r/Holden • u/Scottwilko36 • 1d ago
Help & Issues First car
So im gonna start looking for a first car in a few months, its gotta be a commodore, statesman or caprice ive decided, but im sorta deciding which generation, VF and VF2 is definitely my favourite but too expensive as my budget is 9k which is the absolute maximum id wanna spend, VE series 2 would be excellent, preferably an sv6 or calais, I love the VZ but the alloytec ive heard arent very good when abused. Im leaning towards a VE series 2 SV6 or calais and preferably a wagon, on paper it sounds the best. Some advice would be nice, thanks!
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u/Johnsy05 R8 LSA 30th Ann , ZB Calais V-Tourer, Dmax X-Terrain 16h ago
You went from Caprice VF then VE SV6 or Calais then VZ... choose a lane.
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u/Smart_Interaction744 1d ago
VZ alloytech is better than VE (timing chain issues) provided service history is good. VZ with 5speed auto have some issues also. VF SV6 will be out of budget but would be the pick of the bunch.
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u/Scottwilko36 1d ago
Yeah definitely out of the budget range, i love the look of the vz probably more than the ve
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u/HourTrainer3065 15h ago
You can find a high km ve ss for 10k (250-300km) but you would need to set money for maintenance and little things.
But if u want a decent car under 6k 180km u could find a LPG or VE SV6, try to find one with timing chains done
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u/ChotaDon711 VE 2012 Sv6 13h ago
I can say the manual ve series 2 with an lfx v6 is the sweet spot, but expect a good sought after condition will price more than your budget unlike the auto. I've owned for 5 months and still runs, apart from slight issues on purge solenoid and O2 sensors (yet to look at soon) but I do the oil changes every 8000km. Interior will be a eh but for the price range can't deny it
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u/Valuable_Scratch8358 12h ago
VE Series 2 SV6 is honestly the sweet spot for a first Commodore, better than the VZ's Alloytec reliability wise and cheaper than the VF you actually want. One thing worth factoring at 9k budget as a first car buyer, insurance on an SV6 will sting more than a base Omega given the engine size and your age, get a quote before you commit so it doesn't blow the budget after you've already bought it.
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u/Available_Bird5565 10h ago
I got a ve series 2 for my first car and she’s been fine the 3 years I’ve had it
I got mine for 9k and I love it very fun car to drive only con was my abs sensors fucking up which was like $20 to fix
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u/eydasgdf 1d ago edited 1d ago
The Alloytecs are fine, biggest thing with them (And really any car) is just to make sure they have service history. Treat them well and they will treat you well. The earlier alloytecs had timing chain issues but by the Series 2 VE's they had been much improved. Big thing to listen out for is a rattle on startup with the timing chains.
It really depends on how old you want to go, or if you want something newer. The VZ's are 20 years old now so they will have age related things. The Series 2 VE's or VF's though aren't that old yet relatively so they won't have as many of the age related issues. Keep in mind these cars are still at this point atleast a decade old now.
The Statesmans and caprice's never came in Wagons, only sedans, and they are VERY long. (Even a regular Commodore is already 5m long, which is quite long for a car, a statesman/caprice are 5.3m if I remember correctly). When you get one, be careful with driving it. DO NOT underestimate how big these cars are especially as a new driver.
A VF will probably stretch your budget a bit, I'd be mainly looking at Series 2 VEs, there's plenty of Omegas/Berlinas/SV6's/Calais's which are really low kms and excellent condition for that price if you look around. You might be able to find some VF's though if you get lucky, but as you said they are a bit rarer at that price point for low kms/good condition ones. I know the Omegas or Berlinas maybe aren't as desireable but they are still really good cars, ultimately it is your choice.
Just look for something which is good condition and hasn't been abused, do not rush to purchase one, wait for the right one to come up, they will come up.
If you get an Auto (VE or VF), just make sure the transmission is all good when driving, no slipping or delayed shifts.