And Im joking about the XR6
I must admit, the wanting of a XR6 did catch my eye....
VE Commodore Omega or V model, any issues?
Started by
_Big T_
, Oct 10 2011 01:44 PM
65 replies to this topic
#26
_napes_au_
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Posted 10 October 2011 - 10:12 PM
I must admit, the wanting of a XR6 did catch my eye....
#27
its Paul
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Posted 10 October 2011 - 10:47 PM
BLACK.... good choice T, nothing like a daily bath...... 
#28
micklx
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Posted 10 October 2011 - 10:51 PM
Sounds like a good buy Big T.
A good history is always worth paying a little more for in my opinion.
I've had a few VE's, all on factory dual fuel except the last one which was an SV6 ute with the SIDI engine and 6 speed auto. Great cars but vision not so good.
I found them very good for towing the racecar around. These days I drive a VY S and it just doesn't feel as surefooted with a car on the back.
A good history is always worth paying a little more for in my opinion.
I've had a few VE's, all on factory dual fuel except the last one which was an SV6 ute with the SIDI engine and 6 speed auto. Great cars but vision not so good.
I found them very good for towing the racecar around. These days I drive a VY S and it just doesn't feel as surefooted with a car on the back.
#29
enderwigginau
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 06:11 AM
+1 on the vision, esp. If you have carsick kids in the back.......<br />Sounds like a good buy Big T.<br />A good history is always worth paying a little more for in my opinion.<br />I've had a few VE's, all on factory dual fuel except the last one which was an SV6 ute with the SIDI engine and 6 speed auto. Great cars but vision not so good.<br />I found them very good for towing the racecar around. These days I drive a VY S and it just doesn't feel as surefooted with a car on the back.<br />
#30
TerrA LX
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 08:31 AM
I would advise trolling the commodore forums for faults with the VE-VZ.
Aside from what has been mentioned I also hear that the V6 can suffer oil control problems.
Aside from what has been mentioned I also hear that the V6 can suffer oil control problems.
#31
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 09:33 AM
Tony, i had a similar decision a couple of months back.
I have driven more than a few VE's, & a whole bunch of VZ's. I drove even more come decision time.
Personally, i prefer the 'sorted' chassis of the VZ over the new model. It feels [to me] to be much better at 'recovery' when you throw them around.
So i settled on the '06 VZ Calais.
Whatever you buy, if you can spring the extra for a Calais, i would recommend it. It really is much more car for not a lot of extra!
Just my 2c.
Edit: Google will show all of the faults & recalls for both models.
Edit again: Get a quote from GMH for the 100K service.
I have driven more than a few VE's, & a whole bunch of VZ's. I drove even more come decision time.
Personally, i prefer the 'sorted' chassis of the VZ over the new model. It feels [to me] to be much better at 'recovery' when you throw them around.
So i settled on the '06 VZ Calais.
Whatever you buy, if you can spring the extra for a Calais, i would recommend it. It really is much more car for not a lot of extra!
Just my 2c.
Edit: Google will show all of the faults & recalls for both models.
Edit again: Get a quote from GMH for the 100K service.
Edited by Statler, 11 October 2011 - 09:37 AM.
#32
_toranatragic_
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 10:06 AM
2009 VE ute
- tailgate latches replaced as the recall letter said it "could cause injury or death"
- clutch went at 10,000 kms, thought they would fix it under warranty was told it was due to my "driving style" so cost the boss $4000. 10 years ago I would agree with them I used to thrash the company utes but this is just for driving to and from work in peak hour along the M4, no burnouts, drags, heavy tows NOTHING. I wouldn't accept the replacement holden clutch and made them put in a heavy duty one that I purchased (was cheaper than genuine anyway)
- Not long after the clutch the car just crapped itself and went into "safety mode" on the way to work (20% power, no electrics). Took it back and hasn't happened since.
