REDLINE ALLEYHolden Commodore VE and VF buying guide
2006 to 2017. A VE or VF suits a buyer after a big, comfortable rear drive sedan or ute, ideally the V8, who will listen for lifter tick on a cold start.
Big jobs
- AFM lifters (L76 and L77 V8). Active Fuel Management lifters fail on the L76 and L77 V8. A faint squeak on cold start that goes away as the engine warms is the early sign.
- Alloytec V6 timing chains. Timing chain problems are reported on the VE 3.6 V6. Holden changed the chain in May 2007, which is claimed to have fixed it.
- Driveline abuse. The 6L80E auto, T56 manual and rear diff are strong, but abused cars show severe driveline wear.
Workshop jobs
- Shocks, clutch and brakes. Most VEs are on their second set of shocks and clutch, and warped discs are very common because the car is heavy.
Small jobs
- Plastic radiator end tanks. Failures of the plastic radiator end tanks are not uncommon.
- Battery in the boot. Batteries are a regular maintenance item and a VE can refuse a jump when voltage is low.
- Airbag light and climate control. An airbag light is usually a faulty clock spring. The climate control has software glitches and air conditioning lines leak.
Questions for the seller
- Which engine is it, and if it is a V8 does it have AFM?
- Has it ever made a cold start tick or squeak, and has the cam or lifters been done?
- If it is a V6, when was it built and have the timing chains been done?
- Has the radiator been replaced?
- What has been modified, and is there LVVTA paperwork?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-01. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.