USED Holden Commodore VF - A V8 Aussie ICON! Should you buy one? | ReDriven used car review 

As a life long Ford Falcon guy - yeah, these things are right up there. You just have to respect what they stand for. Not just from a performance point of view but it’s historical significance too.

No wonder you guys are killing it with your car reviews, so entertaining and informative, Big fan, I am 76 and have been looking at car reviews since I was 12, well done.

"Why are we driving SUV's, this is heaps better" Absolutely. People drive SUV's because it's some sort of 'mines bigger than yours' cock off. The loss of Commodore and Falcon is a tragedy we will never recover from.

When I lived in the US I had a 2015 SS in perfect blue. I loved absolutely everything about that car and it had many things about it to love. The dealer at the time had only two left and he took $11,000 off the price. What a great day that was and the day I had to sell it to return to Europe was a very sad day. Wish I still had it. If anyone reading this is thinking about getting one, if you can find one with decent miles do it, it’s a blast

I saw one in Tokyo recently! Someone has imported this beast but no one knows what it is 🤣

If you can’t afford a V8 the Sv6 option especially in Sportswagon trim is still a great car. I have a 2013 VF1 in Regal Peacock Green (a fairly rare colour) now with 185,000 km on the clock. It’s been super reliable great on fuel, long term average is 10 litres per 100 km and it’s a normal suburban car. On a long trip I’ve seen between 6.5 to 7 litres per 100km. Everything interior wise still fresh and wearing very well. Redriven I hope you give this underdog model some love as despite lacking a v8 they’re a bloody good value car for what they are. Adam if you ever visit Melbourne I’d love you to test drive it. I’m 45 and I vow to keep this car till I’m ready to hand my license in. For the weekends I solve my fetish for V8 power with a low mileage 2008 Wm Grange. Both fine specimens of Australian automotive history along with the Falcon, Mitsubishi 380, etc.

FINALLY. A video about the VFs. Long story short, I drove a Camry for YEARS. YEARS! I didn't care about cars or Commodores at all, until I drove one. Should anyone buy one. Yes. Absolutely while you still can, YES. I drove a friend of mines VF SS. A month later I sold that Camry and went and purchased my VF S2 LS3. I'm late as hell to this party. I've owned this car for just over a year now. What an absolute weapon of a car. I love that car more than anything. Worth every penny. Every single person I know has their opinion about it. Once I let them have a drive of it, they absolute love it. You cannot beat a good old-fashioned SS, especially the last batch of VFs. Beautiful car. Practical. Sounds amazing even for stock, and most importantly Drop a gear and disappear. UP THE COMMODRE!

I used to get the SV6 for company rentals. I remember being so impressed with the build quality and driving balance. It felt sad that after all the iterations, the final model felt like something that could match the Euros.

Thanks Adam and team, ive been waiting for this one. We have 2 of these in the family (1 V6, 1 V8) and both have been absolutely outstanding. Every time i put my food down in the V8 i smile. Thank you for such an honest and respectful review.

Wonderful cars..I bought my SSVRedline one month before factory closed in 2017..Still fun to drive and as the guy says in the video the standard 6.2 ltr motor is more than enough power. Growing up with and driving with Fairlane ZC 351 Windsor and Kingswood 308 wagon I always loved V8 power .

An Australian made car being featured on ReDriven! Keen to see more Aussie cars featured on this channel :)

As a young man growing up in NZ owning JDM performance cars and having that mindset that V8 commodores were shithouse, coming to Aus and amercing myself in Straya culture, straight off the plane and into a EL Falcon (cheap) which was like a land yacht that spat the dummy within a few months, into a Crewmen alloytec which wasn’t bad, should’ve got the V8 one but still served me well, into a VE HSV which 10yrs later I still own and has now 230k and still goes as strong as it did 10yrs ago, The Commodores (LS) and falcons (Barras) are formidable vehicles which deserve to be celebrated and treasured for a long time

Very sad to see them fading away in Australia. Legendary v8’s will be craved in the future for sure.

After 4 years of saving picking up my vf ssv redline next week!

Great clip, you put into words everything I feel when I drive my V8 . I don’t need it, can’t make use of the power, just take it out occasionally but it just gives me so much pleasure having it in the garage.

