Holden Commodore VF Evoke/International?

Ldavidmwilliams on 17/08/2014 - 17:33
Last edited 17/08/2014 - 17:59

Hello fine Ozbargainers, just hoping for some advice.

I had a company vehicle (a Toyota Kluger) but, well, the company I worked for went into liquidation. Stupid company. Anyhow, I have taken a new job and now need to buy a car.

I have decided on a Commodore VF. I was thinking of the Evoke, which essentially replaced the older Executive/Acclaim/Omega/Berlina lines, but then I saw the International model, which is essentially the Evoke plus some upgrades for the 35th anniversary of the Commodore last year.

Pros of the International: I like the leather, the larger tyres, and the blind spot notification in the side mirror.
Cons of the International: It is a 2013 build. Do you think this will be significant in any way? I understand the warranty all depends on the purchase date. Are registration pink slip requirements based on the purchase date for a new vehicle, or will I need to start getting it inspected a year earlier than a 2014 model?

Assuming you do not recommend against the 2013 build, what price do you think I can get for the International? The dealers say the International is the same price as the Evoke ($36,990 from memory) but when I asked if that was the best price they said it was already discounted and that the International was normally $2K more. Of course, he also (at a different point in the conversation) said it was discounted by it was a 2013 build. My view is I should still be able to get a reduction based on normal haggling.

I would be comfortable if I can get a Commodore VF International for under $34,999 simply because I have $5K I can put towards it (keep in mind my company liquidated! I didn't get any entitlements paid out!) and would feel better about financing less than $30K, even if by $1.

Is that price realistic for an International or am I dreaming?
Conversely, am I selling myself short and can get it for less?

Any views?

Thank you !

Automotive

Comments

  • tonyjzx on 17/08/2014 - 17:41
    +3

    get the international

    evoke is base

  • RockyRaccoon on 17/08/2014 - 21:51

    You give no idea of why you need this car, and if you would look at alternatives?

    Larger cars are mainly fleet cars, so be prepared to take a hit on resale.

    eg My 2013 Camry which was on sale for $26990 (2014 are now at this price) resale is already $20000, Likewise for Commodores and Falcons. (Fortunately I got my 2013 for $24K with 5km as a "demo")

    Point being is that the Camry which is listed at $31K plus on roads, is discounted heavily, which indicates this market is quite soft. So if you want that Commodore, I would think you should be able to get some price leverage.

    A quick search of car sales gave 2013 (black) 150kms Drive away for 34990 - you have $10 under your finance price

    http://www.carsales.com.au/demo/details/Holden-Commodore-201…

    • davidmwilliams on 17/08/2014 - 21:57

      Thanks for your reply, and thanks too for the link. That will definitely help with negotiations.

      I would look at alternatives but I chose this car because I wanted a larger car with some comforts and features. I like the large touch screen, the smartphone integration, and various other aspects. I also like the feel of it. I have owned two Commodore Acclaims in the past, and had a Commodore Executive from a company at one point, and test driving this VF felt familiar and comfortable and safe.

      • tonyjzx on 18/08/2014 - 00:38
        +1

        commodores drive heaps better than camrys

        • RockyRaccoon on 18/08/2014 - 08:26

          I would tend to agree, having owned both (Although Owned includes company supplied). My point wasnt to compare cars, it was to do with the market these both play in being rather soft. I have always been impressed with the Commodore and would totally agree with the motoring writers that the VF would be one of their best.

          I bought my Camry as it was the same driveaway price as a Corolla at the time, and it was my money.

          A base Commodore was, like the Aurion $8k more plus On roads. So for that extra, driveability should be expected.

          Although living outside the main city, getting 7L/100km does make driving it a lot more enjoyable, pocketwise

        • davidmwilliams on 31/08/2014 - 08:33

          Thanks for your help. I got the car I wanted for $34,990 with 25kms on it!

  • theguru1 on 06/09/2014 - 15:04

    You should get a 2013 cheaper anyways as it is considered a year older, even though new.

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