Purchasing a VE Commodore.

Hey mate,
I was in your exact same position. Had a 1995 vs series 1 aswell. Upgraded to a VE but did a lot of research prior to buying. Weeks of research. I ended up getting an omega 2010 Series 2. 6 speed auto.
What i can tell you is that with the 4 speed and 6 speed Autos. The fuel economy is relatively the same as i have found out with the 6 speed as compared to a few of my friends 4 speeds. You'd think having more gears the lower revs giving more fuel economy but its pretty much works out the same as the 4 speeds have wider gears. The 6 speeds also tend to change gears strange coming up to round abouts ects but you get used to how you accelerate and feeling for the gears. I cant imagine 4 speeds being worse.
There is small difference between the 3.6 and 3.0. the 3.0 have slightly better fuel economy, i get between 11.50 - 12.50 L/100 with an average speed of 30 - 40kph using BP Ultimate. its not too bad as i have an xforce quad exhaust aswell.

 

1. I would steer away from the earlier VEs if it was my money. There seem to have been far too many quality control issues in a range of areas in these cars. I would stick with 2010 and above cars in good condition , even if you just buy an Omega (and avoid any ex corporate fleet and ex rental cars).

There is a whole thread on problems with VEs here.........http://forums.justcommodores.com.au...71604-your-ve-what-problems-have-you-had.html

You should also read this one...............http://forums.justcommodores.com.au...odore-stretched-timing-chain-repair-cost.html

2. Even some of the latest VEs have had some problems (although my own car has been trouble free so far. Not so with some others though).

3. Commodores are not very fuel efficient cars IMHO. But they are ok given what they are, ie. big and heavy with large engines and decent power and torque. ( If you want fuel efficiency it is obvious what you buy). I would still prefer a 3.6 over a smaller 6 cyl any day.

There are a lot of VEs on the market so be picky on what you buy.

 

Having owned a 2008 MY09 SV6, a 2011 MY11 SV6 and lately a 2013 MY12.5 SV6 Z (all manuals), my advice would be to stretch your budget to a Series 2 if you can. The difference moving from the MY09 to the MY11 was surprisingly big.

 

I bought brand new cause the 3.6lt 6speed auto with wheels and suspension impressed me much more to drive. And series 2 Holdens used to have the faults ironed out,not so sure now. You wouldn't buy one with the crap timming chain as it costs heaps to re-build a motor. May as well have a rubber belt designed to be changed. Seems they all have the same issues, just a lucky dip. I drove a few and then hired the SV6 11 wagon so I knew for sure.

 

I went from a 2005 VZ 4-speed auto, 3.6L Executive sedan;
to a 2010 VE 6-speed auto, 3.0 SIDO Omega sedan.

Both have been my family's "daily drive", as well as a couple of long trips (Darwin to Melbourne, return) each year.

The biggest difference is in economy on the highway:
the VE gets from Katherine to Tennant Creek (675 km) without having to stop for a top-up - no other car that I've owned would do that.

Apart from that, I have been extremely happy with both of them.

ADDITIONAL REMARKS:
the best I ever got out of one tank (72 L) in the VZ was 702 km;
the best I ever got out of one tank (73 L) in the VE was 898 km -
both of these were on long trips, with cruise control set on 110 kph.

I've bought my last three cars (VX, VZ, & VE) at the Government Auctions (conducted by Pickles),
and I've been happy with what I paid, and what I got for it.

Although "I have been extremely happy with both of them" - the VE is, in almost every respect, the better car.

 

Definitely avoid 06/07 models due to the timing chain.
If it were me I'd be aiming for a calais if possible. Much nicer. And at that age, not a massive massive difference in price.


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As above lots of VE out there atm so you can be picky, lots of private sellers now looking to upgrade to VF(crap trade ins values). Personally the 3.6 4spd v's 3L 6sp is stuff all difference. If your worried about fuel the plenty of factory duel fuel VE's about(we paid $16000 for a berlina dual fuel a year ago with 60000kms). I'd try to squeeze a Calais in other wise a series 2 omega under 18K driveaway should be easy

 

I've got a 2010 VE International and its pretty good for what it is in regards to fuel economy... around 11.5 - 11.9 usually (Holden said it'd do around 10.6 so not that bad). And I am stuck in traffic 60% of the time on my way to work.

Mine has a 3.0 SIDI and it has plenty of kick when you need it. Off the line a bit slow because it's a commodore and it's heavy, but on the freeway it goes pretty sweet.

I think your budget may stretch to get a Series 2, I've heard that they do have a little better fuel economy but not massive difference. Haggle private sellers as most have wiggle room and usually the asking price is not their solid final price.

 

My 2010 VE International is a 3L SIDI 6Sp.
I havent had a day where Ive regretted the purchase, a terrific car.
My other car is a Subaru Forester. And I can 100% assure you that the VE 3L SIDI uses less fuel than the 4cyl engine in the Forester.
It's a true big family wagon, with the fuel economy of a small 4cyl.

And its a series 1 btw.
Test drive different cars, but imo I'd spend more on creature comforts than on getting a series 2.
Go a 3.6L if you think you'll need it, but my 3L is good enough for regular trips to Sydney and towing a car trailer every now and again.
The 3.6L will give you that little bit extra, but again if you dont think you'll need it why buy it?
An International with better interior is better than an SV6 imo.

Biggest tip I can suggest however, is to get a car with factory rear camera.
My rear monitor is incorporated into the rear vision mirror, which also has auto 'anti dazzle' from headlights behind you.
I've never had to touch my rear vision mirror in 3 years due to bright headlights behind me.

Also, with the rear camera feed coming through the rear vision mirror, its more intuitive when checking mirrors to reverse.
I'm pretty sure with the 'higher spec' models the rear camera feed comes through to the centre dash... a stupid idea if you ask me. You arent looking at your dash when reversing!

Anyway... long story short- factory rear camera (and if possible on a model that has it through the rear vision mirror). And you wont look back (pun intended).