Best Used Cars: 5 Reasons to Buy a Used Holden Commodore
Hatchbacks are more common to see in Adelaide than sedans and wagons these days, but that’s a fairly recent change. That means there are plenty of great used sedans and wagons out there for the savvy buyer, and at good prices. If you’re looking at used cars the Holdon Commodore should be on your list.
1. They Were Best-Sellers for Years
For years, the Commodore was Oz’s best-selling car in its class, and that kind of thing doesn’t happen by accident. That one fact tells you nearly everything you need to know about the reliability, roominess, and power to expect from this vehicle. You can also have confidence that a Commodore is well-suited to local driving challenges.
2. You Have a Lot of Choices
There are V6 3.8-litres, supercharged variants, and twin-cam 3.6-litre V6s available in pre-2009 models. After 2009, Holden started using a more eco-friendly and efficient 3.0-litre V6, which is definitely worth your time to look at. Pre-VZ there were two V8 engine options: a 5.0-litre and a 5.7-litre. If the extra power appeals to you, look for that 5.7-litre, as it performs better. Newer models also offer a huge 6.0-litre V8.Not only are there simply lots of Commodores around, but Holden released a lot different models and special editions. Some of the choices available to you include four-speed and six-speed manual transmissions and six-speed automatics. Not many five-speed manuals were sold–they didn’t perform as well as either the four or six–so avoid those.If you need something with sportier characteristics, look for the Commodore S and SS. These will get you nice, responsive steering, firm suspension, and special seats and body kits. Plus, Holden released some really great special editions. Look for the Lumina series in particular.
3. They’re Perfect for Families
The Commodores have plenty of room inside. Consider just one example: the 2008 version has a 2100kg braking capacity, is a genuine five-seater that’s wider than nearly every car out there in the class, and there’s a shocking amount of space in the boot–and that’s saying something since the 2008 is actually less spacious than previous models.
4. They’re Easy to Repair
Yet another reason the Commodore was always so popular is how easy these cars are to work on. They’re simple to repair, and spare parts aren’t hard to find or expensive to buy. Even if you’re away from the bright city lights, you can probably find the parts you need. If you’re a reasonably accomplished mechanic, you can likely handle all but the biggest repairs yourself.
5. Insurance Rates Are Reasonable
These are reliable, easy-to-fix, popular family vehicles, and insurance rates reflect that. Unless you’re buying the most powerful of the supercharged versions, you can expect very competitive rates. It’s always a good deal when you not only get a great deal on the car itself but save a bit on the ongoing expenses, too.The Holden Commodore is a great used car. If you’re looking for a good deal on a family-friendly, powerful sedan or wagon, make sure the Commodore is on your test-drive list.