Ausfag here, Looking to upgrade my VT commodore to either a VE or VF entry model...

So it looks like the SV6 is the pick of the bunch if I don't want to go v8 then?

Cheers for the advice.

Honestly if you really want the Commodore experience you need the V8, if you want a fast Australian car and decent fuel economy then just get an XR6 Turbo

How much do the VE SSV's go for these days?

You can get a series 2 one in great condition with low km's for around 22K, whereas a series 1 would be about 16k for one with higher km's

Why avoid the series 1? What years are we talking here?

That dosen't sound to bad at all. I was thinking more around the 25k+ range.

Get the V8 6.0 mate the alloytec is too abused high ks

Vy-vz are bulletproof in the V8

This, Alloytec is to drive compared to the V8, the fuel usage between the V6 and V8 isn't even that big if you drive sensibly

Can second this. Getting 12L/100km driving one side of Adelaide to the other every day in my landbarge WL. V8 is far more reliable and fun anyway.

V6:
The SIDI is worth the extra money. It really is, the engine revs better and is morw powerful. Plus if youre getting an auto, a SIDI (3.6, dont even waste youre time with a 3.0) comes fitted (not all models, make sure you pay attention) with a 6 spd auto that is leaps and bounds better thn the 5sp slushbox
Dont get a VE series one before 2007/08 because they have timing chain issues (check the wiki page for specific year models to buy)
If handling is youre primary concern the VF is a must. Ill admit ive never driven one but its generally agreed it has better weight distro, is marginally lighter and the electric steering gives much better handling and feedback. A lot of people describe it as chalk and cheese between a vf and a ve in terms of handling.
If you can stretch for a vf definitely look for a series 2 because they ironed out a lot of issues, mainly some issues with the electric steering
V8:
All series one VE v8s are pretty similar, again, higher model year means less kinks. The VE wasnt perfect on release so stretch to a later model S1 if you can, however:
The series 2 is infinitely better because of the addition of a ls3 which is a better breathing and better built engine.
Again, the same principles with the vf apply, worth the extra money but money is money so do what suits your budget.

Tl;dr : v6 = newer is better, v8 = theyre all very similar but newer is still better, functionally a ve s1 v8 and a s2 v8 will work and operate very similarly