Likes
- Affordable to own, service and work on
- Excellent practicality and reliability
- Some examples are becoming collectable
- Superb bang for your buck
Used Holden VE Commodore SS review
2006 - 2013
Dislikes
- Higher chance performance models have been abused
- Ageing infotainment and safety technology
- Can be very thirsty
- Manual transmission can feel crude
Stuff you should know
With a development and engineering program reported to cost over $1 billion dollars (AUD), the introduction of the virtually all-new VE Commodore in 2006 saw the iconic Australian car receive a design that was clearly influenced by its European competitors and real enhancements to the ride, handling, performance and build quality.
In fire-breathing V8 form, the SS, when new, was a celebrated and revered car, offering immense performance from its 6.0-litre LS V8, excellent chassis balance and dynamics with a near 50:50 weight distribution and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension set-up.
Receiving continual updates during its production run, most notably the Series II update late in 2010, now the VE range in general is pushing a decade old, are they still worthy of their accolades and should you buy one? Read on.
What goes wrong
- Early VE SS Commodores had a clutch that was troublesome with slave cylinder-related issues
- Rocker bearings can develop a sideways slop which can damage engine valve tops
- Lifters are the achilles heal of these engines and some have had failed lifters
- Six-speed automatics can slip and cause harsh shifts
- Lower interior trim panels and glove box parts known to fail and fall out in early cars
- Check for worn sway-bar bushes and suspension strut mounting plates
- Radiator end plates may wear, requiring a new radiator
- It is essential that these engines have frequent oil changes to protect their bearings and lifters from premature wear and failure
- It should be noted that the V8 was far more reliable than the Alloytec/SIDI V6 in cheaper model grades and in general, is a tough and reliable power plant
- Early VE SS Commodores had a clutch that was troublesome with slave cylinder-related issues
- Rocker bearings can develop a sideways slop which can damage engine valve tops
- Lifters are the achilles heal of these engines and some have had failed lifters
- Six-speed automatics can slip and cause harsh shifts
- Lower interior trim panels and glove box parts known to fail and fall out in early cars
- Check for worn sway-bar bushes and suspension strut mounting plates
- Radiator end plates may wear, requiring a new radiator
- It is essential that these engines have frequent oil changes to protect their bearings and lifters from premature wear and failure
- It should be noted that the V8 was far more reliable than the Alloytec/SIDI V6 in cheaper model grades and in general, is a tough and reliable power plant
- Early VE SS Commodores had a clutch that was troublesome with slave cylinder-related issues
- Rocker bearings can develop a sideways slop which can damage engine valve tops
- Lifters are the achilles heal of these engines and some have had failed lifters
- Six-speed automatics can slip and cause harsh shifts
- Lower interior trim panels and glove box parts known to fail and fall out in early cars
- Check for worn sway-bar bushes and suspension strut mounting plates
- Radiator end plates may wear, requiring a new radiator
- It is essential that these engines have frequent oil changes to protect their bearings and lifters from premature wear and failure
- It should be noted that the V8 was far more reliable than the Alloytec/SIDI V6 in cheaper model grades and in general, is a tough and reliable power plant
Should you buy it
The VE SS Commodore, in all its various iterations, is a simple, solid and reliable vehicle.
However, it’s not perfect and we don’t think it necessarily deserves the cult-like status it seems to receive but there is no question that from a value-for-money perspective, very few vehicles offer the sheer bang for your buck with genuine practical appeal the VE SS provides.
Find a stock, low-kilometre example with a solid service history and yes, you should buy one.
The VE SS Commodore, in all its various iterations, is a simple, solid and reliable vehicle.
However, it’s not perfect and we don’t think it necessarily deserves the cult-like status it seems to receive but there is no question that from a value-for-money perspective, very few vehicles offer the sheer bang for your buck with genuine practical appeal the VE SS provides.
Find a stock, low-kilometre example with a solid service history and yes, you should buy one.
Should you buy it
The VE SS Commodore, in all its various iterations, is a simple, solid and reliable vehicle.
However, it’s not perfect and we don’t think it necessarily deserves the cult-like status it seems to receive but there is no question that from a value-for-money perspective, very few vehicles offer the sheer bang for your buck with genuine practical appeal the VE SS provides.
Find a stock, low-kilometre example with a solid service history and yes, you should buy one.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Feb 23, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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