Comments: 1-15, 16
Electrical fault with reverse lights, need to be serviced by an auto-electrician for registration. (Changing the fuse didn't help, it just burnt out as soon as it was put in reverse).
Exhaust may have a leak... I'm not sure.
Inside of rear tyres are worn due to camber.
Multiple incidents superficial damage (eg stone chips, scratches, worn leather on steering wheel, worn leather on gear shift)... Although this is expected after 9 years and 190000 km.
I think I need a steering alignment, if I take my hands off the wheel when driving it; the wheel will rotate about 8 degrees left and steer accordingly.
The brake light across the trunk is broken also and I can't afford to fix that.
Nice...
Bad things first...
I don't like the amount of slack in the steering wheel... It stresses me out whenever I hit a bump/pothole and the wheel turns 10 or so degrees... Not a problem as the car doesn't steer either way as a result, it's just that the wheel has a kind of neutral zone where you can turn the wheel about 5 degrees left or right without any response.
Apparently very expensive to repair. Some fool badged the car and it is AUS$68 to replace with Holden advertising. The reverse light across the trunk costs about A$38 per bulb I think.
Insurance is steep as I am under 25. Allianz had the best prices for full comprehensive, but I still couldn't afford it.
I am paying $31 per month for 3rd party through Allianz (GIO was about $51/month)
Not really a negative, more a different. The euro style layout gears are not so much a problem (Reverse on the up and left with a 1-4 H and 5th gear up and right). The euro style indicators/wipers have caused some problems when going back to the lancer. Making rushed lane changes occasionally sees me turning the wipers on. It can be a little bit of a pain to have to take your hand off the shifter to indicate.
The good things :)
Aerodynamics... Apparently the best drag coefficient of any car until GM bought out this new electric car (note it doesn't require air scoops to cool the engine and thus has less drag)
I am a big fan of all the extras that come with the Calibra standard (eg power windows/mirrors/sunroof)
I find that when flooring it from stationary in the wet that it can kick out, and on the second day I had it, I took it pretty fast out of the traffic lights into a long uphill left hander and the backend felt like it was gonna kick out (just had to ease off and press again on the accelerator). I think this may have something to do with the slack in the steering.
For a 9-yr-old car that cost me only A$8000 to buy and still get looks is very good. Just as a comparison for $8000 I can pick up a 1996 Hyundai Excel. A 93 Celica will cost about $12000, the 94 Eunos (the sporty one) is about $15k. It is an absolute bargain for under $10k.
My next car will be a 97 Calibra 2.5L V6, a 2.0L Turbo or a 2.0L Turbo 4WD... unless I make some serious money in which case I will get a 3.0L V6 Renault Laguna.
As much as I was critical above, I would never change my decision. I am in debt $5000 to buy my calibra and I wasn't ready to buy a car, but I am glad that I got it. I only got it because it was a calibra and it was under $10k.
It is a pleasure to drive, and after driving the Calibra and getting in my parents 2000 Automatic 1.5L Lancer GLi it feels like I'm in a truck (because the Lancer is higher than the Calibra and has no pick up.) I would not buy an automatic Calibra. I have never driven one, but the manual is so much fun.
The Calibra is a very sexy car, I would pick it any day over some of those ugly rice burners (eg skyline, impreza) and would only pick the good looking rice burners over it if the price was right and the power output was better (eg 3000GT, FTO, Supra, Celica)
Sorry, I wrote this review,
Forgot to mention the comfort factor.
I am 6'4" (195cm) and I struggle to fit into a lot of cars, but the Calibra is really designed for taller people.
Also on the engine, was hammering it today, you can hit 100km/h in second gear and still have revs to spare (i think it was at about 5250-6250 rpm and redline begins at 6750 rpm I think)
Also, it comes with factory skirting along the sides which is sweet.
And it is a hatchback which makes it a much sexier car I think.
