In the first and second parts of this series (see
Holden LS1 Vehicles Guide - Part One
and Holden LS1 Vehicles Guide - Part Two) we examined LS1 powered Holden and HSV models from 1999 to current.
Now it’s time to check out second-hand prices across the range and explore the
problems that all buyers should be aware of.
Current Prices
The cheapest LS1 powered vehicle you’ll find is a
VTII model in Executive to SS trim. Depending on kilometres, these start from
about AUD$15,000 and range to about AUD$20,000 for a SS with relatively low
kilometres. These are a great buy in terms of bang for buck but it’s worth
noting that the six-speed manuals generally fetch slightly more than the autos.
This is a trend that generally continues with later models.
The later model VX and VY series pick up the price
range at around twenty grand and, interestingly, there’s not a lot of money
separating them. You should have no problem picking up a VX LS1 in the low AUD$20K range but for one with really low kilometres or a generous list of options,
you might be looking closer to AUD$30,000.
The current VZ series kicks off from the mid/high
AUD$20,000 range for a relatively low-spec model with moderate kilometres.
That’s a huge saving off the then-new price of at least AUD$42,000.
In the Statesman and Caprice range you’ll find
1999 WH models starting from just under AUD$20,000. This is a lot of car for the
money. The new-look WK Statesman starts at near 30 grand and a WL series kicks
off near 40 grand. Interestingly, the top-line Caprice starts at a similar price
to the Statesman but the price quickly ascends with more recent build dates.
The dearest model in the range is the Monaro,
which begins at around AUD$30,000 for a ’01. The price rockets with recent build
dates – a ’03 hovers around the high 30s and a ’05 fetches up to 65k...
In the AWD range, an Adventra or Crewman Cross 8
begins at around AUD$35,000 while a Crewman rear-wheel-drive starts at around
five grand less. A 5.7 Holden one tonner kicks off just over 25 grand and a ute
version begins as low as 20 grand.
And what of the HSV range?
Well, you can get in on the act for a surprisingly
little cash – in the low AUD$20,000 range for a VTII Clubsport or a little more
for the harder-edged R8 version. In this early series you can also pick up a
luxury-spec Senator Signature from about AUD$27,000. The giant killing 300kW HSV
GTS begins in the high AUD$30,000 range.
In the VX series you can buy a Clubbie from just
under AUD$30,000 or around AUD$5000 more for a R8. Maloo ute versions hover at
similar prices. The upmarket Senator Signature starts in the low 30s while the
newly introduced LS1 powered Grange commences at around AUD$35,000. The 300kW VX
GTS fetches more than AUD$40,000. The 300kW big gun engine was then introduced
to the VXII SV300 – current used price is almost 50 grand.
The new-look VY Clubsport, Clubsport R8 and their
Maloo equivalents can be bought from AUD$30,000 to AUD$35,000. A Senator will
cost you at least AUD$40,000 and a Grange goes for about the same. A rare 300kW
VY GTS will set you back more than 55 large. The newly introduced VY series HSV
Coupe GTO can be picked up from about AUD$45,000 while the 300kW GTS version
demands around AUD$60,000 depending on kilometres.
In the VYII HSV range – the last to use the LS1 –
a Clubsport starts from AUD$45,000 – AUD$50,000. A similar price applies to the
Maloo. For a Senator, Signature or Grange you’re looking at around AUD$55,000 to
AUD$60,000. A VYII GTS sedan or Coupe can pull anywhere up to AUD$65,000. A
Coupe 4 – with AWD – is around similar money. Avalanche models are rare and,
judging from limited availability, appear to sell from around AUD$50,000.
Ex
Police Vehicles?
LS1
powered Holdens have been used extensively by police departments throughout
Australia. Many of these are now available second-hand at attractive prices –
but the big question is, are they worth buying?
Our
research indicates that it’s generally the highway pursuit cars that are in
better overall condition compared to the city patrol vehicles. The city patrol
vehicles frequently have damaged suspension (from gutter hopping) and suffer
greater engine wear. Highway pursuit vehicles tend to lead a relatively cruisy
life purring along at country speeds with occasional high speed bursts. The
highway cars also tend to be sold sooner as they cover a greaterdistance in a shorter
time. Police vehicles are generally very well maintained and, although they’ve
recieved an inevitable bootful, we doubt it would be much worse than some
privately owned LS1s.
Verdict?
Be
careful. There’s more to watch out for so, more than ever, a pre-purchase
inspection is recommended.
Problems
Holden and HSV vehicles are generally
strong and reliable but there are some problems that buyers should be aware of –
in particular, the highly publicised oil consumption issues...
You generally don’t have much to worry about in
this regard because the problems have been solved in later-model LS1s and
the problematic early models have typically been fixed under warranty - Holden
will have either rebuilt or replaced the original engine. Of course, there
is the possibility that you’ll get an oil drinker but the likelihood is
now very slim.
So what were these early oil consumption problems?
Well, it’s a combination of factors including ring type
and tension and variation in cylinder bore shape. The resulting problems were
further exacerbated by the use of relatively thin grade oil (10W30). Running
changes to the engine – including new high-tension rings and revised pistons -
have remedied the oil consumption problems.
There was also a problem with a faulty oil
pressure relief valve that lead to zero engine oil pressure. This generally
didn’t cause any further problems as most owners shut off the engine in
accordance with the oil pressure light. We believe this problem was experienced
on early LS1s.
When searching through LS1s you may find examples
that sound a bit rattly when cold. This is the well known LS1 ‘piston slap’.
This noise is caused by excess clearance until the pistons are up to
temperature. The excess clearance not likely to cause any major problems – it’s
just one of things you learn to put up with...
Beyond these issues, there are no other
‘biggies’.
Brake shudder and rapid disc wear are common on
early cars (Holden upgraded the pad material in later models) and rear tyre wear
is terrible until the Control Link was added to the rear suspension. There are
generally no problems with the driveline but be aware that the standard clutch
acts like a ‘fuse’ (it will slip under extreme load rather than break other
driveline components) and the limited slip diff can deteriorate in cars that’ve
been thrashed – as evident by single wheel spin. There are also reports of power
steering leaks, a leaking boot seal (which might lead to corrosion), air
conditioning problems, excess differential backlash (causing a driveline shunt),
some rattles and clunks. We believe there are generally less rattles and clunks
in the later models cars which have improved structural rigidity.
There have also been several recalls that you
should be aware of. These include a recall on VY to VZ cars with side airbags
(there’s a chance of unintentional airbag deployment!), VY power steering hoses,
VY driver’s seat faults and issues regarding improper welding, riveting and
electrical faults. The VY Adventra has also been recalled for fitment of a
stronger front bumper beam - the original bumper may get torn off when using a
snatch strap...
So, in summary, don’t be scared off by the LS1’s
ol’ oil consumption problems – we believe that most of those engines with
problems have now been fixed and the later-model cars seem to have no problems
in this area. As always, inspect the car for normal wear and tear (a
pre-purchase inspection is a very good idea), have a thorough read through the
car’s service history and you should be pretty well covered.
In the final part of this series we’ll take a
broad perspective on LS1 tweaking.
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