2001 Holden Combo SB 1.4 EFi unleaded
Summary:
I would own another one. It's the only vehicle I haven't killed
Faults:
Air-con reoccurring electrical fault (due to my bad wiring).
Water pump and timing belt at 115000km (as per the 100000km service I never did).
Thermostat gate valve sticking and was replaced at the same time as the water pump.
Some dash lights not working.
Roof bubble showing some rust.
General Comments:
I have abused this poor little van for 60000km.
Driven half of that distance fast and hard (100kph) on unsealed rutted out bush tracks and roads.
Changed the oil once.
Carried the maximum 500kg load many times.
Hosed the back out, hosed the cab out, including seats and console!
I have hit 2 wallabies and 1 wallaroo on 3 separate occasions, and although they causing extensive front end damage, each time I was able to continue driving safely.
It won't die!
There is a comfort factor of about 0, but that's not why I bought it.
Again. It won't die!
It is totally gutless, goes up hill at 80, still has great gas mileage despite the lack of care and servicing, but can also comfortably cruise at 130kph!
The load area is massive, so if you have lightweight but bulky loads to carry, then it's perfect!
Makes a great camper van, and the overhead storage is cavernous at least!
((((A WORD OF WARNING))))
In Australia at least, these vehicles must be run with light commercial tyres to be compliant. The rubber and side walls on these tyres is much harder than normal and takes a lot longer to wear. If you are NOT under load, there is a tendency for this little van to want to UNDERSTEER BADLY in wet weather or slippery conditions!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th February, 2014
30th Sep 2016, 13:22
I have to agree with this review!
I have used my 2009 Combo for over 6 years/380,000km running 12 hours non-stop, twice a week plus general driving so I have really put it through its paces. Over the years I have had to replace the coil pack every 6 months or so, many tires, 2 clutches and 1 gearbox.
People say it's uncomfortable, but I'm just over 6ft and never had a problem with comfort. The bucket seats are very comfortable! Some people have complained about the aircon, but mine has worked a treat over summer!
I have had sludge build-up causing a massive explosion of oil in the engine bay during my 12 hour shifts, but the van still keeps on going and I have never had to call a tow truck even after hitting a roo point blank. It just keeps on going!!!
The van is very nimble to get around in and is like a go-kart. It does lack power down low, but will cruise nicely over 100km/h. I would feel very confident travelling interstate without a problem because of its reliability to keep on going.
The final nail in the coffin for my van has been the ECU, which costs $2000 to replace. But, in saying that I can still drive this thing around!!!
It's sad Holden don't produce these vans any more. Parts are a lot cheaper than the Euro equivalent, which seem to suffer mechanically and electrically.
I would definitely buy a second hand Combo over a Renault or Citroen any day! It can take a licking and keep on ticking!!