HSV Clubsport Problems

Depending on the condition, service history, and past use it would be between $9000 and $12,000.

The average price of that model is $10,400-$12,700, so the quoted price is a little high. But against the kays are lower than average for that model, and the boxes for condition and service history are ticked. If it appears to have been well looked after by a caring owner, hasn’t obviously been thrashed it would seem to be a good choice.

It’s an old car, it’s a headlight, which I doubt is covered by the warranty, so just replace it and get on with your life.

The trade values them at around $8500, but the collector car market operates differently to the regular used car market. The value comes down to what someone else is willing to pay for it, its condition, odometer reading etc. The chances are that in the long term it will hold its value, and maybe increase. If you’re looking at it as an investment then park it, cover it up, and drive it as little as possible.

Years ago when you owned your Torana it was considered something of a performance car, as the Clubsport, SSV and Calais are today, but there are many other ways of getting your driving thrills today without having to go for a V8. Some of the hot hatches now available would give you all the thrills, and more, than the big-bangers of old. Take a test drive in a VW Golf GTi or one of the fast Ford Focuses and I'm sure you'd rethink your choice. All the cars you mention, the Clubsport, SSV and Calais are good cars with plenty of grunt, the V8 sound, and the comfort of a big car. For mine though I'd be going for a hot hatch.

I can sympathize with you, the car could one day be a classic and the wrong caliper finish could affect its value with HSV enthusiasts. It seems clear that the problem was caused by sloppy work during the service and the dealer has accepted responsibility for it, but the action he's suggesting isn't acceptable to you. It would seem to me that it's not a huge cost to him to replace the calipers, and it would be to his advantage as a reputable dealer to do the right thing. You can try to negotiate with him to get what you want, or you could enlist the help of a solicitor and have him send the dealer a letter setting out your case and what you want.

In the short term either would have about the same resale, but if you're thinking about which might be more attractive to collectors in the longer term I would think the Clubsport would be the better one.