1994 Holden Commodore Berlina from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

A clunk from the rear drive from nearly new that despite persistence from me was not fixed. However it got no worse in 55,000 kms.

Minor trim defects and rattles. ABS light kept coming on - fixed promptly under warranty.

Persistent engine oil leaks - rear seal-fixed twice (engine out) - still leaked again.

A great car for the money. Powerful and economical, quite comfortable, bit spoilt by poor factory quality control. My first new car - won't be in a hurry to repeat the experience. A friend of mine has a nearly identical car and has had no problems. Holden quality control seems to be a matter of luck.

Sounds familiar... rear main seal problems caused my VR Acclaim to have the engine and transmission out 3 times in one week, when 6 weeks old, and it still leaks oil. Within the first 6 months it also had to have the front resprayed and new front door seals fitted (still noisy). Persistence is also required in dealing with rude, dismissive and arrogant Holden service managers.

Apart from the quality control issue though, it is still a great looking and performing car.

My VR runs fine. Just a few little things such as noisy power steering, a habit of ripping up the lawn when accelerating and the window tinting bubbling which happens a fair bit in commodores that I've seen around. Over all a great car and goes like a rocket.

VR acclaim - IRS, ABS, V6 AUTO.

Rear seal oil leak - declined Holdens suggestion to fix it at their dealer - as it seems unlikely that a new seal will last anyway.

Power steering rack seal leak into the boots - replaced the rack under warranty - Holden were quite helpful.

Noisy timing chain rattle at slow idle.

Poor 14L/100k fuel economy in city (I'm not a leadfoot) - but a good 8/100 in country.

Noisy doors d/t slight body flex.

Otherwise, a nice car to drive, reliable, comfortable, generally easy to work on.

1994 VR Executive automatic wagon - it had poor fuel economy, 15 litres per 100km around town, I replaced the transmission filter and fluid and it improved to about 11 litres per 100km. It didn't appear to have a transmission fault but it did, the oil was a bit off colour, not red like it should be. Since I worked on the transmission it kicks down a lot easier and labours less, maybe this may help your problem. I suggest you get someone to do the work for you, it is a messy job and should only cost about $90.00.