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Buying Used: VY Holden Commodore
Available for between $8000 and $14,000, this Aussie favourite
makes low-cost caravanning a reality. There is a lot to be said for buying a used, big, rear-wheel-drive, home-grown Aussie car like the Holden Commodore as a towing rig. These vehicles are designed for local conditions, any general mechanic will know them like the back of their hand and parts are relatively cheap and plentiful.
Of course being a passenger-based vehicle with only a 2100kg towing limit, you can rule out hauling a big tandem, but for small to medium caravans the VY is a good thing.
The VY series incorporated the Monaro’s steering for better road feel and had a stiffened body for improved rigidity and crash performance. The proven Ecotec V6 was harsh when revved but offered good pulling power. WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Finding a good used VY should be easy. At the time of writing there were hundreds of VY/VYII Executives and Acclaims advertised on the online classifieds sites.
Ex-fleet cars typically start to flood the auctions after two to three years, so the bulk of VY series retired from fleets will have already left auctions by now. You may be better off trying to find a good VY at private or dealer sale.
The VY came out in October 2002, was given a mild facelift with the VYII in August 2003, and was replaced by the VZ in August 2004.
We’re looking at entry-level models: the base Executive and slightly more up-spec Acclaim.
The Executive is fairly well specified with power front windows (from around mid-way in VY production), air-conditioning, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, remote central locking, ABS brakes and dual airbags; but the Acclaim is the better buy with its standard traction control and side airbags, plus other niceties like power windows and alloy wheels.
The 3.8L engine should be entirely reliable unless abused. The transmission will last to at least 150,000km, and depending on how it has been used and how often the fluid has been changed, it may need to be rebuilt soon thereafter. Front sway-bar bushes commonly wear out at between 80,000km and 100,000km and cost only a few hundred dollars to replace. Rear tyre wear can be high due to the design of the independent rear suspension.
Towbars come in 1200kg, 1600kg and 2100kg tow packs from Holden and there are several aftermarket suppliers. Expect to pay around $800 (plus fitting) for a 2100kg-rated, hitch-receiver-type towbar, and of course you’ll need a brake controller (another $300 or so). The Commodore makes a good tow rig for a medium-size van but needs to be set up properly including the use of load levellers.
The VY can tow up to 500kg unbraked, and Holden requires load levellers to be used for towing weights of 750kg and above. Holden imposes an 80km/h speed limit for towing at weights of 1600kg and above.PRICES
The VY has seen a slight resurgence in used values since the dark days of early 2008, when the trade was not willing to pay much more than $8000 for a tidy example of a VY Executive sedan with 100,000km. Expect to pay $6000 for an early VY sedan now with high-kilometres at auction, around $10,000-$11,000 for a good Executive sedan or wagon with around 100,000km private sale, and no more than $14,000 at a dealer for a spotless, low-kilometre VYII Acclaim wagon. 2002-2004 vy Holden Commodore 3.8L V6
Power: 152kW@5200rpm
Torque: 305Nm@3600rpm
Kerb weight: 1573kg
Fuel consumption: (L/100km) 8.5-13 (solo); 14-16 (towing)
Max braked towing capacity: 2100kg (max 210kg ball load)
2002-2004 used price: $8000-$14,000
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