The best value for money sports or luxury car you will get for under A$10K.
Happy Cruisin'
Mate I am looking at getting one of these at the gold coast in the VERY near future. I like what you have written about is and you have swane me to get it I think. :) all my friends drive rice and its good and all, but this thing does stand out. I was driving from the coast to brissie recently and saw one for the first time and was baffled to what it was and couldn't believe it had the holden badge on it.. from the back I thaught it was a cobra...
And I like ur choice of cars FTO and 3000GT
big up your self mate!
I just bought a Cali for the very same price. So far I love it. I have driven faster cars - (Toyota Supra, EL Falcon XR6, BMW 325i, etc) and I have to say that in terms of driver satisfaction, the Calibra provides much more than all these cars.
I would have to advise you against purchasing the 4X4 turbo model though - the transfer box that links the transmission to all 4 wheels has a habit of exploding unexpectedly.
If this happens, a new transmission is needed and can cost an awful amount. I've seen some of these going for around 13 thou AUD from a Holden dealer. If you do decide to purchase a turbo, make sure that both the front and rear tires have even wear, otherwise the transfer box may be damaged or susceptible to incur damage. I would go for the V6 model, which is not quite as exciting as the 2.0 litre 16 valve. Alternatively try and find a turbo setup from a 4X4 model and fit it to yours. The only problem with this mod is that the standard 5 speed will not handle the power and the car will be spinning the wheels every time you release the clutch.
I am a student from Perth Western Australia and I am seriously considering purchasing a calibra cos it looks so fine, the extras (full electrics - sunroof, windows) and the price is so damn cheap for a sports car.
But the reason why I haven't purchased one yet is cos I am getting all this info from forums and reading about all these repairs and the price to fix them and it's got me thinking is it worth purchasing the calibra cos I don't want to buy a car and then fork out money just to get it road worthy again.
It's got me thinking so much that I might just buy a commodore or magna no ford :P. but they don't have the wow factor.
Just wondering if I could get information on what type of money any calibra owners have had to fork out on repairs? any info would be greatly appreciated.
Email - zonix19@hotmail.com.
Hey, I bought my Calibra (1992,135000km red 2l C20Xe, all electrics) in november 2001 for aus$12000 which I thought at the time was an unbelievable deal. My previous car was a Holden Camira which I sold for a 100$ and I have driven Commodores, Falcons, Opel Vectra before, so I didn't know much about Calibras.. I bought the car because I loved the shape, and that's about it. it just looks aweseome.. I can't believe these cars were first made in 1990.
One important thing to know about calibras is that they are probably some of the most expensive cars to fix/repair in australia (if the car needs any repair at all). From my experience calibras don't need to much repair/maintanance, but when they do you gotta have a big wallet.
The last calibras were made in 1998 (just stupid) and the spare parts availability is shocking. Whats worse, Holden Dealers are clueless when it comes to calibras..
Things that have gone wrong in the last 3 years:
-Passenger side electric window:motor stuck. I haven't fixed it yet because the cheapest quote I got was 750aus. Holden dealer charges over 1000.I'm currently waiting on a replacement motor from europe which I bought for about 200aus.
-Whenever I put my right hand turing signal the fuse burns (it's the same fuse used for rear brake lights and left turning signal). I have been trying to fix this myself, I even bought the calibra service manual with the electrical schematics.. For now I just make three left turns instead of a right hehe.. sometimes anyway..
-Rear wheels wear out more in the inside, this is gonna cost about $250aus to fix.. it's problem with the rear camber.
-middle rear brake lights burnt (I bought with this problem)
and it costs about $aus150 to fix (35 for each of the bulbs.. which is incredibly expensive). One suggestion for this is to use a transformer and different bulbs.. I haven't done it yet because I'm too slack.
