Fantastic review, as a 2nd owner of a Calais v ve v8 , I will have mine till I die , future classic for sure , sad to hear of your gearbox problems , mines got 120,000 on the clock and are now having lifter problems ( LS7 lifters are the fix apparently ) I personally think it’s one of the best Aussie cars ever made
Mine is creeping up to 300,000kms now. I'll keep it running for as long as I can. The biggest issues I've had are interior build quality. The DVD player even fell out of the roof!
Been driving around in a beat up old Camrey (2007 Model) for years. Dings in the back, interior falling apart in it, paint stripping, constant issues with it (definitely not reliable like Toyota says). My dad (Holden enthusiast since he was born) called me and said he brought me a Black V6 Calais with big 27s on the back, sunroof, clean interior and only had 1 owner before me. Perfect choice for a car, handles like a dream, clean with no dings or scratches and its mean with those 27 Mag wheels! Its perfect, i have not a single complaint about it!
@@WhatsTheCarLike mabye 21 Inch, im not a huge car person haha, but they are big. Some after market mag wheels the previous owner brought. Big at the back small at the front, handles well though
Beautiful review brother. The guy who told your about the "a" pillar blindspot, i would agree. I have a feeling it is because i am quite tall 6"3 and the seat is way up and back, making the pillar a blindspot.
Nice review mate. Like you, I also purchased a VE V V8 2007 CALAIS. I still have mine as well. I ordered it from HOLDEN in February 2007 and was notified of all the "events" that were happening to the car before the last "event" which was delivery. I took delivery of mine in April 2007. I had so many genuine HOLDEN accessories placed on my CALAIS that it had to go to HSV and then became a HSVi [HOLDEN SPECIAL VEHICLE INDIVIDUAL]. Mine has not yet hit 90,000 km and is in great shape for its age. I have never had any problems with mine and I'll never sell it as this model [and only this model] won WHEELS CAR OF THE YEAR back in 2006! It will now only increase in price as HOLDEN has unfortunately gone. Thanks for the review.
Thanks, for the comments. I purchased mine at exactly the same time as you. I ordered it in February 2007 and it was delivered late April 2007. I didn't get any notifications through the process like you though, maybe it was the dealer been slack on my end and not passing the information on. These cars built in 2006 and 2007 are also more rare as they are fitted with the L98 engine. In 2008 they reverted back to the older and less powerful L76 engine as this had AFM capability (fuel saving, cylinder deactivation capability). What accessories do you have on your Calais? I remember asking the dealer at the time about getting the HSV brakes as an option and was told that this is not an available option. I later found out that the HSV disc brakes don't fit behind the supersports wheels. I actually think I still have the Wheels magazine from when it won WHEELS CAR OF THE YEAR.
@@WhatsTheCarLike My accessories are: Spoiler, racing stripes, stainless steel pedals, window tint, alarm system upgrade, 20" alloys + full size spare 20" alloy, lockable wheel nuts, sat-nav, sunroof, mud-flaps, headlight protectors, cargo separator, boot lid protector and floor mats. Here is a link on facebook to see my beast. I call him "butch" [LOL!] my other car is a 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT, I call her "bitch" - soon to be privately sold to buy a MB A-CLASS. facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1380413825521418&type=3
Your car is looking good for a 13 year old car. I had a VR Holden for 13 years and it was a pretty quick and reliable car. It’s a pity they’ve stopped making them and a lot of hoons have been thrashing them around.
Thanks for the comment, I have tried to keep it in good condition. The VR holden are great I just about bought one many years ago but ended up getting a VT. Also previously had a VN wagon.
Thanks for the comments Sam. The plan is to hold on to it for some time and try to retire it soon as my everyday drive. The V8 is definitely a dying breed, unfortunately.
Thanks for watching the review and the comments. I lowered it a very long time go but from memory I went with the SL they are Pedders springs and I left the standard shock absorbers on. I think they were roughly 20-30mm lower than the standard suspension (FE2). Any lower and you would have problems over speed bumps At the current height I have not had any issues eve with a 3 inch exhaust system.
Thanks for the comments. Assuming you have modified the exhaust on your CalaisV? My setup is pacemaker short extractors (headers) ceramic coated, 3 inch X-force system and instead of using the X-force exhaust mufflers I used the mufflers from a bi-module HSV. This has helped keep the noise down and also remove any drone at highway speeds.
Lol, Thank you for the complement, I wish I was that young. Definitely had it since new, purchased back in 2007. Thanks for the comments. I also love wagons one of my first cars was a VT Wagon with the HSV kit on it, loved that car.
