Buying My Dream Car Sight Unseen, With a Rebuilt Title. 2017 Chevy SS /Holden Commodore Review

Growing up as a kid in Australia, I have always wanted to own a Holden Commodore, specifically one with V8 and a 6 speed manual transmission. Now i finally own one, but I bought one that had been crashed with a rebuilt title, sight unseen. Did I make a big mistake buying this 2017 Chevrolet SS? I review it with a test drive and call out the features I like.
If anyone has any questions about this video or any others, feel free to message me anytime.
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The content provided in this video is for informational and entertainment use only. Video content is provided at the viewers own risk and the viewer will not hold the parties involved in creating, producing or delivering this information liable for any loss, injury, claim, liability, or damage of any kind resulting in any way from any errors in or omissions from the information.

[@edstevens2875]

The alloy wheels look fantastic. Do not change to awful aftermarket wheels. Keep the SS original and you'll also retain its originality and value. Coming to you from Qld Australia. 👍👌

[@zXennVS]

I've always hated the wheels the Chevy SS got, the SSV wheels are so much better looking. Prefer Simmons over both though.

[@Garagetopics]

Check out my latest video upload, you can see the wheels on my ss in the background 😎

[@tomnewham1269]

Don’t feel bad putting Holden badges on it. Over here in Australia there is a trend to put Chevy badges on their Commodores even though the only Chevy thing about them is the motor. I have the Ute version of your car so I can understand the love that you have for it. I hope you don’t have any problems from it due to it being retitled.

[@KingzCub]

Entire drivetrain no? Motor, transmission and differential

[@tomnewham1269]

@@KingzCub Over here in Australia they also had a V6 which was a Chev design but built in Australia. If it is a manual, the gearbox is a Tremec except for the V6 which was an Aisin. The automatic was a GM unit but I don't know if they were made here or not. The previous versions were. The differential and rear axle I'm unsure of. But in essence the last two model Holden Commodore's were essentially Australian with parts coming from all over the world. It just peeves me off that people put Chev badges on them over here. They never done that before when Holden used Chev engines.

[@Saintpablojuan]

I thought I was the only one!!! I bought mine sight unseen in Florida 2016 with a 6 speed manual and with a rebuilt title loving mine so far

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thanks for taking us along for the ride, I could feel the anticipation through the KZbins! Congratulations sir!

[@Garagetopics]

Haha thanks Tom!

[@brianN9955]

Buy another Gbody us gbody guys need more content

[@Renny1953]

Worth a small fortune in Australia now mate. Well done. I have one and it's great.

[@michaelcheshareck3275]

I have a 2016 Chevy SS with the manual transmission, and it is about as much fun as you can have in a comfortable family car. I’ve taken a couple long, twisty drives that were over 200 miles round trip recently, and it just flows from corner to corner way faster than anyone would expect. I put in an MGW shifter, BMR boxed trailing arms and toe rods, and 6 piston Brembo calipers from the C7 Z06 paired with 2 piece ZL1 rotors.

[@davidclange]

Congrats! Love the blue. Just got mine as well (in RH2 with full Holden badging and lots of black trim) - only had 1300 miles on it when I took delivery a couple weeks ago! Definitely one of the best dad-mobiles you can buy. Sad they're gone, but glad I got mine!

[@burtgummerVerified]

Got lucky during covid too. I have the same same in a 2016 low miles. Yours being a rebuilt title allows you to enjoy it daily without worrying about its value depreciating. Counting myself you're the 3rd person I've heard recently say " i never thought I'd be able to have one" paraphrased...Congratulations!!!

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks man! I've had the car one year now and still love it! I enjoy the fact that's its rebuilt every day, no worries about driving it. Eventually ill buy a green low mileage manual unicorn SS that sits around knowing that I drove the wheels off the one I have now. Going on a road trip this weekend that I plan on documenting!

[@frankramos0023]

Super nice car man, great buy. I got mine unseen also, from a dealership tho. I love it. I’ve slapped on headers and a cold air intake since. One thing I got for it was the Holden floor mats, original GM parts. It’s a subtle touch that only a few people have noticed, but I notice every time getting into the SS.

[@chitterlingsrtasty]

I have a 2016 same color and it still makes me smile when I start it up and drive.

