How much should I pay for a VN SS ?

Are you interested in buying a Holden VN SS Commodore ?

Well, I’m assuming you either like the VN SS, own one, or are looking at buying one, because that’s how you would have came across my website – right ?

The VN SS is kind of ‘being found’ right now by a whole new breed of Holden enthusiasts who are either looking at buying a VN SS to keep as Stock or as a lot of people now enjoy doing – modifying them to their own taste.

My own personal choice is to keep it stock standard, but at the same time, I do enjoy the VN SS modified without touching the body and interior. Engine mods are really the rage on the VN SS, so you’ll definately find a few VN SS’s out their with major engine work done – but be prepared to spend some good money though, engine mods aren’t cheap!

OK, what models are there, did they come with ‘Optional Fittings’ ?

If you don’t know anything about the colours the VN SS came in, or what years they were built – here is that info.

• Atlas Grey
• Phoenix Red
• Alpine White

The VN SS was built between 1989 and 1991. Vehicles built from mid 1990 until late 1991 were Series 2 models. Most of the changes to the car were very minor and mainly cosmetic.

With the Series 1 Model, you had a ‘Power Pack’ option, which consisted of -

• Front and Rear Power Windows
• Electric Antenna
• Power Mirrors
• Air Conditioning

The main ‘problem’ with buying a Series 1 now though, is that many people are opting to install these options and finding that the installation wiring (Looms) are not in place, so you will also have to source all the Looms if you now want to install the optional fittings.

The bonus though of buying a Series 1 VN SS, is that they are generally cheaper than the models that are already fitted with the Power Pack options.

Series 1 and Series 2 VN SS’s had different Front Seats, with the Series 2 having a more padded seat up front.

As with any Sports model that is released by a car company, most go to good homes, but unfortunately some don’t. Most owners have taken pride in their VN SS’s over the years, regularly washing, polishing and maintaining them, once again though, some have not.

You may come across a VN SS that seems to have low kilometres on the odometer and think it’s alright. Look further. I could get into my car and go through a dozen set of tyres without even adding 1 kilometre to the odometer, so be careful. Have the car thoroughly checked over by someone you can trust – and know what they are doing.

Paintwork on the VN SS was pretty good overall. Once again though, if owners looked after their car by washing it, parking in shady areas as well as keeping it polished, the paintwork should still be in good condition. If an owner has failed to properly maintain their VN SS’s paintwork, you may be up for a respray which can cost upwards of $4,000 for a good job.

OK, how much should you pay ?

If you have looked around already, you may see a huge difference in prices. The problem is, many people know that the VN SS is becoming what I call a ’semi collectable’, that is, demand for the VN SS is out-pacing the supply – you need to remember that as the years go by, there will be less available to buy but at the same time, demand will still be at its’ current level, if not greater. (That’s why prices will go up)

You have two different types of sellers. On the one hand  there is the bloke who does not really want to sell it, unless the right money comes along – these are the high prices you see. Then you have the seller who ‘needs’ the money, which can be for all kinds of reasons – a new baby, buying a house, pay off debt and so on.

At the end of the day, the real value of the VN SS is up to you. But you must keep this in mind. The average prices of the VN SS is going up, there is no doubt about that.

What do I believe to be the value of the true value of a VN SS ? 

• Completely Stock VN SS 
• Average of 20,000 per year (360,000 km’s over 18 years)
• Original Paintwork 8/10
• Original Interior 8/10
• No PowerPack Options fitted
• Original Fog Lights fitted
• Between $5,000 & $7,000

  

• Completely Stock VN SS 
• Average of 10,000 per year (180,000 km’s over 18 years)
• Original Paintwork 9/10
• Original Interior 9/10
• PowerPack Options fitted
• Original Fog Lights fitted
• Between $8,000 & $10,000

 

• Completely Stock VN SS 
• Less than 150,000 km’s over 18 years
• Original Paintwork 9/10
• Original Interior 9/10
• PowerPack Options fitted
• Original Fog Lights fitted
• Between $9,500 & $12,000

 

• Completely Stock VN SS 
• Less than 100,000 km’s over 18 years
• Original Paintwork 9/10
• Original Interior 9/10
• PowerPack Options fitted
• Original Fog Lights fitted
• Between $12,000 & 15,000

There are surely going to be people who don’t agree with what I’ve listed above, but as I said, this is a guide to what I believe are the prices. Some sell for more and some sell for less.

Whilst there are many modified VN SS’s on the the market, just remember that the money is in the original setup.

If you buy a VN SS that has non-standard -

• Seats
• Wheels
• Fog Lights (originals can cost up to $700)
• Door trims and ;
• Paintwork

You may decide to restore it to original condition. To do all that I have listed, it may very well cost you close to $10,000. You need to remember that if you do actually buy a standard VN SS and modify all the things listed, it may make it harder to sell in the future – because there may not be too many people who have your taste, with regards to what you might like.

I hope this helps you a little bit in your search for a VN SS, or if in fact you already own one and are looking at selling it.