This VE II SS Only Has 20,000km! What Its Like Driving A Near New VE Review*

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Welcome to another Episode of Ross Reviews AU on this weeks Video we take out this 2011 Holden Commodore VE II SS.... with! only 20,000 kms on the clock, truly in brand new condition this really is amazing to see and to experience what it might have been like buying one from new over 11 years ago.. so strap in while we go for a drive in the L77 V8 VE and let's take a trip with this truly rare low km aussie machine.
HUGE THANKS to NextRide again.. for loaning this car out to us! make sure you check them out as they always have awesome cars coming through their doors!
www.nextride.com.au
If your new here please consider Subscribing to the channel and hit that like button :)

[@deputycartman]

The VE has always been a favourite Commodore of mine, especially being an SS. Though I don’t love the colour, this would surely be a dream to own. 👍🏻

[@RossReviewsau]

Very much a collectors one this with the low kms 👌

[@lancegraham7722]

Remember a mate who worked at Holden's leased one. Rocked up to my place one night and let me take it for a squirt. a series 1 voodoo blue, 6 speed and I will never forget the smell and how great it was . Shame holden is gone.

[@jordanscarreviews6164]

Thank you very much for this review mate. That is one of the cleanest VE Commodores ever. Can’t wait for more Melbourne reviews. To Ross Reviews From Jordan’s car reviews

[@RossReviewsau]

No problem 👍

[@cuda260]

Spectacular car. I'm still driving my VE2 Calais (bog standard V6) which has done about 70,000km. Everytime I get it serviced I get comments about how low km it is and how new it looks so I can only imagine how the review car is. Even with my lesser spec, it brings a smile to my face everytime I drive it. Many thanks to the people who claimed local cars were 'too heavy' and 'dinosaurs' currently buying gigantic SUVs with 110kw engines, going back to live rear axles and charging $5k for basic options for the current choice in cars...

[@RossReviewsau]

Good to hear your still taking car of her 🙌🇦🇺 gotta love these cars

[@griffo4865]

i love myself a VE. ive currently got a VY berlina, but i LOVE driving my dads VE SSV, i loved everything about it (and yes i liked the seats)

[@Dots4knots20]

This dude's enthusiasm is so infectious. You can tell he really loves doing it. Surprised to see a Maori tattoo on him too. Fan from New Zealand.

[@RossReviewsau]

Thanks Mate 😁 my family is actually from NZ but I was born in Canada so I am part Maori 😝

[@Dots4knots20]

@@RossReviewsau Tena koe e hoa. Kia Pai to ra.

[@ianm9677]

I have a 07 HSV Clubsport, with 80,000 on the clock, Just Love it. Great Vid👍

[@RossReviewsau]

Great to hear!

[@lukes5533]

Middle Child not , it does everything better than any Commodore before it . Handling , safety , looks and best of all it looks after its tyre wear like no other Commodore.

[@thomasmica2856]

I decided! I'm saving money for a trip to Australia!

[@RossReviewsau]

Do it mate you will love going to the car shows’ 🇦🇺🙌

[@MartinJones123]

Great video and a great example of a VEII SS (except for those wheels and the muffler delete because of it's low kays)... I don't necessarily think of the VE as a middle child and is probably the generation I'd get if I was looking for a V8 under 20k as you still get the modern shape without the high prices, though I may be biased since I own a VE...

[@Twenty_Six_Hundred]

Middle child these days but back in 2005 the VE was a big deal. It was Holdens next gen chassis and they spent boatloads on R&D. The VT, VX, VY and VZ all still used the old gen chassis since the VN. Ford had had already changed with the AU and again with FG. So yes when the VE was announced my bragging rights as a Ford man were over. My younger brother worked at Holdens and would go on constantly about the VE platform as it was a huge deal for Holdens

[@kers225abk2]

And then we all found out about the timing chains 😂

[@MartinJones123]

The VT series wasn't based on the VN series but both can trace their roots back to Opel platforms, and the FG platform was also a glorified AU platform...

[@MartinJones123]

@@kers225abk2 The timing chain issues are way overdone in my opinion as Ford has their own issues as well...

