I haven't done a non-volvo project for a while but thought I'd pop up a bit of detail about my newly acquired VE SV6 wagon.
Having a relatively new addition to the family, I was keen on something new/newer with more airbags and all that sort of thing, something I wouldn't have to think much about for the next couple of years.
I debated a few things, had opportunity to pick up some amazing pricing on a new FG XR6 ute, but that began to look like less of a good idea when it would have meant that I'd need to swap cars around in the event I'd need to do daycare drop-offs and pick-ups.
I thought about some kooler stuff like a VW Transporter, Renault Trafic etc but didn't really know what I wanted to do.
I didn't want to tow a trailer with an FWD volvo (otherwise a V50 might have fit the bill), and there's good chance I'd do some towing.
I kept coming back to the rather unexciting prospect of something local. The VZ commodore wagon I've had for the last bit-over-three-years has been good* but doesn't have side airbags, etc.
I couldn't quite justify the cost of a new VF SV6 or SS wagon at the moment, we bought a new Nissan XTrail for my wife last year, so there isn't the 'need' for two new cars in the driveway.
The preference was for a 2011 onward SV6 with SIDI engine, 6spd auto, less than 80k, new touch screen dash, facelifted front bodywork etc. I didn't want black, green or red.
I found a few, but by the time I could go in to check them out, they were gone.
So, I stumbled across the car I've ended up with by accident. It's a 2009 MY9.5 model, with 5spd auto. It was a one-owner car, cosmetically knocked around, some neat options fitted when new. It's black. The basics were kinda there and it cost significantly less than what I had expected to spend.
It arrived in all it's disgusting glory, on the back of a truck from NSW on Thursday. We gave it a quick service and it'll go in for a RWC check on wednesday.
The list of factory fitted kool stuff is -
* HSVi 'Fluxus' 20x8 wheels
* 2100kg towbar
* Reverse sensors and camera
* Full size spare wheel
* Tinted windows (dealer)
It has had Pedders lowered springs in it with short stroke shocks.
I don't like Pedders stuff in anything, but the ride in this is really good and it handles well for such a big car (Seriously kids, this doesn't mean Pedders stuff is not complete garbage in your Volvo).
It needs a repair in the RR quarter, RR door, LR door, RH skirt and a new front bar.
The interior needs (needed) a massive clean and some broken plastic stuff replaced.
I think wild animals may have been mating on the backseat.
A really good scrub only got this marginally better.
So far, I've done the following -
* Safety check
* Basic service
* Removed the motorcross stickers from the back window
* Given the interior a good scrub (since the pics), thrown the floor mats in the bin and replaced with new ones.
Next up -
* Get the thing through RWC
* Replace steering wheel (on order)
* Replace shifter knob/handle
* Refit rear badges
* Paint and fit new front bar
* Paint and refit RH skirt
* Replace rear wiper (ebay, $11. bargain!)
* Fit locknuts
* Strip and refinish wheels
* Bodywork repairs
This will only be a short project, I need to get back to the V70!
