ATT : SV6 Owners ONLY

[Aggro_VE]

Hi guys, I will be in the market for a VZ commodore just after the new year, and the SV6 has me very interested, mind you this won't be brand new, will be second hand. I wish to know from your own personal experience what do you love and loathe about the car, even if it's only minor things, mainly the alloytec/paint/gearbox issues if any.(Prefer the A5, BUT I want to hear from manual owners too) Interior is basically VY with a few tweaks so I'm not to worry about that area, since it's been around since 2002. Please be honest and provide as much information as you can . I will be very appreciative, then I can know exactly what to look for when the time comes. Again I remind it's for owners of SV6's, not people who have driven them for a week or a month, I wish to know the long term drive experience. I do understand the model has only been out since Aug last year, but 12 months is a long time and I wish to get your feedback during that time. The fuel consumption thread has proved VERY useful in that aspect.

Cheers
Ryan

[Crofty]

My father has had his SV6 since last friday... Does that count?! haha... Ill just say that from what ive experienced of it so far is BLOODY awesome. The power is much better then that of a executive etc and the body shell just looks better overall.. There hasnt been a day yet where we havent seen someone stare at it (not sure if it is becuase it looks new or it is an sv6 - im thinking both reasons)... They sound beutiful and drive great! Id definatley reccomend an sv6 over another Holden in the same price bracket as it just compliments both the acclaim and sv8... With an acclaim, you dont get the same features as the sv6, and with the sv8, your looking at alot more on fuel costs.. I know your not looking for a brand new sv6 - but none the less, SV6's (from what ive experienced in the few days) are excellent.

-crofty

[VZSV6]

i have had mine since october, standard was crap, but i have since changed a few things like diff ratios. strut bar changed disk brakes, cai and exhaust fuel economy is excellent around 11l per 100k's, sound is great, but no issues whats so ever, the diff ratios from the 2.87 to the 3.46 was the best of all, cai, made more of a deeper sound, but all is great.

[destorman]

My "driving" and "ownership" experience ... had the car since late June, and am very happy with the 6sp manual and overall performance of the car. IMHO it is a value for money package. (compared to the acclaim, executive, XT Falcon and XR6)

The 6sp manual is well geared. I originally thought 1st may be too low, but it is fine. 6th is great for highway driving @ cruising 100 - 110 k's it is clicking over just on 1800 - 2000 revs.

Seems there is 2 modes to the engine ... one for round town take it easy type driving with revs in all gears up to around 3000. Thereafter, she comes alive and from 3200 - 5000 revs there is a gen III type hum / rumble that sounds really nice and the engine / gears just seem to love it in that range. You can then of course give the firewall a nudge and hit the rev limit (forget the redline it means nothing as peak power is at the end of the red band on the tacho).

As for handling ... for a stock factory car it is really great car to drive IMO. The FEII makes it firmer but still a very smooth and comfortable 'family car' type ride. The tyres / wheel size combo are great and suit the suspension set up. Taking corners with 'advisory' signs of 45 in wet conditions is no worry (feels very safe). Brakes have a great feel too (IMHO better then previous commodores I've driven and equal to the Bosch in the earlier model Falcons) and the ABS on mine works!

Personally I am glad I choose the 6sp manual over the auto ... even with the paddles for 'manual' experience the car just did not seem to handle as well under 'driving' ... ie into corner in right gear, touch brake, drive out ... the manual is a step above IMO.

Fuel economy has been ok ... my main issue is I can't help 'drive' the car so naturally it is nudging the economy a bit. Ave 12 - 13 in local driving, but on the highway it sits easily at low 10's. Premium vs Regular has made no difference (economy or performance) ... other than expense.

Cabin comfort is great. Seats (standard) are comfortable. Longest time in seats so far is about 2 1/2 hrs and no back aches or fatigue then. Boot space is good (I get surf boxes x 3, with golf clubs (no buggy) on top of boxes under the parcel shelf, and a large baby stroller in ... then pack around 'loose' items like golf shoes, bags, pillows, etc) ... plus ... Surfboards (6'5'' short board and 7'2'' mini mal) fit in cabin from back window through centre console (both at same time) leaving space for front passenger, rear drivers side passenger and baby seat on passenger side rear.

