1989 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Really nice car

Faults:

Nothing much really. Only a couple of things.

The crank angle sensor died at 84,500km.

The front shock absorbers need replacing.

The front disc brakes need machining as one or both are warped.

Leaking exhaust.

General Comments:

This car is in very good condition for its age, not a spot of rust anywhere.

It goes like a cut cat and spins the back end very easily.

Other than the incident with the crank angle sensor it has been very reliable.

The air flow sensor had been replaced not long before I bought the car, so hopefully it should be a runner for many years to come.

Seems to be very easy on fuel consumption which should improve when I fit an oxygen sensor.

The only thing I don't like about it is that the automatic gearbox will not change into 4th gear until it has reached a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. This is a real pain heading down the highway, first thing in the morning doing 100km per hour at 3500 RPM.

Does any one out there have any ideas on how to fool the computer to to allow 4th gear to operate when the gear box is still cold.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th November, 2004

1989 Holden Commodore VN SS 5L V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Unbelievable attention,

Faults:

Tires chew out too easily. Petrol is soo expensive for a V8.

Cold air induction fell onto the road.

General Comments:

This car is a weapon, it has been worked and nothing has beaten me on the road too date. Last race was against a VT SS ute and I killed him while I was struggling to gain traction.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th November, 2004

28th May 2006, 03:10

What have you done to the engine?

1989 Holden Commodore S 3.8 Petro from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Awesome power for a V6

Faults:

I obtained full-service history with the car, and many things have gone wrong, but whilst I have had it:

A few light bulbs have blown.

Drivers-side window rubber runner snapped while my window was fully down.

Power-Steering pump gained a leak, easily replaces however.

Currently I need new front brake pads (last replaces end of 2001) and oil pump needs replacing.

General Comments:

This is an awesome car, looks good, drives great.

I have fitted FE2 suspension and the car handles great, however as most people have said, be careful in the wet as you can lose the back-end really easily, I have already found this out.

ABS brakes have been a lifesaver!

Quick car for a V6, beats many other cars off the lights, including V8's.

I wouldn't recommend this car to P-Platers, although I am one and have had this car since the day I got them.

But for a cheaper performance car, you can't beat a VN s-pack.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2004

30th Sep 2004, 17:25

ABS brakes on a 89 Commodore yours must of been a once off.

ABS was not an option until the VP model (in 92)

1989 Holden Commodore VN 3.8 litre from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

It's a high performance machine

Faults:

I had to replace the power steering pump, due to an oil leak.

I have also had to replace the engine mounts, because they were oil soaked and had collapsed.

Bad paint job, surface rust had appeared so I had to get it resprayed, which wasn't cheap.

And the boot seal was stuffed so I needed to purchase a new seal, for such a small peace of rubber they are expensive.

General Comments:

This car has great acceleration and handles well, but when it's wet you have to back off and drive sensible.

Apart from these, the car is a great car for its price and it's easy to enhance its performance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th July, 2004

1989 Holden Commodore S 3.8 V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Performance and reliability

Faults:

Water pump blew at 150000km.

Power steering pump blew at 170000km.

Vibrating in steering.

Seats broke easily.

Seals on doors broke.

Struts broke at 175000km.

Roof lining started to collapse.

Paint started to fade.

Seat belts faulty, resulting in dealer recall.

General Comments:

My Commodore sounds rough, but is a slingshot off the line.

Fuel economy isn't too bad, as long as you don't put your foot down too much.

My brakes last on average for about 4-5 years.

Lots of power, I have beat a few VS of the line.

Love the FE2 suspension.

Maybe not a car for P platers (i am one), but if you no your car, it is very good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th April, 2004