2003 Holden Combo Van from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Hi, just read your query... I added a comment to a question raised in earlier correspondence... (see 2nd August 2009); check the block behind the speedo... I reckon this is your problem.

I've read all the negative comments about this vehicle... it's a pity... as it's a great design... high doors for driver and great access. I've still got mine... luckily I haven't had the same mechanical issues... yet!

Hi,

I saw a little Combo van on the side of the road. I have fallen in love with it, it is perfect for what I do, and I am a small person who does not want to be reaching in far to get gear out of a vehicle. But alas, I will now continue on with my trusty Toyota ute, and leave the money in the bank for a couple of years until it is time to replace the ol' Toyota with another one.

Cheers, and good luck Combo owners, my heart goes out to you.

I bought a 2005 Combo 3 years ago, and it is fantastic.

I have a bad back, but find the seating is great, even on very long trips.

Fuel economy is like nothing else I have ever owned, and it goes forever on a full tank.

The large side mirrors are a bit of a safety issue, but you do get used to them and take extra care when pedestrians are around. I have only had to replace the usual things; battery, tyres and the alternator died last week, but these things go on any car - just the normal things that have to be replaced. Great for camping, moving house, going to the dump, sleeping in... a great little van... I love it, and will buy a brand new one when this one has done its time.

Don't be put off by the bad reviews... there are lots of good ones around... just have a look at how many businesses have them.

I just replaced the gear box in my mother's Combo van. She owns her own local transport company out in Roma, Queensland, and once I finished it, I re-checked everything from top to bottom twice.

I just started it, and the clutch hits the ground. Now I'm not one that knows a lot about hydraulic clutches, and I have no clue whatsoever on how to fix it. Any advice? Besides burning it down.

Thanks, Jarred.

I agree, my 1996 Combo goes well. I have put a rear camping room and awning on, but yes there are issues, and I hope I can sort them out. As a female, I need it running right. I am going to replace the rotor cap and a few minor things before I go away again. Lorry.

Very informative and helpful. Saved me considering a dud.

The courier company I work for has two 2009 models, which myself and another driver drive. I have been with them for just over 2 years now. When I started there was around 78,000k's on both. The previous driver drove it for a year.

So far I've been through 5 ignition packs and 1 oil sensor switch. Ignition packs seem to last only 6 months, and get replaced under warranty to our mechanic's disgust (they don't get paid to replace them).

The other driver was unlucky, and lost his transmission and also 3 ignition packs over that period.

We are both sitting around 193,000k's currently. The vans get used twice a week to deliver mail and catalogues that exceed the carrying weight capacity. Definitely a strain. They run 12-14 hours each time. Regularly serviced every 15,000k's (previously 10,000k's), and our mechanic hates them!

Now my clutch is rattling around and there is very little feel/pressure on the pedal, and sometimes it crunches into gear and my indicator stick locks on when turning left. All-in-all, we've really put these vans through their paces.

They're a great idea for a small van, but mechanically they are somewhat dodgy. Holden should re-think this model, and come out with a better performer, because I really like the size and convenience of this van.

Thanks to all these comments, I will now not buy one of the Combos. Saw one for sale cheap and it looks good, but no thanks now.