[@Garagetopics]

I've enjoyed every minute of owning the car so far 😎

[@welikegoodies]

I bought mine sight unseen too 😂 The things a beast and I love it

[@mills3375]

My Vf2 SS is regal peacock green. I wasn’t too sure about it in the pictures but once I saw it irl I was sold immediately. Looks super stealthy in the dark and the green really pops out in the sun. Absolutely love it.

[@davidball.]

I love that green absolutely mint colour if I had a VF that's the colour. Looks great in Ur profile

[@fayez_alhaj]

I am from Iraq and I have one 2015 Chevrolet Holden SS

[@amandaklose9178]

It’s not a Chevy Holden ss! It’s a Holden vf ss!

[@fayez_alhaj]

holden ssv , my car White color

[@fayez_alhaj]

6G3F15RW1EL953952

[@wernerengel6357]

Loved this video. Holden’s are generally bulletproof so hang onto it. I had a 2004 Monaro 5.7 manual, black with red leather interior. I now have a Porsche 997 turbo but still miss the Monaro.

[@brucelamberton8819]

Nice cate, mate. Spot on with your comparison against the Charger; Commodores have always been a driver's car as they were meant to win Bathurst. And keep those stock wheels - they look ace.

[@timmeister6721]

Very nice - congrats on getting a car you’ve been daydreaming about for years! I would normally stay away from rebuilt titles, but it sounds like the seller was very open about everything. I’d rather buy a rebuild from an open and honest person than any car from someone who would lie and mislead you (been there...). It’s cool to watch you driving around the same area as me - taking the same curves just for fun! Fun, yet sensible family car is the same reason I got the Speed6. Now, my daughter always wants to ‘ride with dad in the cool car’. Keep up the content. Can’t wait to see what you get next!

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks a lot! I may take the car out to a few autox at NCM just for fun I'll let you know

[@yankee1985524]

I've had my 2017 Red Hot 6-Speed manual SS for almost 2 years now an its been my favorite car I've ever owned. The only thing I hate about it is that GM shut Holden down so we can get anymore 😖

[@hsavage3350]

I share your enthusiasm, and applaud the risk you went for. I just found and purchased a one owner Silver Ice Metallic the end of April 2022. Enjoy!

[@davidkeizer9381]

Great video! I just got one around Christmas time and I live in Kentucky also. Mine is black full Holden conversion aftermarket hood with hood vents supercharged and turned up to a little over 700 horsepower. I was looking at a Sixth Gen Camaro but there's not enough room in the back seat for my son and you see Dodge Chargers everywhere but then I remembered seeing the Holden Commodore at LS Fest about 3 years ago. I found this one and it was already built but it had receipts for over $42,000 in after-market parts and labor and that's how much I paid for the car. Great car and great video!

[@Lukester0826]

Great buy! I have your doppelganger from 2016. SSB M6, but added an LSA and headers. Also, went with Holden badges, full blackout inside and out and the black accessory wheels.

[@Garagetopics]

Nice! How is driveabilty with those mods? Stock cam?

[@Lukester0826]

@@Garagetopics Stock cam. Drives like stock, just more power and louder exhaust. If you tune it, I recommend dialing in the VVE tables and blending to at least 2k rpm to keep stock street manners with the manual. You'll notice a MAF only tune w/ all the quick revs w/ the M6.

[@Garagetopics]

Nice thank you! My cammed c5z lost its street manners when I had it. What whp/tq did yours make? Stock clutch?

[@Lukester0826]

@@Garagetopics I have not had it on a dyno yet, but the setup should be around 600whp.

[@superspeeder]

Congratulations! That’s an awesome car for those who know what it is! Nice to see you got the manual too!

