Should i buy a VL?

[Mr Hardware]

Originally Posted by svo supporter

Sounds like you're an old car hater.

If you check my sig it'll show you I have a Commodore that's even older and more primitive than a VL. But I don't joke myself into thinking it's even a patch on a modern car. It pollutes, it's unsafe, it guzzles fuel, it's primitive, nearly all of it's functions, whilst working as intended, perform poorly. And the VL isn't much different - sure it has a motor that was more indicative of 90's technology than 80's - but the rest of the car dates back to 1976. Like I said, the steering and brakes are very, very average.

[svo supporter]

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

If you check my sig it'll show you I have a Commodore that's even older and more primitive than a VL. But I don't joke myself into thinking it's even a patch on a modern car. It pollutes, it's unsafe, it guzzles fuel, it's primitive, nearly all of it's functions, whilst working as intended, perform poorly. And the VL isn't much different - sure it has a motor that was more indicative of 90's technology than 80's - but the rest of the car dates back to 1976. Like I said, the steering and brakes are very, very average.

I did see you had a VH, but doesn't detract from my statement.

The VB to VK Commodore...Only dating of the car from 76 is the plastic and motor. (Yes more pollution equipment). The VK they added fuel injection to the line up... The VL.....Upgraded motor and gearbox.....The steering/brakes/suspension on these era Commodore...Upgraded from the HJ Holden that you refer to. Massively upgraded.

At the end of the day, they improve cars from model to model. Might only be slight improvements, but improvements none the less.

For what it's worth. I hate the VL Commodore. It has a computer which means I know bugger all so I don't touch.

[burnz]

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

I'd hazard a guess a lot of people in this thread would have never driven a VL.

Let me tell you this - they are rough. They are old, they have vague power steering and underachieving brakes. Their interiors are rudimentary, they have questionable electronics and they are old. Did i mention they are old?

Unless you have a specific purpose for wanting to own one, don't.
If you would turn your nose up at an XF, then turn your nose up at a VL.

actually i have to say the same for you!!
the power steering is deadly, breathe to hard and your in the next lane..

brakes; like all holdens not for some mamby pamby limp wristed,,,,, lean hard homer.


and they are a lot better than the XF, i owed both.
ford was in the dark ages, trying to catch up to the rest of the motoring industry..

[ZA-289]

id rather buy th vb sle on carsales for 3500 with under 70000 original kms.

[au adam]

Originally Posted by madwag

I hope we are not looking in the same back yard!

Dont think so,this one is in Pascoe Vale.

[Bossxr8]

If you get it and don't keep it locked up, expect it to be stolen cause its probably one of the easiest cars to steal, most other Commodore keys will open it.

But unless its either a turbo, V8 or Calais don't even bother, its just a crappy Exec.

[AndyXR6T]

Lol this has turned into a "which RB motor will make most power in my VL" war!
All I simply said was they can easily have a RB20/25det put into them if you want more go. I doubt he isn't going to spend $4k on a rb26dett aswell as all the extra costs of putting it into a VL that is worth $2k!

In my opinion I think they are ok cars. They will go down in history as one of the nicest looking commodores but like any car of course they has problems. If I could get my hands on one as a daily driver to keep as stock as possible, I would. Let us know what you decide ;)

[mike_nofx]

Oh, thought I was on boostlosing for a while there....

[Ryan]

image

Nothing wrong with a VL when they're looked after. God I'm going to miss the old girl when it comes time to go.

I've owned this one since 2003 and sure it hasn't been flawless, but I know it's going to be a car I'll look back on and wish I never sold it. To be honest I haven't had that many mechanical dramas. The most severe was a leaking injector back in 2005 other than that it's just the few odds and ends.

I used it as a daily last year when I was going to Tafe and it never missed a beat. They're good cars IMO, but you have to remember they're 26 years old, so they're getting on with age.

[madwag]

Yes IF i was to buy it for a steal (and it doesn't get stolen) i would keep it factory. So i have sorta ignored the how to get the most power comments.
But this has all given me plenty to think about.

Im happy with my wagon, but when i get on my open license i may spend 10k and get a nice weekender like this considering a VL wont mean much to me as a Ford guy.
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/ford-ltd-2004-12352850?base=1216&vertical=Car&cr=7&eapi=2&__N=12 16%20246%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294966463% 204294966195&silo=Stock&Range=Price:Min,Max~0.5|Mi leage:Min,200000&sort=~Price

[302 XC]

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

If you check my sig it'll show you I have a Commodore that's even older and more primitive than a VL. But I don't joke myself into thinking it's even a patch on a modern car. It pollutes, it's unsafe, it guzzles fuel, it's primitive, nearly all of it's functions, whilst working as intended, perform poorly. And the VL isn't much different - sure it has a motor that was more indicative of 90's technology than 80's - but the rest of the car dates back to 1976. Like I said, the steering and brakes are very, very average.

