Hello!
I'm a potential new owner, and have browsed and researched a bit about these cars.
I would like to own it for a good 10 years, and many thousands of miles/abuse by my right foot.
I'm mostly interested in the older body style, and would like the 6.0 LS2, so that narrows it down to an 06 or 07.
I would like to know about your experiences with reliability?
How is the car once you get past 100000 miles?
Does it cost much to maintain?
What typically goes wrong (besides the usual rear-end woes/replacing clutch)?
I'm currently pouring money into an older BMW 740, and miss a stickshift.
well....i wouldn't be trying to break it, but i do want a good reliable Daily Driver that can legitimately take a little flogging once in a while....i imagine this car can.
Are there any REAL benefits to an 06/07 vs an 04/05?
i.e: Are the 6.0L LS2 bragging rights really worth it?
here's hoping someone with a high mileage car will chime in.
I'm not looking to mod much at all...just some driveability things:
-shifter
-cat-back
that's about it. I'd get on it eveyday but not to burn out or launch hard all the time. that'd be rare. I just want a great sport sedan that's affordable with an LSx V8.
One that won't give me trouble with cooling system stuff and gaskets all the time.
Another question is how much mechanical expertise/space/tools/time available for maintenance/repairs?
One who is willing to fastidiously maintain this vehicle and has the means/capability to do so will be very pleased with it's performance and durability. And you could take that to the bank.
Just so you know....that's EXACTLY what I told myself about the mods when I bought mine 7 months ago...yeah well at the end of this month I think I'll be about 7k into mods. And this isn't normal for me and cars/trucks.
:cookoo:
1. Rear ends, replacement units may resolve reliability issue, but may also introduce new noise (whine)
2. Trans, some units seem to need a rebuild at high mileage (nothing really new there), except these are unique to this vehicle, and are therefore a bit more expensive
3. Radiators, many develop hairline cracks at the connections. Can be repaired or replaced easily enough
4. Power Steering, Pumps may need replacement, hoses may leak
5. Starter connections may become brittle from heat of exhaust
6. Motor , tranny, diff mounts fail
7. Shocks, again unique to this ride, so may be more expensive on replacement. Especially the fg2 variety
8. Wheel bearings, nothing out of the ordinary, typical wear and tear.
9. Interior, flaking of radio buttons, and some other painted surfaces
10. Headlights become hazy
None of these things should prevent you from enjoying a V. The only real key is that many parts on this car are unique, and this was a low production vehicle, so you end up paying more for some of the replacement parts.
I've looked around quite a bit, and can't seem to find the different shock options...except for some random names...
-What actually came on the car? (I know some have a shock package...)
-They seem to last about 75000 miles....kinda like a BMW....
-What are differences between FG2, QA1...etc?
Coming out of a 740 you will most likely be happy with the standard FE4 suspension shocks. The FG2s are fairly hard edged but really keep the chassis nailed down in "spirited, higher speed driving." If that isn't you, and you liked the comfort of your 740, just worry about making sure the FE4s are healthy, as far as shocks go.
My car has 101k on it right now and I bought it at 97k. Like all of these cars it has a fairly long service history but some of it is cosmetic. I am willing to put the time in on mine to keep it nice. Someone else mentioned if you are willing and have the ability, you will not be disappointed. I also believe that it is possible to own one of these out of warranty without being raked over the coals, unlike some of the fancy German stuff.
My 05' V just turned 133,000 daily driven miles...she starts up and runs like a bear....I was leary of buying a high mileage car but i got such a great deal on mine ($9600) I just could not refuse....it was a bank payoff the owner was delinquent on his payments. They do have their little niggles but for a 400+ car it is just as reliable as my 01' Lexus LX470....cheers and best of luck finding a V....
good to know!
My 740 currently has Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs, so she rides stiffly, with almost no body lean, and is very responsive, so I might want the FG2 suspension...
I'm glad some run well past 100k...i don't really doubt it, but i just want to make sure it's not the type of car that starts to fall apart as the mileage builds.
Well, my '04 V was like that until about 165k miles. Then in a 3 month time span, I lost the transmission, water pump, power steering pump, and front and rear shocks/struts. I went ahead and replaced the clutch and serpentine belt while it was being worked on.
HOWEVER... after spending about $5k parts and labor, it's like a new car again...truly. This car does not have the first squeak or rattle. Everything works and I still get 24-25 mpg on the highway. I'll turn 169k miles this week.
It's my favorite car of all time.
Jack
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