I absolutely love my SSV VF Series 2. Mine is totally stock and immaculate with 40,000kms. Still drives like new and still as powerful as ever. I also have a SV6 VF s2 sportswagon and that's a work horse with over 170,000 and going strong. The Auto in the SV6 is getting a little rough on the occasional swift but both great cars. Nice review mate

I love seeing Holdens on the road. Quite rare now, but they look good

I have a series 1 ss storm. 230,000 kms now. Bought it with 30,000kms on the clock. Mine has the flex fuel and has been running on e10 the entire time. Still running beautiful as a daily for the wife. More economical than a BA falcon six. Almost due for a refresh and a cam. Very accurate review, well done Redriven.

your VE SS Ute review convinced me to buy a 2008 VE SSV ute, 80,000km on the clock and stock from factory, amazing car ! will get to enjoy it for many years.

Another brilliant review, no bs, and presented beautifully. Keep it coming.

I own a vf2 ss and I have been well looking forward to this review. Thank you.

Jordan is a real one, lmao! 😂 Cracking car, cracking video. This was great.

Can’t wait for the mighty Au ford falcon review at 200k subs!

As someone who drives the ute verison of the VF, if you can buy one they're great! Surprisingly very practical with the tray (on the some what larger side) but actually quite easy to maneuver in traffic! I've found they're quite easy to modify whether that's performance or cosmetics and there are thousands of aftermarket parts for these. Loving every moment of owning one of these!

Great review. I love my vf2 ssv redline. Getting it cammed next month. Such an absolute pleasure to drive these cars.

Love these. Nice big barge with a stinking great V8. Had the Vauxhall Monaco here in the Uk - a rare sight but a special car.

I had a series 1 Redline for 5 years and it was totally reliable hardly any issues, I was looking at getting rid of it and was looking at the German makes, in the end I sold it and bought a series 2 Redline still love driving it nothing comes close to bang for you buck.

I bought a WN Caprice V Series 2 with the LS3 new in 2016 and its just about the perfect car for long trips - huge boot, comfortable and roomy, heaps of power and 10 litres per 100 kms on the highway and able to withstand the roughest of Australian rural roads! I recently considered buying a new car but couldn't find anything much that readily matched the Caprice with regard to long trips ability.

I’ve already got a VF Clubsport, this review made me want to buy a VF SS as well.

As a Ford Guy I respect the HSV and HDT

I own a Motorsport Edition. Holden manufactured 1200 Motorsport Edition cars before they closed the factory. It is an Australian classic, no one can deny it.

Great video. Best thing I've done was to sell the Aurion and buy one of the last produced VF2s in manual. Puts a smile on my dial every time I enter. I chuck some Liqui Moly fuel cleaner/conditioner every 10000 to keep the system clean and run it on 98. Definitely noticed the difference when I put it in first time and no issues with injectors.

Love the v8 supercar mock narration 😂

I have a Series 1 Calais V L77 with over 200,000kms and have done cam, valves springs with DOD delete, air intake and full exhaust system. The thing moves hard! Ive got the Harrop 2300 waiting to be Installed. They are a good car the VF best Aussie car made.

Great review very informative,

I picked up a Series 2 VF SSV Redline edition in September and it was everything I could've hoped for. Since done an exhaust intake tune and put some coilovers in it and it is amazing now. Holden really got this car right.

It's about time we've seen an Australia car on the channel. 😊 please I'd love to see more holdens on the channel. Good on yah Jim for going into such detail about the mechanicals.

I know someone who owned a VF Series I SS ute (manual) - apparently you'd already be doing 110 by the time you shifted into third, so I guess even the "normal" SS can't really be used properly on our roads. Would still love a Series II SS, though.

I still drive an old commodore from early 2000's. Over 250km still going strong LOL. I like it, feel like people move out of the way when im on the road (even though i dont drive aggressively) LOL

I took that chance two weeks ago. After owning a VN Balina, VS acclaim and a VE Calais (all V6s), I bought a VF series 2 Calais V with 6.2ltr with 67000 on the clock. . I always wanted a V8 and finally I have one. Love it.

I have a 2017 series 2 SV6, bloody love it even though I’ve only owned mine for 4 months

my cousin has a HSV. It goes pretty well. I'd prefer an XR6T or XR8

Would love to see an XR6 Sprint featured

I was just thinking when was the VF going to be reviewed. Awesome timing redriven ! I’m a big fan of the vf2 v8’s

I bought my VF2 SSV Redline Sportwagon 40 years after my first car which was a 64 EH 179 wagon. The EH was great but the new iteration of what most families i grew up amounst in the 60's is bloody outstanding. It handles very well for a big car, can carry a load, is pretty quick off the line and is also very comfortable to drive long distance with limo-like quality. Sad to see Holden is no longer with us but glad to see they went out on such a high note. I can't recommend the last Commodore more highly. Chris

I drive my vf ss daily and LOVE IT.

