1997 Holden Commodore VT from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

I have a 1998 VT Berlina, bought early this year in immaculate condition with 115,000k on the clock with full service history for $12500 privately. Now at 125,000k I have had a few problems come up, a major one being that one of the rear doors locked up after I opened it forcing me to take it to the dealers for repairs the next day. It cost $240 but would have been a hell of a lot more if it had locked closed. I have noticed one of my headlights on the dim setting has gone out, the steering wheel tends to squeak at certain times, the brakes squeak a little, but its probably due to my brake pads needing replacement, an led has gone out in my air con display, the air con doesn't seem to work/turn on (the display comes up, fan works, but the air con doesn't seem to kick in most likely requiring a re-gas/repair) and finally the poorly designed boot with the water leaking into the boot itself when opened. Other than these irritating little problems nothing truly major has gone wrong (touch-wood). As long as I take care of this car like the previous owner it should be fine. I absolutely love this car and hope to have it for many years to come. This car is the smoothest, most comfortable and best looking car I could find for under $16000 and I'm not at all disappointed with my purchase. That is until I see the price of my 130k service ;).

I own a 1997 VT accliam brought at 60000kms, now on 130000 had it since end 2001, I have had a few common problems, ie boot leaking in rain or when you wash it had problem with alternator it needed a new wire linkage due to old one burning out a comment fault by holden, had leak in power steering took it to holden who tightened a clamp, which was a waste of time and money, it had to be recondation in end, as to door speaker cover mine has cracked on right side, another problem I have had with was the rear seat belt covers which the seat belt run in and out they both broke and are not very cheap to replace due to holdens rip off price charges, also now have to replace shocks i have still got originals on.

Over all I have liked this car and do not intend to sell it in near future.

I had a read through all the comments on VT commodore and thought I could help with my experience as a Holden dealer Mechanic. Generally VT's are the same as all Australian built cars... not made to last. This keeps mechanics in business for years to come. I own a 98 VT SS. Since purchase at 65,000km 2 years ago, it has slowly fallen to bits and continues to do so. Holden released VT as an entirely new model...body, susp. etc. Riddled with new model problems needing to be addressed as did the VN when first introduced. A lot of the problems have been revised since then through the new models, however, Holden's take their time so it would seem.

Alternator main power supply cable nut comes loose. Resistance from poor connection causes heat. Cable melts.

Revised nut to prevent becoming loose released surely by VT as problem was big with VS model. Cars tend to stop coming into dealerships around 200,000km's (costs too much!). I haven't seen this happen much with VT. Check tension of cable if concerned. Slightest movement requires tighten. Disconnect battery before doing so.

IRS suspension causes poor tyre wear. No rear suspension wheel alignment adjustment until VX series II. Camber kit will greatly help. Expensive thou.

Sway bar bushes have been crap for a long time. Sick of changing them! As someone mentioned earlier they are cheap if you can replace yourself. Holden's suggested coming up with a new material last year...don't hold your breath. Suspension specialists will suggest options.

To reset service reminder. Hold both arrow keys at once on the mode/trip comp. panel. Turn ignition on while depressed. Release when you hear the beep. Then press mode once (should hear beep). Depress both arrow keys and hold again until beep. Recycle ignition... should be OK now.

Water run off was a great problem with body design. New models are a differently designed shape. Don't hear complaints any more (touch wood). Worse with spoiler commonly due to spoiler seals leaking.

Door locks were always failing. VY's are terrible! New lock just released... see how we go.

P/steer pumps are consistent leakers. Reseal kit 20 bucks. Holden charge around 160 fitted. No comment... crap pumps.

Speaker covers are not easy to change (door trim off). Very thin plastic. Just too weak if hit.

Seat belt surrounds now available separate instead of with entire belt. Much cheaper.

As suggested before with transmission, all you can do is run in power mode or 3rd in the city. Trans services should be more frequent if towing. Same transmission used today. Better software for smoother operation thou.

Don't put your car on gas (if it's not too late). Cars don't like it. Pockets don't like it

in the long run.

