Should I buy a SS?

[Joey_Falcon]

I have the opportunity to buy off a relative an immaculate 03 Vy SS for $18000. The car has 70kkm on the clock but had the engine replaced at 40kkm, so new motor has 30thou on it.
Features include; Leather seats, tint, and a $1000 worth of stereo.

This is a really well looked after car, has not been flogged and is still quite tight. As mentioed above the owner is a close relative - hence I know the history and driving style. This car is (Ford vs Holden aside) a excellent example of a 2nd hand car.

Now here is the dilemma, I am a big Ford fan, have been for quite some time, Ive had my mind set on upgrading to my first V8 at the end of this year - a BF XR8 or GT. Looking at spending around $25 - 30k. Now this SS has come along.

What sould I do go with my heart or head?

Heart says Ford; wait to the end of this year and drive something I known Im going to love, (interior/exterior styling, the bulge ....ooooh the bulge : ).

Head says Holden; economicaly it is a really good price for a quality car.

I know its hard to ask for unbiased advice here, but you opinions would be appreciated.

Cheers

[Sonik]

Go the SS, spend the 7k you'll save on a supercharger or rims.

How loyal are Ford to you? Would they happily give up a few grand for no return, just to keep you happy? I think not.

I'm driving an XR8 from a Commodore because a good deal popped up. I've driven millions of different cars and motorbikes, it's best to judge each vehicle on its relative merits.

I say go the best car for the best price. Screw the badge. Both Holden and Ford are high quality cars, you can't go very wrong with either.

That said, if you're happy to pay more for less, just because of the brand, then fair enough. But if you're wanting the best buy for your money, it's probably the SS about now.

Btw, I'd want to know why the engine was replaced so early. You sure it hasn't been flogged? Those motors are pretty bullet proof and rarely cark themselves like that.

[FGII-XR6]

it really comes down to what you want and like. if you spend 18K and don't like the car it's not really good value in the long run . you have some soul searching to do

[Sonik]

Originally Posted by Shounak

How loyal are Ford to you? Would they happily give up a few grand for no return, just to keep you happy? I think not.

I'm driving an XR8 from a Commodore because a good deal popped up. I've driven millions of different cars and motorbikes, it's best to judge each vehicle on its relative merits.

I say go the best car for the best price. Screw the badge. Both Holden and Ford are high quality cars, you can't go very wrong with either.

That said, if you're happy to pay more for less, just because of the brand, then fair enough. But if you're wanting the best buy for your money, it's probably the SS about now.

Btw, I'd want to know why the engine was replaced so early. You sure it hasn't been flogged? Those motors are pretty bullet proof and rarely cark themselves like that.

Thats kinda what I was thinking, why would an engine thats barely run it sh!t itself?

Also, you're going to get more bang for cheaper out of the LS1. Every shop has shelves of stuff for the LS1, much of it coming from the US.

I don't want to go into the reasons or anything, but from that standpoint an LS1 is a good option. Plus they're a lot more economical than the Boss260.

[mongoloid]

how much is your soul worth?

[Joey_Falcon]

Deffinatley not flogged, no more than any other V8 anyway. Im pretty sure it was making a gudgeon pin tap/knock. Appaerntly Holden replaced a few of them, going from what the service manager said.
Put it this way they didn't hesitate too much when writing it off for a replacement.

Your right when you say it's best to judge each vehicle on its relative merits.

I did that with my BA Futura from the Auctions $16k for a 1.5year old car with 22kkm and 2.5years warranty.

[uranium_death]

18k is a pretty good price.

IF you are happy with the drive etc. then seriously consider, for you won't see many better deals.

At that price, cars would have more Ks on the clock.

[deesun]

I dont know the prices of these things but if its such a good deal then buy it and drive it till the end of the year and trade it in on what you really want or not. As you realise the v8 market is worth zippo at the moment.

[Joey_Falcon]

Originally Posted by au3xr6

it really comes down to what you want and like. if you spend 18K and don't like the car it's not really good value in the long run . you have some soul searching to do

Originally Posted by mongoloid

how much is your soul worth?

Yes thats right soul......

I was predicting buy the end of this year, in 6 months the BF's would be even cheaper than now, especially the V8's. I reckon you could pick up an 06 xr8 for around $25k with less than 50Kkm.
The ~$8 grand difference being 2003 vs 2006.

