Manual 5 speed overdrive fifth gear jumped out when engaged from new.
Oil leaks from new everywhere on the engine.
Power steering was faulty from new, replaced.
Engine uses oil at a rate of 1 litre between oil changes.
Coil pack has just gone wrong.
Car has ample power to safely get the family about and after the initial gearbox problem, it is a smart looking machine. It handles well even though I feel the rear shocks have reduced power in stopping body roll.
A deadly car for young drivers, too much power for the novice and the body is fairly light for a big car, so young dudes get a Japanese four cylinder Corolla for your first car and you can't help but save your dough.
I think you're a bit harsh on the performance side of things! I'd give it a 8.5/10 or 9/10 at least. I have a 5 speed manual VS Executive and I think it absolutely hammers if you treat it right, and if you're not afraid to put the foot down! You're right about one thing, it can be a very dangerous car for novice's, and caution MUST be taken in the wet!
Nah, his performance rating is OK. Nissan Skyline GTR or Subaru WRX deserves 8 (or maybe 9) from 10, Holden Commodore V6 isn't that special! However it is quite grunty for what it is :-)
I totally agree that it's too much power for a young driver. The problem is these days, kids get into cars such as the 3.8 GM Buick V6 and think they are invincible, it's too late after they have caused a serious accident.
Just reading the comments and found them to be fair and I also agree with the comments about oil leaks especially power steering. One thing is that I have heard a lot of stories about the Automatic Gearbox giving way. I have been told that the stall converter has to be modified or replaced and after speaking with the Head Technician and the holden dealership he advised that the gearbox cooling system has to be upgraded or installed. A little footnote is that I have owned Commodores (VH, VK, VN and now VS) all my driving life and will continue to drive them.
I have two commodores both VS and don't think they are overly powerful. One is an Acclaim auto and the other is an executive manual. The manual whines, but I understand that is quite normal while the Auto is a dream to drive. It has FE2 and a LSD with the standard IRS. I don't believe the auto will blow off a V8 but the manual might. I had a lot of problems with the auto regarding fuel consumption. Of course Holden would not acknowlege the problem, but 270 KM from 60 litres was a bit much I thought. After spending $300 I was able to determine that there was an earthing problem with one of the oxy sensors. Holden then came to the party and fixed the earthing problem, but that was all!
Well I have to agree with the respondent comments, I have owned my manual vs executive for 6 months now, and it has run smoothly since day one. With a cam-shaft and extractors, it holds a lovely rumble. overall it is a nice car to drive, and it pulls well with mates el xr6...
How can you say this car is "deadly" for young drivers. it's not overly powerful, and it isn't designed to be. sure the manual is faster than the auto, but 95% of these cars are auto. When it comes to performance the japanese cars have it all over australian cars..
Note: A Comments RSS Feed 
is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site