-the electric roof inside cover has come of, and it stayed off! I reckon it looks better without it.. nice red metal to with the balck interior.. plus it makes the car lighter :)
-I couldn't find an adapter for my mp3 player connections so I had to match each wire separately.. (again, spare parts/accesories availabily is to blame)
Good things
-the car just looks great, with nice fat mags.. black tinted windows, arrow shape.. I can't believe people pay 25-50 grand for ugly skyline&wrx racers like the guy above mentioned. With that kinda money you can build an awesome turbo calibra from scratch.
- I did 230km/h on my way to Melbourne (from Adelaide) with my mate sleeping next to me in the passanger side. So at high speed the car is unrecognizable- must be the unique aerodynamic shape?.the acceleration from stand still is not that great, I must say.. but it's more than enough.
-no major things have gone wrong.. Engine purs perfectly (I know now what the difference is between german made and the rest..)
I have 180000k on it now, and it's in the same state as it was 3 years ago when I bought it. I've spent bugger all on fixing/maintaining it so I'm pretty happy with the car so far. I have heard stories from calibra owners who had problems with newer calibras (timing belts destroyng cilinders, power steering failures) but I still think they are just exceptions.. overall it's a very good car for it's price.
I'm interested to hear from other calibra owners. If you know of any good dealers/parts shops around australia let me know.
CC, Adelaide, Australia
a1062979@student.adelaide.edu.au.
Hi I own a 92 5 speed manual calibra.
I have had heaps of problems with the car, Problem number one cost me $4000 crack found in head after first service, with that fixed drove around for a few months and all my electric's have failed first my air con went then the fan stopped and know my power windows have failed (right hand side works only when the car is being started) the car is currently sitting in the shed (being quoted $1000 to fix the power window problem alone). It is a real shame as the car is very fuel effecaint, looks great, go's OK. If anyone out There can help me with replacement power window s
That would be fantastic please e-mail me Jimmy@cullenc.com.au.
Hi.
I've got a 92 Holden Calibra and it runs extremely well for the money. I paid only only $4000AUS. I have on the other hand run into a bit a car problems over the past year. I've had problems that mechanics don't even know what the problem is after taking a look at it so I let the car sit in the garage for a week, disconnected the battery and it was back to normal?.who knows what the problem was.
Parts for the car are rare, but no impossible to get. I've probably spent, so far, about $700AUS buying new front brake disc's, fuel pump, filters and light bulbs, all in all worth the value. Panels and bumpers are probably the most expensive, I got a quote for a new rear and front bar from a GM dealer and the total came up just under $1900AUS. Shocking!!! Calibra's are known to have a lot of computer problems that's why I'm looking for an after market computer to put in. Does anybody know of anyone or can recommend anyone that supply computers to these cars.
The car certainly is an eye catcher. Driving to Albury from Sydney I clocked 245m/h and the car still had more. I only got up to 5000-5000rpms. Still had more pull in it considering it's a standard 2.0L 16V. Experts say the Calibra can only reach top speeds of 230-235km/h?not true.
If anyone can help me please email me peterly_16v@hotmail.com.
I wrote this original review. Since then, I have sold my 93 2.0L 16v Cally, and upgraded to a 1996 2.5L 24v Cally. I was trying to keep an open mind when looking for a new car, but absolutely nothing compared to the cally still in my price range. I flew to Melbourne to get it and drove it back to Sydney.
I love the extras of the later model v6 (ie traction control, dual air bags, trip computer, oil/battery gauges). I have already spent a bit on it, gone to 18" rims and it still rides really smooth.
Still fall in love with the car every time I walk outside and see it.
One big factor in influencing me to buy another one is the support that is available on two Australian based Calibra forums; clubcalibra. org and holden-calibra.org. Both of these forums are unbeatable for support, and they make life a whole heap cheaper and easier.
I just posted in relation to the V6 I just purchased. Just reading through some of the comments, a lot of these problems have been addressed on the forums (clubcalibra.org and holden-calibra.org) and could have been addressed a lot cheaper.
