Hey guys,

Currently driving a TJ and have an itch to upgrade. The falcon & commodore variants just seem so boring!
I'm interested in KL or KW Verada, Verada AWD, GTVi or GTVi AWD. I'm looking for something with below 100 000kms on the clock.
Which would you recommend? Will I be running into issues a few years down the track with lack of parts or expensive replacement? I'm yet to ring to get insurance quotes.
Is AWD a worthwhile option & will it cost more or run into issues later?
Please tell me which you suggest and common issues to look out for and most importantly what I should be paying.
Looking at some of the popular sites there seems to be no shortage of them although most in SA, WA or QLD.
Thanks for your input!

Depends on how much money you can pump into the exercise.

Personally I would skip the Magnas and head for 380 territory.

In my 'fleet' I have 2 TJ I Execs, my kid's cars, and a TW II VRX AWD, my wife's, acquired new. My former employer used to have a few TW I AWDs in the fleet which convinced me to get my VRX, and subsequently the kids cars. The AWDs are heavier and use more fuel. With the 5 speed and lower gearing, performance is close enough. On the odd day I 'play' in the mountains, the VRX AWD is sublime, and every now and then could use more grunt. The only problems to date are dash rattles and rocker cover oil leaks. Next service on the VRX will be 180 k and the 2 TJs are about 150 k each.

The AWD driveline seems tough, and must reduce stress on the front driveshafts and CVs compared to the 2wd versions. Longer term issues, dunno? It was the right car for me on the day, and no regrets. What would I buy today, dunno, but plan to keep the VRX for a few more 100 k so moot point.


Steve

Also considering Verada EI and Xi.

Looking at an 2003 Xi for $11 700 with 40 000kms(:eek2:) on the clock this arvo.

Also might look at a 2004 EI for $12 000 and 80 000kms.

WHat are your thoughts?

Also considering Verada EI and Xi.

Looking at an 2003 Xi for $11 700 with 40 000kms(:eek2:) on the clock this arvo.

Also might look at a 2004 EI for $12 000 and 80 000kms.

WHat are your thoughts?

For that money you should consider getting a 380 instead.

Or else a TL/TW AWD and save up a bit for a 6G75 conversion, a few members here have done that to their AWDs (zero & alscall that I know of).

In that price range, check out what is available in the 380 range before you go too much further.

(If only for future resale value) lol

Yeah, go 380... a nice 380 gt will be yours for that price and you wont look back at it twice.
Or maybe get a manual 380?

If you're buying something with less than 100,000km on the clock, don't forget that you'll be due for the major service straight off the bat - it should be done every 5 years / ~100,000km.

I wouldn't pay more than $9k for any FWD Verada, and even then, I think that's being quite generous. As a comparison, there's this (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=11233412&keywords=380%20gt&tsrc=allcarhome&__Ntk=CarAll&__Nne=15&__Dx=mode%20matchany&__D=380%20gt&silo=1011&seot=1&__sid=132B4830D514&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%20903&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__Qpb=1&__Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Cr=2&__Ntt=380%20gt&trecs=7) 380GT for $12,900. A much more sensible buy imo.

Mate I paid 7500 for my 04 TL AWD. Im with red 9k is about as much as they are worth around that mark... Buyers market atm.

Awd has advantage or traction but disadvantage of higher fuel consumption, lack of power, and higher servicing costs. If you are keen I stick to magnas try to find a manual Tw vrx with leather. Or move up to a 380 (although be warned they are heavier on fuel then the magna).

Higher servicing costs. Hell that trans case and diff with the ****full of oil it takes will bust the bank

Awd is nice and get one cheap and pop a 3.8 in it

:yeahthat:

If I could choose again, FWD Rada, KW variant, add good suspension, no traction /grip issues, cheaper fuel.
If you performance orientated, takes Life's advice.
If you want a 6G75, buy a car with fitted already...

But, thinking harder, for me, a Sportswagon is always nice.....