Whether you’re looking at a VB, VC or VH Commodore, these cars represent the beginning of Holden’s Commodore era and have become increasingly collectible over recent years.
From six-cylinder family sedans to factory V8 models, SL/E luxury cars, wagons and rare performance variants, early Commodores offer a fantastic blend of classic Holden character and more modern driving dynamics than the Kingswoods and Toranas that came before them.
However, the newest VH Commodore is now more than 40 years old, which means buying the wrong car can quickly become an expensive mistake. Rust, hidden accident damage, worn drivetrains and poor-quality modifications can turn what appears to be a bargain into a restoration nightmare.
The good news is that most early Commodore problems are well known and relatively easy to identify if you know where to look.
Start With the Body Condition
The body is the single most important part of any early Commodore inspection.
Mechanical components are generally straightforward and affordable to repair. Rust and structural damage are often far more expensive.
Why It Matters
- Rust repairs can cost thousands
- Replacement panels are becoming harder to source
- Structural corrosion affects safety
- Vehicle value depends heavily on body condition
A solid body is usually worth paying extra for.
Inspect the Windscreen Surrounds
One of the most common rust areas on VB, VC and VH Commodores is around the front windscreen.
Look For
- Bubbling paint
- Rust stains
- Cracked sealant
- Water leaks
Rust hidden beneath the rubber seal is extremely common.
Check the Rear Window Area
The rear window surround can suffer similar issues.
Common Signs
- Rust bubbles
- Damp boot carpet
- Water staining
Repairs can become expensive if corrosion extends into surrounding panels.
Examine the Plenum Chamber
The plenum chamber sits beneath the windscreen and frequently traps moisture.
Inspection Tips
- Look inside air intake vents
- Check for leaves and debris
- Inspect for rust around the firewall
Blocked drains often lead to serious corrosion.
Check the Floor Pans
Floor rust is common and often hidden beneath carpets.
What to Inspect
- Front footwells
- Rear footwells
- Under carpet underlay
Warning Signs
- Soft metal
- Damp carpet
- Rust staining
Always lift carpets wherever possible.
Inspect the Boot Floor
The boot floor often reveals how well a Commodore has been maintained.
Common Problems
- Water leaks
- Spare wheel well rust
- Previous repairs
Remove mats and inspect the entire area carefully.
Check the Door Bottoms
Doors frequently rust from the inside out.
Look For
- Bubbling paint
- Blocked drain holes
- Rust around seams
Replacement rust-free doors are becoming increasingly valuable.
Examine the Sills
The sills are structural and should be inspected thoroughly.
Warning Signs
- Swollen seams
- Cracked paint
- Previous repairs
Structural rust can significantly reduce vehicle value.
Best Inspection Tool
Recommended Product: LED Borescope Inspection Camera
Benefits
- Access hidden cavities
- Detect concealed rust
- Inspect inside sills and pillars
Best For
- Pre-purchase inspections
- Restoration projects
Check for Accident Damage
Many early Commodores have been repaired following accidents.
Look For
- Uneven panel gaps
- Overspray
- Mismatched paint
- Poor welds
Areas to Inspect
- Front chassis rails
- Inner guards
- Boot floor
- Rear quarters
Quality repairs aren’t necessarily a problem, but hidden damage should affect the purchase price.
Inspect the Engine
Early Commodores were available with several engines.
Common Engines
- 2.85-litre six
- 3.3-litre blue/ red motor six
- 4.2-litre V8 (253)
- 5.0-litre V8 (308)
A healthy engine is important, but remember that engine rebuilds are usually cheaper than major rust repairs.
Check for Oil Leaks
Minor oil leaks are common.
Common Leak Areas
- Rocker cover gasket
- Timing cover
- Sump gasket
- Rear main seal
A few leaks are normal, but excessive oil loss can indicate neglect.
Listen for Timing Chain Noise
Blue and red motor sixes and Holden V8s can suffer timing chain wear.
Symptoms
- Rattling noise
- Poor idle quality
- Difficult tuning
Timing chain replacement is relatively straightforward but should be factored into negotiations.
