Hey guys,
Wasn't sure what section this should be in, thought I would just post it where I could ask those who would know.

I have a friend who likes the 380s, as well as their features(per price) and has been looking around for one

Main question, how many Ks should be considered too high on a 2005 380?
Perhaps more broad, how many Ks per year should be looked for?

Are there any 380 models that should be kept away from?
Any other advice on things to look for when inspecting a 380?

Advice appreciated
Thanks

All 380 models are good....no exceptions.

The manual ones use more fuel, considerably more...but are very rare indeed, most were auto.

High K's are more than 120,000 at the moment.
Of course thats because you can get them with 60,000 still.

It's all about money.

10k gets you one with 160,000
15k gets you one with 80,000
20k gets you one with 30,000
30k gets you one with 10,000
50k gets you a new one with supercharger.


It comes down to what model as well.

Tell your mate the magic words are "sunroof" and "leather" and "VRX" and "GT".....then go shopping for a 380.


If you are really,really lucky it will have the factory sat nav/dvd player.....


I am of the firm opinion that there is nothing bad to watch out for with these cars...compared to Holden or Ford they are built like Rolls Royces in terms of quality.

Why get a 2005 when you can often find a 2006,7 for the same price?


All my very, very biased opinions of course.

pretty much anything around/under 90K kms is good for a '05 380 which if you look around you should be able to find one for $9000. Prices drop sharply once warranty expires.

also if its done 90K its due for a major round of servicing. Think: timing belt, spark plugs, transmission/engine/coolant flush, new battery (if it hasnt been replaced yet) and quite possibly brake pads as well.

anything above 130K would be too high IMO. It really comes down to how much you want to spend and how well the previous owner cared for the car.
I know when I was buying I steered clear of the 05 models just because there was some stuff about fuel injectors flying around at the time (probs not a issue)..

Also dont be afraid of the badges, its a 380 after all not BMW. the base model (ES) is just as good as the stock GT's in regards to performance and reliability with the exception of the suspension system (0-100 times virtually the same). When I was looking around I had the opportunity to drive the vrx and a GT and honestly I couldn't tell the difference when it came to drive quality (than again I was a brand spanking new P plater back then).

I know most people would disagree but I found the ES the most comfortable, both sitting in the car and the price tag :D (although the SX would have the better choice). It comes down to what you can afford..

I agree the ES was the first model I drove and it held the road exceptionally well. I actually drove a TW VR-X just before I drove the ES and it highlighted just how far the 380 was infront of the Magna. Easily a more sporty drive even thought it was only the base model.

Any 380 of any age is good. As mentioned above though with such a choice go for the newest one you can regardless of spec level. If fuel consumption isn't a factor try to find a manual, gaurd it with your life and never sell it lol

No bias at all :ninja:

why are the manuals worse on fuel? isnt the auto usualy worse with most cars?

The manual ratios are different, it uses more rpm, considerably more.


The manuals also have non-lpg heads....in case that's to be a required option in the future.

The manual ratios are different, it uses more rpm, considerably more.


The manuals also have non-lpg heads....in case that's to be a required option in the future.

My manual 2005 Series 1 base model has an LPG head. Not that I'm ever going to fit LPG. I think its only Series 2 & Series 3 manuals that don't have the LPG head.

And the manual v auto drive ratio difference is two fold. A much higher final drive ratio, 4.111 v 3.8 (I think!), and also a much shorter 5th gear ratio, something like 20% shorter.

So in 5th gear at 100km/h a manual is pulling about 2,600 rpm while an auto is doing only 2,100 rpm. That 500 rpm diference makes about a 2l/100km difference in highway cycle fuel economy. With city cycle fuel economy it's much closer, depends on model and how you drive it, I get 12l/100km city driving even with lots of stop start and plenty of right foot when called for, but most autos seem to get worse than that in city cycle.

Sounds like the same between auto and manual Magna when it comes to RPM difference at cruise speeds, yet the manual Magna gets better economy than auto...?

much 0-100 difference in the auto to the manual?

much 0-100 difference in the auto to the manual?

Not much, they are both very similar.

RPM for auto @ 100kmh is 1800.

My auto KE was 2100rpm

agreed

wouldnt it be better to buy a 2005 380 with 90,000km as opposed to a 2007 model with 90,000kms? As the 2005 model would have done considrably less mileage per year?

wouldnt it be better to buy a 2005 380 with 90,000km as opposed to a 2007 model with 90,000kms? As the 2005 model would have done considrably less mileage per year?

Thing is though, an 07 model with reasonable kays isn't all that much more coin than an 05 with higher kays.

