VZ as a first car - questions

[the_juddanaught]

in 1 month and 20 days (or something like that, i'm bad with manual countdowns to a date haha) I'll be 18, and intend to get my P's (hopefully) and get a car to go with it. Now, I've got it narrowed down to several choices:

Cheap out and get a VX Commodore. Not the prefered option because they're just that tad older.

Don't cheap out as much, and go for a VY. Although I would prefer a VZ for the electronic speed readout. (both the previous family cars have had it - VE an a FG falcon, so i can't live without it.. unless i have to)

Go to the darkside and get a BA falcon. Same price, etc.

What are your opinions on my first car? Don't need any of the standard "lol, get a barinaaaa", or you'll get slapped. Same with immature "lol, dont get a ford fag" comments.

Also curious about any problems any of the models have experienced, and any tender, loving care that they may need.

Preferably, without looking too needy/picky, I'd like the model to have:
- A/C
- Cruise
- 4 power windows, happy with 2 front though
- digital speedometer (from what ive read, the VY can only have it enabled in "police mode" and the VZ has it by default?)

Some extended family members have also mentioned the fact that (and I know of it) Commodores are the ones that really get thrashed, meaning that most have been excessively redlined and the engine has had a good workout. Now, from what I can see, most available VZ's have about 200,000 on the clock. is it smart to get one at this amount of KM's? and are they likely to become my possesion and instantly something blows in the engine? or is the build quality good enough that even if its had a life of medium thrashing (that is, not being floored at every corner, but hasn't been babied its entire life)

Cheers for the help guys. remember this is a first car, newb to the whole show.

[Luke52]

Executive models come with the features you've described, but if you want the added safety of a few extra airbags, and the comfort of power windows all-round, look for an Acclaim or higher model.

Look, VZs are good first cars, providing you find one that's been looked after to some extent. Common problems are things like radiator caps, water pumps, thermostats, so keep an eye on the temp gauge and coolant levels during your first few months of ownership, and attend to any issues before they develop.
Look for one with a good, regular service history. Although the service book has service intervals of 15,000km, this is too high. Particularly for engines being driven under stop/start city/around town conditions. I change my oil and filter every 5,000km, as well as anything else that's due (fuel filter etc.) This is probably a bit keen, but I'd be doing AT LEAST an oil/filter change with decent oil (semi-syn 10w40/50) every 7,500km.
These engines need a good oil, no thicker than a 10w, and like to be regularly serviced. They sludge-up very easily, and I'd steer clear of anything which hasn't been serviced regularly.
The ignition systems can be a bit of a pain, too. When you test-drive one, watch the tacho and feel for smoothness of acceleration to detect any misses or roughness. Also, when you check the service history make sure the plugs have been changed at the right interval (At least every 120,000km.)
If you do purchase one, the driver's side rear plug is accessible without lifting the manifold. It could pay off to take the coil out and remove a plug, just to see what condition the plug is in (check for fouling etc) and to make sure platinum (long-life) plugs have been fitted.

Then there's the usual things you look for when buying a second-hand car. Any leaks, engine/drivetrain/suspension/steering noises etc. etc.

As a first-car VZ owner, I've been more than happy with it. It's a good, practical, comfortable and relatively modern car, with all the features you want like cruise, A/C, power windows etc. And like any car, if you take care of it, it will serve you well. Find one which has been taken care of, continue to take care of it, and it will be reliable.

[Shorty33]

after about 5 years, the computer gadgetry is vulnerable to failure. Costs about $1,100 to replace, then it'd probably be good for another 5 years.

Keys wear out in a similar time-frame. A locksmith told me that the VZ has a "high security, low tolerance" system, and that it wears out quicker than other designs.

I had a lot of fun in my VZ, and would recommend it.

[Torquative]

yeh, and mines up to 185 000 odd kays, spent 2 years and 90 000 kays as a cop car then became mine. In that time its done 2 track days (one in 40 degree + heat), 1 driver training and 1 skid pan day, plus the monthly "cruise" where Ive done anything but drive like a granny, and apart from the mentioned water pump and coolant cap issues its been a work horse.

We have a SX6 Adventra with 120 000 kays,- considering its pushing around all that extra weight its still going well with no major issues to report, and a VZ Equipe which had its first major issue on the weekend at 115 000 - the water pump started leaking very minorly.

Overall the engines not as punchy off the line as an Ecotec in a VY or VX, but reliability wise they seem to be right up there, even when thrashed, and yes even VZ Exec has everything you've mentioned

Also that right, VZ has the digital speedo standard, VY needs a tech 2 (or decent scan tool) to "enable police mode" which is just the speedo. Keep in mind in VY you lose the ability to adjust the over speed feature (so it beeps when you reach a certain speed) so either set it to something your happy with the rest of the cars life or set it to like 200 so it'll never go off.

[Iconic]

I was in your position when purchasing my VZ, I was looking at a BF Fairmont, which was a bit more expensive but it would loose its price faster. I personally wouldn't get one with 200kms, but if you do make sure it has all its servicing done and is up to date as I am sure you would.

The prices are still pretty high for VZ's, there is really nothing wrong with a VX my dad has one and he has no problems with it at all (V8 though), it was looked after and I am thinking of buying it off him. Also I wouldn't go anything lower than an Acclaim. Good luck!

[Whitesack07]

If you buy a vz you won't be upset, I bought a vz ute in feb, best thing I've ever done, you won't regret it, you will be able to keep it for years if you get a good one