1988 Holden Commodore Berlina 2.0 straight six petrol

Summary:

Good daily runner

Faults:

A small gasket in the water pump failed, which resulted in the whole water pump needing replacement - $400.

When I put extractors and full 2 1/2 inch exhaust on it, I found 4 exhaust manifold studs were broken. (2 at each end) it's a common RB problem.

General Comments:

Great daily runner. Starts every time without fail. Sounds good and goes good. Quite sluggish at times because it's a heavy car and it's only a 2 litre single overhead cam engine.

Got extractors and full 2 1/2 inch exhaust with high flow cat, which has improved power and fuel economy. I get 600ks+ to a tank, which is driving to work and around town. 10 litres to 100ks, which is pretty good.

The auto doesn't go into 4th gear till its warm, but this is a common problem with these.

I always get looks from people even when I had the stock hub caps on it. People are always commenting on how tidy it is. The interior is immaculate and the outside is very close to immaculate.

Saving up for a V8 Holden, but will hopefully keep the old girl.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th May, 2010

1988 Holden Commodore Executive 3.8 V6 Buick

Summary:

Can't get better

Faults:

Brakes

Gear box

Water leak in car

Tyre blow outs

RUST

Had to put hose on the engine rusty water tubes

Rear tail lights leak water

Handling is great

PEOPLE ALWAYS LOOK AT IT! (even with the old scaled paint!)

Engine heaps loud in the bay

Fitted part from a VR on engine cooling.

General Comments:

People always give me the nod and look of fear at the lights when I'm in my tight VN, it really is a car for all round conditions. I think it would show how good it really is when I finally get the chance to have a real go at a new BMW, and show him how a real car goes...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th March, 2010

1988 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 petrol

Summary:

Great reliable car

Faults:

Replaced both water and power steering pumps.

Replaced radiator with a better 3 core unit, old one wasn't up to the task.

Despite best efforts rust is beginning to form under the front windscreen rubber.

Cruise control unit had to be replaced.

General Comments:

Only paid $8000 for it 14 years ago, so I think I have done well.

With stiff coils on the back, it handles like a race car.

Drives a lot better and makes use of the power better than my old piece of crap XF Falcon.

The XF feels like a peice of agricultural equipment.

Considering the XF has more power than the VL; performance wise the VL makes the XF look like a joke.

Average about 475klm per tank.

Already done 100,000 more than the XF, and in better condition too.

Really Ford, when a Falcon S Pac barley competes with a family sedan, it tells you there was quite a gap back then.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th June, 2007

1988 Holden Commodore VL Executive

Summary:

After 10 years it starts to ware down, but if taken care of it's a brilliant car

Faults:

Needs new or re-co. starter motor at least every year.

After time things start falling off; i.e. trimming.

Need to watch for head gasket, over heats in traffic easily.

General Comments:

Generally good car.

Takes off quick.

Very powerful.

My father bought it brand new in 1988, drove it everyday to and from work he did not have much trouble with the car, it got serviced regularly.

I bought the car from him in 1997, car was like new, changed the head, and minor parts. Very good car for a P plater :)

Only recently bought a new car as the car was getting to old and not worth it fix up.

Motor and transmission still original GM parts in the car and working very well.

I would recommend this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2005

1988 Holden Commodore VL 3 Litre

Summary:

A nice car that turns heads

Faults:

Not that much yet, except an electrical problem which I'm still trying to solve. The Engine keeps cutting out when I'm driving or when I give it gas. It jolts violently when it does. Then when it stalls, its really hard to get started.I've changed the spark plugs, leads, cleaned out the dizzy,+ more. If anyone can help, please do!

General Comments:

Apart from that, it's an awesome car!It's been resprayed, has 16" polished club sport mags, a 2and a half" exhaust, its been lowered and the interior is immaculate. A quick car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th November, 2004

3rd Jan 2005, 01:18

Hey mate had the same problem all it was is the crank angle sensor in the dizzy never had a problem since.