[@Twenty_Six_Hundred]

@@MartinJones123 The actual chassis was indeed the same from VN till VZ. The VE was a whole new chassis design. The AU till BF wasn't the same chassis as E-Series. The FG was a completely ground up chassis design with zero roots to the AU generation. Even aesthetics design, over 80% of the FGs body was completely new. Both the AU and FG were a big deal for Ford. Im a Ford man however when it comes to facts like these i refuse to be an fanboy and say it how it is. Even with the flaws that the Falcon had im not going to skew the truth.

[@MartinJones123]

@@Twenty_Six_Hundred The VN and VT platforms weren't completely the same, and had pretty major revisions between the two and the first three generations of Commodores were kind of frankenstein Opels, built for Australia... The FG Falcon wasn't really a completely ground up design and can trace roots back to the AU and beyond, as can the Holdens...

[@zacborchi9029]

Great video love VE commodores there my favourite holden’s

[@RossReviewsau]

Good stuff 👌

[@REVHIGHTUNINGSOLUTIONS]

Another great review Ross!

[@RossReviewsau]

🙌🇦🇺 thanks

[@anishchand4420]

Hats Off and Salute to VE 11 SS Owner. It's pretty much brand New. My 2014 FGX Xr6 Turbo has driven 138,000KM. It's like going back in Time and driving SS that's under 1 year old from driving out of Car Dealer. Only negative side is can't drive Manuel.

[@brad5060]

My 07 ve ss has just hit 107thou km and drives great my weekender and absolutely love driving it ve is a great machine

[@RossReviewsau]

Great stuff

[@sandygarage3802]

Very nice example of a VE👌👍❤, It would be the one to own. I liked the factory grey 19 inch wheels I had on my VE. My 2016 VF SS has less than 14000 km's at the moment.

[@jordynjackson1664]

Man must be nice owning that!

[@wizzfizz6800]

Must be a Z series ey? I got the same one in alto grey, I love the car so much

[@sandygarage3802]

@@jordynjackson1664 I'm thankful to have an Aussie V8 Ute (My first V8), it's a dream to own & drive. I've had the Ute since it was new, it's a manual with a 3 inch cat-back exhaust.

[@kers225abk2]

Dont be afraid to drive your car mate. If its truly to be a 'collector car' in the future then history shows km's dont matter 🤷‍♂️

[@sandygarage3802]

@@kers225abk2 I probably should drive the Ute more often, I have another car that get's used a bit more. I think a well maintained & a vehicle kept in good condition is more important than the km's.

[@JessicaMacrow]

Just watched this video because we’ve just purchased the 2012 VE II SSZ WITH 70k on the clock. It’s so clean and immaculate. Excited to drive it 🤩

[@RossReviewsau]

Great to hear! enjoy!

[@vinnyressom9891]

Love your content mate

[@RossReviewsau]

🙏

[@michaelcinar1452]

Another amazing video thank you.

[@RossReviewsau]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stainsygc3172]

VE Series 2 is the best Commodore of all time in my opinion!!

[@natebrooksy7871]

You need some Ross reviews stickers slap em on cars you reviewed (with permission ofc) free advertising an will be a spin out to see on the road for some aha. Keep up the great reviews maybe when I get some new wheels you can review my 07 bmw e60 stock as a rock but hey contents content :) keep it up 🎉

[@gowther5446]

Bought a VE SS brand new back in 2011, and bought a brand new VF SS in 2016, both manual

[@Eichmen]

I own a series 2 love the car one of my favs 🎉

[@RossReviewsau]

Great cars

[@missinglink4205]

Absolute gem👍🇦🇺🍻

[@RossReviewsau]

🇦🇺👌

[@danielsulics711]

Love the VE SS and the colour is on point. Terrible wheels. Stocks so much better. Great review again 👏

[@RossReviewsau]

Yup just needs good wheels put back on

[@arisl2370]

Nice review man ! That colour I believe is called 'perfect blue'..but there was also a slightly lighter blue colour version I recall which may be the one your driving.. .... by the way, which muffler was deleted on this one, rear or middle?

