V8-powered Holden ute demands premium price in the UK

The owner of a recently-imported Holden Commodore ute in the UK is trying to sell what is a relatively common car here for nearly double the price of equivalent examples in Australia.

Listed on new and used-car sales website AutoTrader, this 2007 Holden VE Commodore SS-V ute was imported to the UK in December 2020 and subsequently registered for the first time outside of Australia in June 2021.

According to the seller, the 6.0-litre V8-powered ute has had a number of mechanical components recently replaced – including its rear shocks, front suspension bushes, gearbox and engine sump gaskets, gear selector, brake pads and rear tyres – though it is awaiting a refurbished starter motor.

With its odometer indicating it has travelled approximately 95,000km, the Commodore ute has been listed for £30,000 – equivalent to about $58,500 in Australian currency.

For context, the Holden Commodore SS-V ute was priced from $46,990 plus on-road costs in 2007, while second-hand examples with similar mileage in Australia are currently listed for sale for close to $30,000 – depending on condition.

The Commodore ute’s price is also more than double that of a 2007 Vauxhall VXR8 – the UK-market version of the HSV Clubsport, which was sold through official General Motors (Vauxhall) dealerships – which has been listed on AutoTrader for £14,950 ($29,000).

It is also in stark contrast to a 2005 Holden Monaro in the UK which was spotted by Drive earlier this week, which sold online for £8995 ($17,500) about 24 hours after it was posted for sale.

The Monaro sold for about one-third of the price of similar examples of the same car in Australia.

If you’re interested in buying this Atomic Green Commodore ute, the listing claims it has a valid Ministry of Transport certificate – equivalent to a roadworthy certificate in Australia – which is valid until 31 May 2024, as well as a new tow bar.