Hi All,

I'm back safe and sound, had a great time, saw some brilliant movies and some wonderful country.


Quote Originally Posted by Kiwivan View Post
How is the van running?
Are you pleased with her?
Any issues or advice if I were to buy one.
Thought one day I may have to get one when I find the sandy I have gets too hard to drive

Cheers Kiwivan
The van is running perfectly, never a moments hesitation to start, sounds smooth and is still nearly 4,000km til the first service! doesn't get hot, no oil issues, no leaks, will cruise all day at 110 no worries.

I am extremely happy with it, I have never owned a new car before and have only driven anything less than 15yrs old as rental/work cars so may not be the best judge.

It is so easy to drive, get in, push the button to start, select drive and go... cruise control on the steering wheel, slap the gear stick into sport if you need a bit more power to make that gap, remote start, hill hold, crawl at 5ks, reverse camera, heads up display - The VF2 Black Edition really is the best Commodore going, not sure what the end of the year holds, but I can't see them doing any better.

If I had the parts bin to play with I would ask for radar for the cruise control so it automatically follows the car in front, I would love the seats from the HSV (ventilated, heated and magnetic ride suspension), the Limited Slip Diff off the V8s and maybe the ride change ability of the Motor Sport (sport, track modes that I would hack and change to dirt, gravel etc.)

I can see myself adding some of these parts as wrecks come up and towards the end of my 5yr warranty. Would like to get rid of some of the interior trim from V6 and swap for the Calais.

Only real downside I have found is the A pillar issue everyone mentions, it's big and it's in your sight line. However it means a 5 star safety rating sooo... not sure if I would change it. I raised my seating position and learned to look through the side windows more, it's only on extremely tight left handed corners I notice it now.

I was surprised by the lack of a full metal tray (photo's in my original build post), but I guess these really are more sport car than tradie ute these days.

I have given it a fair beating these past few days and it has not only held up but feels ready for much more. The handling is great, I am impressed by the feel in the pedals and steering wheel, when it does let go it is predictable and easy to get back.

I have been on smooth slippery dirt, gravel, sand, black soil plains, half made roads covered in crusher dust, gibbers (fist sized rocks), brand new tarmac and the stock tyres and wheels do a great job of putting the power down and keep me moving.

All in all I am loving it.