Check out the price and kays thread on here somewhere OP, gives you a good idea of what price people are paying and k's

also your 06/07 would still have atleast 10 months + factory warranty left on it... so if something does fail you have a bit of protection. Most cars that clock higher kms usually do it on the highway/open roads as well... so in a way the engines haven't been stressed out as much. (more opinion that fact :D)

also your 06/07 would still have atleast 10 months + factory warranty left on it... so if something does fail you have a bit of protection. Most cars that clock higher kms usually do it on the highway/open roads as well... so in a way the engines haven't been stressed out as much. (more opinion that fact :D)

Good chance that a few from dealers are ex-hire cars also. Not a bad thing, but means you shouldn't pay top dollar

There are quite a few SX for sale on eBay there is a link in the eBay thread most have 60k and are being sold at 13.5k

The manual ones use more fuel, considerably more...


Just to provide the OP with some facts, I have a manual and on a trip down the south coast with two adults, two kids, boot full of luggage & air on I managed 8.6l/100 cruising on about 90km/h. Further to that, a quote from a 380 review when the vehicle was first released indicated.... 'Fuel consumption figures are slightly better than average, with 11.4 l/100km for manual and 10.8 l/100km for the auto on the combined city/highway cycle.'

Not sure how that equates to considerably more fuel....

Just to provide the OP with some facts, I have a manual and on a trip down the south coast with two adults, two kids, boot full of luggage & air on I managed 8.6l/100 cruising on about 90km/h. Further to that, a quote from a 380 review when the vehicle was first released indicated.... 'Fuel consumption figures are slightly better than average, with 11.4 l/100km for manual and 10.8 l/100km for the auto on the combined city/highway cycle.'

Not sure how that equates to considerably more fuel....
Could also depend on how you drive it. Even driving the auto in manual mode with long shifts can use noticeably more fuel.

Just to provide the OP with some facts, I have a manual and on a trip down the south coast with two adults, two kids, boot full of luggage & air on I managed 8.6l/100 cruising on about 90km/h. Further to that, a quote from a 380 review when the vehicle was first released indicated.... 'Fuel consumption figures are slightly better than average, with 11.4 l/100km for manual and 10.8 l/100km for the auto on the combined city/highway cycle.'

Not sure how that equates to considerably more fuel....

Just calling it like it is in real life....we do have every model 380 in our family....

Your comparison quote at 90km/h isn't the basis of comparison to quoted combined driving cycle fuel consumption figures....(combined is combined which includes 100km/h, not 90km/h)

I too can get down to 7.5l/100 km in my car as well when cruising at 90km/h...but the minute I encounter the slightest dip in the road it jumps up to 12...13...14...138L/100km.

Of course i would get sick of the constant abuse from other drivers if I sat on 90km/h for a full tank of fuel particularly on the Hume..............:)

Finally,wind resistance is squared for every 20km/h above 80 km/h....you will use a lot more fuel at 100 compared to 90.

I reckon on a long run with hills, not just a flat road,your average would be 12L/100km/h and the auto 10.5L/100km/h.

(Well thats what we found on a 600k run from Geelong to Falls creek one year)

Having said that mine regularly gets 480k or less to a tank....thats about 13 Litres per 100km... with blower. :facepalm :facepalm

Driving a car at at 90km/h on a road sign posted at 90km/h is real life....I wasnt in a simulator.

Hey, I know it is probably somewhere already, but I suck at this search system, at stock base model automatic, which is faster 0 to 100, a 380 or a 3.5L 4 spd FWD Third Gen?

I thought I remembered reading somewhere that the 380s weren' actually faster than 3rd gens

380 auto are definitely faster than a four speed 3.5 litre 3rd gen. I had a KE so I know.

Hey, I know it is probably somewhere already, but I suck at this search system, at stock base model automatic, which is faster 0 to 100, a 380 or a 3.5L 4 spd FWD Third Gen?

I thought I remembered reading somewhere that the 380s weren' actually faster than 3rd gens

380, by a lot. 380 is around 7.3, 3rd gen 4sp would be around 8.5.

30k gets you one with 10,000
50k gets you a new one with supercharger.


Now I like my 380 as much as the next person, but for 30k I would certainly be shopping elsewhere. and 50k with a supercharger sorry a G6ETurbo would get my vote......(he awaits a torrent of retorts from disgruntled misti owners) My thoughts anyway. I bought my series 1 VRX with 69 thou on the clock from a dealer for 13500 (no it wasn't an ex rental).

