The Holden Commodore has long been an Australian favourite, offering space, performance, and value for money. But in 2026, buying a used Commodore is very different from buying a brand-new Toyota Camry, one of Australia’s most popular modern sedans.
Many buyers are drawn to older Commodores for their affordability, classic styling, and V6/V8 engines—but how do they stack up against modern cars when it comes to buying, running, and maintenance costs? Let’s break it down.
1. Purchase Price: Upfront Costs
Holden Commodore (used)
- Typical price: $3 000–$10 000 for high-mileage VT–VY or later VZ/VE models.
- Factors affecting price: mileage, engine type (V6 cheaper, V8 pricier), trim level, and condition.
- Pros: Low upfront cost, entry into a classic Australian car.
2026 Toyota Camry (new)
- Price range: $38 000–$50 000 depending on engine and trim (Hybrid XLE or petrol SX).
- Pros: Brand-new warranty, modern features, better fuel efficiency, and advanced safety technology.
- Cons: High initial investment compared to a used Commodore.
Verdict: Commodore wins for affordability, but Camry offers peace of mind with reliability and warranty coverage.
2. Running Costs: Fuel and Efficiency
Fuel Economy
- Holden Commodore V6: 10–12 L/100km (older engines often worse).
- Holden Commodore V8: 13–18 L/100km, very thirsty for daily use.
- 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid: ~4.5–5.5 L/100km
- 2026 Toyota Camry Petrol: 6.5–7.5 L/100km
Fuel Cost Comparison (15 000 km/year, $2/L petrol)
| Car | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|
| Commodore V6 | $3 000–$3 600 |
| Commodore V8 | $3 900–$5 400 |
| Camry Hybrid | $1 350–$1 650 |
| Camry Petrol | $1 950–$2 250 |
Verdict: Modern Camry is far more fuel-efficient, particularly hybrids, cutting fuel costs by 50% in some cases.
3. Maintenance Costs: Old vs New
Holden Commodore
- Mechanical simplicity: Easy to work on, DIY-friendly, strong V6/V8 engines.
- Common repairs:
- Suspension, shocks, bushings: $600–$1 500
- Transmission rebuilds: $2 000–$3 500
- Rust repair: $1 000–$3 000
- Interior electrics (power windows, stereo, seats): $500–$1 500
- Unpredictability: High-mileage vehicles may require frequent repairs, increasing running costs unexpectedly.
2026 Toyota Camry
- Reliability: Modern engines, electronics, and chassis reduce maintenance frequency.
- Routine maintenance:
- Oil change every 10 000–15 000 km: ~$150–$200
- Brake pads: ~$300 per axle
- Tyres: $600–$1 200 per set
- Warranty coverage: 5-year/100,000 km standard, hybrid warranty 8 years, reducing repair risk and cost.
Verdict: Commodore may be cheaper to fix if DIY-savvy, but modern Camry costs are predictable and generally lower for routine maintenance.
4. Insurance and Registration
- Holden Commodore: Older cars are cheaper to insure (~$400–$1 500 depending on age, engine, and coverage). Registration ~$1 200–$1 800/year.
- Toyota Camry: New car insurance is higher (~$1 200–$2 000/year comprehensive), registration similar (~$1,400–$1 900/year).
While insurance favours older cars, unexpected repair bills can offset this saving.
5. Safety and Technology Considerations
- Holden Commodore: Limited safety features in older models (no airbags in early models, minimal crash protection, basic ABS in later models).
- Toyota Camry: Modern safety tech including airbags, traction control, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance.
Verdict: Camry wins hands down for safety, convenience, and comfort.
6. Total Cost of Ownership: A 5-Year Estimate
| Car | Purchase | Fuel (5yr) | Maintenance | Insurance | Total (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commodore V6 | $5 000 | $15 000 | $5 000 | $5 000 | $30 000 |
| Commodore V8 | $7 000 | $21 000 | $8 000 | $6 000 | $42 000 |
| Camry Hybrid | $45 000 | $7 500 | $2 500 | $7 500 | $62 500 |
| Camry Petrol | $40 000 | $10 500 | $2 500 | $7 500 | $60 500 |
While the initial price gap is huge, total 5-year costs are closer than many expect, particularly once fuel and repairs for older Commodores are considered.
7. Final Verdict: Is the Commodore Still Worth It?
Pros of Holden Commodore:
- Low upfront cost
- Iconic Aussie car experience
- DIY-friendly for mechanically inclined owners
- Classic V6/V8 sound and feel
Cons:
- Rising maintenance costs with age
- Poor fuel economy
- Interior wear and electrics can be expensive
- Limited safety compared to modern vehicles
Pros of 2026 Toyota Camry:
- Predictable running costs
- Superior fuel efficiency
- Modern safety and comfort features
- Warranty reduces unexpected expenses
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a cheap, iconic Australian car, a Commodore can still be enjoyable—but budget for maintenance and running costs. If your goal is reliability, safety, and low daily expenses, a modern Camry is the smarter long-term investment.
Key Takeaways
- Commodores are cheap upfront but unpredictable in maintenance.
- Modern Camry costs more initially but offers fuel savings, reliability, and safety.
- Over 5 years, the cost gap narrows significantly when factoring fuel and repairs.
- Enthusiasts may prefer Commodore for nostalgia; commuters and families benefit more from a Camry.