1996 Holden Calais VS 3.8 Ecotech from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A reliable and great performer

Faults:

Power steering pump failed at 206,000km

Crank angle sensor and throttle position switch failed at 196,000km.

No prior faults.

General Comments:

This car offers a very smooth ride with a comfortable cabin.

The Calais has plenty of creature comforts and still has the power to compete with a V8 and some V6 turbos.

This car sounds like a beast with custom stainless extractors and exhaust.

The repairs for the faults listed above were quite inexpensive and I completed them myself (i only have intermediate mechanics skills)

The VS Commodore has readily available parts and plenty of documentation is available for do-it-yourself maintainance. It is also a very reliable car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2003

1996 Holden Calais HSV Optioned 5.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Very Costly to Run

Faults:

Wheel Bearings 150 000K - Cost a fortune to replace.

Diff 155 000K - center bearing went ($900) changed ratio to 3.7:1 A lot better off the line.

Various electrical problems.

Rear Camber - increases wear on inside of tires.

General Comments:

A lot quicker now the diff has been changed.

No engine problems.

Handles a lot better when lowered.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th November, 2002