Likes
- Affordable, unless it’s a V8 model.
- Great drivetrain and lazy power (irrespective of what engine you go for).
- Well maintained ones hold their value well.
- Practical family car with good road holding.
Used Holden VY Commodore review
2002-2004
Dislikes
- Many will have been abused and/or poorly maintained.
- Shoddy repair-work and doctoring on the mileage is common.
- Good ones (particularly the SS/V8 versions) won’t be cheap.
- Lack of mod-cons, tech and safety.
Stuff you should know
Debuting in September 2002, the VY Holden Commodore was a full-size large family sedan produced by Holden. It was the third iteration of the third generation Commodore which used GM’s V Platform (also used by the Opel Omega).
Compared to its predecessor (the VX Commodore) – the VY Commodore represented a major redesign of the exterior and interior. New aggressive, angular-like designs at the front, squarer side mirrors, and a sharper rear design on the sedan, however the wagon’s rear tailgate was largely left untouched, except for new tail-light designs.
The same approach was applied inside, where the curve-like design cues from the VT and VX dashboard were replaced by a symmetrical, angular design. New stain chrome trims were added, as was the new steering wheel and gear selector design; with design elements like the Saab-style fold-out cup holders (which were standard on the Berlina and Calais models).
The model range comprised of the entry-level Executive, safety-orientated Acclaim, sports-focused S, V8 entry-level SV8, flagship SS, premium-orientated Berlina and luxury flagship Calais. Limited edition/value-added models also came along throughout the VY’s lifetime such as: Lumina, Equipe, 25th Anniversary Commodore, SS wagon and Berlina International wagon.
Standard features across the range included: automatic headlamp control, Blaupunkt audio system, road-speed sensitive intermittent wipers and dual front airbags.
The VY Commodore comprised of three different powertrains: the 3.8-litre ECOTEC engine, the 3.8-litre supercharged V6 and the 5.7-litre Gen III V8 engine.
Across its’ lifetime, the VY Commodore has one major refresh – the Series II which featured cruise control, front electric windows, adjustable front seat lumber support and sunglasses holder and rear reading lamps – standard across the range. The V8 engine also received a modest power bump.
Most VY Commodores will be around the 20+ year mark, so it won’t be the safest, most feature-packed or technology laden vehicle on the road. The main things to look out for is price as some of the V8 models will retain their value (if not appreciate) due to their collectable status as well as ongoing maintenance and reliability given the age of the cars.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
- Check the vehicle for signs of poorly fitted modifications and repair work.
- Many drove the VY Commodore like they were filming an episode of The Dukes of Hazzard so ventures into cars, traffic poles, bushes, gutters may have been frequent.
- Go over the paint work, being over 20 years old, unless it was kept garaged and regularly washed, it is likely to have some faded spots, scratches and the usual wear and tear.
- Ensure you do a pre-purchase inspection and check for tampering on the odometer.
Interior:
- Because of the abundance of plastic, some of the interior trim might wrap from spending years in the hot Aussie sun.
- Glovebox lids could become distorted, but this could be fixed with a simple replacement.
- Door locks may stop locking or unlocking due to poor door lock mechanisms tolerances. A fix for this was introduced in early 2004.
- Sunroofs fitted between 2002 to 2004 could separate from its frame and dislodge while the vehicle is in motion.
- A recall was issued in March 2006 related to the side airbags, which may inadvertently deploy due to electrostatic charge.
- The Blaupunkt audio system clock may lose time and the CD player may not eject. This can be solved by disconnecting the audio system, taking it out and throwing it away – just buy an aftermarket head unit.
- Electrical gremlins like the mute and mode buttons activating on the steering wheel when pressing the horn to the electric seat mechanisms giving up spontaneously.
Mechanical:
- The chassis rails are prone to rust, especially with a car of this age.
- Excessive tyre wear, as well as knocking and grinding noises from the suspension.
- V6 timing belts might squeal or squeak due to the power steering pump pulley hub not adequately pressed into the power steering pump.
- The V6 engines are prone to oil leaks thanks to insufficient surface area for the retaining bolts for the oil filter adaptor.
- Supercharged V6 engines might squeal during cold starts if the belt is old or if the pulleys are misaligned.
- The hydraulic lifters on the V8s may fail due to a number of things: failed plunger with the lifter itself, jammed spring mechanism, inadequate lubrication of the lifter roller wheel surface, softened valve springs or worn lifter buckets. They also might make a tapping noise.
- V8s can also suffer from rocker bearing failure and valve spring failure.
- High-pitched hissing noises and a ‘check engine’ light could be a sign of the positive crank case ventilation (PCV) pipe deteriorating on V8 models.
- Steering rack boots may be damaged from excessive heat from the exhaust system on V8s.