- After that the car started jerking uncontrollably. Took it in again and hasn't happened since (was some kind of throttle return that wasn't working properly)
- Car had 2 "shudders" since I got it (both driveline issues) the first I complained about at my first service, unsuccessfully fixed and still between 2000 and 3000 rpm it feels like a bad wheel alignment problem (put it out of gear and coast and shudder stops). The second was because they didn't tighten the gearbox mounts properly when they changed the clutch.
Conclusion: Will never buy a new holden again, I am a holden man through and through so it will be only old girls for me in the future, and jap cars for the family. Recommend buying autos if you are going to get a VE as they do not seem to have any issues. Will never be buying/servicing/recommending Suttons Homebush. Heartland Holden at Penrith was great fixed everything under warranty with a smile and no arguments over who was at fault.
Still has only 55,000 kms and I just have to face the fact it's a lemon that was probably built on a Friday afternoon or first thing Monday morning.
- tailgate latches replaced as the recall letter said it "could cause injury or death"
- clutch went at 10,000 kms, thought they would fix it under warranty was told it was due to my "driving style" so cost the boss $4000. 10 years ago I would agree with them I used to thrash the company utes but this is just for driving to and from work in peak hour along the M4, no burnouts, drags, heavy tows NOTHING. I wouldn't accept the replacement holden clutch and made them put in a heavy duty one that I purchased (was cheaper than genuine anyway)
- Not long after the clutch the car just crapped itself and went into "safety mode" on the way to work (20% power, no electrics). Took it back and hasn't happened since.
- After that the car started jerking uncontrollably. Took it in again and hasn't happened since (was some kind of throttle return that wasn't working properly)
- Car had 2 "shudders" since I got it (both driveline issues) the first I complained about at my first service, unsuccessfully fixed and still between 2000 and 3000 rpm it feels like a bad wheel alignment problem (put it out of gear and coast and shudder stops). The second was because they didn't tighten the gearbox mounts properly when they changed the clutch.
Conclusion: Will never buy a new holden again, I am a holden man through and through so it will be only old girls for me in the future, and jap cars for the family. Recommend buying autos if you are going to get a VE as they do not seem to have any issues. Will never be buying/servicing/recommending Suttons Homebush. Heartland Holden at Penrith was great fixed everything under warranty with a smile and no arguments over who was at fault.
Still has only 55,000 kms and I just have to face the fact it's a lemon that was probably built on a Friday afternoon or first thing Monday morning.
#33
Peter UC
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 11:35 AM
Early alloytecs do have a tendency to go through timing chains which isn't an easy or cheap job. Something to watch out for.
#34
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 01:17 PM
Too many at once IMO. But sorted now. O/heating is also an issue on VZ..............and any other plastic radiatored, plastic heater tapped, plastic woteva car.
Personal preference based on changes between the VZ and VE.
My comment had nothing to do with warranty or other "ongoing" reliability issues. It was the some of the feature/function/engineering changes made to the VE that I absolutely hated.
Having said that, I would own an AU XR8 over ANY Commodore any day.
#35
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 01:36 PM
So you would have an ugly duckling, shithouse looking falcon with a now out performed engine and suspension/chassis setup and probably well over 100k kms on it over a brand new clubby?
#36
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 02:35 PM
Yep. As far as I'm concerned, the VE is a piece of shit.
#37
_Bomber Watson_
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 06:01 PM
I'd have a BA XR6 over any new holden.
dont like the AU's much.
Cheers.
dont like the AU's much.
Cheers.
#38
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 07:11 PM
Having driven every Commodore from VT to VE at high speed in a controlled environment under all sorts of conditions, I am of the opinion that the VE has a far better sorted chassis than the VZ. The front and rear suspension systems are light years ahead and the steering wheel feels much more connected to the front wheels.
Having said that,most drivers would never appreciate the differences and as I said in an earlier post, when I bought my current car, I chose a very clean VY S over a high mileage Omega for the same money.
Rob seems to like them too.
