We Bought the Most HATED Ex-Police Commodore in New Zealand

[@PaddyBoy644]

8:01 far more love than that fake Commodore deserved! 😜 Thanks for the content. Cheers Pat

[@jakichan4]

Got a v6 RS AWD. Quick and handles better than any other Commodore. Quicker than sv6 and keeps up with un modded ss

[@gunprats8789]

loving this channel so far!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks

[@Vikturus22]

Bro for $3800 that is a steal! I may hate the ZB but for $3800 i can forgive alot!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Well yeah for the price it’s quite a nice car haha

[@user-jq1kq9hy1t]

i really think you should cut it some more slack man. Think of it this way, these are the fastest 4 and 6 cylinder commodores ever made, the AWD ones handled like no RWD commodore ever could and they made for great value when dealers inevitably discounted them. also, and I know you may roll your eyes at this, but: it's just a car dude. It just seems so ridiculous that you're getting mad at what's essentially piece of metal with some wheels and an engine. And yeah i know the commodore has always had a V8 and blah blah blah... not my point. Not trying to have a go at you though. have a good rest of your day dude.

[@iamasmurf1122]

i have seen one sell for maybe $1200 more with less damage than this .. however whatever you believe

[@jnthepassenger347]

I’ve got a ZB Calais around the same vintage, less mileage but mine was a fleet car. It wasn’t massively abused for the most part. Haven’t had any real issues with it. I love mine. I’ll be driving it until it blows up, it’s a great car to drive and it’s done some solid big trips. I find that to live with on a day to day basis, it’s better than VF. Cheaper to run too, and way better equipped.

[@iamasmurf1122]

less clunking than actual commodores

[@jt_goddard1816]

Why was the original video removed ?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Copyright strike

[@nickyang1143]

On which bit? I clicked it, got a cuppa and it was removed by the time I got back 😂

[@jt_goddard1816]

@@KiwiCarLife I assume it would be something to do with the music

[@ProductofNZ]

On my gaming channnel I got a bunch of strikes on older videos because the owners of the royalty free music I used changed the usage terms. So I started using AI music makers for background music lol.

[@ljphoenix4341]

the sedan police cars got shifted to the regions, replaced by the wagons in the big cities. Local cops in Manawatu/Horewhenua still use those liftback cars often.

[@spadgm]

Haha, it came up pretty good in the end! I had a V6 awd one for a few years, it drove really well for most of those years but unfortunately had a few niggles toward the end of my ownership. Air con failed which is common, gearbox started to miss shift and get clunky which was largely fixed by a service, and a rear diff seal started leaking. All this before the car had even done 50,000kms! I was warned that the rear diff can fail prematurely too so I decided to move it on. I am back to japanese cars now and pretty happy!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep, unfortunately all those are common issues. The V6 ones are even worse because of the complicated rear differential

[@speedwaynutt]

As an Australian i still it's ridiculous the Holden brand is no more.

[@KiwiCarLife]

I know! Sad times

[@peterobertson2086]

The Trademe valuation thing predicts that it is worth about 11k, hope you get close to that. Well done. I like the zb by the way, had a Calais wagon for a couple of years, went great .

[@KiwiCarLife]

Very nice! For the meantime Jack is going to daily it. He's been enjoying it

[@RanenPo]

I can't believe a 6 year old car already has that many issues!! Truly GM quality... Conversely wow a 6 year old car for only $3,800 is pretty amazing - here in Canada you can't even buy decent 20 year old Civics for that...

[@Itsamemario1ns6666]

3,800 NZD which is 3,124.53 Canadian dollars.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Exactly… for the price you’re going to expect it to have some issues! And none were crippling, it just needed a decent service really

[@jnthepassenger347]

It’s also been absolutely flogged by police, that doesn’t help things. I’ve got a Calais of same mileage and vintage and haven’t had any of these issues at all. I’ve had issues with the AC but that’s a very common fault.

[@user-jq1kq9hy1t]

there's a saying that's been around for a long time... you get what you pay for. $3800 for a 6 year old car? regardless of what it is, its probably not going to be good...

[@NZbmxer0]

nice one jack is a cool addition

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks

[@thatguyben3128]

_Nice to see Jack appear on this video in both practical and commentary, he deserves more credit 👏🏼 .. Sorry, IMO the ZB has zero street cred 😐_

[@KiwiCarLife]

Oh yeah zero street cred for sure, but doesn’t mean it’s a rubbish car. Drives nice, practical, efficient. We think it’s a good daily. And yes I’ll pass on that Jack needs to make more of a feature!