[@benp4339]

Yep, perfect blue. I have one of these, 2012 manual wagon, paint code is 824T if anyone needs to know :)

[@martinbrady8656]

Would love to see you review a Ford Mustang GT... --> have you already done that? Would be cool to see it put up against a Barra... Thanks for your work.

[@cgoody9913]

SSV here with only 19k, but mine is standard and showrooms condition......I love it.

[@victorpeirce4753]

I know it's only got a muffler delete but these engines always sound restricted as fuck. Those 22 inch wheels would make it alot slower on take off as well. Anywho, What a nice example of a VE SS with only 2O,OOOkms and a great review Johnny. Keep up the great work. 👍👍

[@RossReviewsau]

To me all Holden’s feel restricted so a tune is a must!

[@kingofroot09legion49]

Goood videos brother keep it up

[@RossReviewsau]

Thanks, will do!

[@AusOpenBodybuilding]

Mint as 👌🏻 iv got a 2007 ss with 70,000. Silver 6 speed its my baby ❤

[@RossReviewsau]

nice work!

[@AusOpenBodybuilding]

@@RossReviewsau Also bro mine redlines at 7000rpm dunno why the blue one only went to 6?

[@chris929rr7]

I have a VE Calais 07 6.0L L98 non DOD and I will never sell it. I don't use it either definitely not a daily driver. It could be but given the value it has obtained since I payed only $11k for it.

[@sackandrews3595]

Nice I have a ve ssv Ute 6spd manual with 38k on the clock.

[@RossReviewsau]

Very nice!

[@djp4nfa]

I think you’ll find that the auto v8 was the L77(afm) and the manual had the L98

[@JaayDogg010]

Looks a lot like Voodoo Blue in the VE SS-Vs I leased when working at Holden’s in Elizabeth but that was series 1. Should do mid 5 0-100 stock and manual from my experience in 4 of them over the years of utilising the employee lease program. Only thing I hated about them was the axle tramp on hard launches occasionally and the LSD would open up to one wheel quite often.

[@RossReviewsau]

The wheels just couldn’t grip high 5s is what I would expect

[@cxv6367]

not voodoo ... probably perfect blue

[@LadzeeFixes]

The 'VE was a bit picked on and everyone wanted a VZ or a VF'? What a crock. Outsold Falcon, VZ and VF, was Wheels Car of the Year 2006, Motor Bang for your Buck 2006 AND 2007, Wheels greatest Australian car of all time voted in 2013. VE series 1 had so much critical acclaim. It was world-class in most areas and in series 2 guise, the best-looking Commodore in my opinion.

[@RossReviewsau]

Dude why are VEs cheaper than VZs then because less desirable.. nothing wrong with them as I say but most want a VZ or VF 90% will chose them over a VE

[@LadzeeFixes]

@@RossReviewsau The VE was a cleansheet chassis design with near 50-50 weight distribution, much bigger wheelbase and huge power-down difference compared to VZ. Plus, it was bigger and better looking. Lots of VEs are trading hands for $20k-$30 in the used market, so if people are paying more than that for VZs they're idiots -VZs are based on 90s architecture. VE's basic design stayed relevant until 2017 for VF S2.

[@asba4629]

Agree on everything you said. the VE was miles ahead of the VZ in every department. Blew the VZ out of the water. I know looks are subjective but the VE looks good with those pumped guards 🔥 Anyway VE/VF for the win for sure. 90% will choose a VZ over the VE is a stretch, all the kiddies want a VE to get into and not a VY/VZ

[@PabloM5]

I pick VF series2 anyday, that’s just cause I like the fact it comes with ls3 but still a Holden commodore… I get what Jon is saying tho, any v8 in the vz series Is truely a marvel of engineering for its time… I would personally much rather hop in a vz than a ve… raw connection from driver to car is underrated, don’t get that as much in ve

[@EugenernatorVideos]

The next ride url isn't hyperlinked btw

[@michaeljeffery9898]

looks like perfect blue or ifs the darker blue then voodoo blue

[@coley13two]

It’s funny, I’m a ford man but wanted a VE clubsport or senator. Couldn’t find one in white so purchased a ford. Still want a VE deep down even if means giving up my loyalty to ford

[@RossReviewsau]

Clubsport or Senator for the win 😮‍💨

[@sierabravo215]

I put a crow cam in mine along with the bells and whistles. I had a problem with 98/95 octane premium unleaded causing misfires. I changed to E10 94. Do yourselves a favour you'll notice a difference in performance guaranteed. Kms will be the same.