A automobile built in Australia is being highlighted on ReDriven! Would love to see more Australian vehicles on this channel:)

Definitely worthy. Drove a 375 optioned director, what an awesome and fun car to drive. Great sound and quick but not crazily so like this 547 version. You could actually get up it and have some fun.

Hi Redriven, i'd be highly interested to see a review on the Mistsubishi 380, as they are a fairly old car now, and there are no other reviews of these cars online. I'd like to learn a little bit more about them. Thank you.

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No one is paying over 100k for a motorsport edition.

As a South Korean, I've seen this car only twice in my whole life in Korea.

I own a VFII SSV Redline manual that I bought new (factory order) and I love it. Mine has a Harrop Stage 3 upgrade (otrcai, headers, exhaust, tune) and makes an easy 400 rwhp and only uses around 9 lph on the hwy and 11.5lph around town. I've bought new V8 Commodores since the VR SS in 1994 and they have all served me well. The series 2 V8 uses the Tremec TR6060 manual gearbox, which is much better than the previous BT56 manual box. I've had no issues with mine, which has done 70000km and been across Australia twice.

Had a vf2 redline sportwagon and it was an epic car but the fuel bill was horrendous! Lovely to drive, plenty of space. Always smile when I see them out on the road. Great review as always guys!

I have a 2017 SSV Redline Spitfire Green Sportswagon I bought second hand in April 2018. Great car , stock as a rock.

This brings tears to my Eyes I recently traded my VF 2017 series 2 sv6 ex cop for a VF SSV 2017 6.2 l supercharged W547 with only 12000 kms had it for a week the price to run was to much for me to afford fuel gauge was like a Speedo it just went down Everytime I put on the gas, I ended up buying my ex cop sv6 and now it feels right I’m happy once again knowing I can afford to run this at this time with struggling life we have today.

I own a '14 SS in the US that I've rebadged to being a Holden. What a phenomenal car! It feels solid and has been reliable and is the perfect balance of everything. It's fun to drive without being dangerous, roomy and comfortable, loads of technology and refinement that still hold up today, and it looks so sexy. It's eye catching without being overdone and I get comments from passerbys regularly. My biggest complaints are the horrendous fuel economy (was expected with this size engine) and parts supply in the US is challenging. Otherwise, it's the perfect car. What a high note for Holden to end on

You can't beat a classic like this, you can feel the power and gear changes, that sense the road is yours, new hybrids and ev's simply cannot compare. Up coming drivers that go for the new hybrids and ev's won't truly feel what it really is to drive a real car

I saw a VE Ute in Southern Ireland recently! Couldn’t believe it!

Brilliant cars i love my series 1 ssv yes had a dod delete and big cam full exhaust otr but dont for get the trunnion upgrade and also they have radiator issues with the cracking and injectors are a common problem apart from that get a manual of course and enjoy every second they are truly a great Australian newer muscle car

The vf sv6 black edition I had was brilliant.

Can attest to the statement of holden throwing everything at the VF and VF2 with regards to technical stuff. I have a 2014 My 15 poverty pack VF evoke that has the same tech features as some higher end model cars. I brought it n 2019 with 80k on the clock for $14k, I was blown away by all the technical crap it had it had as I always associated poverty pack commodores to just have the bare essentials.

I'm so glad I bought a series 2 VF Redline never selling it ❤

I've got a turbo with same power and it's fine the power is very usable.. it's probably because of the torque coming in to quickly. My XR6 turbo has probably got more torque but it's coming in higher in the rev range which makes it much more usable

“No where for your sunglasses” ya had your hand on the sunny compartment 😂

I had a series 1 SSV & there was an issue with the A/C overflow hose leaking into the cabin. I traded it in for a brand new 2015 340 HSV R8. Currently it has 38K mileage. I’ll wait with baited breath for your segment on the HSV 👍

3 years ago, traded a 2008 G6ET, for a 2017 LS3 Calais, it was like going from a 20th century car into a 21st century car, but replacing the harmonic balancer after 63k kms.

Your mechanic showed a bit a ignorance ,the ls3 in the vf2 does not use afm or cylinder deactivation .It is a beautiful motor. Thanks Rob.

Owned a VF series 2 std v6 ute. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. Just imagine how good they'd be today as a new car!

