Underrated masterpiece
Absolute nothing so far.
Extremely reliable, well built car with decent performance and superb comfort.
It's not exactly a fuel sipper, but it's definitely worth it.
Beautiful, yet extremely underrated sedan.
If you're interested, don't hesitate, and buy one today!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 23rd August, 2015
Comfort, performance and reliability are outstanding
Three things have been faulty on this car:
1. Rear passenger window had failed to work; it was the cable that snapped and was fixed by the dealer under warranty; they were great with the service provided.
2. Driver's head rest leather cover keeps unlocking at the bottom.
3. The rear driver's seat pocket elastic has broken. A weak design flaw.
This GT model has leather everywhere, cruise control, sunroof, ABS, traction control, reverse warning device, great stereo system, climate control, Bluetooth, and 17" alloy wheels.
It also has sports suspension, which is brilliant. It's not too hard and not soft, so it handles very well on all road conditions.
It has never failed me - starts first turn of the key every time.
I don't follow the 15000 km servicing procedure. I do it every 10k.
I've fitted an LPG injected system to it at 50,000 km and never looked back. The yearly savings are around 1500-2000 $$$$ a year, if not more.
A very reliable car, I've always used Castrol Magnatech 15-40 oil and changed the oil filter every 20k. Use only Mitsi trans oil every 20k km.
Coolant (MITSI) and timing belt changed every 120k.
I travel 400 to 500 km a week, and that costs me 27-35 dollars a tank (350-420 km) depending on the price of LPG 50-60 cents/L.
Power-wise it's brilliant on gas as well; you can't feel the difference between the two fuels.
I've had three Holdens (VP, VS, and Frontera) prior to this car that were on gas, and all had oil or water leaks and valve recession.
This car has been a dream to drive and own. Yes I may have spent a bit more money by doing slightly more services, but I do them all, the only costs are parts and they are relatively cheap compared to other makes. The piece of mind that the car is well serviced has paid off over the years (the same servicing with Holdens made no difference).
It's a shame that this car is no longer made; I would have bought another one. They still make this car in the USA, but under the name of Galant and it looks really good... it's a shame they're left hand drive.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th June, 2015
Great value, comfort and performance; buy one if the price is right
The engine has a ticking noise that kicks in once warm; the dealer didn't know what caused it.
The brakes have a bad shudder when pushed hard or long down hills, but since I don't concern myself too much with car maintenance, I haven't had the discs machined.
Two of the power windows have failed (still got to get them fixed).
The engine uses oil, so you need to keep an eye on the oil level.
Otherwise, no problems in 75000km = now at 115000.
Cars generally improve, but age for age, I think my TP 1990 Magna was a better car. You may laugh, but I doubt I'll ever own a better car - 350,000 km, hardly ever serviced, owned it for 20 years, never spent a cent on it, and it never let me down despite years of abuse.
As for my 380, it's very good except for the faults listed above.
Great value too; paid $13,800 with 40000 and only 2 years old
Great performance and very smooth auto - Commodores should use this transmission!
I regularly drive many cars, and rate the 380 as more comfortable than a Falcon, Commodore, Aurion or Camry.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th December, 2012
30th Apr 2017, 20:27
Hi. You mentioned a ticking noise from the engine when it has warmed up. This is nothing to worry about. The ticking sound is just an emissions control module and is quite common and won't cause any problem.
Regards Mike. 380 VRX owner.