The brake lights, $35/bulb from holden... But they are $6/bulb from jaycar, $8/bulb from a boat shop and $12/bulb from repco.
Front bar from holden, someone said was $1200. There is a guy on the forum who can source a whole range of aftermarket front bars, rear bars, side skirts, wings from various german tuning stables (eg irmscher, rieger, neo-design etc) for <$500 (front bar).
Cally Turbo transfer box, yes ridiculously expensive from holden, but a couple of guys on the forums have sourced uprated transfer boxes from europe, landed for about $3k, some $10k cheaper than holden. Additionally, there are ways to run the Cally T in front wheel drive only, so as to save the transfer box which are extremely simple, again addressed on the forums.
Parts can be expensive for the Cally, but only if you don't look hard enough. Chances are if you have a problem, someone else on the forum has had the same one (i think one forum has 500+ members the other 150+) and there are also some members from europe and uk who offer a lot of expertise.
The wear on the inside of the rear wheels is not a major problem, and camber correction is only required if you lower the rear of the car by more than 35mm.
As far as the engine life, I have heard stories of Calibra's with 400000km on the clock in germany and still going.
So yeah like I said, the Calibra can be expensive, but only if you are green behind the ears. The guys and girls on the forum will more than likely have had your problem before and be able to point you in the right direction. Especially if you have the C20XE (1991-1994 2.0L 16v NA Calibra)
Hey mate you no where I can get a boot lock for my calibra thanks.
Hi!I'm from South Africa and own a C20XE calibra for 4 years now! Makes 161kw and 220nm on flywheel! List of mods as follow:Flowed and ported cosworth head,276 shrick cams, stainless valves, toyota rxi throttlebodies, custom intake manifold, bmw m3 injectors,57mm exhaust, gotech pro management system with stock standard bottom end and 215000km on the clock!Have done 253km/h on gps. Will never get rid of this car! 13 years old, but still give new saloons a good hiding!
Can anyone help with a complete (PREFER ELECTRIC) left hand door rear vision mirror for a 95 4 cylinder calibra?
Don Davey
trydon@bigpond.com.au.
32 eardley st
launceston
tas.
7250 PH 03 63431531.
Hay guys I just bought a calibra auto and it seems to start and drive fine, but when I get down the road about 50 meters the s light starts flashing on my dash and takes all my power out of my engine and as if it sticks in 3rd gear or something this happens everytime I drive it same thing everytime I have heard it is surpossed to be a snow light or something if you could help me I much be greatfull or even no how to disconnect it thanks email me aaron.ss@hotmail.com.
Hey Mate, in your 1st review, I assume the "fool" badged it as an Opel. for very good reason, it is an Opel, you had the C20XE which holden left the tappet cover unchanged clearly showing its true roots.
Anyway, I have a 1993 Opel Calibra 2l 16v (C20XE). a member of clubcalibra.org, zoopedup.com, and opelaus.com.
They are brilliant cars, some have minor problems, but I have to say that I've noticed many more problems here in aus compared to SA, and I base this on mechanics not understanding the Opel engineering.
You mentioned the indicator stalk being on the other side? All German cars are like that. Opel, VW, BMW, Mercedes.
I love my calibra, and I will never sell this one. I'm working on it as my project car, just going on to 200k now, so planning to keep it off the road unless for special occasions.
It is the most beautiful car of its time, came way ahead of its time, and it still looks great!
The C20XE has plenty modifying potential. A very popular block to work hard in SA, so if you want advice hop onto www.zoopedup.com and there will be plenty guys with experience in working these motors to help you out.
Regards,
Ashley Gibbons
z00pedup QLD chairman.
Can someone let me know what the servicing intervals are for the Calibra, and if anyone knows when the cam chain/belt needs changing? My son is almost about to buy one, so I would like him to be prepared for any up-coming costs. The car has 149,000klms.
Marty
jamocall@bigpond.net.au.