Having sold my v8 bmw at the start of the year and now driving a crappy diesel bmw I feel its time to change. So I'm thinking of a vauxhall monaro ls2.

I know that fuel economy is crap(not to bad for size of engine) and that they need to be under sealed because of importing from oz.

 

Anybody had any experience of these cars? Know what to look out for?

Have a look here: http://www.hsv.org.uk/

 

I had the VXR8 with the LS3 engine, so can't really offer advice on the early CV8's.

Great car and I've been very tempted myself, however the early ones are so vauxhall looking it's untrue, new they looked great now they look cheap and boring... My mrs said the other day that it looks like a Chav car. I am a fan honest, but it could so easy be mistaken for a generic vectra etc.

the newer ones are much more distinct and better looking.

That engine and drive train are full of win though.

Monaro is a coupe. Doesn't look anything like a Vectra.

I agree. How anyone would mistake a Monaro to a Vectra is beyond me....the two couldn't be anymore different.

 

Monaro

 

 

Vectra

 

I must admit its engine first looks second for me although I do prefer the face lift ones

Was just an example, if that standard issue vauxhall look. I tell you what it does look like, Mazda 6. I do like them honest, I just don't think they has stood the test of time. Vauxhalls never do.

I think Monkfish Performance have an open day coming up. They're up near Milton Keynes, and pretty much the authority in the UK on CV8's and Clubsport R8's. Well worth a visit.

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

Was just an example, if that standard issue vauxhall look. I tell you what it does look like, Mazda 6. I do like them honest, I just don't think they has stood the test of time. Vauxhalls never do.

 

It was never a Vauxhall though. Just badged as one.

Wholly designed by Holden.

Was just an example, if that standard issue vauxhall look. I tell you what it does look like, Mazda 6. I do like them honest, I just don't think they has stood the test of time. Vauxhalls never do.

 

This is the thing, I don't think the Monaro has that 'standard Vauxhall' look, I'd say it looks more Japanese, even the American badged version (Pontiac GTO). It's a really pleasing shape, understated and sleek. I am no Vauxhall lover at all. Long were the days when I used to like them, in fact, it's only generally the older stuff that I do like. HSRs, Astra GTEs, Monzas, Mantas, Lotus Carltons etc. I am not even a fan of the 'VXR' branding. I find it, dare I say it...a little chavtastic....ie Corsa/Astra/Vectra 'VXR'. I HATE the Corsa.

 

But the VXR8 and Monaros are a pretty class act and herald the days when Vauxhall actually built RWD cars as they were quite good at it, despite this being of Australian heritage.

Oh I know that and as a Pontiac GTO in the US but it's still GM isn't it. I LOVE pontiacs but I'm aware of the fact theyre not very good lol. I have brought a new vauxhall as a daily before which was a heap tbh and tbh I'd never buy another. GM stuff dates quickly, look at opels and vauxhalls from 5-10 years ago, they looked great at the start but now...Chevy are the same.

I have heard about monkfish I will pop up there as I have never known where they were to be honest (bit lazy I know).

 

Yes they are designed and built by Holden imported by vauxhall but will be rebated as a Holden as I don't like vauxhalls much.

I really miss my VXR8. I would have another in a heartbeat, but no way I can make the man maths work at the moment.

 

I am tempted by an early CV8 with the LS1 as a replacement for my slicktop though.

I like the newer one but the old one I think looks like a sporty omega lol...

Don't really see the Mazda /monaro thing sorry

Oh I know that and as a Pontiac GTO in the US but it's still GM isn't it. I LOVE pontiacs but I'm aware of the fact theyre not very good lol. I have brought a new vauxhall as a daily before which was a heap tbh and tbh I'd never buy another. GM stuff dates quickly, look at opels and vauxhalls from 5-10 years ago, they looked great at the start but now...Chevy are the same.

 

The drivetrains are ok, it's the interiors, suspension and general build quality that's pants and that's common with almost all North American build GM products, they're heavily built to a price.

