I have now owned three VE Commodores as follows: 2008 MY09 SV6 Manual 2011 MY11 SV6 Manual 2013 MY12.5 SV6 Z Manual Before this recent quick turnover of cars, I used to buy a car and keep it for 6 to 8 years. I changed from a 2004 VY to the first VE because of a great price after the GFC, and have kept a close watch on change over options since then, and moved when the price has been right. I expected a significant change from the MY09 to the MY11, especially due to the SIDI engine and changes to more aggressive gearing. The two cars were chalk and cheese in so many ways. I have just moved to a 2013 MY12.5 SV6 Z Manual. Again I did so primarily based on the deal. I did not expect much difference between the Series II MY11 and the new vehicle, as other than 19in wheels and E85 compatiability there are no apparent differences. However, a marked difference is already evident in the first week. I am pleased that I bought the new car for its dynamics and drivability now as well as price. Has anyone else noticed that the evolution of the VE has been one of noticable continual improvement, or is my experiences just related to my particular examples?
I'm curious on the changes you have experienced in the first week between a Series II MY11 and a MY12.5 besides the wheels. Did you have a high mileage on the MY11 that may explain it "going soft" in the suspension? I've driven a 12.5 and felt the engine was tighter on it as it was brand new, over my MY11, but otherwise, no real difference. The tyres on my MY11 are at the legal limit, but the Remsa pads made mine a better drive - marginally
My MY11 had 50,000 Km when I traded it in. The tyres were worn somewhat, but still had significantly above legal tread. It had not had a hard life at all, and I was still as happy with it as when I first picked it up - which was "very". It was much improved over the MY09 that preceded it. The engine was stronger, smoother, rev'ed better and the gearing was much more practical in real life, but was similar in noise/harshness. The better equipment list was also very appreciated. However, ride and handling were not noticably changed in moving up from the MY09 with 75,000 km. With less than 20 km on the clock, my new car engine was already noticably stronger, more responsive and smoother/quieter. Yes, I admit that it "felt" tighter, but its response to steep hills surprised me from the start. And this time I reckon I can feel a difference in the handling as well. Maybe that is just the 19 inch wheels. Anyhow, I was more than happy to buy the car just for the deal. The extras such as warranty, roadside assistance, servicing, wheels and seats were icing on the cake (my MY11 had rear camera/park asist). Now that I am finding the car even more fun to drive, I am over the moon. I will be looking at the VF in a couple of years, but from what I have seen so far, I could comfortably live with this particular car for many years. Maybe I have just got a good one!
Looking at the same car but with 8 cylinders, would feel like you notice any difference between the vintage?
I'm currently looking at a Clubsport. The dealers are getting some nice incentives to move their stocks of 2012 built stock of MY12.5s. I think another 6- 8 weeks will be a perfect time for a Clubsport as long as I can live with the restricted colours available at that time Have a look on carsales and the deals before the haggling starts
If the dealers are getting nice incentives then I would expect and demand that the Dealer pass it on to you the buyer. Stand your ground.
I agree and they are. Carsales is a great place to use to haggle with your local stealer. I'm not really in the market but if they hit $50k drive away, I think I could be convinced. There was one online in WA for $52990 drive away. It's gone now, but if the factory throws another $5000 at dealers there will be plenty at $50k.