[@RossReviewsau]

Interesting thanks for feedback

[@davidtranmedia5112]

I have a VF2 1500hp Also a 2011 WM to yall to me a Caprice 9C3. The 9C3 was the more rare detectives car which had full interior like a normal Caprice. Only came on 3 years 11 to 13. After all 9C1 patrol stripped down cars. Now that they are older we can buy them at auction and fix them up to be what there were in Australia.

[@mydogzty]

low kms doesn'y matter if its seeing higher revs or harsher driving habbits. Its a V8 to be used for power.

[@pete508]

I agree with you man VZ all day long,but this one with extremely low ks & being manual makes it very appealing,but I'd have a nice set of 19 inch rims 22's are too big,you've killed it again great review Johnny thanks mate.

[@RossReviewsau]

just need like you said some 19s on it and would be perfect

[@domanater480]

I'm really tempted to sell my cx5 (boring to drive) and get a ve ss series 2. Always wanted a v8

[@RossReviewsau]

Do it

[@davidmclauchlan8261]

I don't know why people insist on larger diameter wheels , they seem to be detremntal to performance .V8 supercars run 18 inch wheels and my mates AMG 6.4 lt Mercedes has 18 s I have a 08 VE ss ute , I stuck with the 19 s but went monoblock wheels to remove 2.5 kilos from each wheel and 2 piece rotors with 6 piston monoblock calipers which took anothr 4 Kilos of weight out of the front makes a huge difference to the handling / steering response

[@cxv6367]

more than 19's is just for show ... not go

[@Mataz007]

If only people lined up and bought one back when it mattered

[@bblr4294]

I got a 2012 VE SS on the way, it has a decent KM of 90k

[@RossReviewsau]

Still very low

[@Peak-aviation]

Got one of these in the same colour…little bit quicker though with a 0-100km/hr in 3.9 seconds💪

[@RossReviewsau]

Damn.. 3.9??

[@Peak-aviation]

@@RossReviewsau yep…recorded in dragy…Dave13

[@andrewwhite5943]

I had a VZ Berlina and all in all it was a good car I just couldn’t do with the oversteer, you’d point it through a corner and it wanted to drive away through the middle and I know my boss has the last of the commodore and it’s so very flighty through everything too light no road feel at all

[@Low760]

Don't have that issue with my vf..

[@cxv6367]

my ve 2 ssv has no problems with corners

[@brokenlegz]

It’s like half way between nitro and breeze. Oh yeah and are they 22s?

[@RossReviewsau]

Yup 22 lol

[@bblr4294]

Is after market headers lounder than aftermarket either muffler delete or fully exhausts system?

[@RossReviewsau]

Just muffler delete

[@bblr4294]

@@RossReviewsau what muffler delete is that? Is it droning?

[@rowdus6186]

Not sure about the forgotten middle child analogy. VE was a massive step forward over the VZ. Never was a big fan of the VY/VZ personally - it took the beautiful VT design and made the front and rear look strange with sharp lines and angles. The HSV models did look tough however.

[@RossReviewsau]

I know they sold well but most would take a hsv VZ over the hsv VE just my opinion o guess

[@delawalkinshaw147]

Hey Ross, how long are you in Melbourne for?

[@RossReviewsau]

Just left 😅

[@mason.2349]

Is this stock? If so, that sound is phenomenal!

[@RossReviewsau]

just had a muffler delete i think

[@lukes5533]

Sorry Ross but the VE seats are awesome.

[@RossReviewsau]

I don’t like em but each to their own

[@Ultra_Boss]

Hey Ross! Can you review a 2012 ssv ve auto?