Generaly, ive found Fords loose their value quicker than Commodores

[Joey_Falcon]

Yeah simmilar 03 SS's on carpoint and the like are going for around the $25- $27k mark.

[Falc'man]

I'd save my pennies and get a GT for sure.
They look better than any VB-VE. Arguably better driveline. Smoother, more efficient (and arguably more economical) V8. Better interior, and generally a more solid build. And I'm sure there are good examples out there for you to buy. Plus, the VY is 18K today, but what will it fetch in a year's time when any and every 2nd hand V8 is depreciating? I'd definitely hold on and wait for a V8 that sounds like a V8 should.

[schnoods]

Been there done that.

A few years back i was looking for a decent and newish V8. I opted out of getting a AU because i had a windsor already and didnt seem like an upgrade.

I ended up chasing VX SS's but ended up buying a WH II Statesman, 5.7 leather sunrrof, premium sound and HBD rims.

I sold it 7 months later as where i worked was next to a fertiliser joint and was hard to keep the paint spotless.

But they are nice cars, the power is there and modifications are easy, cheap and yield alot of gains.

Get the car, opportunities are there to be taken, you can always sell it and make a few dollars on it if it isnt to your liking as that price is pretty good.

[ILLaViTaR]

Dude just save for the GT.

You'll be much happier in the end.

[Darkr]

Why was the motor replaced at 40k?

I have a friend who has a VY SS, and I like them myself, but he's had way more problems then my BA and my car has 2x the k's. He's done a trans already.... :/

[winterheart]

Personally speaking, I'd go for the Holden. At the end of the day, the gm motors are cheaper to work on, almost everyone has aftermarket bits for them so prices for parts tend to be lower than ford equivalent (relatively speaking), and you get a good car with a known history at a really damned good price!

At the end of the day, the only person you need to make happy is yourself. If you can see yourself being happy with the SS, then grab it!!

Just my thoughts, comments and opinions. Cheers

[LTDterri]

Been there done that, bought a Holden cause it was cheaper, got bagged by my mates who know I love my Fords, sold it soon after as every time something went wrong with it I was kicking myself for buying a Holden. Not that it had anything major but even though it was a nice car deep down all I ever wanted was a Ford. So if you are a mad Ford man stuff the money save for the GT

[flappist]

You are buying a car because you need one. You are buying a V8 because you WANT one.
If you wish to compremise and buy something you dont really want just because it is a V8 that is your decision but in the big picture a few weeks/months after you you have spent your money are you going to wake up in the morning look your garage and smile or frown?

There are lots of 03 GTs & XR8s in the low 20s at the moment. Second hand sales have stalled and many car yards and private sellers are panicking. Just look at some of the trade in prices offered in threads in "performance".

Life is not a dress rehersal, buy what you want because if you do not you will suffer from the "what ifs" until the day you die......

[da_ilks]

The motor was probably replaced at 40k km's as it had piston slap, a few VY's still had that problem. I personally wouldn't worry about it been replaced (if anything I'd say it's a bonus!) as it would have been done under warranty.

$18k is pretty cheap, if you were looking at spending $25-30k on a XR8/GT I'm pretty sure $7-$12k of mods would make the VY a far more enjoyable (not to mention a shitload quicker) car to drive over a stock XR8 or GT, even if you like Fords more Hell $12k should cover the installation of a twin turbo kit on the Gen3....

[mash85]

Originally Posted by Bunyip_Chaser

Yes thats right soul......

I was predicting buy the end of this year, in 6 months the BF's would be even cheaper than now, especially the V8's. I reckon you could pick up an 06 xr8 for around $25k with less than 50Kkm.
The ~$8 grand difference being 2003 vs 2006.

Generaly, ive found Fords loose their value quicker than Commodores

i work in new car sales at suby. last week i traded an 06 BF mk1 xr8 6spd auto with 35,000kms, leather, premmo sound, gt stripes, ego in colour. full history, immaculate car.

i just sold it as a used car on monday for 25K on road.

[Joey_Falcon]

Originally Posted by da_ilks

The motor was probably replaced at 40k km's as it had piston slap, a few VY's still had that problem. I personally wouldn't worry about it been replaced (if anything I'd say it's a bonus!) as it would have been done under warranty.

