Holden SS-V Redline Ute vs FPV GT 335

[Nitroxr6ute]

Hi,

I am considering buying either of the two listed above, the Redline will cost me $1620 per month based on an average interest rate of 7.5%, whilst the GT based on Ford's latest deal being 2.9% $1700 per month. Because the monthly payments between the two are quite close, this has made the decision process much harder.

The two deals I've been able to obtain are:

2014 Holden Commodore Redline Ute Auto
Red Hot
Walkinshaw 310 pack $3750 (cheaper then the $6000 that many other people have been quoted)
Window Tint
Slimline Hard Cover
$58k Driveaway

Pros:
Stagged tyre setup, 19"x8.5" alloy wheels, 245/40 R19 Tyres (2 Front). 19"x9" alloy wheels, 275/35 R19 (2 Rear).
Latest technology (Head up Display, Park's itself etc)
AFM (some say it's effective others not so much)
Newer Car

Cons:
Not a HSV
Less power than the GT
Less resale value in the future compared to the GT?

2013 FPV GT Auto
120k's on the clock
Swift
Leather Trim and Sat Nav
Fusion Paint and Interior Protection (already were applied to the car)
Window Tint
65k Driveaway with Ford's latest interest deal at 2.9% on 2013 plated fpv's.

Pros:
The iconic GT nameplate
The 5.0 lite supercharged motor
Last GT model
Better resale value than the Redline in the future?

Cons:
6 year dated chassis with minimal changes
Interior is dated
Lacking in latest technology

What would you choose? The Sedan vs Ute argument in regards to seating capacity is irrelevant to me as I was after a Ute initially but Ford's 2.9% finance is quite appealing. I had owned an FG XR6 ute over a year back and whilst it was good, I want to get away from the rear leaf suspension setup.

Thanks.

[Mr Brooksy]

Have a read of all the guys on ls1 forms banging on about computer issues and seat warmer problems. Worth a read.

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by Mr Brooksy

Have a read of all the guys on ls1 forms banging on about computer issues and seat warmer problems. Worth a read.

Banging on? I have a Redline. The air is fixed on its first 3000k inspection and the drivers seat is just fine. There have been a few issues with what you mention, but we aren't yet at BA or Territory levels of issues yet - in fact a long, long way from it, so lets not get carried away.

The biggest challenge for Nitro in what he is deciding, is that the Redlines have little to no discounts at the moment because they are selling every one of them they make.

In a perfect world I'd have a redline with the GT engine and auto transmission. I love the supercharged engine and its the best sounding V8 thats been sold in this country, in my opinion.

The Holden has all the high tech and handles incredibly well. Its a couple of levels above anything to carry a Holden badge before and as far as features and choice of materials go it would fit in the Ford lineup above the GT-P.

Resale on both will be terrible. The market doesn't want these cars any more outside of enthusiasts and thats just the way it is, so if resale is an issue, frankly don't buy either of them.

The sweetspot on the Holden side price wise, is the entry level SS. Its not a popular car in VF, so some wheeling and dealing should be possible. On the Ford side you have the XR8 out end of year and that is bound to be a FG GT without the body kit or price. Any orphan GS's left around should be very cheap at that point and the second hand prices of GS will also drop.

Personally if you can wait a year until XR8 gets here, I think you will be better off. Redline will probably get the LS3 in its final 2015 update and the last XR8's should help push down GT and GS prices a bit on the second hand market. The last XR8 itself might also be a good deal too.

For me the decider was comparing the two local dealers for Holden and Ford. The Ford dealer is worse and Ford haven't fixed their customer care, so went with the Holden.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by DanielXR8

For me the decider was comparing the two local dealers for Holden and Ford. The Ford dealer is worse and Ford haven't fixed their customer care, so went with the Holden.