[@RossReviewsau]

I’ll do my best

[@Ultra_Boss]

@@RossReviewsau thanks!

[@John-vk4gs]

Bought a VE SSv series 2 in Alto grey brand new ! Sold it in 2014 unfortunately

[@RossReviewsau]

Rip 🪦 🥲

[@KZA518]

200k isnt horrible on those LS' tho.. depeing how they were ran and maintained.. obviously the aluminum blocks aren't as durable as the iron blocks but swapping a crate LS if somebody had the money wouldn't be a bad idea especially if u want more power or want a different LS engine in genersl than the stock

[@chaukemt]

Nice machine, Iuv it a lot, I have an s1, it's a great car to drive. Can u sell that one to me pls I want another one😂

[@RossReviewsau]

Love a good Holden

[@keno88]

It really is a shame they stop production and politics aside there was nothing else like it besides the Ford XR8 and now unless you want something from Europe for 4/5 times the price … 🤦‍♂️ it’s just so disappointing. I’ve loved the VE and since the ad with the sunburnt orange one in a dystopian world … made me buy my first V8 when I got my first full time job. 6 speed manual Black SSV, god I miss that thing 😔

[@RossReviewsau]

It’s clown world 🥲 if you have an older car like this you have to hold onto it because they just won’t make them like this anymore unfortunately

[@themookshit]

why put those crap wheels on a car with such low ks 😂

[@MartinJones123]

Yeah, it's a shame... Should've kept it stock...

[@RossReviewsau]

Ikr not sure who made that decision

[@djvali9577]

only 20,000 kms thats insane!

[@RossReviewsau]

So low

[@dansilvester661]

Bro they had they Pontiac G8 GT which is the VE Commodore.

[@RossReviewsau]

? G8 is a Monaro brotha

[@cxv6367]

@@RossReviewsau no G8 was VE ... Pontiac GTO was the Monaro

[@andrewzuiderduyn3159]

Just like a brand new car

[@RossReviewsau]

Yup

[@andrewzuiderduyn3159]

In deed

[@martinkopp8759]

Can't find it for sale on their website but judging by the prices on there I am guessing they want new car price minimum for it. Probably 60 grand or more with this low mileage.

[@DaveMcLaughlin]

Took about a week before other cars he reviewed from Nextride to appear on their website.

[@RossReviewsau]

It sold right after I filmed it 😅 was a mint example so didn’t last long

[@perpetualgrin5804]

Hey , Ross have a 380 with only 131k on it. It's fwd so not applicable to even mention it on your channel. Please forgive me. 😆

[@Crippsyify]

380's are great cars. Love my series 2 GT 😊

[@Low760]

The biggest problem with the VE is the VF came out and was the car the VE should have been on the inside.

[@RossReviewsau]

100% agree

[@cxv6367]

I prefer the ve series 2 over the vf interior

[@Low760]

@@cxv6367 hard plastics in the VE vs the soft finishes on the VF is what makes them better

[@stevenrex7571]

8:29 Your maths is a bit out haha

[@RossReviewsau]

💀🤣

[@ashtincampbell6038]

I got a ve v6 recently and im on its second motor already bloody thing ill never buy another Holden v6 only v8 from now on

[@Mynty100]

Penrite 10w40 semi-synth change every 5000-7000 km and oil catch can is the trick. 5w30 too thin especially past 100k on the clock. Also had SV6 and went through motor burn through 6L oil in 2days.

[@ashtincampbell6038]

@@Mynty100 i have learnt this in my short 3 months of ownership lol I brought the car from a dealership and it did the bottom end within days git another motor put in and timing chains done now looking after it but I kept asking about ks they dodged it for a while but the engine has more ks than the body abit disappointed but I needed a car

[@sandygarage3802]

I had V6 Holden's for 11 years & never had any unreliability issues, I wouldn't say no to buying another one, I still like the V6. I have a V8 VF Ute at the moment.

[@MartinJones123]

V8's are better but you probably bought a poorly maintained example...