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks!! Definitely wanted the manual and love how fun it makes the car. Only trouble I've had is during these covid times telling restaurants etc what car I am (Blue Chevy SS) and no one can ever find me haha

[@brendansewell7509]

Hello from Oz. I bought my Holden Commodore VF SSV Redoing brand new in 2016. Same colour, sedan, manual. Basically the same as yours, except we here in Oz only got MRC suspension in the HSV range or the very limited edition Motorsport. What you can do very easily is buy the oil pressure and battery voltage gauges for the HSV set up. Very easy to fit and wire in. Took 20 minutes. Mine also has a big cam upgrade, 3 inch Harrop exhaust, 102mm throttle body, Harrow 2650 supercharger, bigger fuel pump, Harrop large engine oil cooler, Harrop OTR intake. Makes 520KW / 697HP at the wheels. All the power has definitely made this a weekend car. My suggestion if you still want to use yours as a daily driver would be a mild cam upgrade, OTR, exhaust, and maybe a 1900-2300 supercharger.

[@simonf8902]

Number plate. BOGAN. excellent. Plus your cross over Aussie -American accent is insane.

[@LukeWaters]

This is basically how I bought my caprice. I went to chicago to pick it up regardless of its condition lol best decision I ever made

[@Garagetopics]

Nice! No regrets here so far

[@CODE-BROWN]

The 14-15 wheels are nicer and forged. Weird move by Chevy to go to a cast wheel in the last 2 years of production. Heads up, the seats are just ventilated. Just a fan that blows air on the seat. Test it on a hot day, they don't cool you until the ambient air is actually cool. Check out some ARH 1 7/8" catless headers(if you have no emissions at least, otherwise catted), 3" X-pipe and keep your stock mufflers. Intake and tune. You'll be over 400whp without a problem. If you click my name, watch the last video I posted, those are the mods I had on mine. My mufflers didn't have the ability to close though, so it was always loud. I just sold my 2014. I'm glad you found your dream car!

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks for the info! What are you replacing your car with?

[@CODE-BROWN]

@@Garagetopics haha, Im heading back to school so I went with something cheap and economical. Picked up a turbo diesel VW Passat for $9k. Its one of the dieselgate buybacks. Went from 12 smiles per gallon to 40 frowns per gallon.

[@tylercouture216]

Chevy is known to make weird company moves so that doesn't surprise me at all

[@limadelta2]

I have the Regal Peacock Green version and had the stock wheels powder coated black. Makes the car look very nice.

[@Garagetopics]

I love these cars with less chrome!

[@cyclonus01]

Congrats on the car. Ive been eyeing this car for a while but its tough to find a reasonably priced one with manual trans.

[@Xylos101]

Your accent is bananas mate. I actually dig it. Love the car.

[@Garagetopics]

Haha thanks man! It's all over the place. A couple beers or a conversation with family in Australia it comes back pretty quick

[@WorksOnMyComputer]

Good video mate. Looking forward to an update on how things are going with the Commodore.

[@aminali4296]

I've got a 2017 holden commodore ssv redline. 😥 smashed it last week but luck its easy to get parts here in Melbourne Australia. Can't wait to get it back

[@v88dicky32]

Nice car buddy 😎👍🏼 From a UK Monaro owner 🍻

[@jasonwestmoreland7632]

I own a 2016 Redline SSV, You should get the wheels painted black like the Aussie Redline and get the clear taillights. PM me if you want to see pics of mine for ideas

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks! That look is something I have considered for mine

[@b0bbytrucktricks]

Great Video! No risk, no reward! I'm also a Kentucky boy that dreams of having an SS but I'm probably not going to be able to find one or even be able to afford one anytime soon. I also love Aussie culture and am a fan of Big Lez show using the lingo as much as I can.... What part of Kentucky?

[@Garagetopics]

I'm in Bowling Green! I just bought a G8 GT to play around with which I believe it can be as good as the SS with modifications. Be sure to subscribe to see the build of it!

[@atrothe]

You wont be dissapointed. These are a great car.

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks! I like it so much that I just got a G8 GT just posted that video today

[@davidball.]

Holden's are amazing especially the vf and even better the vfII. Gonna miss the old commos. Australia has the best muscle cars

[@coastalparasail]

I have 2 of them , absolutely love them 💪🏼

[@kevinbender3262]

Same here 2 2017’s thinking of a third

[@leoncaly4290]

Love the rego plate. Still need to black out the chrome on the sides and replace the rear lights with VFII ones.

[@myleaninggarage]

Perfection. I had an accident similar to it in my malibu which my neighbor thought was an ss. Lol. Car rides fine. As long as the frame is fine which it looked like it is on yours you have got a deal. Congrats on the little one by the way.

