Best Used Large Car for 2023

Best Used Large Car for 202The 2016 Holden Commodore VFII SS-V Redline Sportwagon is the unassailable winner in the large car category of carsales Best Used Cars for 2023, proudly presented by Bingle.

There’s nothing like a V8, they say – and nothing at all like a V8 powering a dynamic rear-drive wagon designed and built for Australians.

Ford won this category of Best Used Cars last year with the highly regarded Ford Falcon XR6, but with RedBook data analysis and the expert judges focused this year on flagship variants, the Commodore in this trim and body style offers a combo the Falcon can’t quite match.

In this instance, it was the judges who tipped the balance in favour of the Commodore over the Falcon – the Ford contender this year a Falcon XR8 Sprint.

RedBook data actually favoured the Ford, but the judges showed a preference for the Commodore, with its 50:50 weight distribution, the handiness of its wagon packaging and its lower price from new.

A point to consider on the subject of pricing: The Ford, built during the last year of production at Campbellfield, was essentially a limited-edition model that is now worth more than it cost new, whereas the Commodore is valued by RedBook at theoretically around $2000 less than its new price.

Compared with practically anything other than this particular Falcon, that would represent pretty good retained value.

In any case, real enthusiasts will be buying these cars not for the resale value, but instead for the feeling to be had when opening up the 6.2-litre all-alloy V8, accompanied by the sudden rush along the blacktop and the explosive drum beat from the exhaust.

Then there’s the sharp steering and almost unimpeachable roadholding (for all bar those with a heavy right foot).

And buyers will get away with convincing the decision-maker in the family that the Commodore is precisely the right car because it has a six-speed automatic for easier driving, plus seating suitable for three unruly teenagers and a usefully large boot.

RedBook analysis rates the Commodore SS-V Redline Sportwagon at 37.8 points, with the judges’ aggregate of 45 combining for a total of 82.8 out of 100 points.

In 2016, the Commodore SS-V Redline Sportwagon with automatic transmission was priced at $58,690 plus on-road costs. As a used car in 2023, the Commodore is valued at $56,500.

In a comparison of the Commodores SS-V Redline Sportwagon with a Mercedes-AMG C 63, reviewer Andrea Matthews observed: “For drivers that are looking for great performance from a roomy car that can cope with Australia's undulating roads, then the SS V-Series Redline Sportwagon represents exceptional buying.”

You can read more about the Commodore in the comparison here.

“Holden’s final homegrown V8 wagon was also the finest,” says Marton Pettendy, carsales managing editor.

“A fast freighter with heaps of old-school Aussie character. If you enjoy driving you’ll love it,” adds Bruce Newton, carsales senior journalist.

Even in its penultimate year of production, the Holden Commodore still sold 25,860 units, according to industry VFACTS figures. Holden would never again see sales like that from any one model – and the imported ZB Commodore, based on the Opel Insignia, would never hold a candle to the locally-built VFII series in the eyes of Holden fans.

The Aussie-built Commodore remains an icon, but it’s also a fantastic car to drive and to own, making it a deserving winner in the large car category of carsales Best Used Cars for 2023, proudly presented by Bingle.

Honourable mentions:

The muscular Ford Falcon XR8 Sprint scored 39.8 points from RedBook and 40 points from the judges for a total of 79.8
RedBook value: $67,500

“FPV V8 power for Ford’s fastest Falcon was a fitting send-off” – Marton Pettendy, carsales managing editor

“A great-value package and still a worthy contender from the blue corner” – Ross Booth, RedBook data services director

The Skoda Superb 206TSI Sportline wagon scored 40.5 points from RedBook and 38 points from the judges for a total of 78.5
RedBook value: $30,900

“Imposing stature meets Euro chic in this formidable blend of performance, dynamics and practicality” – Ken Gratton, former carsales technical editor

“Sporty, economical and practical. The new benchmark family wagon” – Cliff Chambers, carsales used-car buying expert

What makes a car eligible for carsales Best Used Cars?
• Less than six years old
• Standard side curtain airbags
• Standard Bluetooth
• Standard electronic stability control (mandated for 2014)
• Standard reversing camera for SUVs

How did RedBook weight the categories for scoring?
• 10 per cent for resale value
• 10 per cent for ANCAP rating
• 20 per cent for cost of ownership
• 5 per cent for service intervals
• 5 per cent for number of days for vehicle to sell