 

Take the Chevrolet Cobalt which is almost entirely based on a MK4 Astra and outlived it in this format for a number of years. GM took all the good bits from this car (which weren't a lot of them) and used what was left to make the Cobalt. ROCK hard plastic everywhere, dowdy 8v automatic engines. An SS version was built for a while, but as a range, it sucked and was dower to drive. I had the displeasure of one as a rental car some years ago.

 

This on the other hand is gorgeous, at present. Give it ten years though and will it be gorgeous still...

The drivetrains are ok, it's the interiors, suspension and general build quality that's pants and that's common with almost all North American build GM products, they're heavily built to a price.

 

Take the Chevrolet Cobalt which is almost entirely based on a MK4 Astra and outlived it in this format for a number of years. GM took all the good bits from this car (which weren't a lot of them) and used what was left to make the Cobalt. ROCK hard plastic everywhere, dowdy 8v automatic engines. An SS version was built for a while, but as a range, it sucked and was dower to drive. I had the displeasure of one as a rental car some years ago.

 

 

My parents have a Chevy, it's horrendous. It's a rebadged old Daewoo with worse parts on it. The interior just like y old corsa look like they were recycled from plastic cups lol.

Remember, when these came out. Stylish and modern, tinted rear lights from factory, alloys and tinted windows etc everything you wanted at 17. Now though, yuk.

Indeed, even the Chevy Chevys are Malaysian tat.

 

When some stupid teenage kid crashed into my old Passat, I was given a 'Chevrolet Spark' as a 'courtesy car' (about as courteous a chav in McDonalds I thought). This car was not only hugely embarrassing to drive, the performance was just atrocious. I know these things are built to a budget and yes, I know they're built for the pearl rinse brigade, but JESUS! I was surprised that car companies still built horse shit like this.

 

I had to drive down to Cornwall in it and the A36 gets a little steep in places; not only did I have to drop it down into 4th to get up, but I then had to drop down into 3rd! Yes, 3rd gear at 60, bouncing it off the limited, as if I'd slid it into 4th, it would have started slowing down.

 

Horrible, dangerous and miserable. One of the worst cars I've ever driven.

Here's my old one, the one I've just sold up and replaced with a SWB 300zx TT (hint) ;)

Had a Z, bought this, sold this, wanted another Z!

 

Lovely car. Excellent value for money ATM, mine was excellent, but there are a lot of unnecessarily scruffy ones about now.

Fuel consumption really not bad, performance strong, but not faster than a TT ZED standard. Modifications are limited and expensive. Note it is a very big car. My SWB Z is much smaller in all dimensions bar width.

That one I like muchly

Can't beat a GM V8 sound :)

 

This was my custom exhaust on my VXR8:

 

Remember, when these came out. Stylish and modern, tinted rear lights from factory, alloys and tinted windows etc everything you wanted at 17. Now though, yuk.

 

Yeah, they were reasonably smart when they came out. Dreary engines and a lack-lustre chassis held those back, but they looked ok. The boy racers got hold of them and destroyed them.

 

The worst actually is the the current one! It is desperately in need of having a new model lineup. It's just an ugly little mofo of a car, even when it came out...

 

 

 

The back end is no better. It looks completely at odds with its self with its horrible window-line and rear lights; the 5 door looks better and that looks like a darn shoe!!

 

 

Then there's this; the most miserable looking police car since the MK4 Escort Popular. If this was following you, you WOULD laugh!

 

Edited May 13, 201411 yr by Funkysi

It was 100% reliable, only had it serviced at Monkfish Performance. Though whilst I had it they always found something worn that needed replacing. My car only had 28k on it, but already required new top mounts, drop-links all round, prop-shaft bearing. They are known for eating suspension components and there is plenty to look out for including gearbox issues, leaking front power steering coolers, but they are not unreliable cars, typical of forums they condense problems and can some times scare.

Build quality was very good actually, not top draw though, certainly as good as the Z.

Ride quality excellent, very comfortable.