{"id":2114,"date":"2026-02-27T10:11:36","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T10:11:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/?page_id=2114"},"modified":"2026-04-17T04:48:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T04:48:56","slug":"vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vk-commodore\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\/","title":{"rendered":"VK and VL Holden Commodore Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/\">Commodore Home<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vk-commodore\/\">VK Commodore<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vl-commodore\/\">VL Commodore<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4tAzzml\">VB VC VH VK Commodore Repair Manual<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The VK (1984\u20131986) and VL (1986\u20131988) Holden Commodore series represent the second generation of Australia\u2019s iconic Commodore line. With refinements in styling, improved handling, and new mechanical updates, these models remain highly sought after by collectors and car enthusiasts. If you\u2019re considering purchasing a VK or VL Commodore, here\u2019s what you should inspect to make an informed decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Body &amp; Rust<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Common rust areas: wheel arches, floor pans, boot floor, sills, and lower doors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspect A-pillars, C-pillars, and roof gutters for signs of corrosion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Look for paint overspray, replaced panels, or mismatched body panels, as these models are often restored.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Engine &amp; Transmission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VK Commodore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Engine options: 3.3L inline 6, 4.2L and 5.0L V8<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transmission: 4-speed manual, optional 5-speed manual, or 3-speed automatic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VL Commodore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Engine updates: 3.0L RB30E 6-cylinder, 5.0L V8, with turbo options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transmission: 5-speed manual, 3 speed automatic, 4 speed automatic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Inspect<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Oil leaks around valve covers, sump, and gaskets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carburettor, fuel injection system, and ignition components<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cooling system: radiator, hoses, and water pump<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transmission: check for smooth shifting and clutch wear in manuals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Suspension &amp; Steering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Independent front suspension, live rear axle with leaf springs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspect shock absorbers, bushings, control arms, and steering rack<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Look for sway bar upgrades in higher-spec models<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Brakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>VK and VL: front disc brakes standard on most trims, rear drums<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspect brake pads, rotors, drums, calipers, master cylinder, and brake lines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disc brake upgrades and brake rebuild kits are popular for safety<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Interior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>VK: Functional interiors, vinyl or cloth upholstery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>VL: Updated dash, better trim quality, optional leather in Calais and Berlina models<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check seats, carpet, dashboard, gauges, steering wheel, and switchgear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Original interior components increase collectible value<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Electrical &amp; Lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>12-volt system with potential issues in wiring harness, fuse boxes, and dashboard switches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check lights, indicators, wipers, horn, and gauges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider LED upgrades for headlights and brake lights without compromising originality<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Paperwork &amp; Provenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Verify VIN and engine numbers to ensure originality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Look for service history, receipts for parts, restoration records, and original manuals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Original paint, trim, badges, and rare options increase collector interest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Market Value &amp; Investment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Collectors prefer SS, Calais, and V8 models, particularly well-documented examples<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Condition, originality, and mechanical updates are key value drivers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>VK and VL models with minimal rust and complete documentation command premium prices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4tAzzml\">VB VC VH VK Commodore Repair Manual<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\"><br \/>\n{<br \/>\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",<br \/>\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",<br \/>\n  \"mainEntity\": [<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"What are the main VK and VL Commodore models?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"The VK (1984\u20131986) and VL (1986\u20131988) Commodores include 6-cylinder and V8 engines with trims such as SL, SL\/E, and SS.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    },<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"What should I look for when buying a VK or VL Commodore?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"Check for rust in sills, floor pans, and wheel arches, inspect the engine and transmission, assess suspension and brakes, review interior condition, and verify VIN and provenance.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    },<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"Which VK and VL trims are most collectible?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"SL\/E, SS, and V8 variants are highly sought after by collectors.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    },<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"Are parts still available for VK and VL Commodores?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"Yes, specialist suppliers provide engine, transmission, suspension, brake, and interior components for VK and VL models.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    },<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"Is restoring a VK or VL Commodore worth it?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"Yes. Restored VK and VL Commodores, especially V8 and SS models, hold strong collector and resale value.