Yeah thats right it was Piston Slap come to think of it.
Yes the motor being replaced is a big bonus!

Originally Posted by mash85

i work in new car sales at suby. last week i traded an 06 BF mk1 xr8 6spd auto with 35,000kms, leather, premmo sound, gt stripes, ego in colour. full history, immaculate car.

i just sold it as a used car on monday for 25K on road.

Gee thats cheap, Id love to come across somethig like that.

I belive with cars you are always the loser not matter which way you go in terms of money loss. Ecconomicaly speaking I suppose you have to make this a minimum where possible. The Holden dealer ofered $10k for a trade in on the ss yesterday, making that a $45k loss in 5 years.

[TOASTED]

you would be silly not to buy it for that price

[EgoFG]

If the price is really that good, buy it, and sell it for a profit, and put the gain toward your Ford.
If that is not worth it, then the car is really not that cheap (or you dont want a Ford).

[Joey_Falcon]

Originally Posted by EgoFG

If the price is really that good, buy it, and sell it for a profit, and put the gain toward your Ford.
If that is not worth it, then the car is really not that cheap (or you dont want a Ford).

Yes easily done but that would not be very ethical.

[JC]

Originally Posted by Bunyip_Chaser

I have the opportunity to buy off a relative an immaculate 03 Vy SS for $18000. The car has 70kkm on the clock but had the engine replaced at 40kkm, so new motor has 30thou on it.
Features include; Leather seats, tint, and a $1000 worth of stereo.

This is a really well looked after car, has not been flogged and is still quite tight. As mentioed above the owner is a close relative - hence I know the history and driving style. This car is (Ford vs Holden aside) a excellent example of a 2nd hand car.

Now here is the dilemma, I am a big Ford fan, have been for quite some time, Ive had my mind set on upgrading to my first V8 at the end of this year - a BF XR8 or GT. Looking at spending around $25 - 30k. Now this SS has come along.

What sould I do go with my heart or head?

Heart says Ford; wait to the end of this year and drive something I known Im going to love, (interior/exterior styling, the bulge ....ooooh the bulge : ).

Head says Holden; economicaly it is a really good price for a quality car.

I know its hard to ask for unbiased advice here, but you opinions would be appreciated.

Cheers

Yep, I would go for the SS. Hard to beat the performance of a Gen 3, especially at that price. Leaves enough out of your budget not only to do some performance mods if you wanted to, but also to do an SVI or LI gas conversion. V8 performance, with 4cyl fuel costs.

[Joey_Falcon]

Well thats exactly what I was thinking of doing to an Xr8 if I bought one. I did a heap of research on SVI and LI for the boss motor and would have gone ahead with it. Now I have to look into what they can do with Ls1's, so far Iv'e heard that not too many people have/can do it

[schnoods]

Are you kidding??

The LS1 has more after market support than probably any motor in AUstralia at the moment.

There are so many different blower kits for them, PWR, Yella Terra, Vortech, harrop, Procharger, etc.

Then there are the turbo and twin turbo kits for them....

Na there are more head options, Camming them up with a tune will see them into the 12's as well.

So many places can tune them too, a Mafless tune is a very good bang for buck mod, will turn an SS into a R8 with a tune.

If you havent already, sign up to www.ls1.com.au and have a look around.

[banarcus]

Originally Posted by EgoFG

If the price is really that good, buy it, and sell it for a profit, and put the gain toward your Ford.
If that is not worth it, then the car is really not that cheap (or you dont want a Ford).

Exactly what we did. We acquired a VY SV8 that came very cheap and we were very happy with it until a few problems came up. It was then used as an upgrade to our XR8.

I'd go for it, but only after having a good look around the yards as a comparison.

[prydey]

engine's aside for a moment, i'd buy any b series falcon over anything less than a ve for interior, drive etc.

as far as engine's go, i can't believe all these people praising up the gen 3's. you aren't buying the car as a track weapon i'd imagine and in everyday driving you won't notice any performance advantage either way. stock for stock the boss will not be outshone and when modified go extremely hard and at least it actually sounds like a v8.

there are some very good buy's out there at the moment, esp from the fpv stable. early gt's can be found well into the $20k's. i know if i had the choice between a vy or a ba gt it would be a no brainer.