Holden VE SS/Calais V8 - Buyer's Guide

By: Cliff Chambers

Date: 03.11.2022

Holden spent one billion dollars creating the second to last Commodore model

The VE Commodore was intended to secure Holden’s future locally and provide a platform for income-generating exports. Sadly, it did neither and today the VE leaves us only with memories and outstanding models like the Calais and SS.

The VE began life as an almost clean sheet and went on sale in 2006 as a vastly different car from the VZ it replaced.

A totally new structure swept away issues that had been simmering since the 1990s and were never properly addressed. The new design was primarily concerned with protecting occupants in the event of an unavoidable crash, but also went to improving handling and controlling NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness).

Varying grades of steel played an important part in the process and these standards might not be maintained by suppliers of after-market items. Be wary of inconsistent panel gaps and paint of varying colour or quality, indicating a major crash repair.

Completely redesigning the front and rear suspensions allowed more rubber to remain in contact with the road, improving steering response and providing greater stability than previous versions. The downside to all this inherent strength was the presence of obstructive and often-criticised A-pillars.

V6 engines remained the mainstay of the range, but in viewing the VE from an enthusiast and collectable stance, we will focus on cars with the US-sourced V8.

| 2021 Market Review: Holden Commodore SS/Monaro 1989-2010

This engine at launch in 2006 was a 270kW version of the 6.0-litre pushrod motor that carried over from previous SS and Calais Z models. The transmission of choice for SS owners was the six-speed manual, with a new six-speed automatic standard for Calais buyers.

Calais V8s had the same output as an SS and also came in two trim levels; basic cars at a tad more than $50,000 and the Calais V which cost $53,490 but rose rapidly to hit $62,000 by 2010.

A basic SS manual sat below $45,000 and even the SS-V with its leather trim and 11-speaker sound system sold when new for around the same as a Calais V.

| Read next: Holden Commodore history - VE/VF

In today’s market, those original list prices and the various levels of trim are secondary to overall condition and especially the distance a VE has travelled. There won’t be a lot that are still to click over 50,000kms, but if you own one or have the chance to buy one they are cars worth acquiring or keeping.

For those who need something that combines practicality with a dash of collector-market potential, the Sportwagon could be a winner. Arriving in 2008, the VE wagon was offered in various levels of trim, including Calais and SS.

| Buying used: Holden Commodore VE SS/SS V

A 6.0-litre Calais V Sportwagon, with masses of gear, big wheels and plentiful bling offers huge value in the current market, costing around one-third of new-car cost.

Be wary of an SS with stacks of bills for replacement this and uprated that. These cars can produce more power than is viable in everyday driving yet be less valuable than one showing similar kilometres but with no ‘enhancements’ at all.

2022 Value range: Holden V8 (Calais V sedan)

Fair: $10,000
Good: $18,000
Excellent: $27,000
(Note: exceptional cars will demand more)

BUYER'S CHECKLIST

Body & chassis

Poor quality crash repairs can make any modern car design less functional and even dangerous, so look at panel gaps and for replaced chassis rails or sills. Check that the headlights work on low and high beam and the reflectors haven’t tarnished. Improved, after-market lights, including LED units, are easily sourced and priced from $280 per pair. If you’re about to acquire an SS, inspect the air dam for cracks and alignment. Also, ensure the rear spoiler is firmly attached and the mounts aren’t rusty. Sportwagon tailgate struts work hard so be wary when inspecting the load area. Weakened struts are easy to replace and cost $25-50 per pair.

Engine & transmission

Holden’s 6.0-litre V8 owes its existence to the LS engine family, of which millions have been made and every possible quirk discovered. The engines themselves are rugged and very reliable, only let down by various sensors which fail and fuel delivery systems which stop doing their job. Parts are available everywhere and reconditioning is not massively expensive. A properly-maintained 6.0-litre should run past 300,000km. Stuttering when accelerating can signal electronic issues or fuel injectors that need cleaning or replacement. The six-speed T56 gearbox is rugged but working one hard when the oil is cold hurts the synchromesh and can even chip gear teeth. Make sure when accelerating in an automatic that each ratio engages without slipping and there are no clunks or vibrations when downshifting.

Suspension & brakes

With big, grippy tyres and 200,000km on the odometer, the suspension under a typical VE could be due for some work. Consult a suspension specialist to check which components need to be given the flick. Online suppliers quote genuine-style SS-V struts at less than $500 per pair but their quality will only be apparent once on the car. Unless an SS or Calais has travelled minimal distance, the brake rotors will either have been replaced or are due, so look for scoring of the faces and pulsing through the brake pedal due to disc warping. Treat any pedal inconsistency as an indication that the booster is on its way out.

Interior & electrics

Dash cracks can effect cars that haven’t had their vinyl components protected against sun damage. Look also at switches and column controls that have started to turn white. Check that the window switches work and there are no shudders or squeaks when the glass moves. Cars with leather trim can be suffering wear to bolsters and split stitching which can be repaired. Hood-linings have a habit of sagging but unless seriously torn can be refitted by a motor trimmer. Air-conditioners should by now have been re-gassed, however at this age some suffer compressor failures. Repairs can add $2500 to your purchase cost.

2006-2013 Holden VE SS/Calais V8 specs

NUMBER MADE: N/A
BODY STYLES: Steel integrated body/chassis four-door sedan & station wagon
ENGINE: 5967cc V8 with overhead valves and fuel injection
POWER & TORQUE: 270kW @ 5700rpm, 530Nm @ 4400rpm (Calais V)
PERFORMANCE: 0-100km/h 5.6 seconds, 0-400 metres 13.9 seconds (Calais V)
TRANSMISSION: Six-speed automatic or six-speed manual
SUSPENSION: Independent with Macpherson struts, control arms & anti-roll bar (f) Independent with coil springs, multi links, telescopic shock absorbers & anti-roll bar (r)
BRAKES: Disc (f) disc (r) power assisted
TYRES: 245/45R18 radial (Calais V)

From Unique Cars #469, Aug/Sep 2022

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