1991 Holden Commodore VR V6 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Top value car all round for the money today

Faults:

The only problem I had with the Commodore was a little 3rd gear problem. Sometimes it wouldn't go in properly.

The throttle position sensor we had to replace.

Central locking would do its own thing sometimes, and then didn't work at all.

We (I meant my kids) lost the keys once and cost a fortune to replace, thank god for the key man who had the key codes so Holden couldn't rip me off a few hundred dollars (for a key).

General Comments:

Comfort was great.

Handling was great.

The power I miss, a lot, which is why I sold it and bought the 4x4's to slow me down.

Air conditioner was good.

Stracky was ere.

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

Review Date: 29th January, 2010

1991 Holden Commodore Executive 3.8L from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Stop researching it, and just buy it

Faults:

The factory paint job is all chipping away (common issue).

Leaks a little oil here and there (drop or two a day), I like to refer it as marking its territory, not leaking.

No factory rear speakers in car.

The headliner fell down, although it was an easy fix.

General Comments:

Workhorse. We have used it to haul 2 tons of dirt and gravel no worries.

This car has been driven by me across Australia and back, and a few trips from south western VIC, to Queensland without a problem.

I just can't kill it, and I have tried. I have exceeded the weight limits, and have pushed the pedal to the floor countless times.. The car just doesn't understand the word QUIT. Love it.

As a car that has over 310,000 kilometers on the same engine and transmission, and was never properly serviced in it's entire lifetime, I am impressed at the durability of the Commodore. Sure it leaks here or there, or makes a strange noise every once in awhile. I would buy another in a heartbeat (not that this one will ever die though)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2009

1991 Holden Commodore Executive 3.8 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

I will miss my Holden!

Faults:

The most serious issue was that it cracked a head gasket sometime before I got it - somewhere over 200,000ks? To be fair, this is a typical Holden problem in earlier models, and the previous owners gave the car hell and exceeded the weight limit towing, so I can't blame the car.

Fuel injectors failed.

Transmission become very clunky, (will need a reco).

Boot leaks (come to think of it, the whole car leaks a bit!)

Air-con doesn't work on 1 and 2 (but a delightful smell of fuel comes through.. safer to wind down the windows).

Rubber seals came off the doors.

The steering wheel partly fell off :) I believe it had a replacement steering wheel, which wasn't great quality evidently. The horn ended up as a little button in lower dash - not great if you're not left handed!

Fuel gage sticks.

Key has trouble opening boot.

Things needed rewiring (but wiring appeared very dodgy, so I'm sure this is attributed to poor job),

Radiator needed replacing.

Uses a little bit of oil (tired engine).

General Comments:

I love this car. It has had a very very very hard life (in animal form it would be at the SPCA), and despite this, it still runs!

The cracked head has been a real problem, and although it seems to be fixed, I'm too anxious to drive the car in case of overheating. If the car had been treated well, I am convinced it would run forever. Being a female, I love that the seats place me higher so I can see, and the interior is generally very roomy and comfortable - great for long journeys. This is a brilliant car to interrogate slow drivers in, although it should be noted the brakes do not stop it! I saw one person say they handle like shopping trolleys, and I thought this was a great and accurate comment!

My favourite thing would have to be the guts of this car - unlike Japanese imports, the Commodore will NEVER roll back on ANY hill - take your foot off the brake and she will pull forward, which I find extremely safe.

Fuel consumption.. hmm.. I never found it to be that bad, until I bought my 1.8L import. To be fair, the Commodore doesn't cost much to fill up, but it uses the fuel quickly around town (long distance she's disconcertingly economical). I ran it on 91, and was told it would be more economical on 96 or 98, so I ran it on 96 - big mistake! She ran well but I nearly cried at how much fuel it used - nearly an entire mark for short destination and back! So it was back to 91...

I wish I could have had this car after having been looked after, because it would have run like a dream. To her credit, she had so much guts you would never notice the head problem if you didn't check the water! I have absolutely no regrets in buying this car - it's a pity the modern imported cars aren't made like these super cars!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2009