Monaro queries from a lurker / potential buyer...
Discussion
I’m spending an unhealthy amount of time lurking here and the classifieds. I’m sold on the idea of owning a Monaro; still unsure about the reality of owning a Monaro though…
Currently driving a 2012 MINI Cooper S. Stop sniggering; it’s fun to drive, cheap to run and does/did what I need. Hoped to keep it another couple of years (might still do) but the kids have grown quicker than expected and need more legroom. Sensible choice would be something like a BMW 130i or Golf GTI, but I’m not that sensible.
What I look for in a car:
Soooo……
Currently driving a 2012 MINI Cooper S. Stop sniggering; it’s fun to drive, cheap to run and does/did what I need. Hoped to keep it another couple of years (might still do) but the kids have grown quicker than expected and need more legroom. Sensible choice would be something like a BMW 130i or Golf GTI, but I’m not that sensible.
What I look for in a car:
- Fun – can’t stand dull cars, but fun can come in a number of ways.
- Interesting – again, can’t stand dull cars.
- Not necessarily outright fast – as above, fun comes in different forms.
- Noise – I really miss the 6-cyl BMWs I’ve owned previously.
- Not bothered about toys.
- Not bothered about image/badge/age.
- Not into leasing.
- Decent reliability and low risk of potentially ruinous repair bills.
- Not overly expensive to run…
Soooo……
- Monaro values seem to have levelled off (but not quite on the rise) – correct?
- Should I even be looking at Monaros, given my ‘not overly expensive to run’ point above?
- Are Monaros liveable with on a daily basis? e.g. access to rear seats due to electric front seats.
- Other than PH classifieds and AT, where else can I find a good Monaro? Forum/club members selling cars? I’d happily buy one with good mods already done because, lets face it, who leaves a Monaro standard…
- Or, am I completely deluding myself and should sod off and buy that 130i/Golf instead?!
Yes you would like a monaro , loads of fun often very loud , the only downside is possibly fuel use but on long runs i have had 35 mpg , many are modded not a bad thing , standard brakes are not good , it’s a pretty quick car depending on mods , it has a lot of character , i have a cv8 so no bonnet vents but has lots of mods , it gives a big grin factor
Ok.
I believe the Monaro will continue to hold its value, depreciation is negligible, perhaps values may rise. Certainly, from this perspective they are quite a sound choice. I'm not expecting to loose anything on the purchase price of my VXR over the next few years.
From a seating perspective, they are plenty roomy enough, but are a strict 4 seater only. Rear accommodation is generous once in. The electric front seats are quite slow, and like any two door car getting in is a little awkward for older people.
They are a large car but the boot on the 6.0 VXR and later 5.7 CV8 cars (both identified by bonnet snouts and dual exit exhaust) is pretty pathetic especially for the cars overall size.
The early VXR with a ~380bhp 5.7 (the best choice IMO/very rare though) and early CV8 car has a massive boot and is more likely to be registered pre 06 meaning MUCH cheaper road tax
They are quite sturdy and robust and have enough mod cons to be useful, but not so much to go wrong. They are generally reliable cars, there's a few common issues that tend to effect all of them at some point. For example centre prop bearing, but nothing shocking. Quite a DIY friendly car too if you are the type.
They aren't terrible bad on fuel, getting 20+mpg is easy for me, near 30 on the motorway, but if you hammer it all the time the result is obvious.
They sound fantastic even standard, although a little muted. Better than any 4 cyl IMO.
Certainly an interesting car. Any petrol head will appreciate it, even if not their cuppa. People will stare/look and admire.
Not a super sonic car, but fast enough and brawny. Loads of torque obviously, pulls well in all gears bar 6th which is rather tall. They feel like an event to drive, but then mine isn't my daily. I'd say can be driven as such, but I wouldn't want to.
The 130i and GTI are no doubt a more sensible choice - by far to be fair. But then an Astra diesel is even more so!
I'm not sure I'd recommend as a daily, but for an unusual, fun, powerful toy - definitely.
I believe the Monaro will continue to hold its value, depreciation is negligible, perhaps values may rise. Certainly, from this perspective they are quite a sound choice. I'm not expecting to loose anything on the purchase price of my VXR over the next few years.
From a seating perspective, they are plenty roomy enough, but are a strict 4 seater only. Rear accommodation is generous once in. The electric front seats are quite slow, and like any two door car getting in is a little awkward for older people.
They are a large car but the boot on the 6.0 VXR and later 5.7 CV8 cars (both identified by bonnet snouts and dual exit exhaust) is pretty pathetic especially for the cars overall size.
