Holden Commodore VZ (2004 – 2006)

Reliability score : 7.2/10

The Holden Commodore VZ represents the ultimate evolution of the VT platform introduced in 1997. Produced between August 2004 and August 2006 (the Ute and Wagon versions continued until 2007), it marks a major technological turning point for the Australian manufacturer with the abandonment of the venerable 3.8L V6 Ecotec in favor of the all-new 3.6L V6 Alloytec (GM Global V6). At the end of its career, it also inaugurated the 6.0L V8 L76 (Gen IV) to meet Euro III emission standards, replacing the famous 5.7L LS1. Although its chassis was beginning to age compared to the contemporary Ford Falcon BA/BF, the VZ remains a highly appreciated RWD large touring car. Its overall reliability is rated "Average" by Australian surveys (RACQ/NRMA), mainly due to the teething problems of the V6 Alloytec

✅ Strengths

Classic large RWD road handling
Immense interior space and trunk volume
Exceptional reliability and performance of the V8 engines (LS1 and L76)
Spare parts availability (ensured for 10+ years via GM and the vast Australian independent network)
Generally affordable maintenance cost (excluding V6 timing chain)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Proven fragility of the timing chains on the V6 Alloytec (teething problem)
4-speed automatic gearbox (4L60-E) is slow, dated, and fragile if heavily stressed
High fuel consumption, even on the V6
Quality of interior plastics and wear of buttons/steering wheel
Rapid wear of the front suspension bushings (Radius rods)

🎯 Verdict

The Holden Commodore VZ is a vehicle with two faces. If you opt for a V8 (LS1 or L76) version, it is a highly recommended purchase ("BUY"): these engines are indestructible, high-performing, and supported by a massive aftermarket parts market. On the other hand, the V6 Alloytec versions, which make up the majority of the market, require great caution ("NEGOTIATE" or even "AVOID" if the history is unclear). The risk of timing chain stretch is real and the repair often exceeds the residual value of the car. Demand a service book with oil changes every 10,000 km maximum.

Common issues

Problèmes de chaîne de distribution (moteurs Alloytec V6) High

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 1 800 – 3 500 A$

Vérifier l'historique d'entretien et écouter les bruits de cliquetis moteur.

Fuites de direction assistée (pompe, crémaillère ou flexibles) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 400 – 800 A$

Inspecter régulièrement le niveau de liquide et rechercher des traces de fuites.

Défaillance des bobines d'allumage Low

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 150 – 300 A$ par bobine

Remplacer les bobines défectueuses pour éviter les ratés moteur et la surconsommation.

Usure des silent-blocs de différentiel arrière Medium

🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km

💶 500 – 1 000 A$

Faire vérifier l'état des silent-blocs lors des entretiens réguliers.

Problèmes de transmission automatique (4L60E) High

🔧 150 000 – 250 000 km

💶 2 000 – 4 000 A$

Vérifier l'historique d'entretien de la boîte et tester les changements de vitesse.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£90 – 160
Timing chain	£1 300 – 2 700
Complete brakes	£300 – 600
Estimated annual budget	£750 – 1 500

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.