I have owned my 98 VT Executive for about a year now and haven't had any problems with it. It has had the brake pads replaced, originally with Bendix advanced, but change those because they squeaked even after having the disc rotors machined. I get it serviced ever 10,000kms and never have any dramas. My interior is like new, including all the speaker grills. As for the water in the boot I don't have any problems it doesn't take long to realise you need to open it slowly (like most cars) when its wet. In my mind the VT are an excellent car and probably drives better than a VX, so my parents tell me every time they borrow mine because there VX is getting serviced. If you take care of the car it will last a long time, I regularly check all fluid levels myself, clean the car inside and out including a regular polish. People always say that my car looks a lot better than most VT.

You could say that the moral of the story is treat the car nicely and it will treat you nicely.

I bought my 1997 VT Commodore 2 and half years ago and at the time was told the fuel gauge didn't work properly. Little did I realise it didn't work at all. Sits on full the whole time. Drops to empty when the engine shuts down.

I have since learned to my dismay there is a faulty fuel sensor in the tank and the cost to repair this is $500-$700. I have been told this is an extremely common problem with this Model car. Yet no one has mentioned this in earlier submissions.

Was this model re-called at all for this problem and if so why has holden told me they will gladly repair this car at the above mentioned cost?

I have a 98 VT Sedan, with ABS brakes. I have experienced under normal braking, brake pedal drops 2/3 to the floor, losing either front or rear brake capacity, & causing extended braking distance to stop. This a very intermittant problem, very hard to trace the fault. Master cylinder tests normal, no leakage past the seals. A brake company I spoke to had known of a problem within the master cylinder with a internal valve momentarily failing, redirecting fluid within, causing the above pedal drop.

Has any one experienced this?

I had a VT 3 years ago with a serious door leak from the o/s/r door. My VY has the same problem. My car has 30,000 on the clock. I love the V8, but my car smells like it's 10 years old. Holden tells me nothing can be done!!!

I have a 1998 Series 1 VT Commodore. I've just finished doing a 180,000km (10,000km style) service on my vehicle, by myself. Upon inspection of the coolant I discovered it was deadly brown and stank like an old bicycle inner tube. The thing I found difficult about changing the coolant was the hose clamps used by Holden. Instead of the Trident screw style they're spring clips. This made the job that little bit harder, however except for the clips themselves, the job was extremely easy to other vehicles I have worked on.

The service history of my vehicle is varied. I've given up on brake squeal after changing the pads and having the discs machined. Bring back asbestos compounds is what I think; much less dust which equals much less noise.

I spent a good $2,500 on replacing leaking power steering equipment. Instead of having a re-kit fitted to the pump, I opted for a reconditioned replacement with a 12 month warranty. The cost was only $150 more than what they quoted me for the re-kit. After this didn't solve the leak they then told me the power steering rack was leaking into one of the boots. Again, they quoted me for a replacement reconditioned rack, which I decided was a good idea seeing as that too came with a 12 month warranty.

I had all that work done at a Holden Dealership which offers 12 months workshop warranty.

It was an expensive little journey and then I still smelt burning fluid so I took it back. They then told me that the rocker covers were leaking. I asked why they hadn't picked up on it previously and they didn't give a reasonable response. That was the last time I went to a dealership for servicing, over 30,000km ago.

I've personally done nearly 80,000km in my VT Commodore and spent, including purchase price, over $16,000 on it. This Executive base model only has cruise control, and no other features. It does not have ABS nor a passenger airbag. It doesn't have colour coded skirting, or even body stripes.

I'm very satisfied with my vehicle, even though I could not sell it for what I've payed for it.

I do have one question, however. Is it worth fitting something like the Repco "Vapourate" system to the injectors in order to improve the vapourisation of the fuel? I've been quoted $350 fitted by a friend who works for Repco and was wondering if there is some advice on this system.

I have only owned my 98 Berlina for about 6 months now with the previous owner being a relative and, other than an engine mount replacement, have had no problems at all. It is the best car I have driven and owned. I have only just hit the 110k mark, but no complaints from myself or the previous owner.