Could never understand this 'not buying a particular car because of the dealer' thing. You are't taking home the dealer? You don't have to like them? They give you a car, you take the car. If that is the car you want, why not buy it? Only have to deal with a dealer for a very short time. Would hate to compromise on a car because you didn't like the dealer. Having Fords for 30 years, I think I have been to a dealer a dozen or so times in this period. I have changed dealer because of nuffy syndrome from them or price but never have altered my mind in what I want to buy!

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Could never understand this 'not buying a particular car because of the dealer' thing. You are't taking home the dealer? You don't have to like them? They give you a car, you take the car. If that is the car you want, why not buy it? Only have to deal with a dealer for a very short time. Would hate to compromise on a car because you didn't like the dealer. Having Fords for 30 years, I think I have been to a dealer a dozen or so times in this period. I have changed dealer because of nuffy syndrome from them or price but never have altered my mind in what I want to buy!

Your not aware of my previous experience with a Ford dealer. If you were you might feel differently. I will not take second rate service from a dealer and given its the second largest purchase I make and given the dealer stands to make quite a bit of money from me during the life of the car if they look after me - I see absolutely no reason to.

You'd be surprised to learn many don't. This isn't the 1970's anymore and we don't just have the choice of two brands. The public do and will shop competitively and generally show no brand allegiance.

For me I wanted one of the last local V8 sedans, so I had two choices. I weighed up everything. Sales, after sales, warranty support, my experiences and those I trusted with the local dealers. Ford came out good on sales and much worse on service, warranty and support. That was my experience with these particular dealers.

Others might have different experiences with theirs.

I'm sorry you don't get it, because honestly, thats the same problem Ford Australia is having. One of the strongest, if not THE strongest portfolio of cars they have ever had in this country and they can't sell them. That suggests there is something they need to "get" also.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by DanielXR8

Your not aware of my previous experience with a Ford dealer. If you were you might feel differently. I will not take second rate service from a dealer and given its the second largest purchase I make and given the dealer stands to make quite a bit of money from me during the life of the car if they look after me - I see absolutely no reason to.

You'd be surprised to learn many don't. This isn't the 1970's anymore and we don't just have the choice of two brands. The public do and will shop competitively and generally show no brand allegiance.

For me I wanted one of the last local V8 sedans, so I had two choices. I weighed up everything. Sales, after sales, warranty support, my experiences and those I trusted with the local dealers. Ford came out good on sales and much worse on service, warranty and support. That was my experience with these particular dealers.

Others might have different experiences with theirs.

So you prefered the Holden. Thats no probs at all ..... but as said above, you wouldn't part with your hard earned to buy a Ssangyong Musso because the local dealer was a great bloke. Because it is the second biggest purchase one could make I wouldn't be concerned about how wonderful or not the dealer is. I would still buy what I want ....... you opted for and prefered the Holden. No probs as all as thats what the topic is about

Doesn't matter what brand it is ....... there number 1 priority in a dealership is to try and not pay on warranties. If there is any out clause, it would be taken.

I prefer to buy Fords as I do not have to go back to the dealer. After 30 odd Fords over the years and a few other brands (again touch wood) every claim has been accepted which has been very far and few between. (Maybe just luck!)

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by DanielXR8

For me the decider was comparing the two local dealers for Holden and Ford. The Ford dealer is worse and Ford haven't fixed their customer care, so went with the Holden.

Don't get this, so you would buy a TCL from Myer because the local Harvey Norman selling the superior Panasonic isn't as nice

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

Don't get this, so you would buy a TCL from Myer because the local Harvey Norman selling the superior Panasonic isn't as nice

First the Holden is not a TCL and thats a very unfair comparison. One vehicle is more modern and has more tech and one has a brilliant drive train. Neither is perfect.

That all said if you think that the local Harvey Norman can be garbage at everything, but will still be ok and has to make zero effort to be competitive, because they have a nice television brand, you are well qualified to hold a Ford franchise and equally qualified to be puzzled each month why it doesn't sell as many cars as the competition.

