1988 Holden Commodore VL 3.0L non turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Overall the VL commodore is just a very reliable and quick car for those lead foots

Faults:

One fuse has blown, but easily replaced.

Rear power windows don't work using the rear door buttons.

Power antenna doesn't work.

General Comments:

Engine on the VL in just superb and very fuel economic.

No modifications have been made as yet to my VL.

However its extremely responsive to quick acceleration with the lightest press of the accelerator.

The cars handling is great.

However, rain and mud and its as slippery as a slug on ice skates.

Exhaust seems to struggle a little with smelling fumes coming in the car.

Don't now much about the car as this is my first VL.

If anyone knows any modifications that I can or should make to make it better, please email me at ctair@hotmail.com.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2002

1988 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 litre from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A bargain

Faults:

My head gasket blew at 125680 Kilometres.

Radio does not work anymore.

Coil springs need replacing.

General Comments:

The VL Commodore is quick car for it's size, but the handling is terrible around corners.

Can be heavy on fuel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th July, 2002

1988 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 Litre Six from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Good first car

Faults:

Bad engine miss more prominent when hot. Initially thought problem was faulty crank angle sensor, but discovered after much analysis that the rotor button was faulty! Apparently this is a common problem that is often solved by auto electricians by replacing the complete distributor at a cost of some $350-00. The rotor button costs $15-00. A real trap for young players and definitely worth checking prior to spending all that money.

Put simply, if the car starts when cold the crank angle sensor is usually OK. If car misses when hot, change rotor button and distributor cap as a first hit. Save lots of money.

General Comments:

Good car that will give years of reliable service if looked after.

Poor quality trim is a bit of an issue.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2002

1988 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 Standard 6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great looking, value for money and reliable

Faults:

Surface rust can emerge on windscreen sills and boot.

Air-conditioner doesn't completely turn off when in "Off" position.

Seals prone to leaking.

General Comments:

Car is generally responsive, with power steering helping out a lot. Acceleration can be a little sluggish (help if it was tuned) and initial gear selection in the 2000 RPM range can be rough.

Uses the fuel pretty badly. Car in great nick regardless of k's travelled.

Well kept and most likely re-sprayed by previous owners- 2pac white.

Apart from the slight faults (the car is 14 years old) the VL is a great model, reliable and can perform under the right conditions.

A lot of potential in these cars, can look smashing with just a few modifications.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th June, 2002

1988 Holden Commodore Executive 3.8L MPFI V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Unreal for the money I paid!

Faults:

The car was in a mess when I bought it. The paint was faded and cracked, there was a rattle in the motor, it wasn't looking pretty.

General Comments:

Once I done it up, it was a pretty sweet car. I gave it a Calais 2 tone paint job, put in a grey interior, replaced the timing chain in it and I put a set of alloys on it.

The car goes hard, drops a huge burnout and handles pretty well for what it is.

The standard steering wheel is huge and it makes you feel like your driving a fishing trawler. Replaced it with an Autotechnica sports steering wheel.

Parts, including genuine ones, are reasonably cheap and most wrecking yards have heaps of used parts lying around.

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

Review Date: 6th June, 2002

1988 Holden Commodore VL 3.0L from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A silent, mysterious performer!

Faults:

Power steering pump blew at 200,000km.

For the last few months there's been a quiet knock in the rear. I'm no sure if its the tail-shaft or the differential, but it gets faster when I'm rolling faster.

I've had a cracked head a few months ago, but I've recently fixed that.

My "power" dash light comes on and off, and my wiper buttons have a blown bulb in the case.

General Comments:

This car is unlike any VL on the road. It handles like a dream, it's extremely quiet inside yet rumbles the road on the outside.

Its very possibly on of the neatest Vl's on the road.

A lot of time and effort has gone into the maintenance of this car and it shows.

I've put an exhaust (2 1/2") with mandril bend extractors on. The cam timing is advanced.

It's lowered with mags and the windows are as dark as.

With the flick of a few switches it looks like its hovering at night with a few surprise neons.

The other thing is the awesome sound the CD player puts out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th May, 2002