The early VXR with a ~380bhp 5.7 (the best choice IMO/very rare though) and early CV8 car has a massive boot and is more likely to be registered pre 06 meaning MUCH cheaper road tax
They are quite sturdy and robust and have enough mod cons to be useful, but not so much to go wrong. They are generally reliable cars, there's a few common issues that tend to effect all of them at some point. For example centre prop bearing, but nothing shocking. Quite a DIY friendly car too if you are the type.
They aren't terrible bad on fuel, getting 20+mpg is easy for me, near 30 on the motorway, but if you hammer it all the time the result is obvious.
They sound fantastic even standard, although a little muted. Better than any 4 cyl IMO.
Certainly an interesting car. Any petrol head will appreciate it, even if not their cuppa. People will stare/look and admire.
Not a super sonic car, but fast enough and brawny. Loads of torque obviously, pulls well in all gears bar 6th which is rather tall. They feel like an event to drive, but then mine isn't my daily. I'd say can be driven as such, but I wouldn't want to.
The 130i and GTI are no doubt a more sensible choice - by far to be fair. But then an Astra diesel is even more so!
I'm not sure I'd recommend as a daily, but for an unusual, fun, powerful toy - definitely.
vxr2010 said:
Yes you would like a monaro , loads of fun often very loud , the only downside is possibly fuel use but on long runs i have had 35 mpg , many are modded not a bad thing , standard brakes are not good , it’s a pretty quick car depending on mods , it has a lot of character , i have a cv8 so no bonnet vents but has lots of mods , it gives a big grin factor
You have an early CV8, so no bonnet vents. Later ones do, with a tiny boot hold. 
Not being a dick!
Just trying to be helpful to OP.Edited by Lincsls1 on Wednesday 21st November 18:25
I would get the registration number of all the Monaros you can find for sale. Then go onto the mot web site and check out their history. This will show you the common things these cars fail on. It's also an indication as to how the car has been maintained.
You need to check for corrosion despite how good they look on top, if you come across anything tatty just walk away.
You need to check for corrosion despite how good they look on top, if you come across anything tatty just walk away.
Lincsls1 said:
For example centre prop bearing, but nothing shocking.
Next on my list of things to have replaced in the New Year with the clutch. Just had the suspension switched to Pedders so having to do things in stages!I think lincsls1 is pretty much spot on with his assessment, other things to look for are rusty fuel lines so check they've been replaced. One of my calipers failed earlier in the year so got all of them refurbed. One with a recent change of discs and pads will also help if you do buy as they're on the pricey side.
I've had 2 monaros, the early 5.7 VXR with the big boot/cheaper tax and the later 6.0 VXR with the little boot/expensive tax. I always preferred the Coupe however due to having 2 kids I eventually grew tired of the painfully slow electric seats when it came to entering the rears. When you go to pull the seat forward it electrically moves forwards and takes what seems like forever when you've got two kids waiting to get in and its raining etc. I then sold the Monaro and bought a focus ST estate with the mountune MP275 pack on which satisfied me for a while but it didn't have the noise, oh the noise and occasion of these big V8's 
so I did the only sensible thing and bought a VXR8, now I've rear doors and a huge boot (which has a ski hatch too)
so I did the only sensible thing and bought a VXR8, now I've rear doors and a huge boot (which has a ski hatch too) a11y_m said:
This isn’t the first time I’ve considered a Monaro, but this time I really think the itch needs to be scratched. Man-maths suggests lower (lack of?) depreciation could offset extra running costs: extra fuel (obviously), road tax, consumables and general extras keeping an older vehicle in good condition.
Soooo……
Prices have levelled of late ..may creep up imo Soooo……
- Monaro values seem to have levelled off (but not quite on the rise) – correct?
- Should I even be looking at Monaros, given my ‘not overly expensive to run’ point above?
- Are Monaros liveable with on a daily basis? e.g. access to rear seats due to electric front seats.
- Other than PH classifieds and AT, where else can I find a good Monaro? Forum/club members selling cars? I’d happily buy one with good mods already done because, lets face it, who leaves a Monaro standard…
- Or, am I completely deluding myself and should sod off and buy that 130i/Golf instead?!
insurance is not too cheap a few specialist companies do good deals
early models are 300 road tax later are 500 plus
engines are super reliable.old skool technology and under stressed ,all mechanical parts are available from uk specialists ,specialist breakers and rock auto n usa
I have used mine daily for 2 years its more a toy now. but did 200 miles in her yesterday 4 adults up ,seats are slow to move forward but apart from oaps anyone can get in
early big boot models are a big boot. later small boot and about the size of your mini
buy one already modified , saves you from doing later at a greater cost
a golf /130 maybe cheaper in the long run to run,,but aint full of character. both smaller inside, and youll never draw a crowd
check the faq for a buyers guide...No underseal from new so check underneath as much as on top
Wow, thanks to all who've replied - and apologies for not acknowledging sooner. Life/kids/wife got in the way. Where to start...
