1988 Holden Commodore SL with extra's review from Australia and New Zealand

Failed bearing in gearbox, required total rebuild.

Rust under front windscreen, beneath rubber seal in boot and also on floor of boot.

Replace hydraulic lifters once and rectified similar fault 18 months later by adding an oil cleaner prior to oil change.

Odometer stopped working at 115,000 until I replaced it with a Berlina dash.

Air conditioning fan switch faulty. Requires "fiddling around" to get working in high speed only.

Although these cars are renowned for cracked heads and continual crank angle sensor problems, I am yet to experience any of these faults. The car is relatively quick and surprisingly very fuel efficient, approx 11.5 litres per 100km around the city.

Have found that the car is very receptable to the use of high octane premium unleaded fuel. (98 Octane) Not so much in increased output, but in mileage. Approximately an extra 150km per tank. (65 litre). My best mileage to date is 700km+ coming back to Adelaide from Melbourne. Average speed 140km.

Although I don't have power steering, I find the car easy to drive very maneuverable and thus easy to park. The seats could be more comfortable though, but I'm working on that.

My only complaint stems from the brittle nature of the plastic used in the dash and the scuff plates beneath the doors. Also the drain holes underneath the front window are set to high to remove all the water that penetrates below the seals causing the rust problems.