Only thing I have noticed missing from instruments and 'warnings' is a 'door ajar' light or warning ... you get seat belt for driving warning beep at 25ks or after sitting for 3 mins (which can be annoying if yu are sitting with the car idling talking to someone). No warning for seatbelts for passenger though ...

An 'instant' or 'latest' fuel economy would be good (you only get ave. for trip so to get an instant or latest you have to reset the trip) ... and the distance to empty is all over the place as too the fuel gauge (see forum thread on this topic).

Having washed the car a few times now I note I will need to ensure I always take time to clean out the horizontal 'groves' on the side skirts ... dirt seems to build up and I have needed to ensure I take my time and rub along the lines to get the dirt out of the 'groove'. Otherwise, using meguiars NXT to wash and wax it comes up a treat (other than the paint containmination issue I have which will hopefuilly be sorted under warranty - see forum thread on that issue).

All in all, for value for money, for a 'family car' with 'driving performance and better than average handling' the SV6 IMHO is / was the right choice. I looked at the XT / XR6 / Executive / Accliam / Equipe and found features for money, performance, handling and comfort the SV6 was the winnner by a big margin (and has been recomfirmed since buying / owning my SV6). I can see Holden selling quite a few of them and I note they now seem to be the flavour of the month for fleet buyers. That may have an impact upon resale ... who knows so too may the new 380 from Mitsubishi or the new 190 barra versions from the blue oval crew ...

Hope that helps.

[Phreddy]

My own humble opinion....

Everything that De'Storman said - with the exeption of the brakes.... (in my experience)

My previous was a VTII S 5 speed, non ABS. The brakes were amazing, and when I moved the car on at 150,000 Ks it still had the factory pads in the front! (they needed changing by then though, but still not near metal)

I found the SV6 brakes a little more "nervous" when hard braking at speed - it might just be a matter of me having to get used to the ABS properly too!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the brakes aren't good - I just thought my VT was a little better, maybe a bit more "feel".

(the VZ runs rings around it in agility and handling though!)

For what it's worth, anyhow!

Cheerz.

[Aggro_VE]

Originally Posted by destorman

All in all, for value for money, for a 'family car' with 'driving performance and better than average handling' the SV6 IMHO is / was the right choice.

That is my take on it as well, I'm really over the "lower than a snake" looks also the really stiff ride, all my commodores have been so low and harsh . I want something with abit of power and some comfort yet still look sporty. Im getting on in my years and im over all the exploits/major sagas I had in my 20's. Guys, all your input has been fantastic, I know there are more owners on here, so post up your thoughts.

[stew7700]

They are a very nice car to drive, i can back up all the positive comments that have been made previously. They're really good to do long distance cruising in, comfortable and effortless. The only faults i can pick with mine at the moment it that once you hit the 3500-4000+ rpm they do sound a bit harsh, like the ecotec but still very smooth through the rev range. Also mine hasnt been as good on fuel as ive expected, a bloke at work says he gets 730km around town, ive only managed around 500-550 and on a trip to melbourne i was pushing it to get to 690. Could be just mine though. The auto box is very smart, in power when you go to redline and you back off the accelerator, the revs stay up where you left them so you can be straight back into the power band after the corner. Ive found the paddle shifting to work well, you get a good push back into your seat when your up it. Overall, very happy with it and wouldnt hesitate in getting another one.

p.s To anyone else who has the auto, does yours light them up off the mark with no brake assist? Ive noticed on some surfaces mine will and others not. (all bitumen)

cheers, stew.

[BobT]

I have an auto SV6 and love it. It's done just over 7,000km and it just gets better. Red linning it in power shift is just awsome. It holds the gear as you back off in corners and just growls all the way. There is not a peep out of the Bridgstone Potenzas. The best car I've ever owned but that's not saying much.

[sprigo]

Ive had mine since May 05, like it a lot, but bit dissapointed with low down power. I had a VS Exec previously and think the VS was better from standstill, but the SV6 is exelent above 3000 rpm.
Also think that the auto is a bit slow in shifting down when using the paddles, but only is some instances.

