Top Tips for Buying a Used Holden VL Commodore/Calais

It’s a sad irony that the model about which Holden was most fearful is today viewed as one of the brand's best products. 

With unleaded fuel due to be introduced in 1986, Holden’s own six-cylinder engine couldn’t be effectively modified to handle ULP and the V6 which would power the VN Commodore was still three years away. For the first time in its corporate life, Holden needed to 'buy in' an engine for the final version of its original Commodore. 

Holden Calais VL - Image: wheelsage.org

The VL when launched in March 1986 had under its bonnet virtually the same inline six-cylinder engine that could be found powering Nissan's own, Aussie-built R31 Skyline. 

Lack of money for a restyle led to Holden mildly reshaping the VL nose, including improved headlights, while the upmarket Calais received more substantial changes. 

Half-hidden headlamps and a cross-hatched acrylic grille were unique to the VL and certainly went some way to justifying a $5000 price increase over the VK model it replaced. At the rear, a modest boot lip allegedly helped aerodynamics.

Most VLs were SL or Executives equipped with the 122kW six-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed manual was available as well, but when the 5.0-litre V8 joined the range in October 1986 it was sold only as an automatic.

Holden Commodore VL V8 - Image: wheelsage.org

A 150kW, turbocharged version of the 3.0-litre straight-six also became available in August 1986 and could be fitted to the VL SL, Executive, Berlina or Calais.

Executive models pitched into the fleet and rental markets had power steering and central locking included, with air-conditioning and rear-wheel disc brakes optional. Basic non-turbo VLs with all-disc brakes aren't common, but worth having should one appear on the market. 

Holden VL Interior - Image: wheelsage.org

Calais versions of the VL included 15-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control and power windows, with optional leather trim. Suspension changes included rerated springs and shock absorbers to improve ride quality, and faster-ratio power steering for better steering response.  

5.0 Litre V8 - Image: wheelsage.org

Values climbed very little in the 25 years after VLs ceased production, but since 2015 they have soared substantially. The biggest winners have been turbo-engine cars and Calais V8s which exceed $50,000, with basic SL sedans in excellent condition reaching $25,000.

Things To Watch Out for When Buying a Used Holden VL Commodore/Calais

• Poor quality body repairs and rust around windows, sills and the boot floor

• Calais headlight condition and ease of operation

• Engine overheating and oil contamination due to head gasket failure

• Transmission slow to engage reverse

• Clutch shudder in manual cars

• Clunks signifying front suspension wear

• Power windows in Calais that shudder or don’t work at all