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by DanielXR8

First the Holden is not a TCL and thats a very unfair comparison. One vehicle is more modern and has more tech and one has a brilliant drive train. Neither is perfect.

That all said if you think that the local Harvey Norman can be garbage at everything, but will still be ok and has to make zero effort to be competitive, because they have a nice television brand, you are well qualified to hold a Ford franchise and equally qualified to be puzzled each month why it doesn't sell as many cars as the competition.

Of course it's not a TCL but you said very plainly.

For me the decider was comparing the two local dealers for Holden and Ford. The Ford dealer is worse and Ford haven't fixed their customer care, so went with the Holden.

It's ridiculous to decide the choice of brand based on who sells it...you choose the best product for you based on your preferences/criteria and budget and then find who can supply it. So you're telling me if the Holden dealer was a pig you would have bought a Ford instead even allowing for the Holden being more modern and better featured.

I've even spent $15K on a non-Ford product because I thought my purchase was a superior product. Hopefully the dud Ford dealers will be finally weeded out and one way is to only buy from one that looks after the customer.

[FGX-351]

Originally Posted by DanielXR8

First the Holden is not a TCL and thats a very unfair comparison. One vehicle is more modern and has more tech and one has a brilliant drive train. Neither is perfect.

To be fair it sounds like you already made up your mind, the poor customer service just validated your decision.

[Sorted]

Originally Posted by DanielXR8

For me the decider was comparing the two local dealers for Holden and Ford. The Ford dealer is worse and Ford haven't fixed their customer care, so went with the Holden.

LOL who can blame the Ford Dealers to be ***'s when selling Falcons after you see the perception everyone has with Ford on an Australian Ford Forum

Your just one of the sheep now - just another Holden lol

FPV GT - it is a rare beast to see on the roads - you could have been a Falcon

[jimmyxr6t04]

GT... The SSV redline is awsome, no doubt... But the SC 5.0 is an awesome bit of kit. I thought i'd regret it because of the lack of tech etc, but i just love driving it.

Have you driven both?

[Elks]

To me that's a no brainer. GT all day everyday.

I'm assuming the 120km on the clock is 120 not 12,000 or 120,000.

The VF is a facelifted VE so it's also a 5+ year old chassis.

Not sure what technology your looking for that's not in a GT with Nav?
Regardless gadget wear off quickly, Whereas owning a proper Aussie icon muscle car will not. And you can be sure they won't be making them like that ever again.

[Auslandau]

Can never wipe the smile, having that engine, off your face ...... as Elks has said ..... lights and buttons wear off quickly.

For one though ..... 1 is a ute ... the other a sedan? Chalk and cheese. Its just going to be what is more important to you. After having a 335GT for 40,000k's, I know what I would buy hands down. Interior is not as bad as people write up about. Easy to use and everything you need is at your finger tips. I do not find it bad at all. Yes, compared to a brand new model just out ..... yes it lacks the finesse but really ..... I still like if very much.

As said, its whats important to you. Making a Pros and Cons list is a good start but you need to make a 'most important' list.

FPV resale is very good ...... have been looking for a B series F6! Not many around and still demanding big money.

[Windsor220]

AFM is unreliable. The lifters die early.

[Nitroxr6ute]

Yeah, I was initially after a Ute until I noticed Ford's 2.9% offering on the FPV range, which has put me in two minds. The way I look at it is the GT has a overpowering engine with a mismatched stock suspension not able to contain it very well. The Redline on the other hand has the opposite with less power but better stock suspension to contain and put down the power. Aftermarket suspension for the GT is a simple solution, but it's a shame the RSPEC specifications never became standard on the GT, but stock vs stock 65k vs 58k what would be the better package? What type of money do you think I would be looking at for a suspension upgrade on the GT?

[Parfrey]

The SSV will fly under the radar and look like any other commodore out there... the GT on the other hand is something special!
Also even tho the GT is more expensive you will be ahead with that finance rate without even thinking about resale.. (which should also be good when they stop making the GT).

