1996 Holden Commodore VS Series 2 Equipe review from Australia and New Zealand

Alternator died at about 60,000 kilometers which was about $150 to fix at an auto electrician.

Sometimes my auto transmission can be sluggish and splutters around to find the right gear.

It shudders when accelerating in fourth gear over 80kmh which can be bad when overtaking on freeways. Both of these problems I have not found the answer for yet, but by using your power button and dropping the transmission to three it runs a lot better.

The VS is easily the nicest looking Commodore that holden has brought out and shows by holding its value so much better than the VR. Also a good VS is now the same price as some VT's.

My interior is in perfect condition and I intend to keep it that way with no faults at all from the cruise, electrics, Air Conditioning or dash.

The 147kw on a cold night really know how to take it from a stand still to 160+ kmh without even a struggle or a murmur from the engine. Its pick-up from the line is quick and smooth unlike the VN and I have no trouble beating new VY Commodores.

I have installed a sound system that includes a Sony head deck, 6x9's, splits and tweeters. A 600w Kenwood amp and a Pioneer 600w 12" sub.

I replaced the stock springs with Pedders Touring springs and new rear shocks were needed to cope with the smaller springs. The car looks awesome lowered. If you want to lower any commodore don't get a car with IRS as it wears the inner side of your rear tyres. I have the better radial tuned suspension.

I'm still a P-plater so insurance companies don't like me much. I have full comprehensive which stings me $1500 a year. That's on rating 3 in my name.

My last car which was a 1982 manual Gemini and since buying an Auto I really want the manual transmission back so VS buyers I recommend the manual transmission. This is not only for reliability, but also if you want to enjoy your car more.

I have plans of getting rims, either VX SS or big 18" VY SS. Also an exhaust system with headers (extractors) and possibly changing the cam and chip. All of that would see me with a 190-200kw V6 which would beat 5.0L V8's including VS Club Sports. This might have to wait until I'm 21, which is less than a year away.

Overall it is a great car to drive, the smooth handling, comfort, safety and power on top of the mechanical and economical side make this car a big thumbs up. I have no complaints although some series 1 owners do so get a series 2.

Expect prices to drop next year when the new V6 arrives just as the 5.0L did when the GenIII arrived in the VT series 2. Low kilometers is also good.