[@iamasmurf1122]

you clearly know nothing that it ran back to back bathurst wins with 6.0 litre V8 engines from VF commodores fitted in them

[@nickyang1143]

That music after the tidy up was very vintage gran turismo PS2

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep, gran turismo 4 actually

[@John-i1g]

Hey Liam, I know it's not really your wheel house, but would you consider doing a video on how you clean up the cars showing the products and techniques - like 6 min worth instead of the 45 seconds in each video, so we can see the brands and get a better idea. I've watched some US videos but they don't have the same products as here, or are curated etc and I'm more inclined to act upon something you show me that I can do here, considering the results you are getting! Just a request, I've never got my cars looking a quarter as sharp as you are getting these Turner's wrecks!!

[@Sam-zc3oe]

Have you done a Honda prelude review yet and if you haven't can you do one sometime

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep did one ages ago

[@The_Noticer.]

That transmission that makes it "boring", probably also makes it as fast as it is. Seeing as turbo cars are a lot more "peaky" in perfomance But they couldn't go CVT with this much power. I guess if you ignore the theater, its a a smart solution. Very German.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Not really… turbo cars have so much torque they could easily push through slightly longer gears.

[@rlaw3712]

its not a commodore!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Insignia?

[@lukecarpenter6984]

You should check out epidemic sounds for your music choices. I feel like that would up the quality of your videos to the next level. One subscription to a huge amount of royalty free stuff.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Ahh yes Epidemic sounds, the company that claims almost every video I post even if I get the music direct from their "no copyright" website. They're a scam.

[@ljphoenix4341]

shoutout to the channel 'Non Rasputin' for already doing a bunch of videos on former NZ Police cars, nice to see other channels making content on NZ cop cars.

[@bksniperguy]

0:45 I just felt I had to mention that A: The 225kw version of the LS1 came out in 2000 (16 years earlier) for the VX SS, and B: in '03 there was VY SII with the 235 LS1, then in '04 there was the 250kw in the VZ. Not to mention that the VF SII SS at the time made 304kw.

[@KiwiCarLife]

That’s true, but still. Given the RS-V is just a mid spec v6 and yet it makes more power than the commodore SS from a few years ago shows how tech has improved

[@LadzeeFixes]

@@KiwiCarLife Nah, not really. Nothing mid-spec about it, it's a pretty highly-strung V6 for NA and while it produces good power, any LS "from a few years back" offers more power and a stack more torque. I get the argument you're trying to point out, but saying it'll compete with any 5.7/6.0/6.2 LS sold in Commodores over the past quarter-century is not accurate. 9-speed trans helps acceleration but the big capacity and higher torque of the bigger V8s will always win.

[@sandybrisbane4167]

Can't buy parts for ZB commodores anymore in Australia dealer network or after market.

[@Wilt8v92]

Really,what is the go with that ?!

[@sandybrisbane4167]

@Wilt8v92 no support network anymore as Holden is no longer an entity. You can't even buy shock absorbers. GM re opened is OZ as Chevrolet special dealers and you can only buy Silverados and Corvettes.

[@alfredsedgewick2184]

Are older model Commodores facing the same situation with parts as well?

[@Itsamemario1ns6666]

Because it's an Opel

[@speedwaynutt]

​@@alfredsedgewick2184I own 2 VZ have not had a problem so far getting parts

[@mattholwood]

Smashing out content, thoroughly loving it. Set up a patreon, I'll be the first in line!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man! Just keep watching the videos and I’ll be happy!

[@MrBirdylol]

Hey! Can you PLEASE share how to raise the front bumper! That exact thing happened to my ZB

[@KiwiCarLife]

Just undo all the bolts that hold it on at the front and push it up

[@Sam-zc3oe]

What do you reckon handles better the Honda Accord or the prelude

[@KiwiCarLife]

Both are good because they have double wishbone suspension. Prelude is lighter though

[@dragan7638]

Great recycling gents the planet thanks you.😊

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks

[@iamasmurf1122]

the ZB commodores are actuallly pretty good probably better than clunkadores... its still GM just german GM ... i have to say why did you not match this up against the ZB calais V the V6 version .. for a real comparison, and for all those banging on about it not being a V8 they used A V8 version at bathurst where it won back to back championships ... they put VF V8 engines into them .. and these can be fitted with V8 6.0 engines