Hey, Check to see if timing belt has been replaced if it has not it will likely need to be in the near future with over 200k on the clock. Listen out for any strange/unusual sounds. Check to see there is no obvious fluid leaks in the engine bay.
i got ve calais v black in colour mines v6 but my is my08 and its badged as hsvi model also they are nice car to drive but going convert to ls2 with 6 speed manual till today love the car
Nice setup Scott. I also considered at one stage converting mine to manual and dropping the LS3 engine in.Wwould you consider an LS3 conversion instead of the LS2? As the LS3 is a stronger engine.
Yeah they could of done a better job of that. I have had to disconnect it anyway as there was a issue with it that started draining the battery when parked.
I'm considering purchasing a VE S1 Calais V6 at the end of the year,however most around 10K have 175-200+K's and well the timing chain might go so i might get an S2 Omega instead
Don't think my parents will be willing to go interstate.........Problem is most of them under 10K are Alloytec and i don't want to risk it if the chain goes
Fair enough, I understand the timing chain will put you back around $1,800 as i know someone that had to do it recently. Have you checked for a Berlina?
HeronOmega save a bit more and get a v8 , you won’t regret , if still on p plates drive a cheap shitbox till you can get one , v6 is crap , these cars only make sense with v8 , by then they will be even more affordable and even better value for money, cheers
Hi Michael, It should be fine with 188K on the clock (V8 engine should go for at least 300K). I would just make sure it drives fine, do the usual checks, also check the passenger side carpet as the earlier variants are known to leak water in on this side unless they had this fixed. Holden did a tech note about this, but were not very vocal about it (as in you had to contact them, they didnt go out to owners) most people wouldnt have got this fixed. See if it has had the timing chain done as they are due to be replaced around 180K and that's at least a $2K job.
@@WhatsTheCarLike I got there and it wouldn't start.. flat battery so im told. I left and haven't been back. Any recommendations? 15k to spend, ive always wanted a v8 but I know it's not really practical. Cheers
Hi Michael, sorry to hear. The old flat battery issue. The early variants of the Calais V (including mine) had battery drain issues with certain auxiliary items draining the battery. Mine when flat a few times when it was only a few months old. Holden came out with a software update which rectified this issue, and most owners would have had this applied to their Calais at the time. Have you asked the owner how old the battery is? They will only last a maximum 5 years before needing to be replaced. Mid last year I had issues with battery drain on mine after recently replacing the battery. The issue ended up being the entertainment system (DVD player) which was drawing power when the car was off. The cheapest solution was to disconnect the entertainment system and after that it was fine. Easiest way to see if the car has battery drain is to connect a multi-meter to the battery in the boot whilst the car is of and see if its drawing any voltage, should only be drawing a maximum of 1.5v any higher and their is an issue somewhere.
Thanks for watching the review. Good to see there is another similar one around. Was his also lowered? Definitely not his s mentioned in the review I have had it since new.
Crow showed by poo on car bills comedy tbere lying in the banks by my purchase at the end photos for the book as in the future you can buy the black ve Calais and do 9s
They definitely toned down the sporty aggressive look on the VF Calais. But they started doing that with the later model VE dropping the FE2 springs for FE1.5 springs that gave it a higher ride height (but more comfortable ride). I do actually prefer the interior in the VF Calais over the VE.
Fantastic review, as a 2nd owner of a Calais v ve v8 , I will have mine till I die , future classic for sure , sad to hear of your gearbox problems , mines got 120,000 on the clock and are now having lifter problems ( LS7 lifters are the fix apparently ) I personally think it’s one of the best Aussie cars ever made
They are a fantastic car and still look great on the road. I have not had any lifter problems on mine. Hopefully its and easy an inexpensive fix.
Mine is creeping up to 300,000kms now. I'll keep it running for as long as I can. The biggest issues I've had are interior build quality. The DVD player even fell out of the roof!
Been driving around in a beat up old Camrey (2007 Model) for years. Dings in the back, interior falling apart in it, paint stripping, constant issues with it (definitely not reliable like Toyota says). My dad (Holden enthusiast since he was born) called me and said he brought me a Black V6 Calais with big 27s on the back, sunroof, clean interior and only had 1 owner before me. Perfect choice for a car, handles like a dream, clean with no dings or scratches and its mean with those 27 Mag wheels! Its perfect, i have not a single complaint about it!
Liam, they are a great car, I m sure you will continue to enjoy it. 27 inch mags do you mean 21 inch? What design are they?