The vf bluetooth is painful sometimes. I mainly dislike the bluetooth complete cut out when the car is started up. It defaults back to radio and it has to reconnect, taking 10 to 30 seconds. Then you have to select bluetooth again. Straight up annoying.

I bought a 2017 VF SS new awesome car which I only drive on weekends. The LS3 is such a powerful motor for a stock car. Prices will increase in time. Always been a Holden man.

Made you swear when you put your foot down, LOL. I own series 2 Redline since new and it has been very reliable car. There was a dodgy batch of injectors which were replaced under warranty by Holden at about 20,000 km. Also they replaced the harmonic balancer 3 times but it still wobbles. Next service I get an aftermarket one fitted and that will sort it out. I don't think I could ever part with this car. Makes me happy every time I drive it and I owned more than 20 cars in my life, including German ones. This one is my favoured.

I bought the 8th last VF Maloo R8 built #1372 brand new in Sept 2015. I had a bit of a nightmare with my car. It’s got an LS3. Under 100,000 KM the oil pump failed. Holden took the car and had it for a couple of weeks. They “fixed” the engine. Until last year when the car started misfiring and playing up. It had been serviced regularly and always on time or before. I took it to a mechanic that knows these engines backwards. The car was making weird noises. An inspection showed the lifters had failed and that the car had not been fixed properly by Holden when the oil pump failed. In the opinion of my mechanics the car had been “patched up”. Considering it cost me over $90,000 new I was most unimpressed. I contacted Holden who after some debate back and forward refused to speak to my mechanic about the issue. I then found out the while engine was “stuffed”. Two mechanics who work at the workshop where my car was an actually were Holden trained mechanics and worked at the workshop where the car had originally been repaired after the oil pump. Holden refused to speak to them and said “you’ve not had it serviced at Holden so we cannot help you”. They also told me that “I couldn’t hurt their reputation as they don’t sell cars anymore and that they were unable or I assist me”. I advised her there is proof that Holden did a dodgy job repairing my car after the oil pump failure but they weren’t interested and would not chat to my mechanic at all. She said they would only speak to Holden trained mechanics to which I took great pleasure advising her that two of the mechanics working on my car are in fact Holden trained to which was a tad taken aback but still refused to speak to them. That was it. Great customer service right there 😡Anyway I had the cash luckily to get engine completely rebuilt. The only thing original was the block. The timing chain guide was floating around in the sump as your mechanic mentioned can happen. I’ve taken this opportunity to get a nice lumpy cam put in, new exhaust, new everything but was so disappointed by Holden’s attitude and refusal to look at the service history etc. Anyway I have my car back, it’s better than it was new and I’m happy with it but with crappy customer care like that I can see what Holden went out of business. The lady at Holden who had to call me said that she “hated her job” as “all we say is no to people” 😳Great video. I’ve just had the injectors and fuel pump replaced too. It runs well now but Holden’s appalling customer service and support was very disappointing to say the least.

The Motorsport had 3 oil coolers to make it hold up to track conditions. But the pinnacle was the w427. Not a quick as the later supercharged cars, but a fantastic drive. Naturally aspirated 7.0 and just loved to rev.

I bought a VF2 Redline Wagon new, you nailed what it’s like to drive. I’d add that the chassis flexed as a wagon, you’d hear the doors rub against the rubbers turning into the local servo. The engine was great, but I can’t understand why the market values them so highly.

Hi Adam. The car that you reviewed here is no where near worth $140K. A Motorsport with very low kilometres are priced around the $100k mark and a Motorsport with 60,000 km are priced around $75k. Holden Commodores with modifications even if they have been done by Walkinshaw do not add value to the vehicle as buyers who are paying top price are looking for originality. Another thing you missed Adam was the sunglasses holder which this car has and most VF Commodores do which is above the mirror. I own a VF2 Redline Ute and my biggest fear is electrical problems. I have already replaced a module and I can see how finding these things in years to come will be difficult. But in saying that I think this will be a problem for most modern cars in years to come considering how much electric systems that most modern cars contain.

Later model Commodore and Falcon/Territory seem a lot better put together. I'm not into the Ford v Holden thing, I'd own either. Current ride is 2015 petrol Territory but VF looks and drives nice... pity they're gone

I own a 2015 VF SSV manual ute and I find it an absolute joy to drive. It has only done 114,000 kms so hopefully I'll get many more years out of it. For me their is nothing else new in the ute market available that suits me. All we have is either way too big with the likes of Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux etc or at the lower end with those cheap and nasty single cab aluminium tray type units.