All in all it is a great car.

[Torquative]

our line up is SV6, Adventra, VS Exec and I agree, the VS feels like its got more low rev power then the SV6, then again I suppose the Ecotec was known for low down power and they tried to fix this in the Alloytec.

Without boring you or blah blah blah I prefer the Adventra to the SV6, possibly because its AWD, but it seems to feel more responsive in the steering and feels like it grips the road better and seems to get the power down easier and quicker then the SV6.

We do regular trips to the Sth Coast and take nice mountain roads that wind this way then 180 the other way, and it feels like the Adventra handles a bit better then the SV6. I think the bigger brakes might also help a bit though

Although dont get me wrong, the SV6 is still an awesome car.

We've only had a few problems with it, the antenna broke at an early stage (and our Adventras is almost doing the same thing and its only 3 weeks old), and the car wouldnt unlock on a number of times (the Adventra did this its first night) but if both cars are doing it I think its common to all VZ's then.

I think the SV6 manages OK fuel economy too, I'll have to look at the reading and find out!

[adrenalin]

I'm really happy with my 6-speed. Gearbox and engine are really smooth, rev well (and quickly). As said above, it doesn't seem to have the low-down torque of the Ecotec though, but a smooth launch from 2k fixes that... (maybe it has something to do with being a manual, my Holden mechanic mate reckons autos are better for torque).

I'm a bit critical of the interior, and find that looking closely the finishes between doors, dash and glovebox/lower dash are all different plastics, textures and even (very slightly) colour. I've had a couple of dash rattles every now and then too.

I really think it comes into its own through the bendy bits though. Hit the right gear, hold it flat through most corners and the tyres stick like nothing else. It only kicks out exiting greasy roundabouts or in the wet, and even then you have to try (i.e. traction control off). Brakes aren't bad, not as good as my VX, but they were DBA Golds with Bendix Ultimates

Straight line speed is good, but it gets a nudge from older Falcons (e.g. EF XR6) with more torque.

On to the more important bits, and fuel economy is not that great in mine. I don't give it that much and am lucky to get 600ks to a tank on 80 - 90% highway driving. Maybe the fuel guage is stuffed (and I end up filling up too early), although the figures the trip computer puts out seem to be accurate (10 - 10.5L/100 generally, but I got 8.1 from Sydney to Mudgee, about 250ks). My VX seemed to be more efficient

Still, I'd highly recommend it. Next time though I might try something different. HSV Astra turbo for example, unless they bring out a TT36 when my lease runs out... mmm...

[Aggro_VE]

High percentage of positive comments which is good, granted there are some little niggly issues, but that don't phase me to a great extent, I don't expect a Holden to have 100% build quality but all in all still positive feedback. Keep those comments coming people.

[Chim Chim]

I have had an SV6 5speed Auto since May as a company car. I previously loathed Commodores as they were rough and the build quality very hit and miss, but I also bought a 2002 MINI Cooper S for $43K and the build quality on that was not much better, although any issues where initially easy to overlook given the fun factor of the MINI, WOW what a buzz it was, and the looks never stopped, I do miss it at times. But I digress, back to the SV6, it has me pleasantly surprised and praising the virtues of Holden again (to a degree). It handles well, the ride is firm without being too harsh, the brakes are good, the interior trim is quite nice, the active shift is fantastic, the stereo is at last decent thanks to the Blaupunkt head unit. The new alloytec 190 is very sweet but can lack that low note, at low revs it's very whiney or mettalic sounding, that does loosen up though in time. It's a large Australian built family car has improved in leaps and bounds since the VT. At times it still lets you know it's a big Aussie V6 rear wheel drive that doesn't have the finese or superior build quality of a Japanese or Euro car, but then again show me a rear wheel drive Japanese or Euro family sized sports sedan with all the SV6 features for $40K and I'll buy it. The VE should be an even better progression for Holden, about time the Lion caught up with the rest of the world, thank god for global platforms and shared technology. Look out though when the Mitsubishi 380 hits the market, especially in AWD sports type package, could be a more hi tech and refined package for the non-boofs amongst us.

All in all the SV6 is a winner and I'd go for it.

Cheers and good luck

Jason