Having said that,most drivers would never appreciate the differences and as I said in an earlier post, when I bought my current car, I chose a very clean VY S over a high mileage Omega for the same money.
Rob seems to like them too.
Edited by micklx, 11 October 2011 - 07:12 PM.
#39
_LJ355_
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 07:23 PM
Wow what sort of car do you have chopper ?Yep. As far as I'm concerned, the VE is a piece of shit.
#40
Litre8
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 07:25 PM
Well I guess with an AU XR8 you could be president of the Owner club...............
#41
_Ozzie Picker_
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 07:33 PM
the VE has a fantastic chassis,way better than the earlier model,i still own the older HSV chassis,but would love a new HSV anyday over a heap of shit FRAUD PUSSBUCKET,
best thing with owning a holden, someone will buy it when you,ve finished with it.
and lets face it dickheads drive FRAUDS,
best thing with owning a holden, someone will buy it when you,ve finished with it.
and lets face it dickheads drive FRAUDS,
#42
rodomo
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 08:58 PM
I found them very good for towing the racecar around. These days I drive a VY S and it just doesn't feel as surefooted with a car on the back.
Without looking up the specs, I'd say the VE has a longer wheel base? Better for towing.
#43
Pop's-SS
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Posted 11 October 2011 - 11:39 PM
We've got a 2007 VE Lumin, well it was a Lumina till the "a" broke off.
Had this one now for about a year and now has 85K's and so far, touch wood, no mechanical probs.
It did have 18" alloys but when it came time to get some more tyres, they were $100 dearer than the 16" or 17" tyres so we swapped them for 17's with about the same amount of tread.
My only 2 gripes is the thick front pillar which creates a "blind" spot which can be dangerous at intersections and the fact that it is hard to hold it at a steady speed especially on the open road.
Not a worry for me but the missus won't use the cruise control which eliminates that.
It drives well, handles well and stops good.
We have now had 3 commodes, VN, VT and now the VE which is the best car we have owned or at least the credit union does ATM
Regards ... Barry
Had this one now for about a year and now has 85K's and so far, touch wood, no mechanical probs.
It did have 18" alloys but when it came time to get some more tyres, they were $100 dearer than the 16" or 17" tyres so we swapped them for 17's with about the same amount of tread.
My only 2 gripes is the thick front pillar which creates a "blind" spot which can be dangerous at intersections and the fact that it is hard to hold it at a steady speed especially on the open road.
Not a worry for me but the missus won't use the cruise control which eliminates that.
It drives well, handles well and stops good.
We have now had 3 commodes, VN, VT and now the VE which is the best car we have owned or at least the credit union does ATM
Regards ... Barry
#44
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Posted 12 October 2011 - 01:02 PM
Wow what sort of car do you have chopper ?
Yep. As far as I'm concerned, the VE is a piece of shit.
Hint #1 It's not a VE.
#45
_LH8VD69_
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Posted 12 October 2011 - 06:44 PM
It's a fact the VE has a very good chassis. This comes from people who have the ability to push the car past it's limits not one of 'us' . That been said I totally LOVE my HSV VYII R8! It goes, turns and stops fanfarkintastic!! Money wasn't an issue in my choice buying it 4 yrs ago. It hasn't faulted once... Bring on the next gen VF HSV forced jobbie I say 
#46
rodomo
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Posted 12 October 2011 - 09:16 PM
Went to a 2010 ute today with LS3 injun.
Battery had carked it and last week it had the oil pump replaced...................just sayin'.
Battery had carked it and last week it had the oil pump replaced...................just sayin'.
#47
_The Baron_
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Posted 12 October 2011 - 11:53 PM
First up, I have only owned Australian made cars to support the local industry. I prefer old Holdens and newer Frauds as every commodore I had driven since the VB through to the VP/R felt nervous on the road as they bounced and pitched. The suspension was hard, short in travel and this made them bounce off the bump stops often. The interiors were like a Daewoo (cheap thin plastic that flexed in your hand). The VP I once drove for work wasn't happy until all the weight was tranfered in the rear end during cornering before it settled down............very un-nerving in a series of switch backs.
