1978 Holden HX Kingswood Utility review from Australia and New Zealand
"A Ute with lots of character"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Lack of compression, fixed by a 2nd hand motor.
Rust repairs for warranty needed (floor pan)
Timing gears stripped themselves for no apparent reason.
3sp gearbox crapped its self- replaced it with a Toyota celica 4 speed.
Bench seats uncomfortable - replaced with commodore buckets seats - much better now, you can turn a corner at speed and not end up siting in the passengers seat.
Replaced seat belts.
More rust repairs needed. (above drivers door)
When it rains you get wet feet.
Electrical faults are endless.
Failed third warranty of fitness in a row because of rust. (panel in front of windscreen, rear wheel arches, rear quarter panels)
253 V8's drink less fuel than the 3.3l 6 cylinder motors.
In current condition it's a Pink Sticker waiting to happen.
General comments?
Handles like a sack of spuds.
Has plenty of torque, but really lacks top end speed.
Thank god for rear spares replacement panels - you just have to weld them in.
Does excellent burnouts - about the only thing it's good at.
Great looking old classics.
Considering giving it a 500,000 km birthday - addition of V8, lowered suspension, trip to panel beater's for respray, may be interior spruce up too.
Recommended Reviews:
  | A good car if you can find a good one |
| 1977 - HX Kingswood Worked 186 Takes my breath away |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.3 Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 459000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 496000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Holden Commodore |
| Date of Entry | 27th August, 2002 |