VE and VF Commodore Workshop Manual
What to Look for When Buying Australia’s Final Home-Grown Commodores
The VE (2006–2013) and VF (2013–2017) Holden Commodores represent the peak of Australian-built passenger cars. Built on the all-new Zeta platform, these models delivered world-class handling, serious safety upgrades, and some of the best V8 performance Holden ever produced.
They’re now firmly in modern classic territory, and values — especially V8s — are already climbing.
If you’re buying one today, here’s exactly what to look out for.
1. Body & Structural Inspection
The VE/VF platform is strong, but repairs can be expensive if damage is hidden.
What to Check:
- Panel alignment (accident damage is common)
- Front bumper & radiator support (track use)
- Rear quarters near wheel arches
- Boot floor and spare wheel well
- Look closely for clear coat failure, especially on:
- Red
- White
- Black
VF paint quality improved over VE, but sun damage still happens.
2. Engines & Known Issues
Engine Options:
- 3.0L SIDI V6 (VE Series II)
- 3.6L Alloytec / LFX V6
- 6.0L L98 / L77 V8
- 6.2L LS3 V8 (VF II SS & HSV)
- HSV variants (LSA supercharged, LS3, etc.)
What to Watch For:
V6 Engines:
- Timing chain stretch (early Alloytecs)
- Direct injection carbon build-up (SIDI)
- Oil consumption if servicing skipped
V8 Engines:
- AFM/DOD lifter failure (L77, L76)
- Oil pump issues on high-mileage LS engines
- Cooling system neglect
- Modified cars without supporting upgrades
3. Transmissions
Options:
- 6-speed manual (TR6060)
- 6-speed automatic (6L80/6L90)
Inspection Checklist:
- Harsh shifts or shudder (auto)
- Torque converter shudder
- Manual clutch wear & synchros
- Diff clunks under load
Autos are great when healthy — expensive when not.
4. Suspension, Steering & Handling
VE/VF handle brilliantly when tight — poorly when worn.
Common Issues:
- Worn rear cradle bushes
- Sagging factory suspension
- Noisy ball joints & control arms
- Electric power steering faults (rare but costly)
VF suspension tuning is noticeably better than VE.
5. Brakes & Wheels
- Warped front rotors are common
- Brembo-equipped SS & HSV models are desirable
- Look for cracked wheels (especially factory 19s & 20s)
- ABS & stability control sensors can fail
6. Interior & Electronics
Common Problems:
- Sagging headliners (VE)
- Seat bolster wear
- Touchscreen failures (early VE)
- Climate control module faults
- Park assist & camera failures
VF interior quality is a big step up — fewer rattles, better materials.
7. Electrical & ECU Checks
- Battery health is critical (can cause false faults)
- BCM issues from water ingress
- Modified wiring from aftermarket stereos
- Always scan for hidden fault codes
8. Model Variants & Collectability
Most Desirable VE & VF Models:
- SS & SS-V manuals
- VF Series II LS3
- HSV Clubsport, GTS, Maloo
- VF Redline
- Low-km wagons & utes
- Original, unmodified examples
VF II LS3 values are already climbing fast.
9. Service History & Ownership
- Full service history is essential
- Verify engine number & VIN
- Check recall work (especially airbags)
- Modifications should have receipts and supporting upgrades
VE and VF Commodore Workshop Manual