Welcome to another edition of What Could Possibly Go Wrong – our used car series where we explore whether those alluring, bargain-priced dream cars in the classifieds are secretly Toyota-levels of reliable, or a shortcut to emptying your wallet.
This week’s car conundrum revolves around a far less exotic manufacturer than those that usually grace WCPGW, it’s the time of Luton’s finest – Vauxhall.
Normally a used Vauxhall is a sensible purchase, and a £10,000 budget could net you a tidy SUV or a spicy Astra VXR hot hatch. There’s even have a relatively new Corsa e for an affordable electric choice. If none of these appeal however, and you’re happy to do some digging, you could have Vauxhall’s brawny muscle car. But should you?
It ticked all the important muscle car boxes when new; it had a big, powerful V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, attainable price tag and was delightfully unsophisticated. There are far finer-handling cars available, but not much can slide around, bonfire its tyres, and induce a smile on command like a Monaro can. It’s hilariously lairy to drive but can hunker down into a comfortable long-distance cruiser.
It’s also a recommendable used car, thanks in no small part to the simple underpinnings. Like the Lotus Elise covered last week, the Monaro doesn’t have fancy computer trickery or a needlessly complicated engine, which means it’s a reliable used pick. The biggest issue you'll face will be rusty rear arches and sills, an old-school issue for an old-school car.
Power started at 333hp and dramatically increased across the range, topping out at a whopping 507hp on the VXR500 model. The range of V8 engines (LS1 and LS2s) used in the Monaro are a staple of American and Australian car culture which means parts, information and upgrades are plentiful, even if some trawling might be required here in the UK. I found the correct spark plugs, air filter and engine oil for a Monaro with change from £150.
Monaro-specific parts aren’t so easy to come by, however. A set of front brake discs will set you back from £180 for a reputable aftermarket set – I couldn’t find any direct from Vauxhall. I also was unable to find new headlights or body panels without having to hunt used auction sites or pay exorbitant shippings costs. This is something to bear in mind if you do want a used example.
Finding a direct rival for a Monaro is interesting. Even with the smaller engine – if you can ever call 5.7-litres small – it offered the engine size and power figures usually found in cars that cost twice as much new – the BMW 6 Series and Jaguar XK8 to name just two.
There’s also the go-to sports coupe of the mid noughties – the e46 generation BMW M3 – which can be picked up for a similar price used. It cost more when new and offers far more in the way of driving balance and poise, but it’s not a chest-thumping muscle car like the big Vauxhall, so serves a different purpose.
To find a direct competitor to the Monaro, I'm having to widen the net to include saloons. The Chrysler 300C with a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 cost about the same when new and can be just as affordable used. It’s a more practical car – there’s even an optional estate – but the interior is tacky, the ride is too soft, and the steering is annoyingly light. It does at least look cool and imposing in a Sopranos kind of way.
Affordable modern muscle cars aren’t really a thing anymore – a new Ford Mustang starts at £58,470 – and there’s certainly nothing like the Monaro in Vauxhall’s current lineup. So, if you’ve got a hankering for an affordable and useable muscle car, a used Vauxhall Monaro is an exceptional choice.
To find out more, read our full Vauxhall Monaro review
Pros
- Powerful V8 engine
- Plenty of interior space
- Big boot on 5.7-litre models
Cons
- It's thirsty and crude
- Body parts aren't easy to come by
FAQs: what you need to know about a used Vauxhall Monaro
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How much does a used Vauxhall Monaro cost?
The cheapest Monaros worth considering start at £10,000 and will be the earliest examples with the 5.7-litre LS1 engine and some miles on the clock. Expect some scuffs and rust at this price but don’t worry too much about mechanical issues. That big V8 is unstressed and easily copes with a life of tyre smoke and full-throttle launches.
Anything over £20,000 will likely be in good order, have the larger, 6.0-litre LS2 V8 engine and may even have a few tasty upgrades. For a real treat there’s the hen’s-teeth-rare supercharged VXR500. Expect to pay upwards of £30,000 for one of these. -
How much did the Vauxhall Monaro cost new?
The Vauxhall Monaro was a bargain at just under £28,500 when it launched in 2004 considering its power and performance capabilities. The range-topping 6.0-litre VXR would have set you back just under £36,750.
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How to buy a used Vauxhall Monaro
The Monaro was designed to live in unforgiving Australia which means the mechanicals are tough. Still, there are a few problem spots to take a closer look at if you do want to scratch the muscle car itch:
• Differential. It’s not uncommon to spot leaks or hear a knocking noise from the differential if the cars led a hard life. An uprated diff is a popular upgrade.
• Gearbox and clutch. Another sign of enthusiastic launches, feel for any hesitation when changing gears. Expect the clutch to be heavy, but do note that they’re known to wear quickly.
• Rust. Check for rust around the rear arches and lower sills for rust, these cars didn’t get much in the way of rust treatment.
• Front suspension. The front control arms and caster bushes can degrade over time. Look for uneven front tyre wear, vague steering and clunking noises when turning.
• Water pumps. The one weak spot with the LS1 and LS2 engine, these are known to be noisy and even fail over time. Keep an ear out for a whine.
Should you buy a Vauxhall Monaro?
Yes, if you want something fun and can live with the fuel bills and the badge. There aren’t any massive mechanical headaches, parts supply is fine for the most part, and it’s a lot of fun in a yobbish way.
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