- The gearshift lever could rattle due to large clearances
Exterior:
- Check the vehicle for signs of poorly fitted modifications and repair work.
- Many drove the VY Commodore like they were filming an episode of The Dukes of Hazzard so ventures into cars, traffic poles, bushes, gutters may have been frequent.
- Go over the paint work, being over 20 years old, unless it was kept garaged and regularly washed, it is likely to have some faded spots, scratches and the usual wear and tear.
- Ensure you do a pre-purchase inspection and check for tampering on the odometer.
Interior:
- Because of the abundance of plastic, some of the interior trim might wrap from spending years in the hot Aussie sun.
- Glovebox lids could become distorted, but this could be fixed with a simple replacement.
- Door locks may stop locking or unlocking due to poor door lock mechanisms tolerances. A fix for this was introduced in early 2004.
- Sunroofs fitted between 2002 to 2004 could separate from its frame and dislodge while the vehicle is in motion.
- A recall was issued in March 2006 related to the side airbags, which may inadvertently deploy due to electrostatic charge.
- The Blaupunkt audio system clock may lose time and the CD player may not eject. This can be solved by disconnecting the audio system, taking it out and throwing it away – just buy an aftermarket head unit.
- Electrical gremlins like the mute and mode buttons activating on the steering wheel when pressing the horn to the electric seat mechanisms giving up spontaneously.
Mechanical:
- The chassis rails are prone to rust, especially with a car of this age.
- Excessive tyre wear, as well as knocking and grinding noises from the suspension.
- V6 timing belts might squeal or squeak due to the power steering pump pulley hub not adequately pressed into the power steering pump.
- The V6 engines are prone to oil leaks thanks to insufficient surface area for the retaining bolts for the oil filter adaptor.
- Supercharged V6 engines might squeal during cold starts if the belt is old or if the pulleys are misaligned.
- The hydraulic lifters on the V8s may fail due to a number of things: failed plunger with the lifter itself, jammed spring mechanism, inadequate lubrication of the lifter roller wheel surface, softened valve springs or worn lifter buckets. They also might make a tapping noise.
- V8s can also suffer from rocker bearing failure and valve spring failure.
- High-pitched hissing noises and a ‘check engine’ light could be a sign of the positive crank case ventilation (PCV) pipe deteriorating on V8 models.
- Steering rack boots may be damaged from excessive heat from the exhaust system on V8s.
- The gearshift lever could rattle due to large clearances in the remote shifter linkages.
- Some Commodores will experience a shudder through the steering wheel at low speed and can be rectified by fitting a longer high-pressure power steering line.
Exterior:
- Check the vehicle for signs of poorly fitted modifications and repair work.
- Many drove the VY Commodore like they were filming an episode of The Dukes of Hazzard so ventures into cars, traffic poles, bushes, gutters may have been frequent.
- Go over the paint work, being over 20 years old, unless it was kept garaged and regularly washed, it is likely to have some faded spots, scratches and the usual wear and tear.
- Ensure you do a pre-purchase inspection and check for tampering on the odometer.
Interior:
- Because of the abundance of plastic, some of the interior trim might wrap from spending years in the hot Aussie sun.
- Glovebox lids could become distorted, but this could be fixed with a simple replacement.
- Door locks may stop locking or unlocking due to poor door lock mechanisms tolerances. A fix for this was introduced in early 2004.
- Sunroofs fitted between 2002 to 2004 could separate from its frame and dislodge while the vehicle is in motion.
- A recall was issued in March 2006 related to the side airbags, which may inadvertently deploy due to electrostatic charge.
- The Blaupunkt audio system clock may lose time and the CD player may not eject. This can be solved by disconnecting the audio system, taking it out and throwing it away – just buy an aftermarket head unit.
- Electrical gremlins like the mute and mode buttons activating on the steering wheel when pressing the horn to the electric seat mechanisms giving up spontaneously.
Mechanical:
- The chassis rails are prone to rust, especially with a car of this age.
- Excessive tyre wear, as well as knocking and grinding noises from the suspension.
- V6 timing belts might squeal or squeak due to the power steering pump pulley hub not adequately pressed into the power steering pump.
- The V6 engines are prone to oil leaks thanks to insufficient surface area for the retaining bolts for the oil filter adaptor.
- Supercharged V6 engines might squeal during cold starts if the belt is old or if the pulleys are misaligned.
- The hydraulic lifters on the V8s may fail due to a number of things: failed plunger with the lifter itself, jammed spring mechanism, inadequate lubrication of the lifter roller wheel surface, softened valve springs or worn lifter buckets. They also might make a tapping noise.
- V8s can also suffer from rocker bearing failure and valve spring failure.
