1984 Holden Commodore SL 3.3 Carby from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Overall a great car to drive, but can cost heaps on fuel

Faults:

Starter motor went shortly after buying the car.

Starter motor went again 100km later!

Front brake pads needed replacing when I bought the car.

Rear drum cylinders were replaced at 211,000.

Windscreen wipers a bit dodgy.

General Comments:

I bought this car in mint condition as a one owner car which still had all the original books.

The engine had been replaced at 165,000km and has now done about 45,000km on the new one.

Unfortunatley I got one that was built right at the end of 1984 so it still had the carby instead of EFI in the 1985 model.

Not great fuel economy in the carby model compared to the EFI. Despite this I still get around 400km per tank on premium which isn't too bad. The 202 is notorious for chewing fuel like there's no tomorrow anyway.

The 3 speed trimatic rocks in low gears, but can be a bit sluggish in drive.

Overall a great car to drive, but can cost heaps on fuel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th June, 2005

11th Dec 2005, 17:33

Hi there,

I own a 1985 Vk commodore myself.

I originally found as you said that it guzzled a lot of fuel.

I have found though that a common problem among early commodores is that the vapour lines at the fuel tank become all perished. This means that when you fill the petrol tank up it leaks petrol without you knowing it. Also, when you go around a corner, more petrol leaks out and when the car is standing, more petrol evaporates out.

I have fixed this by dropping the fuel tank and replacing the perished hoses. The hose is available from your local auto retailer.

I have helped a few friends with this also and although the fuel economy is not excellent, it improves so much that it becomes a reasonably efficient car.

You may want to consider checking this.

1984 Holden Commodore 3.3 Carby from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Good first Car, Cheaply fixed, Fair performance

Faults:

The Carburetor needed reconditioning when first bought car along with new inlet/outlet manifold gasket.

Head gasket blew at 260,000km fairly cheap to fix.

Headlight switch burnt out surprisingly expensive to fix due to parts hard to find.

Air pump recently died and not even worth fixing so that was removed.

Transmission slips badly which is going to be fully reconditioned with heavy duty parts, quite cheap to do.

Engine will need reconditioning soon and that is also cheaply fixed as it is leaking oil and coolant.

Cooling system blocked, fixed with removing thermostat.

General Comments:

The best thing about this car is that it is so cheap to fix which is good being 18 and having no money.

The car runs well for all the problems it has had :)

As with all old commodores it likes the fuel...

Being a berlina the interior is excellent, the seats are very comfortable!

The steering and handling is quite good for the age of the car, larger tyres (only 14") would be better such as interceptor rims.

Once the engine and transmission have been reconditioned the car will be much improved as they are the only things letting it down!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2004

1984 Holden Commodore VK 3.3 varajet carby from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

It's in brilliant condition. A good buy

Faults:

The alternator was faulty when we first brought it home.

Air leaks in the exhaust fixed by welding.

Small rust holes in boot fixed by welding and putty. Then rust treated.

Rear lites did't work. Fixed with new globes.

General Comments:

I think it is a good overall car for $200.The only problem is I don't drive yet. It sure does teach me the value of money.

Even though I own it my dad loves to drive it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st February, 2004

1984 Holden Commodore Executive SL 3.3L EFi Black Motor from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A very good first car, make sure you find a good one

Faults:

Air Conditioning pump blew at 111,000 ks.

Dash board squeaks badly on bumpy roads.

Brakes are spongy even after the mechanic has gone over the whole system and says there is nothing wrong.

Replaced shock absorbers at 122,000ks.

Engine tappets are noisy and had too be replaced at 118,000ks.

Engine needs too be replaced, blows blue/white smoke on start up, but is OK when it warms up.

Seats have started to ware badly.

General Comments:

An overall good car.

However it is sluggish up hills. but on a nice flat road it's a good drive.

The automatic gearbox is a dream.

Although it could do with another gear as it is only 3spd.

As this is my first car. it has gotten me from A too B.

Although I will be buying a ford next time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th September, 2003

10th Feb 2007, 03:15

You would be better off buying a sigma than a ford.