Now I like my 380 as much as the next person, but for 30k I would certainly be shopping elsewhere. and 50k with a supercharger sorry a G6ETurbo would get my vote......(he awaits a torrent of retorts from disgruntled misti owners) My thoughts anyway. I bought my series 1 VRX with 69 thou on the clock from a dealer for 13500 (no it wasn't an ex rental).
No retorts here mate, you are right on the money. $43k gets you a brand new FG XR6 turbo...check out the youtube clips of them doing 0-100, I know where my cash would be going!!!

I would blow it on the G6ET Lux and speed

Yep G6ET 36,000k $35,500 2008 Lots of goodies and 270kw mmmmm...... but for $13500 I will stick with my VR-X for the time being lol!!
Did I mention 6 speed auto too mmmmm lol
Seriously though Pretzil, you can pick up a good 380 well under 20k and the key is patience and negotiate. It is a buyers market out there. As was mentioned before, go for an up spec model, either VR-X or the GT. 20k plus I would be looking elsewhere.

Now I like my 380 as much as the next person, but for 30k I would certainly be shopping elsewhere. and 50k with a supercharger sorry a G6ETurbo would get my vote......).

Wasn't suggesting he buys anything, was just pointing out what is available on carsales.com.

As for the G6ET, drove it and liked it, but in spite of being able to buy it I decided to not .

Just seemed that if i was to get a luxury car then a BMW or Merc was the way to go.

Also the TMR380 is a very special car in terms of handling, you would need to spend a lot more than 50k in a ford to get the same suspension and brake package.

Suggest you drive one if given the opportunity.

But for sik burnouts, yeah get the Ford....:)


(he awaits a torrent of retorts from disgruntled misti owners) My thoughts anyway. I bought my series 1 VRX with 69 thou on the clock from a dealer for 13500 (no it wasn't an ex rental).

You got what you paid for, yours is a manual isn't it? The manuals were a few thou cheaper than the autos when new.

Interesting that the 380's with all the good options are very few and far between on carsales now, some models like the Gt and to some extent the VRX's are holding their value as well as holdens and fords of the same age....if not better.

Go buy this one....Its a series 3 VRX...one owner.

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8994521&__sid=1287ED58929F&__Qpb=true&Cr=1&__Ns=pCar_Odometer_Single%7c0%7c%7cpCar_RankSort_I nt32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7c0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294964597% 204294964376&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=622&silo=1011

I can confirm the kilometres are genuine, I drove it, but during the test drive a truck hit us in the back drivers side quarter.

He has had it fixed, it was 4k damage.

It definitely has only done 3500 k's...it's no typo.


I had him down to 18k and we were on our way to the bank and the RTA.

I would still buy it if I wanted another 380.

I also paid for the revs certificate, its all good.

Go buy this one....Its a series 3 VRX...one owner.

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8994521&__sid=1287ED58929F&__Qpb=true&Cr=1&__Ns=pCar_Odometer_Single%7c0%7c%7cpCar_RankSort_I nt32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7c0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294964597% 204294964376&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=622&silo=1011

I can confirm the kilometres are genuine, I drove it, but during the test drive a truck hit us in the back drivers side quarter.

He has had it fixed, it was 4k damage.

It definitely has only done 3500 k's...it's no typo.


I had him down to 18k and we were on our way to the bank and the RTA.

I would still buy it if I wanted another 380.

I also paid for the revs certificate, its all good.

Yep, a bargain at $18,000.

Only problem is it's missing two key words - leather & sunroof.

Seems a bit of a waste to get a VRX without these two things.

You got what you paid for, yours is a manual isn't it? The manuals were a few thou cheaper than the autos when new.

Interesting that the 380's with all the good options are very few and far between on carsales now, some models like the Gt and to some extent the VRX's are holding their value as well as holdens and fords of the same age....if not better.
Nope mine is the tippy. I have been a staunch manual man until then (oops forget the XA V8 but that seems a life time ago lol). Bang for your buck I just couldn't go past the VR-X for that money. I wasn't suggesting that you were suggesting he buys anything o wise and noble Blackstar, just that there were better options in the top end price range. As for the TMR, time will tell on that I guess. I feel that down the road a low mileage model in showroom condition may fetch good money, but for a daily drive Mecha and I are in agreement, for the bang for your buck the G6ET gets the thumbs up. BTW has anyone noticed the NSW Highway patrol XR6 Turbos have funny red coloured calipers with a word beginning with "B" on them? Another interesting option for a second hand car eh? Only driven lightly, never thrashed lol. There are some nice coloured ones around too.