- High-pitched hissing noises and a ‘check engine’ light could be a sign of the positive crank case ventilation (PCV) pipe deteriorating on V8 models.
- Steering rack boots may be damaged from excessive heat from the exhaust system on V8s.
- The gearshift lever could rattle due to large clearances in the remote shifter linkages.
- Some Commodores will experience a shudder through the steering wheel at low speed and can be rectified by fitting a longer high-pressure power steering line.
Should you buy it?
If you’re looking to buy a VY Commodore, you’re either looking to buy a cheap, dependable family-sized car, or you are looking to buy a mint-condition collectors item.
The main issue is that the normal variants, even the decent ones are getting on a bit in terms of their lifetime, where it might be better to buy a Toyota Camry for similar or less money.
VY Commodores that are really cheap are likely to have lots of mileage on them and are falling apart – so they should be avoided.
It will also be hard to find one that hasn’t been modified such as non-standard wheels or engine mods.
We would also recommend getting the car thoroughly inspected as most VY Commodores are likely to have been in an accident and/or received major modifications (and let’s just say sometimes the repair work or modifications aren’t what you would call completed by a ‘professional’). You should also a deeper audit to the mileage to see if it stacks up (particularly with examples that say they’ve done less than 150,000kms), as large differences in mileage potentially means different condition outlook on the car.
That being said on paper, the VY Commodore is a simple, no-nonsense family car with many owners praising its driving qualities and longevity. If you do buy one, just know what you’re getting into: they’re pushing 20+ years old, many examples will have been modified, and some modifications and/or repair work might have not been the best, and it
If you’re looking to buy a VY Commodore, you’re either looking to buy a cheap, dependable family-sized car, or you are looking to buy a mint-condition collectors item.
The main issue is that the normal variants, even the decent ones are getting on a bit in terms of their lifetime, where it might be better to buy a Toyota Camry for similar or less money.
VY Commodores that are really cheap are likely to have lots of mileage on them and are falling apart – so they should be avoided.
It will also be hard to find one that hasn’t been modified such as non-standard wheels or engine mods.
We would also recommend getting the car thoroughly inspected as most VY Commodores are likely to have been in an accident and/or received major modifications (and let’s just say sometimes the repair work or modifications aren’t what you would call completed by a ‘professional’). You should also a deeper audit to the mileage to see if it stacks up (particularly with examples that say they’ve done less than 150,000kms), as large differences in mileage potentially means different condition outlook on the car.
That being said on paper, the VY Commodore is a simple, no-nonsense family car with many owners praising its driving qualities and longevity. If you do buy one, just know what you’re getting into: they’re pushing 20+ years old, many examples will have been modified, and some modifications and/or repair work might have not been the best, and it will be devoid of any modern features or safety equipment.
Should you buy it?
If you’re looking to buy a VY Commodore, you’re either looking to buy a cheap, dependable family-sized car, or you are looking to buy a mint-condition collectors item.
The main issue is that the normal variants, even the decent ones are getting on a bit in terms of their lifetime, where it might be better to buy a Toyota Camry for similar or less money.
VY Commodores that are really cheap are likely to have lots of mileage on them and are falling apart – so they should be avoided.
It will also be hard to find one that hasn’t been modified such as non-standard wheels or engine mods.
We would also recommend getting the car thoroughly inspected as most VY Commodores are likely to have been in an accident and/or received major modifications (and let’s just say sometimes the repair work or modifications aren’t what you would call completed by a ‘professional’). You should also a deeper audit to the mileage to see if it stacks up (particularly with examples that say they’ve done less than 150,000kms), as large differences in mileage potentially means different condition outlook on the car.
That being said on paper, the VY Commodore is a simple, no-nonsense family car with many owners praising its driving qualities and longevity. If you do buy one, just know what you’re getting into: they’re pushing 20+ years old, many examples will have been modified, and some modifications and/or repair work might have not been the best, and it will be devoid of any modern features or safety equipment.
Need help with finance?