You could say the same with any old car
Cant compare new to old....
The model T was good in its day, as well
But oh my god , a ride on mower would be more comfortable, have more power nowadays

The main problem with anything old, is that its old
Could be low K well maintained, immaculate and be a non sought after model and worth $50
They could be rusted, dented incomplete and worth a motsa (falcon coupes, early monaros come to mind)

back to the OPs question,
Bought for the right price, in the right condition for a daily its fine
Its over 20 years old ,what would one want for the pricly sum of a grand or so

[madwag]

Well a bit of an update on the car. i had a look at it today as it was parked out the front of her house. its only got 70k on the clock. looks very neat. front bar has a small ding but apart from that looks like its only done 70k and kept under cover its whole life.

[Seduce XR6]

Nope...

[XR8_ash]

Pffffffft.

Get this one for 200K ....... !!!!!!

WTF !?!?!?!?!?!?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1988-Hold...item23093d70ac

[madwag]

Hmm probably the last car i would spend 200k on. someone has even scribbled on the dash!!

[flooded one]

i question if its legit or not?? (car) i always thought they had calias tail lights in them not commodore ones could be wrong thou

[RSPEC#78]

vl's are in my opinion the best of the early commo's. Mainly because of the nissan six, i had a vl calais a while ago. It was a cool car, i had it resprayed in velocity pearl blue:-) and put a rb25det in it. It went pretty good, heres a pic..........

[/IMG]

[XR8_ash]

I have always placed a nice/clean Calis Turbo as one of my all time fav cars. To bad they have all been owned by Elizabeth dead beats who cut the springs/put bonnet mounted gauges on/spray paint interior door handles and put "cannon" exhausts on ...... LOL

[RASER]

Originally Posted by madwag

But what are your thoughts (if is was a comparable Ford i would be jumping at it)thanks guys

You can always put on the top-of-windscreen sticker on it:

"POWERED BY NISSAN"

This was and most likely will be the best 6cyl. ever fitted to a Commodore

[svo supporter]

Originally Posted by wildrider

i question if its legit or not?? (car) i always thought they had calias tail lights in them not commodore ones could be wrong thou

They're interchangeable. Calais ones are a slightly different design to the executive (base model) ones (spelling I know)

[Falcman0o7]

VL's are sick az bruv! My VL does heaps *** hellys!

[calais]

I had one, I loved it. But so did the asshats who stole it.

Mine was an 87 Berlina in Maranello Red. I bought it from some old bloke who had it advertised on a nursing home for sale board. It had 200k on it when I bought it and was old man immaculate (odd little scuff here and there and 2 sets of floor mats), 450k on it when it disappeared. It was just an honest, good looking car which gave me no trouble whatsoever as a daily driver.

I still have the hubcaps and the original mint tail-lights for it, which I have up on my garage wall.

I still rate my old VL as the best $1500 I ever spent buying a car.

[madwag]

Originally Posted by calais

I had one, I loved it. But so did the asshats who stole it.

Mine was an 87 Berlina in Maranello Red. I bought it from some old bloke who had it advertised on a nursing home for sale board. It had 200k on it when I bought it and was old man immaculate (odd little scuff here and there and 2 sets of floor mats), 450k on it when it disappeared. It was just an honest, good looking car which gave me no trouble whatsoever as a daily driver.

I still have the hubcaps and the original mint tail-lights for it, which I have up on my garage wall.

I still rate my old VL as the best $1500 I ever spent buying a car.

Originally Posted by Falcman0o7

VL's are sick az bruv! My VL does heaps *** hellys!

hehe i knew posting this question would give the opinion from one camp more than others. I have decided that if i can get it for around $500, or under $1000 onroad after checking over most things mentioned i will be seriously tempted. But it would be a weekender as i need my wagon, for work, surfing, fishing etc. Which means can i afford to run two cars.

[flooded one]

I wonder seeing people are putting chev badges on Commodores will someone put a nissan badge on a VL

[madwag]

Originally Posted by wildrider

I wonder seeing people are putting chev badges on Commodores will someone put a nissan badge on a VL

i could start a trend..