VZ SV6 Maintenance Costs

[Adit]

Hi all,

This is my first post so here goes...

I am considering buying a used VZ SV6 that's done around 115k. But, as a uni student I was wondering what kind of maintenance/servicing/parts costs I should be aware of before purchasing.

Thanks in advance

[KrisHolden]

I would keep aside $1000pa for servicing and repairs.
Just be sure to check every end when buying a car. Sometimes its worth paying a little extra from a dealer to give you the three months to check it over and claim things under warranty

[Adit]

Thanks for the prompt reply KrisHolden,

Our family car is a VZ Acclaim, in terms of replacing parts (as expected at this ODO age) would the cost of brakes and other parts be of a similar cost to the Acclaim?

Also, is it best to buy an SV6 that has crossed a certain number of km (in terms of major service), if so what would this be?

[morphix]

I really recommend getting a decent warranty and also getting the car checked over properly, such as from NRMA or so before purchasing.

I purchased a VZ SV6 around 9 months ago, after 4 months the transmission crapped out, i got the transmission serviced and apparently 'fixed' and its now back to how it was before, stuffed.

If i had to do this again, i would honestly pay the extra $$ for longer warranty and also to get the car checked over, also ask for a full service history/log.

[matt-chops]

I have an '05 SV6, purchased June '09 with 79k on the clock, now up to 155k, so I've been through all the servicing you are likely to encounter.

The plugs are due to be done at the 120k service and to replace these the intake manifold needs to come off. Having 115k on the clock they may have already been done, but I would ask the question.

At 150k the transmission will probably need servicing.

During owning the car I have also:-

• replaced the diff oil
• replaced the radiator / other cooling system parts
• had the discs machined once and replaced the brake pads twice

I do 90% peak hour driving so my wear and tear and fuel consumption on the car is pretty high.

I have also logged every drop of fuel I've filled the car with since owning it (on an iPhone app called 'Road Trip'... it's awesome) and the stats are as follows:

• total of 73,757km travelled
• total of 9,603.99L of fuel used
• total fuel cost of $14,932.18
• average of 90.1km/day
• average of $18.23/day on fuel
• average of 579.5km/tank
• average fuel economy of 12.94L/100km

Doing so much peak hour driving and being a bit of a lead foot this is probably the worst case scenario while owning a VZ SV6.

The car is always nice to drive and has plenty of poke for a V6, you'll love owning one.

I hope this info helps.

[Stewlz]

I have had my sv6 for almost 2 months at 135k kms it cost around $430 for my service (which included new spark plugs) through booran Holden in glenhuntly, who have been fantastic help. It's an awesome ride, you won't regret it.

[Adit]

Thanks so much to everyone for sharing your experiences and advice.

I'm starting to get a better idea of what expenses to start saving up and preparing for.

My main concern is to get the vehicle checked up by RACV or NRMA to make sure there are no serious issues.

In the meantime, keep the advice coming

[Iconic]

I got mine with 118k on the clock, so far I have given it oil change and a diff oil change which all up cost me around $120, it goes alright, I thought it would have more of a punch. Make sure all the servicing is up to date and accounted for, and do a revs check on the car.

[Stewlz]

Actually that's one thing I will stress also, if your going through a dealer they will give you all info if it's been written off or stolen or owes money. Going through private is a bigger risk if you don't thoroughly check through vicroads, I almost bought one that had been written off and rebuilt and the seller wasn't planning on telling me

[Whitesack07]

Car dealrs dont trade in written of cars any more, they ised too but they dont any more, mate tried with his wrx an they wouldnt let him

[Adit]

I inspected the car...I think it was a dodgy one. Had no log books, front bumper panels and bonnet panel didn't align (probably been in an accident even though seller claims otherwise) and when I turned the ignition on, Check powertrain error came up....oh well, looks like I'll have to keep on looking