New Ve Sandman

[Epic_Dragon]

i actually dont really like that :( doesnt do sandmans or panelvans any justice.they should develop and actual updated sandman that isnt a commodore. like the new monaros, they dont havet he the same class/character as old monaros. is this just the way the world is going? lol!

[HK1837]

To be fair, it isn't actually a Commodore. Commodores are only some sedans and some wagons. Utes are Holden, just like in HJ-WB and in which you could get a Holden Kinsgwood (today's equivalent is Holden S utility).
Calais isn't a Commodore either, nor is Statesman! Neither were Monaro, Cross8, Adventra etc. From memory the last non sedan or wagon to be badged as a Commodore was the VSIII S ute, whereas the base model was (again from memory) a Holden ute.

On the V2 and VZ Monaros, they actually have a LOT less in common with the sedan equivalents than any HK-HX Monaro, LS, GTS or HZ GTS ever did. Like maybe 5 x less or more. Only really basic stuff is common like door handles, driveline etc. I don't think any of the panels are even the same except for maybe the bonnet with V2I and VXII. Note that apart from the abortion V6 Monaro the CV8 was effectively a Calais level vehicle so the vehicle it has most in common with is a Calais (which isn't a Commodore!). Compare this to say HQ where heaps is the same between say an LS and a Premier. I'll think you'll also find that a HK-HZ Holden or Kingswood utility has as much in common with its sedan equivalent as a VE SS ute has with an SS sedan or wagon, especially in HK-HG where all models had leaf springs.

I didn't write this to have a go at you. What you've said just touches on one of those commonly thrown around things that the V2 and VZ Monaros are just 2 door Commodores, when it is a blatantly incorrect statement. I do understand the character thing though, but understand that the original top dog Monaro was a race car, whereas the CV8 was only ever meant to be a luxury 2 door. Similarly in 1974 the "sports option" utilty and panel van were pretty basic things with the only standard creature comfort being buckets, console and GTS style dash. The Kingswood version gave you a few more things like front discs and armrests. Compare it to today when the base model Holden ute gets cloth trim, buckets, aircon, power windows, CD player etc, and the sports option (SS) is more like a luxury sports car - the closest in Holden history probably being the HX LE Monaro!

[HZSandman]

We have got one of the new monaros and love it. We reckon it has heaps of character and style. So much so that even though it is time to swap it for another car now we do not want to get rid of it. Can't think of another car on the market that is big, powerful, not a ford that has the same style as the Monaro.

We are seriously considering getting a lower km Monaro even though it would be 7 years old.

[wbute]

I agree, they have heaps of style and I would love one in the shed one day. A sleeper I think. Should be well worth hanging on to HZSandman.

[HZSandman]

Wish I had the cash and space to just keep it as well. But I need to sell to buy. Same as when I sold all those classic holdens in my youth. If only.

[HK1837]

I've got a CV8 as well. It is a silver/black late 2002 V2, but has 96,000kM on it. Looked at replacing it but nothing is yet available. Hopefully by the time the lease is up GM-H will be selling the VE Camaro! Then i'll just park the CV8 in the shed.

[stickthis]

We have got one of the new monaros and love it. We reckon it has heaps of character and style. So much so that even though it is time to swap it for another car now we do not want to get rid of it. Can't think of another car on the market that is big, powerful, not a ford that has the same style as the Monaro.

We are seriously considering getting a lower km Monaro even though it would be 7 years old.

What model?

Im looking at trying to find a manual HSV GTS coupe. Or maybe an early GTO. Dont like the later ones with the tank in the boot. Uses too much space.

[HZSandman]

We were trying to hang out for the camero as well. Not likely. I can't understand how the top of the range model in the States is around $40K and they reckon that if they bought it to Aus it would be $70k+. Have they not seen the dollar?

[HK1837]

The Camaro is a VE under the body, and it was designed here. It is Engineered as a RHD but not tooled. If it is it could possibly be assembled here, but unlikely. With a free trade agreemement surely it wouldn't be any dearer than a VZ CV8Z plus 10% or so, so $70k isn't that silly.

Jason, a HSV isn't a Monaro. This is the only reason I didn't buy one and bought a CV8 instead, apart from the fact that the HSV's are so tacky looking compared to a V2. At the time GTO's and CV8 wee exactly the same price secondhand. GTS was a little dearer. The best value of all is a V2, low kM examples are still cheap. I originally looked for a manual but after driving an auto would never buy a 6spd again. I had a VY SS ute 6spd at the same time, V2 auto is a heaps better car.

[stickthis]

The Camaro is a VE under the body, and it was designed here. It is Engineered as a RHD but not tooled. If it is it could possibly be assembled here, but unlikely. With a free trade agreement surely it wouldn't be any dearer than a VZ CV8Z plus 10% or so, so $70k isn't that silly.

Jason, a HSV isn't a Monaro. This is the only reason I didn't buy one and bought a CV8 instead, apart from the fact that the HSV's are so tacky looking compared to a V2. At the time GTO's and CV8 wee exactly the same price secondhand. GTS was a little dearer. The best value of all is a V2, low kM examples are still cheap. I originally looked for a manual but after driving an auto would never buy a 6spd again. I had a VY SS ute 6spd at the same time, V2 auto is a heaps better car.

I'm a country lad Byron so a manual is a must for me!

I did look at a CV8 when I was in Adel. Black, 63,000km on the close. holden warranty etc. Absolutely mint and original. $30,000. I myself like the GTS. But finding one suitable with low KM and original is the issue....

I know they are not a monaro HSV's. But thats the exact reason why I don't want one lol. I like the HSV Coupes. The GTS especially.