Inspect the Cooling System
Cooling problems are common in older Commodores.
Check For
- Rusty coolant
- Coolant leaks
- Overheating history
- Damaged radiator fins
Always inspect the coolant condition before starting the engine.
Best Cooling System Inspection Tool
Recommended Product: Cooling System Pressure Tester
Benefits
- Identifies hidden leaks
- Diagnoses cooling faults
- Useful for buyers and owners
Test the Transmission
Early Commodores were fitted with both manual and automatic transmissions.
Automatic Checks
- Smooth gear changes
- No slipping
- Clean transmission fluid
Manual Checks
- Smooth shifting
- No gear crunching
- Clutch engagement
Transmission repairs can become expensive if major internal work is required.
Inspect the Suspension
Suspension wear is common after decades of use.
Look For
- Sagging ride height
- Worn bushes
- Leaking shock absorbers
- Uneven tyre wear
A test drive often reveals suspension problems quickly.
Check the Steering
Early Commodores should feel reasonably precise for their age.
Warning Signs
- Excessive play
- Wandering
- Steering vibration
- Clunks when turning
Many steering problems originate from worn suspension components.
Test the Electrical System
Electrical faults are becoming increasingly common.
Check
- Headlights
- Indicators
- Brake lights
- Horn
- Wipers
- Gauges
- Heater fan
Electrical issues are often simple to repair but can indicate poor maintenance.
Inspect the Interior
Replacement trim is becoming harder to source.
Common Issues
- Cracked dashboards
- Torn seats
- Sagging roof linings
- Missing trim
Original SL/E and SS interiors can be particularly expensive to restore.
Check the Vehicle Identification Numbers
Always confirm the identification details.
Verify
- VIN plate
- Chassis number
- Engine number
Ensure all numbers are consistent with registration paperwork.
Look for Modifications
Many early Commodores have been modified.
Common Modifications
- Engine swaps
- Wheels
- Suspension upgrades
- Diff changes
- Stereo installations
Quality modifications can add value, while poorly executed work can create future problems.
Take a Proper Test Drive
Never buy an early Commodore without driving it.
During the Drive Check For
- Engine temperature
- Steering response
- Brake performance
- Suspension noises
- Transmission operation
The test drive often reveals issues that aren’t visible during a static inspection.
Questions to Ask the Seller
Important Questions
- How long have you owned it?
- Has it been restored?
- Has it had rust repairs?
- When was it last serviced?
- Are there any known faults?
Honest answers can save considerable time and money.
Common Buying Mistakes
Focusing Only on Paint
A shiny exterior can hide significant rust.
Ignoring Structural Corrosion
Rust repairs are often more expensive than mechanical repairs.
Skipping the Test Drive
Many major faults only appear while driving.
Buying the Cheapest Car
The cheapest Commodore to buy is rarely the cheapest to own.
What Is the Best Early Commodore to Buy?
For most enthusiasts:
Best Value
- VH Commodore SL/X
- VH Commodore Vacationer
- VC Commodore
Most Collectable
- VC HDT Commodore
- VH SS Commodore
- Factory V8 SL/E models
Regardless of model, condition remains the most important factor.
Buying a VB, VC or VH Commodore can be a fantastic investment and an incredibly rewarding ownership experience. These cars are becoming increasingly desirable, and good examples continue to attract strong interest from collectors and enthusiasts.
The key to a successful purchase is focusing on body condition, rust prevention and overall maintenance history rather than being distracted by shiny paint or minor modifications.
A solid, well-maintained Commodore will almost always be cheaper and easier to restore than a rusty project car, no matter how attractive the purchase price may seem.
Take your time, inspect thoroughly and don’t be afraid to walk away from a poor example. The right early Commodore is worth waiting for.
Related Articles
- VB, VC and VH Commodore Rust Problems
- Holden 253 & 308 V8 Issues Explained
- VB VC VH Commodore Cooling System Problems
- VB VC VH Commodore Transmission Problems
- VB VC VH Commodore Electrical Problems