[@Garagetopics]

Yea the structural components of this car was not affected by the crash, making me totally fine with buying it. Thanks it's been an adventure being a dad but wouldnt trade it for the world

[@agic1028]

I like the black detail compared to the chrome so nice touch on that.

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks! Makes the car look 100x better imo

[@JohnDoe-bc8wu]

Manual nice the blue was my second choice. I got a 2017 rpg manual & I love it.

[@petersmith247]

Got to do a full exhaust package headers get it supercharged a short shifter kit in the gearbox get it reflashed as a Holden maybe bigger injectors would be a very good car

[@pigatt1]

Nice vid! Just bought a 2016 with a six speed a few days ago! Same color as yours as well. It has 40k miles and bone stock. So far, the only performance mod will be a Rotofab CAI.

[@Garagetopics]

nice! I still love the car

[@sandybrisbane4167]

It's a VF series 2 SSV Holden commodore It was Australia's Corvette

[@paulcrichton8530]

Awesome car, I have to question the reason why your car was put on the trailer first, when it was the first delivery?

[@ricepony33]

You did a good thing! Love it.

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks man! 0 regerts so far

[@peterlee6745]

Yes They are Great Cars Bought Mine Just B4 Lockdown in UK Bur Over Here is Called a VXR8 by Vauxhall Took Them Badges Off Put Made Up Aussie V8 . U Did Not Say if its 6.0 or 6.2 .Cheers From UK

[@Garagetopics]

All of these vf commodores in the US came with 6.2 LS3's

[@alexc2013]

Congrats!! It’s a shame Holden shut down and Chevy discontinued the SS. Nice mods, I would add some led taillights you can find on eBay. I’ve read some people complaining about the rear tires wearing out faster than normal, hopefully not your case.

[@Garagetopics]

My rear tires will wear out quicker than the fronts based on my right foot 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheBradass]

Chevrolet didn't discontinue the SS. It's a Holden with Chevrolet badges. Not a single one was manufactured in the US. The Aussie govt is to blame for the death of Holden, not GM.

[@davidmathersonparanormal522]

Folks you will not believe this. I was in Australia a year ago and saw a 2017 V8 GMH Commodore SS which had been rebadged as a Chevy SS. Apparently the dealerships had a Chevy SS rebadge option available. Take care, David Matherson

[@Tanner_Teves]

Man I love these cars, I have a 09 Pontiac G8 GT so basically just the older version of this and it is an absolute blast. When my G8 gets up there in mileage I think the SS will be my next car, pretty much a no brainer to upgrade to haha

[@andyg806]

I was confused by your accent... mostly odd American sounding with some British sounding words thrown in... "ARSE"... now I know why! Love the Holden Commodores/Chevy G8/SS platforms.

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks!

[@stefankoles]

Amazing car. One of the best

[@juliann7379]

GREAT VID thank you i still have a 08gt but i will look for ss if i can afford it as they are amazing cars.

[@nicklazarakis4837]

Great cars, good luck Nick Melbourne Australia

[@ivabiggin2299]

Enjoy your car I have the same vehicle but mine is a Ute ( two door pick up ) earlier than yours with the 6ltr motorcycle not the 6.2 plus mine is also a manual 6 speed shift

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks mate!

[@THESTRATATTACK]

Beautiful car! Just recently pick up a black 2016 manual car with an LSA supercharger. Do you by any chance still have the chrome side markers? Previous owner of my car only changed those to black, the rest of the car has the chrome so it doesn't match. Ill be happy to buy them off of you if you still have them! Cheers!

[@CurtisLSA]

Nice video, I have the HSV GTS version of this in australia and can be seen on my chan

[@xcesarxramosx]

Sweet car, I got a ‘17 Chevy caprice salvage title too. That salvage tittle thing will be forgotten after taking it for a ride 😎

[@Garagetopics]

One thing I didnt mention is the peace of mind that comes with owning a salvage title car. If this thing was immaculate clean title I'd be scared to drive it. A minor fender bender would lower the resale value, but not with this car!

