Hey team,
I thought I would start this as a long term review of a 2019 LT 2.0L commodore wagon. Came from owning a 2006 Falcon XR6 which I had a lot of fun with, however had to move on from that to this, my first commodore.
Why I chose it:
-Wagon trim - trying for kids, so spacious interior mixed with decent cargo space is a win.
-Value - compared to passat/mondeo/octavias for the $$$/features the commodore seems like a really good value purchase and they are being advertised for a lot less $$$ than a VF in this ludicrous used marker.
-Safety - has all the airbags, this year has blind spot monitoring for the LT, collision detection/AEB at low speeds, front/rear sensors, rear cam - all a must after my falcon got written off in a hairy way which made me rethink safety features.
-LT - mainly due to budget reasons and wasn't willing to pay more for the higher trims as didn't really see how the extra features would be worth the $$$ (time will tell). Also my wife is on her Ps so I am restricted in VIC with the 2.0L as the V6 can't be driven by Ps.
Bought used at a dealer for $24k about a week ago, with 77k kms and was an ex police car.
-Service history excellent (as per any police car)
-Was serviced out country way (so hoping that means kms are mainly country which should offset any police thrashing??)
-Usual scuffs from police use, side of centre console, few small body blemishes, however paint seems to be in good condition, no flaking/fading, also the beloved 2nd battery in the boot (still working out whether to keep for camping trips or ditch so weight is reduced)
-Drivetrain/suspension seems to be in perfect nick, no noises, transmission changes smooth, takes bumps well
-In wagon LT trim, with tow bar (will do semi-regular towing of a cage trailer unbraked with it)
Initial impressions:
-Once you put the foot down it really takes off and pulls you back in your seat. Still haven't given it a good highway entry run yet, however I have been more than satisfied with how quick off the mark it is, so smoooooth. (9 speed vs the ol BTR 4 speed are worlds apart) Exhaust note is a bit quiet, would like it with a bit more grunt when giving it some.
-Android auto has been hit and miss, worked the first day I set it up and since it has been intermittent, still yet to try a few setting changes which are recommended to get it working. Overall the infotainment seems very basic at the LT level and I will need to get android auto working to really enjoy the car for GPS, music etc.
-Sound system is adequate, however lacking in bass. May look at putting a slimline one in the boot, or looking at whether a wheel well sub from the upper trims can be retrofitted to work in it.
-Front parking sensors seem rubbish, the range at which it starts to ping seems way too close and jumps in increments very quickly. I have driven other cars with front sensors that are so much more usable than these, will not be relying on them. It is also my first time having blind spot monitoring and I don't seem to notice them at all?? Can't comment on the AEB/collision detection system as haven't had it trigger on me....yet
-Seats are very comfortable, however no vertical adjustment for the passenger seat is an odd choice, why????
-Plenty of cargo space, already used for a few items, however will need some way of tying items down when there are only a few items in the back, there are two tie down points at the front of the cargo area, may need to add two to the rear as well (anyone have suggestions for this)
I have come up with the following main long term review points that I will use to measure how I perceive the car:
-Reliability (including maintenance costs/parts availability/component life/warranty etc.)
-Ability to haul gear (towing performance/cargo space use)
-Vehicle enjoyment (overall use of vehicle features/performance/comfort)