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    }<br \/>\n  ]<br \/>\n}<br \/>\n<\/script><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Commodore Home VK Commodore VL Commodore VB VC VH VK Commodore Repair Manual The VK (1984\u20131986) and VL (1986\u20131988) Holden Commodore series represent the second generation of Australia\u2019s iconic Commodore line. With refinements in styling, improved handling, and new mechanical updates, these models remain highly sought after by collectors and car enthusiasts. If you\u2019re considering [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":49,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2114","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>VK and VL Holden Commodore Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying - Australian Holden<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The VK (1984\u20131986) and VL (1986\u20131988) Holden Commodore series represent the second generation of Australia\u2019s iconic Commodore line\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vk-commodore\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"VK and VL Holden Commodore Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying - Australian Holden\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The VK (1984\u20131986) and VL (1986\u20131988) Holden Commodore series represent the second generation of Australia\u2019s iconic Commodore line\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vk-commodore\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Australian Holden\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-17T04:48:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"2 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/index.php\\\/australian-holden\\\/commodores\\\/vk-commodore\\\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/index.php\\\/australian-holden\\\/commodores\\\/vk-commodore\\\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\\\/\",\"name\":\"VK and VL Holden Commodore Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying - Australian Holden\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-27T10:11:36+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-17T04:48:56+00:00\",\"description\":\"The VK (1984\u20131986) and VL (1986\u20131988) Holden Commodore series represent the second generation of Australia\u2019s iconic Commodore line\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/index.php\\\/australian-holden\\\/commodores\\\/vk-commodore\\\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/index.php\\\/australian-holden\\\/commodores\\\/vk-commodore\\\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/index.php\\\/australian-holden\\\/commodores\\\/vk-commodore\\\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"http:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Australian Holden\",\"item\":\"http:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Commodores\",\"item\":\"http:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/index.php\\\/australian-holden\\\/commodores\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"VK Commodore\",\"item\":\"http:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/index.php\\\/australian-holden\\\/commodores\\\/vk-commodore\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":5,\"name\":\"VK and VL Holden Commodore Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"Australian Holden\",\"description\":\"Specifications and Information\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"http:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Australian Holden\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/australianholden.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/05\\\/48-215.jpg?fit=1024%2C768\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/australianholden.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/05\\\/48-215.jpg?fit=1024%2C768\",\"width\":1024,\"height\":768,\"caption\":\"Australian Holden\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/australianholden.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"VK and VL Holden Commodore Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying - Australian Holden","description":"The VK (1984\u20131986) and VL (1986\u20131988) Holden Commodore series represent the second generation of Australia\u2019s iconic Commodore line","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vk-commodore\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"VK and VL Holden Commodore Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying - Australian Holden","og_description":"The VK (1984\u20131986) and VL (1986\u20131988) Holden Commodore series represent the second generation of Australia\u2019s iconic Commodore line","og_url":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vk-commodore\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\/","og_site_name":"Australian Holden","article_modified_time":"2026-04-17T04:48:56+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"2 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vk-commodore\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\/","url":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vk-commodore\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\/","name":"VK and VL Holden Commodore Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying - Australian Holden","isPartOf":{"@id":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-02-27T10:11:36+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-17T04:48:56+00:00","description":"The VK (1984\u20131986) and VL (1986\u20131988) Holden Commodore series represent the second generation of Australia\u2019s iconic Commodore line","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vk-commodore\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vk-commodore\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vk-commodore\/vk-and-vl-holden-commodore-buyers-guide-what-to-look-for-when-buying\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Australian Holden","item":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Commodores","item":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"VK Commodore","item":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vk-commodore\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"VK and VL Holden Commodore Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/#website","url":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/","name":"Australian Holden","description":"Specifications and Information","publisher":{"@id":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/#organization","name":"Australian Holden","url":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/australianholden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/48-215.jpg?fit=1024%2C768","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/australianholden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/48-215.jpg?fit=1024%2C768","width":1024,"height":768,"caption":"Australian Holden"},"image":{"@id":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2114","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2114"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2114\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4976,"href":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2114\/revisions\/4976"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/49"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2114"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}