[@cxv6367]

yes, like my wifes sv6 ... costs a bomb to fix

[@volksdeutschewaffenss9670]

ross whens your mom coming back to do a review and car test drive, its gotta be a manual throw as she sure can handle a stick, she was awesome, i,m waiting

[@voyeur4994]

Great car, shame it’s ruined by those cheap 22inch king wheels. Would drive a whole lot better without them.

[@RossReviewsau]

Yeh the wheels needed to be changed

[@alexandersupertramp1293]

Got a 95k 2006 Calais if anyone wants it $22k

[@mattyoz0]

Wow, that is very slow.

[@RossReviewsau]

They are not that quick stock

[@kristianspencer1978]

Horrible wheels, why is the back of the car different to the ls3 vxr8, is it cos it’s a Holden and not a hsv.?

[@RossReviewsau]

Yeh needs stock wheels.. this is a Holden correct not a HSV so no LS3 in this

[@jman4652]

That's clean. I still recon you need to find a bf gt cobra spec falcon. And do a review of that wepon. But there hard to find. Good luck 😃

[@RossReviewsau]

I know of one so wish me luck I can review it

[@jman4652]

@@RossReviewsau 🤞🤞

[@B00stedbarra12]

Rare colour...

[@RossReviewsau]

I haven’t seen many

[@robertceroli3512]

Those wheel not only affect the 0 100 also impacts the ride more bumpy more harsh will also throw the Speedo out and as for the muffler delete just makes it drony with speed above 80km gives you a headache when crusing hwy speed should have left it stock probably wiped out 5k in value as it is not in it's original format

[@RossReviewsau]

The wheels have to go eh

[@robbie4339]

those wheels are horrendous

[@johnnyhohenzollern165]

The worst looking rims ever. The owner should just leave it in original form will be lot better and more value. 18x8 245/45/18 is the best balance size wheel/tire for this particular car and then with the Pilot Super Sport tires on, its gonna be amazing.

[@RossReviewsau]

Agreed terrible wheels

[@TheHayabusa09]

And the completely stock 2022 Subaru WRX with CVT does 0-100kph in 6.68 secs...

[@MartinJones123]

That's a claimed time, and it's a CVT 🤮

[@LadzeeFixes]

Most VE SS were timed as 5.2-5.6 sec 0-100 across many years and many motoring journalists.

[@RossReviewsau]

It’s the wheels that made it slow

[@MartinJones123]

@@RossReviewsau Most likely

[@cxv6367]

@@MartinJones123 yes and 10 years newer

[@selektor2567]

Awesome car.....horrible wheels

[@RossReviewsau]

Yup 100%

[@garynewton1263]

V8. So everyone wants to drive around chewing up petrol when its over $2 per litre? Why would a V8 engine be more enjoyable to drive than a V6?

[@RossReviewsau]

Why would a V8 be better than a V6? Is that a real question?

[@garynewton1263]

@@RossReviewsau Yes. Is it more comfortable or quieter? Does it make sense to spend $50-$70 more per week on petrol? Does it get you to work quicker through heavy traffic? You'd have to be really dumb to run a V8 with petrol more expensive than its ever been. Anyone who disagrees is obviously dim witted and stoopid!

[@cxv6367]

if you need to ask .... a v8 is not for you

[@garynewton1263]

@@cxv6367 I had two V8s in the 1980s when petrol was 49c per litre. I'm not foolish enough now to fill a tank at $2 per litre and use fuel at an alarmingly stupid rate. V6s are way more feasable.

[@Studat]

VEs are gutless. Always have been. LS3 V8, that's where it's at for SS...

[@garyjones4001]

I've got one goes good

[@MartinJones123]

Gutless??

[@WorksOnMyComputer]

I really thought that crap had died, but no we bring up the idea again, that a 6 litre LS2 derived V8 is somehow gutless.

[@garyjones4001]

@@MartinJones123 270 kW at rw what gutless about that

[@MartinJones123]

@@garyjones4001 I don't think it's at the rear wheels, but it's still no slouch...

[@michaelhart5886]

Crap wheels unfortunately

[@RossReviewsau]

Yes sadly

[@deeznuts6286]

Nice .... very lucky driving one that's done no work 💪

[@RossReviewsau]

True that!