@@WhatsTheCarLike mabye 21 Inch, im not a huge car person haha, but they are big. Some after market mag wheels the previous owner brought. Big at the back small at the front, handles well though
Great looking car, especially for itscage.
Very nice looking car. I remember as a kid loving the VK and VL Calais. They still look great today. The calais has always been a lovely car.
I agree!
Ve is the new vk
Beautiful review brother. The guy who told your about the "a" pillar blindspot, i would agree. I have a feeling it is because i am quite tall 6"3 and the seat is way up and back, making the pillar a blindspot.
Nice review mate. Like you, I also purchased a VE V V8 2007 CALAIS. I still have mine as well. I ordered it from HOLDEN in February 2007 and was notified of all the "events" that were happening to the car before the last "event" which was delivery. I took delivery of mine in April 2007. I had so many genuine HOLDEN accessories placed on my CALAIS that it had to go to HSV and then became a HSVi [HOLDEN SPECIAL VEHICLE INDIVIDUAL]. Mine has not yet hit 90,000 km and is in great shape for its age. I have never had any problems with mine and I'll never sell it as this model [and only this model] won WHEELS CAR OF THE YEAR back in 2006! It will now only increase in price as HOLDEN has unfortunately gone. Thanks for the review.
Thanks, for the comments. I purchased mine at exactly the same time as you. I ordered it in February 2007 and it was delivered late April 2007. I didn't get any notifications through the process like you though, maybe it was the dealer been slack on my end and not passing the information on. These cars built in 2006 and 2007 are also more rare as they are fitted with the L98 engine. In 2008 they reverted back to the older and less powerful L76 engine as this had AFM capability (fuel saving, cylinder deactivation capability). What accessories do you have on your Calais? I remember asking the dealer at the time about getting the HSV brakes as an option and was told that this is not an available option. I later found out that the HSV disc brakes don't fit behind the supersports wheels. I actually think I still have the Wheels magazine from when it won WHEELS CAR OF THE YEAR.
@@WhatsTheCarLike My accessories are: Spoiler, racing stripes, stainless steel pedals, window tint, alarm system upgrade, 20" alloys + full size spare 20" alloy, lockable wheel nuts, sat-nav, sunroof, mud-flaps, headlight protectors, cargo separator, boot lid protector and floor mats. Here is a link on facebook to see my beast. I call him "butch" [LOL!] my other car is a 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT, I call her "bitch" - soon to be privately sold to buy a MB A-CLASS. facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1380413825521418&type=3
Iv got one but yours ooooooo shit lucky basted
Your car is looking good for a 13 year old car. I had a VR Holden for 13 years and it was a pretty quick and reliable car. It’s a pity they’ve stopped making them and a lot of hoons have been thrashing them around.
Thanks for the comment, I have tried to keep it in good condition. The VR holden are great I just about bought one many years ago but ended up getting a VT. Also previously had a VN wagon.
Nice car mate.Good kilometres for the age of the car and that V8 what else can i say.Hold onto it as long as you can.
Thanks for the comments Sam. The plan is to hold on to it for some time and try to retire it soon as my everyday drive. The V8 is definitely a dying breed, unfortunately.
Great review. suspension is a good height, I’m looking to do similar for my VE Calais. Can you tell me what you did and which SL ? SSL? thanks
Thanks for watching the review and the comments. I lowered it a very long time go but from memory I went with the SL they are Pedders springs and I left the standard shock absorbers on. I think they were roughly 20-30mm lower than the standard suspension (FE2). Any lower and you would have problems over speed bumps At the current height I have not had any issues eve with a 3 inch exhaust system.
@@WhatsTheCarLike that’s great info! thanks for responding to my question 👍
Mate may I say you’ve done a very good job I own a CalaisV V8 and it’s a lot more louder s than yours I’m confused
Thanks for the comments. Assuming you have modified the exhaust on your CalaisV? My setup is pacemaker short extractors (headers) ceramic coated, 3 inch X-force system and instead of using the X-force exhaust mufflers I used the mufflers from a bi-module HSV. This has helped keep the noise down and also remove any drone at highway speeds.
"Had it since new." What, you've had it since six years old? Any way, great review. I love this car in wagon form.
Lol, Thank you for the complement, I wish I was that young. Definitely had it since new, purchased back in 2007. Thanks for the comments. I also love wagons one of my first cars was a VT Wagon with the HSV kit on it, loved that car.
