1987 Holden Calais 3.0 litre turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great performance car (just watch out for that rust)

Faults:

The two main problems I have had was first the automatic transmission let go and needed to be reconditioned, which was expensive.

The second problem was the rust that was behind both the front and rear wind-screens. This is a common problem with the VL Commodores and any earlier models.

General Comments:

I'm not sure of all the modifications that have been done on my engine, but it is extremely fast, and will beat most cars on the road.

It has a 2 1/2 inch exhaust and has a water injection system.

The engine never misses a beat, the only downfall is that it does not have a limited slip diff so I get a lot of wheel spin.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th August, 2001

31st Dec 2010, 07:49

I need another 50 hp on the Calais to keep up with the newer models on the road. Since you have done the modification, maybe you could advice me on what I can do to make the difference in the horse power?

1987 Holden Calais VL 3.0 L from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Luxury at a bargain price

Faults:

Automatic transmission was overhauled at 170,000 km ($1200).

Timing belt & welsh plugs replaced at 200,000 km.

Air-conditioning converted to R134a & evaporator unit replaced ($1000 approx).

Windows re-tinted at 220,000 ($250).

Numerous switches replaced (good job I work for the company that makes them!!).

General Comments:

The car is a pleasure to drive, especially with all the Calais creature comforts including blue velour interior, electric everything, cruise control, power steering, A/C etc.

Suspension is great for this kind of car - soft & smooth & just soaks up the bumps.

The car is 2 tone in White over Silver skirts & looks great with the dipping head lamps & dark tinted windows.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th June, 2001

1987 Holden Calais VL 3.0 turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

An awesome car for the money!!!!

Faults:

Crank angle sensor, screwed up.

Air condiitioning radiator electric fan doesn't work.

Air conditioning switch works now and then.

Around the front windscreen rusts.

Still a bloody good car for the money!!!!!!

General Comments:

VL turbo's are the go!!!! For a fairly standard car, I get a lot of looks. Will kill nearly every stock V8 and 6 Ford.

Unfortunately they are getting a bit old nowadays and the paint wasn't very good on them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2001

1987 Holden Calais VL 3.0L Nissan 6 cylinder from Australia and New Zealand

Faults:

Crank angle sensor replaced.

Starter motor replaced.

Replaced the engine pipe (between the exhaust manifold and catalytic converter), due to rust.

Removed rust from the bottom of the rear window, the floor of the boot is also badly rusted. Fixed and no water leaked inside after.

General Comments:

Got stolen, stripped, although the criminals got caught... These cars are a target for thieves. They are hot and liked by many, Calais and LE editions in particular. The VL Calais was the 4th highest stolen car in Australia at the time it was stolen from me... bummer. Police caught the criminals, however they had left nothing but the dash, pedals and the crate on in the interior Some exterior moulds/panels were also gone... Bummer, really liked that car, and would get another if I could secure it better.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th December, 2000

4th May 2003, 03:19

VL's are the way to go. A good alarm is the answer.

1987 Holden Calais VL RB30 from Australia and New Zealand

Faults:

After only 2 months of purchasing the car I noticed slime in the radiator. Not just slime but sludge. I found out this meant either a blown head gasket or a cracked head. I had one week and $1000 to fix it, and for 4 days and $900 I did it myself incl. a full sevice. I'm told they're prone to it but I drove it well then and I still do now but it hasn't happened again, in fact apart from servicing, I haven't had to put a spanner to it!

General Comments:

Best value for money Holden - if you get a good one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st September, 2000