Powered by
Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
- 4 door Sedan
- 5 door Wagon
Engines
- 3.8 litre V6 petrol (Executive, Lumina, Equipe, 25th Anniversary, Acclaim, S, Berlina International)
- 3.8 litre supercharged V6 petrol (S, Calais)
- 5.7 litre V8 petrol (SV8, SS, SS Wagon, Berlina, Berlina International, Calais)
Power
- 152kW – 3.8 litre V6 petrol (Executive, Lumina, Equipe, 25th Anniversary, Acclaim, S, Berlina International)
- 171kW – 3.8 litre supercharged V6 petrol (S, Calais)
- 235kW – 5.7 litre V8 petrol (SV8, SS, SS Wagon, Berlina, Berlina International, Calais)
- 245kW – 5.7 litre V8 petrol – Series II update (SV8, SS, Berlina, Calais)
Torque
- 305Nm – 3.8 litre V6 petrol (Executive, Lumina, Equipe, 25th Anniversary, Acclaim, S, Berlina International)
- 375Nm – 3.8 litre supercharged V6 petrol (S, Calais)
- 465Nm – 5.7 litre V8 petrol (SV8, SS, SS Wagon, Berlina, Berlina International, Calais)
Transmissions
- 5-speed Manual (Executive, S)
- 4-speed Automatic
- 6-speed Manual (SV8, SS)
Fuel Consumption
- 8 – 14.3L / 100km
Length
- 4868 – 4891mm (4 door Sedan)
- 5025 – 5084mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
- 1842mm (4 door Sedan)
- 1847mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
- 1425 – 1450mm (4 door Sedan)
- 1527 – 1545mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
- 1522 – 1590kg
Towing
- 500kg (unbraked), 2100kg (braked)
Body Styles
- 4 door Sedan
- 5 door Wagon
Engines
- 3.8 litre V6 petrol (Executive, Lumina, Equipe, 25th Anniversary, Acclaim, S, Berlina International)
- 3.8 litre supercharged V6 petrol (S, Calais)
- 5.7 litre V8 petrol (SV8, SS, SS Wagon, Berlina, Berlina International, Calais)
Power
- 152kW – 3.8 litre V6 petrol (Executive, Lumina, Equipe, 25th Anniversary, Acclaim, S, Berlina International)
- 171kW – 3.8 litre supercharged V6 petrol (S, Calais)
- 235kW – 5.7 litre V8 petrol (SV8, SS, SS Wagon, Berlina, Berlina International, Calais)
- 245kW – 5.7 litre V8 petrol – Series II update (SV8, SS, Berlina, Calais)
Torque
- 305Nm – 3.8 litre V6 petrol (Executive, Lumina, Equipe, 25th Anniversary, Acclaim, S, Berlina International)
- 375Nm – 3.8 litre supercharged V6 petrol (S, Calais)
- 465Nm – 5.7 litre V8 petrol (SV8, SS, SS Wagon, Berlina, Berlina International, Calais)
Transmissions
- 5-speed Manual (Executive, S)
- 4-speed Automatic
- 6-speed Manual (SV8, SS)
Fuel Consumption
- 8 – 14.3L / 100km
Length
- 4868 – 4891mm (4 door Sedan)
- 5025 – 5084mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
- 1842mm (4 door Sedan)
- 1847mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
- 1425 – 1450mm (4 door Sedan)
- 1527 – 1545mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
- 1522 – 1590kg
Towing
- 500kg (unbraked), 2100kg (braked)
Body Styles
- 4 door Sedan
- 5 door Wagon
Engines
- 3.8 litre V6 petrol (Executive, Lumina, Equipe, 25th Anniversary, Acclaim, S, Berlina International)
- 3.8 litre supercharged V6 petrol (S, Calais)
- 5.7 litre V8 petrol (SV8, SS, SS Wagon, Berlina, Berlina International, Calais)
Power
- 152kW – 3.8 litre V6 petrol (Executive, Lumina, Equipe, 25th Anniversary, Acclaim, S, Berlina International)
- 171kW – 3.8 litre supercharged V6 petrol (S, Calais)
- 235kW – 5.7 litre V8 petrol (SV8, SS, SS Wagon, Berlina, Berlina International, Calais)
- 245kW – 5.7 litre V8 petrol – Series II update (SV8, SS, Berlina, Calais)
Torque
- 305Nm – 3.8 litre V6 petrol (Executive, Lumina, Equipe, 25th Anniversary, Acclaim, S, Berlina International)
- 375Nm – 3.8 litre supercharged V6 petrol (S, Calais)
- 465Nm – 5.7 litre V8 petrol (SV8, SS, SS Wagon, Berlina, Berlina International, Calais)
Transmissions
- 5-speed Manual (Executive, S)
- 4-speed Automatic
- 6-speed Manual (SV8, SS)
Fuel Consumption
- 8 – 14.3L / 100km
Length
- 4868 – 4891mm (4 door Sedan)
- 5025 – 5084mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
- 1842mm (4 door Sedan)
- 1847mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
- 1425 – 1450mm (4 door Sedan)
- 1527 – 1545mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
- 1522 – 1590kg
Towing
- 500kg (unbraked), 2100kg (braked)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
3 years / 100,000 km
Service Intervals
12-months or 15,000km
Buying a used car? Buy a PPSR report first.
Have ultimate peace of mind when buying a used car by purchasing an official PPSR report.
In the market?
Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of September 6, 2023
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.
Read our full terms and conditions here.
