Question - should I get my ute restored or upgrade?

[Foxx]

I really like my VZ Crewman. It's perfect for me. Its only done 210k but it's getting tired, and things are starting to break.
Along with that the paintwork is beat up, bonnet clear has deteriorated and front seats tearing.

It's never been a racecar, always had to stick the foot down further to the floor than most cars the same age. Which is annoying. Probably just the v6 not powerful enough for the weight?

Ok I could easily sell it and spend 40k on a newer ute. But as I said I like the crewman, and thinking would it be worth spending the money on it? Is it realistic? And what would it cost?

A more powerful engine, everything old upgraded, painted.

I'm not a car person at all, so I'd be paying someone for a full restore.
Thanks.

 

[Jatz]

I really like my VZ Crewman. It's perfect for me. Its only done 210k but it's getting tired, and things are starting to break.
Along with that the paintwork is beat up, bonnet clear has deteriorated and front seats tearing.

It's never been a racecar, always had to stick the foot down further to the floor than most cars the same age. Which is annoying. Probably just the v6 not powerful enough for the weight?

Ok I could easily sell it and spend 40k on a newer ute. But as I said I like the crewman, and thinking would it be worth spending the money on it? Is it realistic? And what would it cost?

A more powerful engine, everything old upgraded, painted.

I'm not a car person at all, so I'd be paying someone for a full restore.
Thanks.

I personally wouldn't - it all depends though.

You won't ever see the money again that you put into it. If you're ok with that, then sure.

Before you do anything, get quotes on exactly what you're looking to get done - I'd suggest it'll end up far more than you might have thought.

 

[Foxx]

I personally wouldn't - it all depends though.

You won't ever see the money again that you put into it. If you're ok with that, then sure.

Before you do anything, get quotes on exactly what you're looking to get done - I'd suggest it'll end up far more than you might have thought.

I feel that id never see the money again on a newer ute either.

Maybe its naive to think 25k could turn a 2007 Crewman into essentially a newer ute..

 

[Jatz]

I feel that id never see the money again on a newer ute either.

Maybe its naive to think 25k could turn a 2007 Crewman into essentially a newer ute..

It is but really it's value is in how you see it. 99% of people would buy the new ute but if you're that attached to this one then maybe it's worth going down that road.

 

[Foxx]

It is but really it's value is in how you see it. 99% of people would buy the new ute but if you're that attached to this one then maybe it's worth going down that road.

Yeah Id love to keep this one. Only I need to find out whether 25k turns the clock back 10 years, plus a more powerful and fuel efficient engine..

I guess I'll have to ask around mechanical businesses. See if it's viable.

 

[Klyntonius]

I would think for $25k you could get the car fairly shmick. Closed door respray, engine freshen up, reupholster interior, mechanical tidy up should fit within that budget. Would certainly want to do some homework and get some advice and quotes.

Disadvantage - you'll still have an old car that at best would drive like a new VZ Crewman.

Advantage - you're not buying someone else's potential issues, you know the car is fit for purpose.

I think it's definitely worth considering if planning to keep it long term.

Good luck!

 

[BomberFan355]

The only viable engine upgrade is an LS conversion, that won’t be cheap at all. You could upgrade the Alloytec.

https://raptorsc.com.au/holden/holden-commodore-vz-with-alloytec-3-6-kits/

 

[Nuggs Bunny]

I really like my VZ Crewman. It's perfect for me. Its only done 210k but it's getting tired, and things are starting to break.
Along with that the paintwork is beat up, bonnet clear has deteriorated and front seats tearing.

It's never been a racecar, always had to stick the foot down further to the floor than most cars the same age. Which is annoying. Probably just the v6 not powerful enough for the weight?

Ok I could easily sell it and spend 40k on a newer ute. But as I said I like the crewman, and thinking would it be worth spending the money on it? Is it realistic? And what would it cost?

A more powerful engine, everything old upgraded, painted.

I'm not a car person at all, so I'd be paying someone for a full restore.
Thanks.

I'd just replace what you need as it breaks to keep it on the road if you're not interested in buying a new car. Might be a good time to join some VY/VZ parts groups on facebook and familiarising yourself with some wreckers that specialise in Holden in your area as they'll help you find the things you need. Seats & bits of interior trim that break off you can generally find from wrecked examples and they're easy enough for you to replace yourself with some help from Youtube University. Some people are funny about buying from wreckers but keep in mind if you went to a mechanic and they quoted you for "reconditioned parts" (can't get new ones anymore) then they're going to be getting them from the same place.

With engines & the transmission I would just wait until they go and then weigh up whether it's worth replacing them or just buying a new car. If you're not a mechanically handy dude, the labour costs for the installation will be the killer and will probably start at $5k alone. The Alloytecs were always a little more temperamental than the Ecotecs so regular servicing is a must. If you wanted the V8 for the power the cheapest, quickest and easiest thing to do would be to sell the V6 and just buy a used V8 Crewman instead.

In terms of painting it, I'd suggest if it's at 210,000kms it's starting to approach the point where a something big giving in is just around the corner but up to you if you want to spend the money to have it looking good for the new few years. Generally a panel respray by somebody that knows what they're doing is $1k and the whole car is $5k.

 

[Foxx]

I'd just replace what you need as it breaks to keep it on the road if you're not interested in buying a new car. Might be a good time to join some VY/VZ parts groups on facebook and familiarising yourself with some wreckers that specialise in Holden in your area as they'll help you find the things you need. Seats & bits of interior trim that break off you can generally find from wrecked examples and they're easy enough for you to replace yourself with some help from Youtube University. Some people are funny about buying from wreckers but keep in mind if you went to a mechanic and they quoted you for "reconditioned parts" (can't get new ones anymore) then they're going to be getting them from the same place.

With engines & the transmission I would just wait until they go and then weigh up whether it's worth replacing them or just buying a new car. If you're not a mechanically handy dude, the labour costs for the installation will be the killer and will probably start at $5k alone. The Alloytecs were always a little more temperamental than the Ecotecs so regular servicing is a must. If you wanted the V8 for the power the cheapest, quickest and easiest thing to do would be to sell the V6 and just buy a used V8 Crewman instead.

In terms of painting it, I'd suggest if it's at 210,000kms it's starting to approach the point where a something big giving in is just around the corner but up to you if you want to spend the money to have it looking good for the new few years. Generally a panel respray by somebody that knows what they're doing is $1k and the whole car is $5k.

Thanks mate. I think it's best to fall in love with a new car when it's time.

 

[PoppedCorn]

Upgrade
When u said old I was thinking HQ
Even a VR or VS I'd prob spend some coin on but you'll never get it back

What would y get private sale?
5?
10?

Add whatever you get to the 25 and get a low km second hand newer model

 

[Kwality]

Thanks mate. I think it's best to fall in love with a new car when it's time.

What have you done in the last 12 months ?

Saw a Crewman SS in the drive way of a collector the other day. He collects for profit & seems to very good for it.

 

[Foxx]

What have you done in the last 12 months ?

Saw a Crewman SS in the drive way of a collector the other day. He collects for profit & seems to very good for it.

Still have it as the daily driver mate. I'll eventually find something else that I'm sure I'll form an attachment to the same.
At some point I'll sell this one. Don't have the room to keep it unfortunately.

 

[Kwality]

Still have it as the daily driver mate. I'll eventually find something else that I'm sure I'll form an attachment to the same.
At some point I'll sell this one. Don't have the room to keep it unfortunately.

I understand.