Considering VE Clubsport as next car...

[Andy0217]

A warm hello to all members.

I am considering an Auto VE Clubsport as my next company car, but I have a few questions as I am looking for honest answers and I know I will get them here...not from some slick talking dealer.

So here they are:

a) what sort of fuel consumption are you guys getting...I read combined 14-15 litres/100km...so what sort of range are you guys getting from a tank of fuel...I have no idea how big the tank is.
b) are there any common issues with these, I have read recently about the fogging tail lights, anything else?
c) what is the insurance like...I am 40 and rating 1 for life so I think it shouldn't cost a bomb
d) what is the 6 speed auto like...any rough changes, or any searching for the right gear...i know it is no match for the ZF auto in the Falcon, but I am done driving a manual
e) what sort of costs for tyre replacement...believe the front are different size to the rear?
f) what are the service intervals and what sort of money are you guys spending from a HSV Dealer?
g) is the drivers seat fully electric with memory?
h) how would you guys rate the factory audio system...my old XR6T had the so called premium system fitted but this was still pretty ordinary, especially when compared to the McIntosh factory system in my Spec B Liberty Sedan
i) what's the norm with warranty repairs, is it policy that HSV loan you a courtesy car while yours is in for warranty repairs? I have had a few new cars and regardless of the origin, more than likely it will have to go in for something...
j) what is the engine turning over at 100 km/h in top gear and is the car reasoanbly quiet at cruising speed.

I must admit I never considered a HSV until I had a good look at one at the MIMS, I was impressed especially with the Red GTS and thought the quality of the panel fit and interior was better than the new FG. The few drawbacks for me however was no 60/40 split, power window switches on the console not on the drivers door, and that idiotic hand brake.

Well nothing else comes to mind for now and any feedback would be much appreciated...

Thanks Andrew...

[Andy0217]

C'mon guys anyone?

[sscomm]

be prepared for a big surprise it you want to replace rear tyres. i was quoted $1200 a corner for original bridgestones
for my 19 inch ttyres on ve clubsport dont know what they would cost for 20 inch GTS tyres also a guy i know who drives his clubby like a nanna only got 14500 km out of them.

[ozsultan]

Go with the Kumho only $320 each for 275/35 R19 and rated at higher spec than Bridgestone and also contain silicone for better wet weather driving

[E-Series GTS]

G'day Andy,
I've go a VE GTS LS2 and I can give you some of my experiences. Please note that I have upgraded to a 2 1/2 inch twin system and cold air intake which I would recommend if you want to improve fuel consumption (and performance and sound too)

a) I recently drove a country trip of around 600kms, this included driving thru the centre of Adelaide on a weekday then onto the highway for the rest of the trip, average speed of 100km/hr and average fuel consumption of 12L/100km. On the way back I went a bit quicker and got 12.6L/100km. Around town I get around 15-16L/100km. And I don't drive it that sedately at all.

b) I've had no problems with tail lights, the sat nav shat itself and my dealer swapped it over - only problem so far.

c) I'm 35, rating one and around $1800 p.a.

d) Mine's manual, if you're gonna buy a toy you may as well buy one you can play with.

e) Haven't bought tyres yet but have done 14000km on them and they've still got shitloads left on them.

f) Service intervals are 15000kms with the occasional interim service as well, don't know cost as haven't had one yet.

g) Both front seats are fully electric, you get two keys and the car remembers the settings of the seat, mirrors and stereo for each key.

h) Factory system is alright but could be better

i) It's up to the dealer whether you get a loan vehicle at all, my dealer supplies all HSV customers a loan car at no charge.

j) Can't recall revs at 100km/hr as i don't normally sit on that but it is under 2000rpm.

Hope that helps.

[Audi]

lol you have driven 14,000k and have still got loads of tread left.

[E-Series GTS]

yeah, maybe i don't get it sideways as often as i should

[GJ227]

i have had mine 15 months, and i say its the best car i have ever owned, yes its a large V8 and you need to expect it run a little worse than a v6 or 4 cylinder, but i have had a cold air intake partial exhuast and tuned with 260 rwkw, and the fuel consumption has improved heaps, i drive daily in peak hour and i get anywhere from 450 to 520k's from my 75litre tank most weeks, and with fuel the way it is at the moment, its not costing more than 85 bucks to fill, yes when it was high i was looking at 125 per tank, but the pleasure of driving the car is worth it, i say dont hesitate and you wont be disapointed
GJ227

[aedeau]

I've just swapped off the stock mufflers on my LS3 Clubby
and have noticed a pretty big difference with fuel efficiency. I'm seeing 620kms estimated mileage for a full tank, compared with high 400s before.

I've done 3000ish kms so far and the average fuel consumption for me is 15.4L/100km, but this should improve with the new mufflers and intake & tune I have planned.

In regards to tyres I seriously doubt my rears are going to last 15,000kms. I'm thinking of replacing them with either Falken 452s, probably 285s on the back and 255s up front. I believe these are about 1/2 the price of the bridgestones.

Finally, at 100kph on the freeway in 6th, my car sits on 1600rpm. In stock form it's totally quiet, but with my new mufflers there's the slightest bit of drone.

[UkyHSV]

g'day, I don't own a VE of any sort, but I read this thread the other day and you should take a look. Nothing major

http://www.hsvforum.com.au/showthread.php?t=4383

[HRDHSV]

If its a company car why worry about this sort of stuff, you'll only trade it in again when you want something new?:confused: