Credov's researched list of the 8 faults the Holden Commodore Sportwagon is known for (2006–2013), 7 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Drive slowly over a speed bump and listen for a clunk from the front, then brake firmly and feel for a shimmy.
Why it matters: A separated front ball joint is a loss-of-control risk, and this is reported as a very common wear point on these heavy cars well before 100,000 km.
What to look for: Look with a torch behind the engine above the bellhousing and at the front of the heads for wet or crusty coolant.
Why it matters: A leak that keeps getting topped up rather than fixed can run the engine low enough to overheat and warp the alloy heads, turning a seal job into a head repair.
What to look for: Watch the ABS and stability control lights go out a few seconds after start-up and stay out through the drive.
Why it matters: Losing ABS and stability control removes a real safety margin in an emergency stop or on a wet road, and a replacement or reprogrammed ABS module is an expensive, non-trivial repair.
What to look for: Listen at a cold start for a rattle from the front of the V6, and check for a check-engine light.
Why it matters: A stretched chain can jump and wreck this V6; the repair is a full chain, guide and tensioner kit, a major cost relative to the car's value.
What to look for: Listen at a cold start for a rattle from the front of the V6, and check for a check-engine light.
Why it matters: A stretched chain that jumps can wreck the engine; the proper repair replaces the chains, tensioners and guides, one of the largest likely bills on a used V6 VF.
What to look for: Check the coolant level cold, and look with a torch at the heads and water pump for wet coolant.
Why it matters: A leak left unchecked can run the engine low enough to overheat; the thermostat housing gasket repair alone is a major labour job on this V6.
What to look for: With the engine cold, look at the radiator end tanks and upper hose neck for cracks, crust or weeping.
Why it matters: A sudden, total coolant loss on the road can overheat the alloy engine enough to warp the heads or blow a head gasket before the driver can stop.
What to look for: Look up at the whole roof lining for a sagging cloth and gently press for a soft, loose feel.
Why it matters: A sagging lining is not dangerous but is a visible, common defect that costs several hundred dollars to fix properly, so it is a fair bargaining point.
Got a question about a Holden Commodore Sportwagon? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.