[@bonza6451]

Astras are not good cars.... they are total crap as was the vectra. Also being from Australia, that price for the zb is a bargain. At time of writing this the cheapest is $13,000 here

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah man the ex police ones here are so worthless. The astras I’ve driven have been nice. very fast too

[@kronik73]

LLW374 @ 3.32, I own this car lol, absolutely love it

[@KiwiCarLife]

Oh no way really! That’s cool haha

[@MajorYass]

There's another channel on KZbin, kiwi guy called "Non Rasputin" he does Holden stuff buys from turners fixes and sells

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah I’ve seen him haha

[@Hells_Gate]

There is still a red sedan police car here in Te Puke. I also have a 2019 RS one, lowered, tinted with 20's on it. Also had it dyno tuned. It is now 211kw and 450 NM torque. No its not a commodore, its like an Audi. It definitly is quicker than a VF V6 and handles great. Yeah it does have too many gears, one less would still be good........ These are definitely better than the other commys I have owned so no real regrets buying it, the shit part is I have only done just shy of 30,000km in it, and the price of them falls dramatically.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah agree it’s more Audi than Holden. Very European and ofc all bogan Holden drivers think euro cars are unreliable piles of garbage haha. Glad you’re enjoying yours and wow it must be a rocket!

[@kronik73]

@@Hells_Gate 450Nm from a 2.0L is crazy

[@Hells_Gate]

@@kronik73 thats at the motor, not the wheels though. If you can keep the power down, its WRX quick. I have 245/35/20 Nitto Invo tyres on it. Really good, but it still needs the traction control if you floor it under 60km/h. It handles really really good for the weight, have to be carefull not to understeer being FWD coming out of corners though

[@gerardcrabb4556]

Original Commodore was opel with local 6 and 4 so same concept fwd and awd options should have suited country roads.... SS didnt sell well in US...

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah that’s true, I guess for 40 years it was a RWD 6 or 8 cylinder so to suddenly switch to fwd 4 popper was a bit of a letdown to Holden enthusiasts

[@bonemanx1]

Top video guys, if it weren't for a unreliable gearbox seems like a good track nugget

[@KiwiCarLife]

Uhh haha not sure I’d be taking it on track!

[@barryphillips7098]

I doubt very much ANY True Holden man would seen dead in one of these!!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha I guess because we’re not “Holden men” we can see it’s not a bad car

[@jnthepassenger347]

I’m a “Holden man” and I bought one. Just suits my needs better than VE/VF.

[@iamasmurf1122]

they ran these at bathurst with VF 6.0litre V8 with back to back victorys , V8 can be fitted to these cars ... you need to wake up

[@lorimerneil67]

Well done lads 👍

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks!

[@mihas101]

Great video guys I'm looking at trying to purchase one at the auctions cheaper if I can... My only concern is parts availability in the long run... Apart from that I have no doubt it's a really good car..

[@KiwiCarLife]

Parts are not too bad to find. Just have to buy Buick or Opel parts now

[@thebaddog9065]

Yeah I always felt that the big problem with these 'commodores' was the name badge on the back.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah, great car, not so great commodore

[@user-jq1kq9hy1t]

i reckon even if it was called something else, people would still b**ch about it in the same way as they did. haters gonna hate...

[@Manawatu_Al2844]

Wasn't it the Skoda sedans that had issues with the headroom? So they switched to the station wagon instead?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Nah ZB’s. They’ve never had Skoda sedans

[@WiseGuy02]

Why not spray the front bumper scratch? You had the paint.

[@KiwiCarLife]

That’s a little harder to do as you’d have to blend it with the rest of the bumper. I’m not sure I’m qualified for that, especially with a rattle can. Would probably just make it look worse

[@jackbryden8512]

I had one of theses as a rental down in nelson. Surprised me how fast it was and everyone thought I was undercover 😂

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha yeah they are scary cars to have coming towards you

[@gregman782]

cant compare the 4cyl turbo and the commodore evoke with the 3.0L, what about the 3.6 which is better then the 4cyl, and then compare a modern v6 with a 20+ year old v8 and say just a few years ago, at least make some fair comparisons

[@epiccobz3796]

He is comparing base model to base model which is 4cyl turbo to v6 3.0 The 3.6 in the zb outperforms the vf second to none due to more power and weighing 300kgs less

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah I was comparing the equivalent base models in the first comparison, and then showing how technology has moved on where a modern German V6 makes more power than a significantly larger V8 from a few years ago

[@jnthepassenger347]

Yes you can, they came in the same trims. 3.6L in the ZB makes more power than the last V6 being 210kW vs 235kW

[@Thataussiebattler]

Very Cool!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks

[@mantarayal]

Watched this yesterday mate.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Video got copyright claimed

[@LadzeeFixes]

That 460Nm 5.7 V8 from "a few years ago" (25 years actually) would still wipe the floor with a 381Nm V6. Not really a great comparison.

