Hey guys, Ive been looking around at getting a VL pref a calais for a while now, but still havnt found one, neway both my dad n one of his m8s keep tellin me to keep saving and get like a VN, VP, VR or VS n they say that because the VLs are an old car and only gunna get older that more and more problems will arise and cost alot to fix, aswell as that my uncle says that because the engines are old 'youd wanna be a good mechanic to fix problems'. so im just wondering if yous think that getting a VL calais (for a first car) is a smart move? any help appreciated Thankz

woops, sorry about the double post

Get what you want mate, not what your told to get. Nothing wrong with VL's if theyve been looked after. Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

VLs are an old car? - Yes they are, but so are VNs, they are 1989-1991 or something. So a year or two difference isn't a lot. As for them getting a lot of problems, well you can't say for certain that they will, or they wont. Then again, almost every car at one stage or another will have problems. The choice is yours and so long as you're paying, you should make ur own decision.

I'd say you're more likely to have problems with a VN than a VL. VL's at least have a decent engine. Some VNs are also as old as VLs, first vn being out in 88. If you don't have alot of money i'd say go for a VL, can get good ones fairly cheap. Or go for a newer model if you got a bit of dosh, stuff a VN tho, unless it's the SS version Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

VN's are shit.... even a VZ V6, still aint an OHC...... I cant pretend that you will listen to us over your dad, he is trying to look after you, but really how many VN, VP, VR, VS, VT, VX, VY, VZ, or earlier sites are there with over 9500 members out there...must be somethin good about a VL..... there is not a problem you could have with it, that someone on this site hasnt already experienced, and would be happy to help you with..... Your call though...

I think your best choice is probably a VS. The ecotec is a good, reliable engine. You'll also be able to find a good condition VS fairly cheap, for say about $6000, maybe even a Calais. Just make sure you get someone who knows their stuff to take a look at it before you buy it. A VS will give you better fuel efficiency, a more comfortable ride, a lot more power than a n/a VL, increased safety, less rust, and probably encounter a lot less mechanical and electrical problems too. You'll be spending less money, and you're young, which means you can't really afford to be throwing money at your car. You'll be happier with the VS in the long run. My first car was a n/a VL, looking back I should have gotten a VS instead. Furthermore, a friend of mine recently wrote-off his VS, and now he's got a n/a VL Berlina, and he never stops bitching about how much he hates his VL and misses his VS. The only advantage of a VL is that the RB30E is a good engine to muck around with and learn mechanics. Still, if you've got your heart set on a VL Calais, then go for it. I'd only recommend you buy a Calais Turbo, because naturally aspirated VL's are absolutely gutless. Personally, I'd get a VS, put a nice set of rims on it and a bodykit, install a decent sound system, and just leave it at that, until you're older and can afford to buy and run a Calais Turbo. Quite a few of my friends own VS Commodores, and my mother owns a VS ute, they're nice cars, and they look damn sexy with rims and a bodykit.

I'd go the VS too, more reliable and FAR less chance of theft

Quote: Originally Posted by aus880 I'd go the VS too, more reliable and FAR less chance of theft But who wants to buy a car people wouldn't even bother stealing? Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

my first car was a VL Calais, i still have it, its a bit tatty but i love it, and have never had any major trouble with it. I also have a VS Berlina, its a nice car yes, but compared to the VL its very dull to drive, sure it uses less fuel and delivers slightly better performance, but the VL is lighter, more compact feeling, easier to park, has quicker, more positive steering and the seats are 10x better!

The VL is hardly old... 16 years or so is hardly old, cars go way back. And i think that the RB30 is a reliable engine aswell... Even styill if it is 'old' the cars are still VERY common so things arent hard to find or do to them... Up to you

Yeh i agree with lil_timmy...RB30 are good strong motors and if kept in good condition they can easily go past 300,000 ks and probly hit 400,000 if ur doing everything right for your VL. I bought my 87' VL Executive bout 2 months ago 2000 cash in hand....the car has 254,000 ks on the odometer....but if u seen the way my VL ran u would think the engine was brand new. The only problem i had was it wouldnt start and that was caused by dirty spark plugs, so i fixed that little problem and she was back on her feet in no time. Trust me man RB30 engines are excellent And u can no never go wrong with buying a VL. Now if u do buy a VL make sure u buy off someone u know that hasnt thrashed the living crap out of it or buy one off someone elderly. Anywayz good luck with whatever u purchase Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

hmmmm vls are one of the most popular commodores around wit a cult following......so theres gota be something good about it......and dont let people tell u that newer is always beta...coz its not........the vl engine would out do a vn vp vr anyday....as there designed to take alot of ks....and i find there easier to fix and easier to maintain.....and it would cost u alot more to get a newer car fixed........and vl parts are easy to come buy and normaly pretty cheap.....

Thankz for all your responces guys, i think ill stick with a VL, ive found alright one for sale for $3800 with 168*** kms on it which seems pretty good, might check it out.

Quote: Originally Posted by calais3L my first car was a VL Calais, i still have it, its a bit tatty but i love it, and have never had any major trouble with it. I also have a VS Berlina, its a nice car yes, but compared to the VL its very dull to drive, sure it uses less fuel and delivers slightly better performance, but the VL is lighter, more compact feeling, easier to park, has quicker, more positive steering and the seats are 10x better! you should be a car reviewer lol well written i must say Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

WTF is it with people calling VLs old? They never call R31s and XFs old yet they are the same age as the VLs. Buy what you want man but dont let your old man and his mates tell ya that VLs are old cause they are approaching 20 years old.Cause whether people like it or not alot of VLs can make VNs,VPs,VRs an VSs look like sh*t with enough money spent on them. I dont know why anyone would say that VNs are better cause their newer.I hardly doubt the technology in the VN is better cause of a 2 year age difference. Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

XF's are old pieces of shit

Quote: Originally Posted by Boostedcal VN's are sheven a VZ V6, still aint an OHC Actually the Alloytec's are Quad Overhead Cam

Quote: XF's are old pieces of **** they were old pieces of **** when they were new, nothing more than an updated, re-skinned XC Quote: you should be a car reviewer lol well written i must say You think thats good, you should see my wonderful review of dads ford territory.

Quote: Originally Posted by Boostedcal VN's are shit.... even a VZ V6, still aint an OHC...... I cant pretend that you will listen to us over your dad, he is trying to look after you, but really how many VN, VP, VR, VS, VT, VX, VY, VZ, or earlier sites are there with over 9500 members out there...must be somethin good about a VL..... there is not a problem you could have with it, that someone on this site hasnt already experienced, and would be happy to help you with..... Your call though... exactly right!!!, VLs have really reliable engines anywayz.. an 86,87,88 cars are not old mate..also because VLs are so common you will never have troble fining parts for em.. anywayz you can never go wrong with a commodore.. deff dont get a VN, if anything either VL or if you want newer VR...