[@davidmathersonparanormal522]

Sir, a good option is to fit a super charger which can increase the horsepower by around 200. Take care, David Matherson

[@turboman93]

Good stuff! Nice to see you back in a Holden again! Love the new car

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks man!!

[@carrielemmon1549]

I bleed Ford blue. I lived and worked in Auz for a couple years. My dream car is the Ford Falcon Ute XR8 Pursuit. Your Holden Commodore is fantabulously beaut! I would almost change religion for one of those. Ford also stopped building the Falcon around the same time. ***ktard CEOs!

[@AridersLifeYT]

It was Gm that killed Holden Australia. They took billions then left. ford Australia almost left too but held on by pure luck. The Australian government was corrupt and took undertable money from GM and Japan to sell out the car industry so we can only import cars now… at first they were cheap but now they cost more then any car that was built here… stupid hey

[@Tropicarna]

5th gen Camaro's were built on the same architecture as the VE Commodore, good to see another Holden saved, they are going to be worth big bucks one day, last of the line.

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks man! Yes i agree, I love the car. I will be releasing a video very soon of my new project (hint: its a commodore) so subscribe if you want to see that built up and updates on my vf

[@corporalpunishment1133]

👍 for the Holden badges dude. It's funny some bogans are putting on Chevrolet badges on commodores but in America they are putting the Holden badges on. good on ya. 🇭🇲

[@Garagetopics]

This VF was meant to have holden badges! Looks weird without it tbh

[@AridersLifeYT]

Yeah I thought your accent sounded strange/ mixed. Sounds like south Australian cross American

[@tonysamantha3943]

Congrats on the new car! I bet that thing would look great with a set of Black MRR228 wheels!

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks!! I do think it needs some wheels, not sure when I'm just enjoying driving it now

[@tallnolaguy]

I own a 2015 jungle green one and I love it

[@sohaibyounus]

Same here, really wanted to get one specially when GM offered 20% off. Unfortunatley it was still out if my budget. I still keep an eye out on it but here in California they are still going fir way too much. May be I should start looking for a rebuilt one.

[@avgsaiko]

From Aus your Plates had me dying

[@andysaunders3708]

Nice wagon, man. I think that was a score.

[@brin3535]

Nice Holden, man. Bummed to learn you sold the vette. Good luck with everything.

[@Garagetopics]

Cleetus has the Vette now! I am sure I will have another Corvette soon

[@renaldorae]

get the black factory 20 chevy rims for this car I'm not putting the holden badges on my car 2016 heron white I wanted the slipscreen blue. good for you I know your happy I'm very happy with mine. as long as the rail is not bent I would not have a problem buying a salvage title with this car and get the holden mud flaps it makes it look like grandmas car and I'm seriously considering putting in the 550 HP 7.0 in my at some point.

[@PopeDreamsAuthor]

The funny thing is that a lot of Commodore owners here in Australia like to fit them with Chevy badges

[@Garagetopics]

I know! All in the name of being unique. I think the chevy emblem looks out of place on these vf commodores for sure

[@andysaunders3708]

Yeah, the crackle is great!!!

[@tomastylecek7209]

nice, how much was it?

[@Mac_DNH]

I own a 2016 Silver Ice Metallic (the best color) SS. I've been contemplating swapping the badges to Holden. I get asked all the time is it a malibu or impala.. so I might as well really confuse people.

[@57precision]

I just ordered mine. Holden badges and a little black trim and the Malibu/Impala comments should stop lol. Black trim is getting hard to find though, they stopped making the window surrounds.

[@Mac_DNH]

@@57precision I had bought the upper and lower black window trim from commodore specialties or whatever its called a while back.

[@jreiden11]

currently looking to do the same... if you dont mind telling. how much did you pay?

[@deganni2688]

do you have a stock exhaust? it sounds awesome....

[@Garagetopics]

Bone stock exhaust, bone stock car

[@tylercouture216]

Manual nice choice real driver mod for getting the manual also you should get g8 gt rims for it in 20s though and don't these come with no lift shift

[@frankiesultana3743]

Great story we Australians love these Vf s and r a brilliant car and manual ss even better

[@osocool1too]

Keep the wheels...they look great.

