1978 Holden Kingswood HZ 202 - 3.3L from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Not in the military but want a TANK??

Faults:

The main thing that has gone wrong is just the fact there is a bit of rust on it, but hey the thing is 30+ years old.

Apart from that it drinks a fair bit of coolant in the radiator and used to pop a few fuses.

The main problem I have with it is it slides all over the place in the wet, but I guess adding 18inch rims with low profile tyres doesn't help.

General Comments:

If you're after a car that costs nothing to run (Besides the petrol costs) this is it. Nothing goes wrong with it, I have maybe serviced it twice just changing oil/filters etc twice in 5 years and it is bullet proof.

Parts are DIRT CHEAP! and it never needs much.

It took a ding to the front and cost $200 for a new front end and radiator.

They are comfortable, large, cruisers.

It gets looks wherever it goes, a total stunner.

Only thing I don't like is the 3 on the tree (manual) transmission, but a supra box is easy to fit on it and LPG is a quick fix too!

Only 3 things can survive a nuclear holocaust.. Cockroaches, Crocodiles... & Kingswoods!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st February, 2009

1978 Holden Kingswood HZ Wagon 3.6 Alloytec V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A classic with a modern feel

Faults:

At 300000km the 4.2 V8 engine blew a head gasket, 4 piston rings blew and the lifters started to wear.

The engine always consumed a large amount of fuel per km, being a V8.

The engine seized after the oil pump failed while driving. The engine was then removed for a V6 conversion.

Interior is still in pristine condition.

General Comments:

The 4.2 V8 finally seized and was removed for a 3.6litre Alloytec Holden V6 transplant, along with 4 speed automatic transmission.

The wagon is great for cruising and is very powerful and efficient, and very good for towing. And with the lighter alloy engine over the front suspension it handles a lot better and is easier to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th October, 2005

1978 Holden Kingswood HZ 4.2 litre V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A good car at the end of the day

Faults:

My petrol pumped packed in at 272345.

The carpet is starting to wear, and I think the universal joints might need replacing.

General Comments:

A good car in its day. It still is.

A bit expensive to run though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th September, 2003

1978 Holden Kingswood HZ Worked 202 6 cylinder from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

These are perfect on and off road

Faults:

I got bogged and and hooked the tow rope up to the wishbone, and it snagged the steering arm ripping it off. I fixed this with a bit of fencing wire, it worked well taking heaps of slop of the steering.

Cracked thermostat cover by revving the Kingswood up too much when it was boggy, trying to get up a 4wd track. I was spinning doing 140 km\h which is pretty good for a paddock basher.

General Comments:

Well I purchased my HZ for $100 and it has mags, extractors, sports exhaust and pump up shocks, so it is a high performance bargain!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th July, 2001

1978 Holden Kingswood HZ 202 worked LPG from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A total sleeper that goes hard and looks bog stock

Faults:

This car has been very reliable; I do a lot of miles with work and expect the car to just go and not let me down.

Transmission cooling lines to radiator - one sprung a leak thru them rubbing together. Fixed by bronze welding - cost $5.

Minor stuff like a dash globe etc.

Nothing major, though.

General Comments:

I have owned about 65 cars ranging from American cars through many performance Fords and Holdens.

I like my Kingswood because it just does what its supposed to, nice and comfortably.

It was a bit slow when I first got it (standard 202, automatic), but now it has a worked X-u1 motor, 5 speed and LPG so it's powerful, economical and most of all, fun.

It is totally bog stock on the outside down to the standard ride height and hubcaps, and South Aussie Cop Car Blue paint (it was originally a police car), so it really freaks people out at the lights as it blows cars into the weeds.

I think its saving grace is Radial Tuned Suspension (and non stock gas shocks); it handles very flatly, steers well (now that I've taken all the freeplay out the steering box) and has pretty good brakes stock.

And, believe it or not, it makes a great off-roader! I've taken it thru dunes, down tracks, and even made a few tracks of my own - never been bogged, never seen a hill it couldn't make.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2001