Comments: 1-15, 16-30
Basically nothing has gone wrong so far.
Great luxury SWB car.
Berry red colour looks very nice indeed.
HBD rear spoiler makes the car look better than ever.
It is so comfortable to drive. Has a lot of power (stock 235 kW). All the luxury items that you need that is standard. No need to pay $50 grand on a base model mercedes and BMW and then pay more for the options. The quality is excellent now a major step up from the previous models. It handles well. It's a joy to own and drive.
If you like the VY check out the VZ!!!
What are the main differences between the VYII and the VZ... I thought they were mainly cosmetic and no major change to the engine... but I don't know much.
The VZ Calais got the new 3.6L 190 kw V6 and 5 speed auto. A few exterior and interior changes. V8 model gets an upgrade and uses electronic drive by wire throttle system.
Personally I wouldn't buy a VY or VZ. They are both very dated cars in terms of body panels, interior ergonomics, transmission and the newer V6 engine sounds awful (I have a VZ Calais V6 3.6 litre). The stereo isn't bad, but you either have no bass or blow the speakers (I blew the rear speakers-lucky I never sit in the back!!). Due to the fact that the car is still based on a 1997 drivetrain and model (being the VT) I honestly wish I knew this before purchasing it. It is terrible for an '05 model car and I am currently arranging finance on a 2006 plated Mitsubishi 380GT which is less than the Calais price and has more standard features such as Bluetooth, colour screen, better stereo and 5 speed auto. If you want a Calais either buy a V8 (the V6 is utter crap) and even better wait for the VE which will have brand new interior and better transmission. If not, save you self some $$$$ on the price of the car, running costs and have good dealer service and look towards a Mitsubishi 380 much newer car with better warranty and bloody sexy interior (sunroof is standard). I will review the 380 when it arrives January 12th!
You can't compare a base 3 series bmw to a calais, Drive a base 3 series. it is a totally different class to a calais. the bmw is a better car all together and better built and drives much nicer, But when it comes to affordability well calais for value for money.
I'm the original reviewer and I have considered a BMW and I found it woefully underpowered. Sure it was build quality was very good, but it was too small (3 series) and gutless (4 pot). Also I don't want to buy a car purely for the BMW or MB badge if I was going to shell out that kind of money I would at least get an M5 at least I would spend money with a badge status of a BMW and a performance of a exotic car.
But I am very happy with the Calais it has been very reliable and it still has no rattles or any strange noises. has 36,500 on the clock now and its still like new.
For the money you pay, The bmw 3 series doesn't have that much power and is a small car, with not much room. BMW's are great cars, You can't compare to a holden they are different class, if you have the money for a BMW go for one. They start from $100,000, for a descent power and room. calais is still a very nice car to drive and worth your money.
Can't compare a BMW 3 to a Calais. Different size body, motor, price, etc. I have had a VP VR VT & VX2 Calais all V8s. Currently negotiating a VY2 V8. All second hand within 2-3yrs from new. Only major was A/C for VT $1500.00 which dealer paid otherwise sweet as. Look in car yards what you see more of V8 Calais or BMW 3 series unfortunately its the later, way under the cost of a V8 Calais. V8 Calais rules!!!
Bmw is such a better car to drive. You know that you are driving something special. Calais is still nice to drive. you can't compare holden to bmw. You see more holden calais as they are cheap to buy and holden produces heaps, as for bmw they don't produce as much as these cars are for people you have $$$.
I am the OP for this review and I can honestly say I don't really care about BMW. Ford the size and power and the things you get with the Calais that's under $60 grand is a steal. BMW's are nice, but I would have to go 2nd hand to get something similar with similar size and equipment.
I've driven BMW's and they are nice, but not as nice as I have thought. I am very happy with my Calais sure it does not have the status of a BMW and that's fine because I don't want a status of a BMW. I can go out and buy a BMW that's worth over $200,000 but I can't think what for. The 530D is what I am interested, but then again I am more than happy what I currently have and I don't need to buy a badge status like MB or BMW to enjoy what I drive.
The Calais is a peanut to a BMW. The new bmw series are so nice to drive, out-does the calais all around. Calais is value for money. You can't compare holden to Bmw, Of course Bmw have way better workmanship then holden, but they are different class cars. I have driven Hsv and commodores and they don't come close to Bmw. Why do people you can afford them buy them for? and not a holden? because you know your getting a good car that is quality made and hs no vehicle recalls like holden do. Holden are still very nice cars to have for people who can afford them.
BMW does have recalls do a search on it.
But who cares if the owner enjoy his Calais then let him/her. I don't even know why people care what people drive or what they want to spend on a car. If someone can afford a BMW they do not have to buy a BMW they can buy what ever they like. The Calais has more than enough electrical equipment for a daily driver and luckily it does not have that I-drive system which is a balls up in BMW's court on making something un userfriendly. Bottom line is that if you can afford to buy a BMW and you don't want a BMW then you don't have to buy a BMW.
Nuff said.
Too right, I reckon that most potential BMW drivers with any brains would save the extra money they would have spent buying a beemer and buy a calais instead. Sure they're in a different league, but is it really worth an extra 60 grand?
A Bmw is worth the 60 grand extra. You know who are getting a good car that don't have factory faults or recalls on them, Like Holden do. Why do wealthy people buy Bmw's and not Holden Calais? the reason is they want a great car where their in control and feel special driving a nice vehicle. I have 1998 Bmw 3181 and it drives better then my brother's vy calais. Drive a holden then a bmw then you will Know the difference.
To save the money on a bmw? and buy a Calais?
That's for people who can't afford them and want a try-hard luxury car. No one can beat the german's For luxury cars. Don't even Compare Holden to Bmw.