1990 Holden Berlina 5.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

It's a freak

Faults:

Replaced internal fuel pump.

Replaced uni joints.

Replaced water pump.

Replaced fuel filter.

Replaced rear springs due to sagging.

Replaced stock head unit and speakers with aftermarket.

General Comments:

This car is a dream. All the parts I have replaced were original G.M.H (even the fuel filter).

It has been converted to dual fuel, but is cheaper to run on petrol than gas, but it is still considerably cheaper to run than the 6 cylinder Falcon.

Good family car, but when I'm by myself, I feel 18 again.

The car corners so hard my passengers hang on in fear, right hand 90 degree turns no problem at 50km/h on dry roads.

Would I buy another one, yes, but not for a long time as I have no intentions of getting rid of this old girl. The VN may be a bit rough and crude when it comes to details, but at least it is very honest.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th October, 2010

1990 Holden Berlina VN 2.0 litre petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Shame about the hospital pass on the engine GM

Faults:

The 2.0 litre model was a special run for New Zealand only. Avoid it like the plague. The engine was an end of line engine with parts no longer available new.

The distributor died and a replacement one was quoted as "$600+, if you can find one new". The V6 and V8 models are worth it, but not the 2 litre.

General Comments:

The car is not a bad car. The suspension was a little soft for my liking, but even with the small engine it was still quite peppy.

Would I buy another Holden? I just have.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th May, 2007

1990 Holden Berlina VN 3.8 V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Long lasting beast

Faults:

The radiator had to be replaced by the previous owner, apparently the pressure release cap failed - but its all good now.

The drivers seat keeps reclining back whenever I move - pretty annoying.

Fuel guage + engine temp. work on / off (loose connection suspected)

Brakes a little un-reactive even after new pads.

Annoying 'clutch pause' when it changes gear - takes about.75 seconds to change gear.

Door seal came un-attached, and rust at rear window gutter.

Brake light switch at pedal was faulty.

General Comments:

The car is pretty quick off the mark, and is generally pretty reliable - will start every time.

The car slides everywhere in the wet - sometimes can't even go up steep hills.

The engine has a very nice sound too it - nice and loud with a new exhaust fitted.

The car doesn't have the best handling, the suspension is too soft and bouncy for my liking, and the rear spins out all the time.

The interior is comfy, although the speakers are pretty dodgy - some of them just turn off at random times.

Don't be discouraged by the number of faults, I have found this car a pleasure to drive so far, and goes well considering the number of K's its done.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2003