[@urabusliberty9258]

As an Australian there great keep it good

[@actontreadway1168]

I prefer the '14- '15 wheels; the later ones look too blocky to me, but I am not a fan of most aftermarket wheels as they almost always look like they're more intense than the car. I also don't like worrying about them when I park somewhere unfamiliar. I really love the interior but people always want to rub the alcantara, which isn't a great thing. Anyway, congrats! There is no better car, imo.l

[@stephencurry1766]

Any chance you’d have the de-chrome item part numbers, thanks

[@axtran]

Any chance you have any of the part numbers for all of the black trim?

[@MichaelWilliams-en3nw]

Sad that Holden is gone. But the American market seems to be growing Maybe holden will come back

[@Garagetopics]

I think the cadillac ct5 blackwing is the predecessor to commodores but its the last of its breed as well. I was upset by all this, then I drove a performance tesla sedan and let me tell you the future is good if those are our dailies. Still want gas cars for weekends and hobby cars

[@davidtranmedia5112]

I remember this car for sale on Facebook. I saw the before and after. Didn't know who got it lol 😅

[@Garagetopics]

This one never was listed for sale! 😎

[@davidtranmedia5112]

@@Garagetopics I guess I phrased it wrong. He showed th Facebook ss page of the car when damaged and then when it was done. It was a crazy conversation. I remember it. Because not many ppl are buying them wrecked and fixing them up and selling them. Especially these cars slipstream blue and M6. Not many slipe stream manual blued around. You know how rare they are. It should be on Chevy ss Facebook page. Search it.

[@christopherb.6720]

Good video. Worth the watch.

[@Garagetopics]

Thanks!

[@Renny1953]

...and well done keeping it in Holden livery as well. It is an Australian made car and should carry that badge. Bogans don't drive this model mate. Classy people like me do and you!

[@MM-cc9cd]

You interested in another one? Same color/specs. Original owner, 1600 miles. Think the cybertruck is going to take its place in the stable

[@Garagetopics]

Oh man thats a collector car right there!

[@MM-cc9cd]

@@Garagetopics nah, I plan on driving it. My retirement car, just know finding something that unique will be difficult in 8 years.

[@brianmaclennan561]

Glad ya put the Holden badges on your SS, great lookin commodore.. " bogans 4 eva!" 😅👍🇭🇲

[@Garagetopics]

🤙

[@mikenolan3060]

Mate rippa job but she needs some FR Simmons to finish off the Aussie look

[@rayfamily265]

True Bogan refers to it as a Holden Dunny-door.

[@urabusliberty9258]

Australia doesn’t get the cooled seats why gm

[@mvnorsel6354]

No one ever mentions the 3.0 litre Omega Commodore.

[@charlesemerson6763]

An SSV Redline which was the last off the line was sold at auction in Sydney for A$760,000 which is outrageous for a car that sold for A$44,000 new. A W1GTSR went for 1.02million at the same auction so hang on to to yours, And what idiot would by a Camry.

[@02airsofter]

Did you purchase this from toy barn or toy factory in Bensenville, Illinois?

[@Garagetopics]

I sure did! This was Andy's first manual SS rebuild. 2.5 years later I've had no issues. I really need to make an update video on the car!

[@02airsofter]

@@Garagetopics awesome to hear! Mine is getting delivered in about 30-40min 2017 6 speed manual in the orange color

[@Garagetopics]

Oh nice!! I know exactly the car you are talking about. You will love it!

[@speedracersrt8250]

Congratulations bro! Nice 🚗

[@ragebait988]

Needs some Simmons FR1 or Walky wheels for the true Bogan.

[@Garagetopics]

Just got ctsv wheels for it actually, American Bogan wheels

[@ragebait988]

@@Garagetopics oh yea a lot of guys here have similar styled wheels on their commo’s. Probably the only other style that suits. 👌

[@fabianmueller4295]

If you want to make the car look a lot more aggressive try some maloo side skirts 😉

[@Garagetopics]

I've seen those, im still on the fence about them! I think I'd need more visual mods to pull those side skirts off

[@aaron9250]

had a g8 and switches are on door dude

[@AliMildred]

Just watching for the first time and the accent is really throwing me off, can tell you were originally Aussie though!

[@Garagetopics]

Haha thanks man! Beats getting called "speech impediment boy" 🤣