Hey in a few weeks im looking at a series 1 calais not v8 but it has 220 thousand ks on it anything I should look out for
Hey, Check to see if timing belt has been replaced if it has not it will likely need to be in the near future with over 200k on the clock. Listen out for any strange/unusual sounds. Check to see there is no obvious fluid leaks in the engine bay.
i got ve calais v black in colour mines v6 but my is my08 and its badged as hsvi model also they are nice car to drive but going convert to ls2 with 6 speed manual till today love the car
Nice setup Scott. I also considered at one stage converting mine to manual and dropping the LS3 engine in.Wwould you consider an LS3 conversion instead of the LS2? As the LS3 is a stronger engine.
The subs are on the parcel shelf and amp in boot, awsome looking car in phantom black,
Thanks
I never understood why they made the DVD LCD display without any kind of damping, it just fall like its broken.
Yeah they could of done a better job of that. I have had to disconnect it anyway as there was a issue with it that started draining the battery when parked.
i have the same car i love it im in your area
Nice one Shane. You don't see to many of them around our area, plenty of European cars though.
confirming VE Omega did not have bluetooth, Berlina & above did.
I'm considering purchasing a VE S1 Calais V6 at the end of the year,however most around 10K have 175-200+K's and well the timing chain might go so i might get an S2 Omega instead
You should be able to find a V6 version for under 10k with less than 150K's on the clock. Have you tried interstate?
Don't think my parents will be willing to go interstate.........Problem is most of them under 10K are Alloytec and i don't want to risk it if the chain goes
Fair enough, I understand the timing chain will put you back around $1,800 as i know someone that had to do it recently. Have you checked for a Berlina?
Yeah,may have to settle for an MY10 Berlina or S2 Omega,thx anyways
HeronOmega save a bit more and get a v8 , you won’t regret , if still on p plates drive a cheap shitbox till you can get one , v6 is crap , these cars only make sense with v8 , by then they will be even more affordable and even better value for money, cheers
Im looking at one tomorrow... 188k on the clock.
Any thoughts?
Hi Michael, It should be fine with 188K on the clock (V8 engine should go for at least 300K). I would just make sure it drives fine, do the usual checks, also check the passenger side carpet as the earlier variants are known to leak water in on this side unless they had this fixed. Holden did a tech note about this, but were not very vocal about it (as in you had to contact them, they didnt go out to owners) most people wouldnt have got this fixed. See if it has had the timing chain done as they are due to be replaced around 180K and that's at least a $2K job.
@@WhatsTheCarLike
I got there and it wouldn't start.. flat battery so im told.
I left and haven't been back.
Any recommendations?
15k to spend, ive always wanted a v8 but I know it's not really practical.
Cheers
Hi Michael, sorry to hear. The old flat battery issue. The early variants of the Calais V (including mine) had battery drain issues with certain auxiliary items draining the battery. Mine when flat a few times when it was only a few months old. Holden came out with a software update which rectified this issue, and most owners would have had this applied to their Calais at the time. Have you asked the owner how old the battery is? They will only last a maximum 5 years before needing to be replaced. Mid last year I had issues with battery drain on mine after recently replacing the battery. The issue ended up being the entertainment system (DVD player) which was drawing power when the car was off. The cheapest solution was to disconnect the entertainment system and after that it was fine. Easiest way to see if the car has battery drain is to connect a multi-meter to the battery in the boot whilst the car is of and see if its drawing any voltage, should only be drawing a maximum of 1.5v any higher and their is an issue somewhere.
Beware. I have a VZ V8 (LS1) lots of stuff has broken down on mine at around 200,000 kms. Expensive stuff too.
I want one exactly like this one but i cant find one anywhere.
They are getting harder to find.
What is colour code for 2010 statsman wheels please
The statesman standard 18 inch wheels?
I love your holden caris
Appreciate the kind comments, i do have a soft spot for this car.
swear to god this is my pops car he sold, there’s no way you’ve had it since 2007
Thanks for watching the review. Good to see there is another similar one around. Was his also lowered? Definitely not his s mentioned in the review I have had it since new.
Crow showed by poo on car bills comedy tbere lying in the banks by my purchase at the end photos for the book as in the future you can buy the black ve Calais and do 9s
Wtf This guy said the calais was better than the ss
I guess better is a matter of opinion. But it is more expensive than the SS and come with more standard features than the SS.
I mean it depends if you want performance or luxury
They are both great cars.
They are more refined,
later the calais got worse. sorry holden...
They definitely toned down the sporty aggressive look on the VF Calais. But they started doing that with the later model VE dropping the FE2 springs for FE1.5 springs that gave it a higher ride height (but more comfortable ride). I do actually prefer the interior in the VF Calais over the VE.
You've ruined the poor 🚗