Anyway after 11yrs my EF Fairmont 6 manual (I chucked the auto & fitted the gearbox) needed to be put down.
The car to replace it had to be a manual as I hate autos (my preference) and it needed to be able to tow the torana on a trailer which put the FG XR6 out of the running as it can only just tow it's own shadow (1200Kg). The turbo was not to my liking (I don't like strap ons) and Fraud did not have the XR8 anymore. So enter the VE commode
Turns out I could get a great deal on a new but just superseded series 1 VE SSV manual. I talked the wife into the V8 as it had been around a few years and should have the bugs ironed out by now as a apposed to the relatively new SIDI which I have heard a few bad stories about but they are just rumours as they are not first hand.
Turns out that whilst it is still a big plastic wheelie bin with a great big V8, a truck gearbox, A pillar blind spots that can hide a small bus approaching along a side road and suspension that has let go on a choppy road that I have travelled on with the EF and A9X at the same speeds and conditions and never had a moment on.
The only issues I have had is a creaking drivers seat that took 3 months for the local Holden dealer to aquire the parts to implement the official Holden fix. Keep in mind they make these cars here in SA. Turns out that didn't fix it. On the next visit the whole seat base was replaced and that fixed it. The other issue was the cheap sh!t roof lining was falling down but a good thumpin by the service manager fixed that.
Other than that it's been good fun to drive and after over 10,000Km not a single oil leak from my mass produced engine. Unlike my 2 times hand build plastic 355. Hmmmm I feel a L98 comming on. I wonder if it will be blasphmey to stick one in a genuine A9X.
Anyway after 11yrs my EF Fairmont 6 manual (I chucked the auto & fitted the gearbox) needed to be put down.
The car to replace it had to be a manual as I hate autos (my preference) and it needed to be able to tow the torana on a trailer which put the FG XR6 out of the running as it can only just tow it's own shadow (1200Kg). The turbo was not to my liking (I don't like strap ons) and Fraud did not have the XR8 anymore. So enter the VE commode
Turns out I could get a great deal on a new but just superseded series 1 VE SSV manual. I talked the wife into the V8 as it had been around a few years and should have the bugs ironed out by now as a apposed to the relatively new SIDI which I have heard a few bad stories about but they are just rumours as they are not first hand.
Turns out that whilst it is still a big plastic wheelie bin with a great big V8, a truck gearbox, A pillar blind spots that can hide a small bus approaching along a side road and suspension that has let go on a choppy road that I have travelled on with the EF and A9X at the same speeds and conditions and never had a moment on.
The only issues I have had is a creaking drivers seat that took 3 months for the local Holden dealer to aquire the parts to implement the official Holden fix. Keep in mind they make these cars here in SA. Turns out that didn't fix it. On the next visit the whole seat base was replaced and that fixed it. The other issue was the cheap sh!t roof lining was falling down but a good thumpin by the service manager fixed that.
Other than that it's been good fun to drive and after over 10,000Km not a single oil leak from my mass produced engine. Unlike my 2 times hand build plastic 355. Hmmmm I feel a L98 comming on. I wonder if it will be blasphmey to stick one in a genuine A9X.
#48
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Posted 13 October 2011 - 06:39 PM
Up until the time I started working for myself, I had only owned Aussie made cars. I then had to make the simple business decision of purchasing the most suitable brand new vehicle for the intended business use. All of my brand new vehicles were fully impoted. Just like the next brand new vehicle will be.
#49
_Bomber Watson_
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Posted 13 October 2011 - 06:54 PM
Why not just spill the beans and say what you cruise and why?
Cheers.
Cheers.
#50
_Big T_
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Posted 13 October 2011 - 07:32 PM
Read between the lines DJ. Chopper drives a Volvo.
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