1988 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 efi from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great buy now coz of the VX coming out.. in SA around $3000, you can pick one up with mags etc

Faults:

Cracked head at 203600 km.

Remove and repair rust around the front wind-screen, 211000km.

Brake light wiring loom faulty... had my boot on fire - 190000km.

General Comments:

Great car for speed and handling when you lower them... but a rough ride.

Me being a big person, VL's are great for leg room, uncomfortable seating and not much room between my head and roof.

I found that my VL is crap on fuel... may be because it use to be an ex police car for the NT police.

BT1 pack front end works wicked on these cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 2001

1988 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 Litre 6 cylinder from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Sick car

Faults:

Seals have broken down over time, letting in water and whistle at high speeds.

Tiny, tiny ammount of rust below the front windscreen.

General Comments:

Great car. I'll buy the same for my next car, but will be a turbo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th February, 2001

1988 Holden Commodore SL BT1 3.0 litre turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Save your cash and buy one that's already had the work done, heaps cheaper that way

Faults:

2 injectors packed it in.

A couple of split hoses.

Seat has broken at the height adjuster pivot point.

Thrust bearing in gearbox is stuffed.

Paint is starting to show its age.

General Comments:

An ex-pursuit cop car at a bargain price, ran a 13.9 quarter with only 10 pounds of boost, no intercooler.

You don't really have to do much to these things to make them seriously quick. I really want a 'cooler', and a rising rate fuel regulator to release some more neddies.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2001

1988 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 litre from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A great first car

Faults:

Not much really. A few minor things though.

* Speedo sticks on zero occasionally if it's hot weather and exposed.

* Air-conditioner switch doesn't work on the number 2 position. Only on 3 and 4.

* Radiator needs replacing in the near future.

* All hoses replaced - probably all original.

General Comments:

A great first car and couldn't have wanted anything else. In comparison to the later VN model I prefer it a lot more as it doesn't seem as fat and big.

A very reliable car and a great bargain. At present expect to pay $4500 to $7000 or more for a decent car.

If anyone can help with ideas on replacement of the air con switch or suggestions about the speedo, please let me know!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th January, 2001

27th Feb 2001, 00:35

With the air-conditioner switch, all you need to do is go to your local Holden dealer and tell them the problem and it's not hard to fix it. Can be fixed for under $30.

13th May 2001, 22:12

I've got a VL with the same problem and I was told I'd have to buy a whole new switch assembly (the whole panel), from memory they charge close to $100.00.

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1988 Holden Commodore VL RB30 3.0 Nissan from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A cheap, powerful car with a lot of potential

Faults:

New transmission.

Lifters.

Crank angle sensor.

Throttle position sensor.

Brake master cylinder.

Oxygen sensor.

Fan clutch.

Radiator hoses.

Temprature sensor.

General Comments:

When running it is a wonderful and powerful car with excellent fuel economy (30 mpg average on city and open roads).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st December, 2000

1988 Holden Commodore VL Berlina 3.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Quite good, but too many electrical problems

Faults:

What hasn't gone wrong?

Boot rust.

Guard rust.

Cutting out for no reason after about 50km or so.

But quite smooth and gutsy when it does go, probably the best Holden made after the HQ.

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

Review Date: 11th December, 2000

21st Feb 2001, 05:48

You should look at the crank angle sensor if you haven't already if it cuts out like that.

1988 Holden Commodore BT1 3.0L turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Too easy to make 'em go even harder...

Faults:

Very little.

New front brake pads, spark plug leads and some rust removed from the front and rear windscreens.

Removed a Breatheliser tube from the A/C duct.

General Comments:

Absolutely fantastic car until I lost control under full throttle and hit a parked car. But not to worry, it will be back on the road soon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd November, 2000

21st Mar 2001, 07:36

That sucks doesn't it, I had mine nine days and hit a tree.

$4000 and one month later it was as good as new.

7th May 2001, 23:43

Well I had my VP BT1 for 6hrs and had some one collect the tail. It was a mess. 3 months later it is pulling hard again.

1988 Holden Commodore VL 2.0 litre, straight six from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Well made

Faults:

Battery, wheel alignment, exhaust manifold.

General Comments:

Good reliable vehicle, medium priced.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th September, 2000

1988 Holden Commodore VL 3.0L EFI 6 cyl. from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A good medium performance cheap reliable car

Faults:

Wire in central locking circuit, (small) wheel alignment, and exhaust is old. No major problems.

General Comments:

The Nissan RB30E engines are one of the best ever made. Very hard running engine that can take a lot of punishment and still run reliably. Some may have problems with the alloy heads but the rest of the engine quality sure makes up for it. My engine only has minor mods(2.5" exhaust, rampod filter, and cold air induction) but with a manual trans, the car gives late model Commodores and Falcons a great run down the 1/4.

The Turbo VLS, well they're a whole new story. One word can describe their performance "QUICK", with the stock manuals managing high 14's down the quarter mile.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 2000

1988 Holden Commodore VL Executive 3.0 Litre EFI Straight 6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

The Young Hoons Hack!

Faults:

Crank angle sensor replaced, be wary it's expensive for such a little part!

General services, spark plugs lead changed, nothing unusual.

General Comments:

A pretty good solid car with good performance for not too bad fuel economy.

Drives well and is fairly comfortable.

Popular model too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th July, 2000