Fuel: well, it's a biggie. I average 4k miles p.a. @ 34mpg in my MINI. Assuming 19mpg for a Monaro (hopefully worst case) that's £400 extra a year, so not a deal breaker.
Tax: £140 MINI vs £315 or £555 depending on pre- or post- March 06.
Servicing, consumables, repairs, etc: too hard to determine. A simple coolant leak cost me a £350 bill at a MINI specialist, so a newer/more sensible car doesn't guarantee anything. Realistically something older WILL have more repair/maintenance costs, I know that.
Depreciation: I'm realistically estimating £1.5k p.a. on my MINI. And a Monaro? Hopefully nil. Glad others are of similar opinion that values may have stopped dropping.
I know I'm making this sound like I'm considering it only in financial terms but I'm not, believe me. Just got to be prudent having dependents, impending house move, etc. Plus the decision to buy a Monaro (or not) is a big one - I'd be in it for the long run with something like a Monaro, so I need to know I'm making the right decision.
I've deliberately not viewed any cars yet because I know I'll be sold as soon as I hear one. But it's something I will need to sort out sometime soon. I'm in the central belt of Scotland and currently the nearest Monaro of any sort for sale is over 120 miles away which isn't ideal.
vxr2010: 35mpg on a run?
Lincsls: thanks for the info - you make it sound like my sort of car.
mfp4037: good tip re MOT checks, thanks.
dsmith1990: read a bit about Pedders suspension, definitely appeals.
Nickyboy: that's lovely - part-ex a MINI?
(seriously, would you?!)
granjuiceymoose: thanks for info on the seat moving to access the rear - it could be an issue, especially cos I'm oop north where its almost always fecking raining. Budget won't stretch to a VXR8.
maccavvy: buying one modified - definitely something I'm keen on doing.
fred bloggs: 4 doors would be preferable but I simply can't stretch to a VXR8. I don't mind 2/3 door cars - the MINI's not a problem - it's the electric seats in the Monaro that may be the issue.
Got a lot to ponder, I'll see how it goes...
Fuel: well, it's a biggie. I average 4k miles p.a. @ 34mpg in my MINI. Assuming 19mpg for a Monaro (hopefully worst case) that's £400 extra a year, so not a deal breaker.
Tax: £140 MINI vs £315 or £555 depending on pre- or post- March 06.
Servicing, consumables, repairs, etc: too hard to determine. A simple coolant leak cost me a £350 bill at a MINI specialist, so a newer/more sensible car doesn't guarantee anything. Realistically something older WILL have more repair/maintenance costs, I know that.
Depreciation: I'm realistically estimating £1.5k p.a. on my MINI. And a Monaro? Hopefully nil. Glad others are of similar opinion that values may have stopped dropping.
I know I'm making this sound like I'm considering it only in financial terms but I'm not, believe me. Just got to be prudent having dependents, impending house move, etc. Plus the decision to buy a Monaro (or not) is a big one - I'd be in it for the long run with something like a Monaro, so I need to know I'm making the right decision.
I've deliberately not viewed any cars yet because I know I'll be sold as soon as I hear one
. But it's something I will need to sort out sometime soon. I'm in the central belt of Scotland and currently the nearest Monaro of any sort for sale is over 120 miles away which isn't ideal.vxr2010: 35mpg on a run?
Lincsls: thanks for the info - you make it sound like my sort of car.
mfp4037: good tip re MOT checks, thanks.
dsmith1990: read a bit about Pedders suspension, definitely appeals.
Nickyboy: that's lovely - part-ex a MINI?
(seriously, would you?!)
granjuiceymoose: thanks for info on the seat moving to access the rear - it could be an issue, especially cos I'm oop north where its almost always fecking raining. Budget won't stretch to a VXR8.
maccavvy: buying one modified - definitely something I'm keen on doing.
fred bloggs: 4 doors would be preferable but I simply can't stretch to a VXR8. I don't mind 2/3 door cars - the MINI's not a problem - it's the electric seats in the Monaro that may be the issue.
Got a lot to ponder, I'll see how it goes...
Running costs can be as big or as small as you make them, the obvious one is fuel, road tax in the scheme of things is a small price. The good thing is the engines are very popular both in Aus and in the US so parts are readily available, service parts are cheap and plentiful, best to buy them in bulk from the likes of Rock Auto though, tyres aren't ridiculous, Michelins are £120 a corner, the problem is that everyone has their own opinion on what you brands etc you should buy/use. They're pretty easy to work on if you have the room.
