1995 Holden Commodore Executive review from Australia and New Zealand
"A great car, great performance, despite a few small problems"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced Rocker Cover gasket at 70,797k's, Dealers mechanic forgot to top oil up after making this repair. - Idiot!
Engine has a small amount of top end noise. - However no where near as bad as many of the VN & VP Engines around.
Power steering pump developed a fluid leak. This was repaired by the dealer. At approximately 71,000k's.
Car has now been returned to the dealer at 75,000k's with a suspected blown head gasket, Ie; Car heats up while idling and after being driven the smell of "Coolant" is noticeable.
(Yet to find out what is going to happen about this)
Interior window trims have fallen down inside the door. (Although this doesn't bother me too much)
While braking the Automatic Transmission gear shifter moves forwards and backwards, Apparently this may be a warped front rotor?
I have noticed a damp smell in the boot, but I assume this is just a seal. And once again this isn't a major concern to me.
Replaced main pulley belt, as it was making a squeekish noise. This didn't cost an arm and a leg.
General comments?
Although having these few troubles, I am a still a fan of holden. The car handles well (except in wet weather conditions) and has quick acceleration. The interior is a little basic in the executive, but then again the car is just that - an executive model. I have made a few small modifications to the car since I purchased it, ie; Clear oval indicator's for the front guards, tinted windows, Berlina rims and added a stereo system. but as a I am only a P' Plate driver I can't exactly do too much to it without affecting my insurance premiums.
My future modifications to the car will be FE2 Suspension, Rear spoiler and maybe a few other small mod's.
However.
If you are a P Plate driver looking to buy a VS be prepared to pay high insurance premiums. As apparently they are a high risk vehicle. But if you can afford the insurance then by all means by a VS Commodore, they are a good car. Easy to "do up" ie; spoilers etc... and go extremely well.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 Ecotec V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 70792 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 75000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Holden Apollo SL JK |
| Date of Entry | 24th August, 2003 |