Great review, we really lost some great cars when holden and ford shut doors here. Its amazing when I take out my 2000 VX HSV GTS how many people actually turn heads these days, let alone how roomy it is compared to modern cars! But also when its 1 of 287 built in that generation it is also becoming stressful to take out with how bad people are at driving haha

I have a 2017 Redline and boy is it an absolute weapon, it’s definitely thirsty at times but well worth it given that 1. You have a load of fun, 2. They’ll last 300,000kms + if treated well, 3. Maintenance is cheap, 4. Depreciate at c. $1-2k every 10,000kms as they no longer make them and 5. You get to own an Australian automotive legend. Great deal if you ask me

If I was smart of course I would of brought one . Unfortunately I didn't . Now I just smile when I see such an iconic Australian car on the road .

I literally just part exchanged my VF redline 😢😢 it had over 108,000 no warranty anymore it was my wife’s daily it needed a few things to the paintwork to make it sellable privately so we decided to get rid through a dealership we got a great deal only had to pay $500 for a brand new top spec Mazda 3 sedan omg I miss it so much but the running costs just to much with today’s fuel etc etc

I’m glad I have one currently in the states (Chevy SS) over the other 4 door options like hellcats,scat pack, etc etc truly a gem of a car that I’ll never get rid of

Love this, need to do HSV next - not biased or anything 😉

I traded in my 1980 Cadillac Eldorado for a 2012 Chevrolet Holden Caprice PPV. After a DoD delete, AFM detune, Stage 3 Cam, LS7 heads, CAI, new exhaust, new battery, radiator, front end, and dynotune, it is nearly done. Absolutely the most fun car I've ever driven. My spare car is a 1981 T-Bird with the 302. If I get rid of the T-Bird I will get a 2nd PPV Caprice. The ReDriven reviewers comment about it reaching the speed limit before expected is something with which I can relate. It does drive like a far smaller vehicle. Having the power is nice. It was my midlife crisis vehicle, I bought my Caprice right before turning 60.

These and the VE drive great. Just a shame about the electric steering, apart from that love the VF

I have the V8 series 2 , 2017 which I bought for my retirement, always bought Holdens from the early models . This V8 is by far the best car ever built by Holden . My daily car is a VE series 2 2011 , Berlin’s international V6 3 litre , serviced regularly, still going strong at 275k, no rattles , but, the thermostat and water pump have been replaced , nothing else ! I will keep Calais till I can no longer drive and give it to my daughter 😢

This is the only car that I would buy instead of a Lexus LC500. I am not a GMH fan, but this car is a legend. I would love to take it over the Mt Cotton Hillclimb. Change of underwear would be necessary after the run.

Great video, cheers. I can't believe how much these things are worth now... Adam - if you grew up despising V8 Commodores and Falcons, what cars really did it for you instead? I'm genuinely curious! Keep up the great work, cheers. Dan from Melbourne

great video guys - this summer will be my second attempt at creating RU-vid content - and im hopping to get out some really solid stuff mostly on MX5s and Motorsports your channel has so many cool and quirky things - it's a gold mine for ideas - your sponsor bar thing - your fun and themed way of conveying borning safety tech - and a whole lot more - also i used to hate Holden but as of late ive come to appreciate the classics - "ford still sucks ####" 😉 they suck way too much fuel - especially when they are sitted with a huge enormous turbo - a mate of mine has some fancy old one which he got from a "special auction" and that car is f#### insanely fast - in a straight line of course - and i was surprised how good its turning circle was as well - though i think something is wrong with his car because it smelt like something with burning - probably nothing

I have a vf series 1 ss 180k on the clock, no modifications, and still runs like new. And I'm a Ford guy

Ahh love these cars so much. Came close to buying one but was a little too much $$ and got a Skoda Octavia wagon instead. NZ police had these for years. Now they’ve got the Skodas as well. Great review, super entertaining as always guys 👍

Yes you should buy one. Holden left the best until last with the VF2.

Top video m8

These were sold in the United States as both a Pontiac and a Chevrolet. They were rather poor sellers when new but are worth quite a bit of $$$$ now!

I knew you guys were Newcastle or Hunter Valley but this was filmed in Ashtonfield - my home suburb. Think I've seen that green Commodore around here....

I want my HQ Monaro coupe back or at least another similar car, still looking for the right one.

live with my ss 2017 quite well thanks

I got an SV6 and there are cup holders under the middle seat as well

I’ve thought of selling my GTSR a few times. This video reminds me why I shouldn’t.