You'll have to travel to find one if you're serious, they're not common and at times there is only a couple for sale
And sadly i've already replaced mine with something that does 50mpg but i took it to work today with the windows open despite it being -3
You'll have to travel to find one if you're serious, they're not common and at times there is only a couple for sale
And sadly i've already replaced mine with something that does 50mpg but i took it to work today with the windows open despite it being -3
I was in a similar position to you a couple of months ago, looking for an interesting car and considering a Monaro (again!) after previously shying away for fear of fuel costs. I took the plunge about 6 weeks ago and got a 49k miles 2004 one with the big boot, largely standard apart from uprated brakes and 19" VXR alloys, and it is awesome! I should have bought one years ago.
I've got two kids (7 & 9) and my previous car (Saab 9-3 convertible) was just a bit too small in the back for them for any distance. My daily commute is ~25 miles each way on A roads and I'm averaging ~22mpg (it drops to ~20mpg if I have to go into town for any length of time).
Pros:
• That noise.
• Handling & grip - most of my driving so far has been on wet autumn roads and I've been surprised how
well it copes, easy to drive quickly with no apparent vices but easy to provoke a reaction if you want a bit
more fun.
• Not too bothered about toys but wanted cruise control and a CD changer (which it has)
• That noise.
• Definitely livable with as a daily
• That noise!
Cons:
• The electric seat movement to access the back is a bit slow but there is plenty of room in the back for a
child to get over to the other side so both can come and go from the same door and only one seat needs
to be moved
• My wife likes it a bit too much and keeps trying to borrow it!
• Hard to find a good one for sale, there are only a handful on the market at any time and the selection
doesn't seem to change much (I was looking for ~4 months)
I've got two kids (7 & 9) and my previous car (Saab 9-3 convertible) was just a bit too small in the back for them for any distance. My daily commute is ~25 miles each way on A roads and I'm averaging ~22mpg (it drops to ~20mpg if I have to go into town for any length of time).
Pros:
• That noise.
• Handling & grip - most of my driving so far has been on wet autumn roads and I've been surprised how
well it copes, easy to drive quickly with no apparent vices but easy to provoke a reaction if you want a bit
more fun.
• Not too bothered about toys but wanted cruise control and a CD changer (which it has)
• That noise.
• Definitely livable with as a daily
• That noise!
Cons:
• The electric seat movement to access the back is a bit slow but there is plenty of room in the back for a
child to get over to the other side so both can come and go from the same door and only one seat needs
to be moved
• My wife likes it a bit too much and keeps trying to borrow it!
• Hard to find a good one for sale, there are only a handful on the market at any time and the selection
doesn't seem to change much (I was looking for ~4 months)
throwyourbike said:
Maybe I’m just getting old but I couldn’t go back to using my Monaro as a daily again.
It’s a great weekend toy but a bit of a pig to use every day.
It’s definitely doable but I personally wouldn’t recommend it.
Yep you got old. It’s a great weekend toy but a bit of a pig to use every day.
It’s definitely doable but I personally wouldn’t recommend it.
However mine’s been a 3rd car since 2010
I'm willing to compromise... My everyday 'car' for 2 years before the MINI was a 12-yr old VW T5 campervan lowered 65mm on Bilstein coilovers. Great space for the kids though.
Query: pre-facelift/big-boot vs facelift/small-boot. Is the petrol filler location a giveaway? I see it higher on the rear wing on some and lower nearer the bumper line on others. I suspect some cars currently advertised are listed with the incorrect power output spec which isn't helping me identify what's what.
Is this right?
CV8 (2004): 5.7 litre LS1, 329bhp/333ps, 343lbft, big boot, single-exit exhaust, no bonnet vents.
VXR (2004): 5.7 litre LS1, 379bhp/382ps, 376lbft, big boot, dual-sided exhausts, bonnet vents/bumpers/skirts etc.
CV8 facelift: 5.7 litre LS1, 349bhp/354ps, 369lbft, small boot, dual-sided exhausts (single pipe each side), bonnet vents.
VXR facelift: 6.0 litre LS2, 397bhp/404ps, 390lbft, small boot, dual-sided exhausts, bonnet vents/bumpers/skirts etc.
Query: pre-facelift/big-boot vs facelift/small-boot. Is the petrol filler location a giveaway? I see it higher on the rear wing on some and lower nearer the bumper line on others. I suspect some cars currently advertised are listed with the incorrect power output spec which isn't helping me identify what's what.
Is this right?
CV8 (2004): 5.7 litre LS1, 329bhp/333ps, 343lbft, big boot, single-exit exhaust, no bonnet vents.
VXR (2004): 5.7 litre LS1, 379bhp/382ps, 376lbft, big boot, dual-sided exhausts, bonnet vents/bumpers/skirts etc.
CV8 facelift: 5.7 litre LS1, 349bhp/354ps, 369lbft, small boot, dual-sided exhausts (single pipe each side), bonnet vents.
VXR facelift: 6.0 litre LS2, 397bhp/404ps, 390lbft, small boot, dual-sided exhausts, bonnet vents/bumpers/skirts etc.
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