[@KiwiCarLife]

With a 4 speed auto and 2WD? Lol nope! ZB RS-V does 0-100 in 6.2s, VY SS in 6.8s

[@LadzeeFixes]

@@KiwiCarLife With better chassis VE and VF were 5.4-5.6 sec cars. Like I said, a nine-speed auto helps with acceleration, but the V6 won't keep up with any LS in the 100-200km/h range.

[@nathansmith6914]

Is bogan a word in NZ too?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep

[@fishisyummy-_-817]

re-upload?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Copyright strike

[@ricefield]

ill watch this again i guess

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah sorry last video got copyright claimed

[@capybarasaresick]

Why the reupload?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Copyright strike

[@PulsarOCE]

Lol this ain't beating a ss commy or a xr6 turbo

[@KiwiCarLife]

Well yeah, it’s not trying to it’s the base model haha

[@GrilledPixeIs]

Prob could because all the ss and xr6 would be doing is spinning of the line

[@jnthepassenger347]

With mods and some bits and pieces it probably could

[@marcushubbert-persson4373]

Re upload bro?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Copyright strike

[@marcushubbert-persson4373]

@ copy right on your own video, damn 🤣

[@GLB-f7s]

I had a VS SS, VY SS and a VF Calais V. They were great cars. The ZB was an ABOMINATION that trashed the Commodore name. They absolutely should have done what Ford did and retired the name when the AUS made Commodores ceased production. They could have called it something else but they tried to leverage the name and tarnished their legacy. One of many stupid decisions that led to the demise of Holden.

[@KiwiCarLife]

As discussed in the video, I don’t believe the ZB was a bad car, it was just a bad commodore

[@NullNala]

A $3800 ZB!?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep

[@guygreening1458]

I drive one of these, best car i've ever had. No regrets

[@KiwiCarLife]

Nice!

[@thezacharymccarthy]

🎉

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yessss

[@JamesTake2]

Who’s watching from UK?👌

[@KiwiCarLife]

U kno wot m8, fanks for watchin innit

[@Thecarhackr]

Buick lacrosse

[@nowhere529]

Most Vilified Commodore ever, It did nothing wrong.

[@jorman915]

Oh you guys hate those Buicks too I see.. so do we too

[@KiwiCarLife]

Lol

[@techd3421]

Yooo first view & comment 😅

[@kapualaniananialauagiagi8371]

Yoooo gay

[@techd3421]

@@kapualaniananialauagiagi8371 😘

[@techd3421]

@@kapualaniananialauagiagi8371 😘

[@KiwiCarLife]

Well done

[@ldnwholesale8552]

You paid how much for a worn out beaten up shitbox? All those power numbers mean very little. Race track times do. 1/4 mile times do. When in Europe in 17 I saw very few of these things and the ones I saw were rep cars dragging their bums on the ground usually at under a 100km. Saw a heap of reps in Bimmers, Benz and Audis all going a lot faster. Doing 75mph I got passed by all of them and tradies vans as well. Here in Oz I have never seen a privately owned one, I guess a few around now ex Govt. No way I would ever warranty one.And they will be scrap before 200000km

[@_Junkers]

What do race track and 1/4 mile times have to do with a daily? $3800 is a steal whether you respect the car or not.

[@The_Noticer.]

Why so mad bro.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Lot of assumptions here. Worn out? There’s no clunks or weird noises we just did some basic servicing items and it’s perfect now. Power numbers mean very little? Ok. We timed it from 0-100 in 5.8s. That’s fast! And this one has just hit 200,000km and we have no intentions on scrapping it.

[@kronik73]

@@KiwiCarLife 5.8 seconds? Wow that's seriously quick for a FWD, I haven't timed mine but it feels like it's capable of something like that, I'm at 221000kms and there's no issues so far

[@CKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK]

Hey m8 are you still doing K flashes in the lower North Island? Got an accord I want to get done cheers!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Hey man yep sure am! Hit me up on instagram