I Have a series 1 VT 1997 WAGON v6 Executive. When purchased 4 years ago had 145000k now 245000k.High I know, but the wagon I believe is one of the best lookers around with SS Bodykit,17 inch wheels, rear camber,pedders etc. Regularly serviced engine been reliable no problems. Little problems like drivers door handle snapped inside. Door seals around left passenger leak. Airconditioning not able to hold gas anymore,I think was gone before 140k.Tyre wear excessive even with rear camber kit. Petrol gauge when below 1/4 tank tends to not make up its mind and goes up and down to empty. speaker grills cracked. have not seen pouches behind front seats in good condition on any used vehicle. glovebox broke left lug. replaced brakes a couple of times with machining discs etc and still squeal. Had an auto scare for a weekend when unusual sound coming from first after talking to mechanic decided to press on and shifted boxe manually for 2 days,sound disappeared. Quoted 1200 to replace with low k auto from vx. rang ozwreck dandenong for a quote on changeover engine and auto $1500 fitted which makes me want to keep knowing that's reasonable. Handling,look and comfort much better than EL WAGON owned previous.

I have owned a 98 vt wagon with 3.8 litre engine and auto box for two years now have towed heavy loads for huge distances, just change oil every 10,000kms with magnatec. car is on lpg and preforms very well still does over 200kms an hour. Have had no problems at all with this I have done a total of 80,000kms in it. This poor old girl gets a hard time daily and never misses a beat. If you want a car to complain about buy a subaru.

Hi, I have just purchased a 1999 VT V6 Supercharged sedan. Can anyone tell me if they know of any common faults with this engine/car to keep a look out for please. Thanks Bruce.

I purchased a 1999VT in April 2000 with 16000K. I have always been a Holden person and have been pleased with my purchase, however recent problems as follows have me considering changing allegiance to another brand. Reading of other comments I can agree with the Boot Lid Water problem. The vehicle has been serviced every 10000K at a Holden Dealership, it has now done 130000K and the following major problems have been encountered during services: changed Engine mounts at 100000K, Power Steering Rack and Pinion replacement whilst on a holiday at 128000K.Would appreciate any comments on my problems.

I have had a 99 VT II Berlina for 6 months and have experienced power steering pump problems, and had it replaced twice. Fortunately through used car warranty. The hoses and clamps have to be replaced though as they didn't change them with the new pump and it was leaking through them. It's an extra $60 or so, but worth it.

I have squeaking brakes even with new pads, but I believe this is the pads most companies produce now, as they used to have asbestos in them which helped them not get so hot and now most brake companies aren't spending too much on newer technology, as asbestos is not allowed to be used.

My sway bar bushes wore out and fell out whilst driving, which I was told is a common problem.

The fan was running, even with just accessories on and was caused by a $10 relay in the fuse box. A new one sorted that out. Another common problem.

It is a nice car to drive though and am told oil should be changed every 5,000 km, not 10,000 as another common problem can be dropping pistons. Fresh oil will eradicate this problem.

We purchased a 1998 VT executive 4 years ago with 106,000 km the clock and have since done another 75,000 Km. Have been very pleased with the vehicle, it is regularly serviced and has been a pleasure to own. Brakes were overhauled at 150,000 km (do not squeal either) and an oil pump seal replaced. The tyres get rotated every second service and do not seem to be suffering excessive wear. Have not experienced any door lock issues mentioned in some other posts.

Thanks to the forum contributor who discussed transmission overdrive city driving issues, I will keep it in mind.

Likes

Impressive fuel economy on highway trips with a fully loaded vehicle, typically 8 to 9 litres per 100 km. A comfortable five seater. After eight years mostly out in the weather, the paintwork still looks good and no sign of rust. TIP: make sure that you lift the boot seal every 12 months or so and clean out the mud and dust that seems to build up in that area.

Minor annoyances (mostly the usual culprits)

Why didnt I buy a VT with cruise control fitted?

When you open the boot water will leak in if you do not give it a chance to run off by partially opening the boot for at 30 seconds or so. Generally find one tail light blows between most services.

Conclusion

Will be keeping the VT as a second car, liked it so much have just bought a 2003 VY (with cruise control this time). Happy motoring!