[jimmyxr6t04]

Shockworks coilovers are about $2000 and should be all you need for suspension on the GT. In all honesty, for the street, i find the standard GT set up fine. I'll go coilovers down the track.

The GT will be the rarer of the two cars. I see a multitude of VF series cars every day, but i rarely see another GT 335.

Nearly 2 years ago i bought a caprice instead of a GT 335, because i thought it was the better 'package'... it was packed with a lot more features and tech. But it lacked the main ingredient, 'that' engine! Mind you, i got the caprice for low 50s, so that helped the decision... part of me is glad i waited, as i ended up getting my brand new GT at a great rate and i appreciate it even more now.

Basically the whole time i had the caprice, i wished i had the GT.

Depends what you really want and like... for maybe 10k, you could fit a SC to the redline, it would be a really great car then! On the other hand, i think the VF will be all too common and just like the 'other' VF cars.

[zilo]

The GT for sure...as others say, the SS will be just another commodore on the road.

[Dave R]

Forget about the Redline. This is the last time you will ever be able to buy a new GT. I think if you looked back in 20 years time, you'd kick yourself knowing you passed up getting the final Australian GT for a relatively run of the mill Holden ute because it was a technically better package. I'd get the GT, put some Shockworks coilovers on it and keep it for a very long time. I don't generally buy into the whole "cars are special" bit, but these last GTs are very special cars.

[1TUFFUTE]

I'll put my hand up as extremely biased...but putting that aside as much as Possible.....the GT is a no brainier.
Your talking about a Holden commadore or a
FORD GT SC 335

[Uncle Niceguy]

What about a FPV GS Ute yes it aint no GT but ford won't be making a V8 ute after this year and could see them being a bit more collectable in the future and they can be had for similar price to the SSV?

[JutroXR8]

GT.

If you spent $3750 on GT mods you'd have 400kW at the rears...

[Dr Smith]

My father bought a brand new Falcon 500 station wagon in 1971 (old stock, with no factory heater) when he could have bought a Falcon GT for a "little bit more". We, (the children) and benefactors of the family retirement trust fund have suffered ever since. In all seriousness I don't think it's a contest and the GT will hold far better resale. The ONLY benefit of the SSV ute is you cannot be called up to drive your friends around compared to a 5 seater sedan....take the GT.

[GQ_Smooth]

GT, GT, GT, GT.

This is arguably the easiest question asked on the forum. The SSV Redline in an excellent package, great handling, smooth power delivery, lots of features and looks inoffensive.

The GT is a family car with a super car engine and will go down in History as the best Australian developed/enhanced V8 of all time. As others have mentioned, if you get the SSV you will hear/see at GT drive past and probably think "did I make the right decision, not getting the GT?" If you get a GT and a SSV drive past, you'll probably be thinking, I bet his fuel bill is lower then mine" then stamp the throttle and have an uncontrollable smile on your face, like a fat kid in a candy store.

It really is a no brainer.

[b0son]

It seems like a no-brainer, but largely because you'd be over-paying on the SSV redline. They are being sold for a lot less than what you've been quoted. I'd shop around some more before making a decision.

[Rodge]

I'll be honest enough to say I think the Redline is a very good bit of kit and there are very good reasons they're selling extremly well BUT the SC 335 engine is such a belter it'll be enjoyed time and time again long after the initial novelty of the Redline's extra tech has worn off. Stock FPV suspension is a fine ride / handling compromise for everyday use.
Chassis struggles a bit with ther power of the 335 engine but perhaps that's part of the cars charm...

Test drive them both properly, one will "talk" to you louder than the other.

[82XD393.3v]

gt because its a gt

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by 82XD393.3v

gt because its a gt

Ok. How about GT-P because its a GT-P.

[usernametaken]

You'll need to get a trailer if you get the GT, LOL

;-)