Buying a VZ, what to look for?

[patch_werk]

G'day Guys, long time browser first time poster here

I have been tossing around the idea of buying a VZ commodore (SV6 or calais preferred, but exec may be closer to my uni budget :P ) for a while now as an upgrade for the hyundai, and have now got the funds to do it this week, being a uni student i cant afford too much in the way of v8 insurance , nor can i afford to do any larger mods (19s, lowering, exhaust..) until next summer when i go back up to the miens for vacation work but gradually i will add to it to make it how i want , and be able to post pictures in this forum that i can be proud of myself, rather than staring amazed at others hehe

So i was wondering, do any VZ owners/ anybody really know of anything to look out for when buying a used VZ?, besides the obvious things like try and get the 190 alloytec etc.

So yeah , basicly this is my introduction

Cheers, Matt

[impulsive]

Look for oil leaks, if its a manual pay attention to clutch wear, the dual mass flywheels let go quite easily on them if not treated kind enough. Check for new parts bolted on, as in a shiney new pulley, belt or waterpump, and if so ask questions. Check the log book for warranty, servicing and repair work. Check the brake pad and rotor condition, new brakes are a good idea on any used car. Exhaust for holes, rattles and mounting, check light work and rev a cold engine listening for obvious rattles and defects. Check the Paint condition for any obvious accidents or 'touch up jobs' these can get you some $$ off if spotted.

These are some of the things i would check for if buying any used car not just an Alloytec.

Also, look for an impulse blue one

[svsex]

i have an impulse blue sv6 for sale hint hint, pm for details

[impulsive]

well lets be honest, if you want it to go fast, dont buy an alloytec

[danieLOL]

dont buy an exec, you'll only regret it lol i did since i didnt wanna spend much more at the time but the amount of money ive spent on mine i could have bought a calais, so just hold off for a bit i know your eager to get one but unless you definitely NEED it right now, my advice is to wait until u can afford a sv6 or calais

[patch_werk]

thanks for the replies guys!, yeah would definately prefer the sv6 or calais, seen a few around that are within my budget, much nicer looking cars, at the end of the day its a stepping stone to a v8 later on

[Commy SV6]

If its a VZ that you're after, check the paint on door handles! The paint quality on VZ door handles are shocking, all 4 on mine were replaced twice under warranty. Also get MY06 SV6 if you can ( 2006 model ), this would come standard with side airbags and LSD.

[patch_werk]

Yeah, have looked a couple and definately noticed the door handle paint being of very poor standard, looked a Vy S2 calais today and that looked pretty shmick as well, something else to consider

[mark b]

Agree with the door handles, also the volume up button on the steering wheel. Listen to the aircon, the blowerfan is under the glovebox and the bearings seem to dry out fast and make an annoying ticking noise. In a 175kw V6 The left oxygen sensor wiring may be too close (less than 30mm) to the exhaust manifold heat shield ( Easily fixed with a clip .)

[patch_werk]

thank you for all your responses guys!, i went and got me a Vy s2 calais , pick her up on friday, will post some pictures soon

[Little Red VZ Go-Kart]

If its a VZ that you're after, check the paint on door handles! The paint quality on VZ door handles are shocking, all 4 on mine were replaced twice under warranty. Also get MY06 SV6 if you can ( 2006 model ), this would come standard with side airbags and LSD.

I concur too with the door handles! Not pretty when the glossy red flakes off. But I'm no fan of Holden's current chunky door handles, nor for that matter, the bizarre handbrake (friend has injured his hand jamming it while releasing the handbrake on his VE OMEGA — a separate model of course, but it's time to sound a warning about that shocking handbrake design!).

Check wheel camber at the rear; if no thrust alignment done, expect substantial wear on tyres (inside or outside); same with front.

[ST3V3]

Get a manual!!!!!