt and better sound of the V8. From what you have said im guessing the SV6 would be excellent for what you want. I say go for it mate. The only issues ive had are fairly minor ones the worst being the water pump leaking which can happen to any car (was cheap to fix anyway). I definitely love the handling and the ride comfort aswell.

[Holden_Man]

Thanks for taking the time to respond guys. Appreciate it.

[WogBoyz]

my dad had vz sv6 ute, it rides and handels very smooth and thats lowered on 18s too

[ashbox]

had one for 2 years, would i buy another, yes but only if it was manual.
and tbh, the ss that replaced it is just as economical, mainly cos of the 6 speed.

i had a few issues with mine, water pump went, radiator cap went, bcm shit itself, clock spring went, diff backlash and prob a few more that i cant remember.

[Vt_vic]

the v8 can be just as economical as the v6 i would never go back to a v6 again after having a ecotec though

[Holden_Man]

had one for 2 years, would i buy another, yes but only if it was manual.
and tbh, the ss that replaced it is just as economical, mainly cos of the 6 speed.

i had a few issues with mine, water pump went, radiator cap went, bcm shit itself, clock spring went, diff backlash and prob a few more that i cant remember.

Thanks mate. Are these common problems for the VZ?

the v8 can be just as economical as the v6 i would never go back to a v6 again after having a ecotec though

The V8 is simply out of the question and really isn't necessary for us. Just need a good reliable car to get us to where we need to go. My revhead days ended a good 15 years ago.

[ashbox]

bcm, water pump, radiator cap and some backlash are common, most pumps and caps seem to have gone at around 90thou.
you'll know when the bcm gives up cos your indicators will stick on, and i can't remember why the clock spring went but it wasn't a common thing.

[MattMarkey]

get a vz calais. thats wat i have got, its a dream...
the alloytec 190 is a good engine, enough power. and with the sequencial shift in them is a bit of fun when u feel like it

[Holden_Man]

get a vz calais. thats wat i have got, its a dream...
the alloytec 190 is a good engine, enough power. and with the sequencial shift in them is a bit of fun when u feel like it

I just checked them out. My kind of car. Unfortunately I don't have the final say this time lol. I expect a thumbs down for the Calais. I'm arguing with someone that wants a HSV. I'll point them out, but I don't like the Calais chances. Thanks anyway mate.

[cjw.891]

if my miss's wanted a v8 i wouldnt be argueing with her. i have a sv6, its a good car, never had truoble's witth it. mine is a 6 speed and i drove an auto the other day and its just not the same as a manual, so recommend you get a manual.

[John_ls1]

VZ calais is an awesome car. if your only getting an auto i would definitely get the calais. so many more features than the SV6. if you get a non R8 HSV they are reasonably priced but insurance for any HSV is not cheap.

[Holden_Man]

if my miss's wanted a v8 i wouldnt be argueing with her. i have a sv6, its a good car, never had truoble's witth it. mine is a 6 speed and i drove an auto the other day and its just not the same as a manual, so recommend you get a manual.

I'm at a point where I think about insurance, rego, fuel and what the car will be used for and there's absolutely no reason to buy a V8. We don't tow anything. We're lucky if we do 10,000 kms a year. Not necessary.

[MOIRAE]

I bought a VZ acclaim...mainly due to the deal I was getting and the ridiculously good condition of the car.

But not a day goes by when I don't drive past the VZ SV6 up the road and I think to myself I bought the wrong car.

And then I drive past the smexy VZ Calais a bit further up the road and I definitely know I bought the wrong car.

As posted above, a Cal can just be freakin awesome. And so could the SV6...both have many positives.

That said....my 175kw Acclaim is a damn nice car. Damn nice car.

I want a V8 also. Would love one. I always manage to talk myself out of it though. My day to day commute just makes it difficult.

Personally, I would search high and low for a really good Calais. A Phantom mica one with the cream leather interior. Seriously sexy car...in my opinion.

But I dig the SV6's also :P.

I see your dilemma. :P

[PaulSV6]

Reliable, great handling, sports look. 6 spd manual box is awesome.

In the 22 months ive owned mine, ive never had an issue. Only major parts ive replaced is the water pump & top/bottom rad hoses. Also u cant go by the fuel eco on this car, outstanding!

Definitely go for it, you'll enjoy it

[Holden_Man]

Seriously sexy car...in my opinion.

But I dig the SV6's also :P.

I see your dilemma. :P

Hi Moirae. Thanks for the feedback. I have to admit, your opinion is valid. I find them a sexy beast as well. Not keen on the rims, but they can be easily changed. However, they are a beautiful car. Thanks again.

[Holden_Man]

Reliable, great handling, sports look. 6 spd manual box is awesome.

In the 22 months ive owned mine, ive never had an issue. Only major parts ive replaced is the water pump & top/bottom rad hoses. Also u cant go by the fuel eco on this car, outstanding!

Definitely go for it, you'll enjoy it

Thanks Paul. Love to get a look at your black roof lining. Water pumps are a common problem then. Is that the same for all late model V6s? Little matter. I'm still buying Holden regardless. Thanks Paul.

[torana355]

I will also chime in and recommend the manual as i got the 5 speed auto and it what great at first but after a while when you are in a driving mood the auto just does not cut it lol. Also the new model Commodore is coming out soon so you should wait and get a VE SV6 then.

[PaulSV6]

Thanks Paul. Love to get a look at your black roof lining. Water pumps are a common problem then. Is that the same for all late model V6s? Little matter. I'm still buying Holden regardless. Thanks Paul.

No worries mate & thanx for the comment. Just check out my ride thread.

All i know is that the VZ V6's suffer from early water pump failure