1981 Holden Commodore SL/E 4.2L V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

One of the last real steel head turners

Faults:

Automatic gearbox -self inflicted!!

Water pump.

Fuel pump.

Bent push-rod in motor.

Fuel tank.

All electric options fully functional.

Immaculate in and out.

General Comments:

A trusty friend that has never made me walk, even when I destroyed the gearbox it still got me home!! (in reverse) Takes punishment in its stride.

All in all, a reasonably quick, comfy family cruiser that eats big distances regularly like clockwork. I love old Commodores and would never let go of this one. I've had more grief than pleasure with late model cars and refuse to own them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th January, 2003

1981 Holden Commodore SL/E 4.2L V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

An undiscovered muscle car

Faults:

The car has on and off times it seems, and almost immediately after purchase the Fuel Pump needed replacing, despite that not being the true problem to its lack of power, it had still killed itself.

A new alternator was added recently after it seemed to randomly decide not to charge the battery on a few occasions.

The indicator leaver also due to wear and tear broke off and needed replacing - too expensive for what it was worth.

Minor touch-up jobs with piping etc.

General Comments:

Unbelievable car really. The 4.2L V8 isn't excessively quick, but is far from slow allowing it to live up to a V8. In fact the newer Fuel Injected 3.8L engines in 1986 Commodores struggle against it.

I've added my own little modifications such as an exhaust to bring out the loud grunt sound of the V8.

I also added dark tint which really made it look great with the silver and chrome.

A set of chrome mag-wheels topped it all off, plus with new lowered suspension I'd turned the car into a muscle car in a matter of weeks.

Knowing what I'd be able to sell it for makes me want to keep it forever, it's a beautiful car at the moment and not worth selling for the $3-$4000 I'd get for it.

Excellent paint and excellent interior that have lasted over the years makes it a first-car owners dream.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th December, 2002

1981 Holden Commodore VC SL 4.2 253 V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

All grunt, plenty of go

Faults:

When I put my brakes on my head turn on, other than that it's been pretty good, and the interior is a bit worn.

General Comments:

She's a weapon of a car, really gets up and going, will wheel spin 1st and 2nd gear easily, and the commodores know how to drift, like to see its max up the quarter, but she'll rev out to 8000rpm, recommend these old machines.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st October, 2002

1981 Holden Commodore VH SL/E 5.0 Litre V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A High Performance Beast with Attitude

Faults:

When got my car for my 18th birthday from my old folks, and I got to say I fell in love with it.

One week after I got the car it needed a service, the fuel consumption was woeful and as a student/shelf packer I couldn't afford it.

Also in the service I needed to fix many oil leaks, which kept coming back.

Wheel alignment was needed every few months and I have to say my wallet was always empty.

The worst problem I ever faced was the electrical. It started with all my lights blowing all the time. Fixed by re-wiring the fuse box.

Odd things would happen all the time like my hazards starting to work when I use the Brake.

The horn constantly on when in reverse and the list went on. The electrical was the most expensive thing to fix casting me nearly $1,200.00AU.

General Comments:

With all of the money that is being pumped into the car I still love it.

It works hard when I wanted it to and it looks so good that I love taking it out for the weekend cruise.

But I admit that the first thing I done when I won $60,000AU in the Lotteries 4 months ago was give it a shower of new goods.

New VT SS 5.0Lt Engine

New twin 2.5" Exhaust System

Body work, (Rust Removal, Rust Seal and new Paint Job)

Pumping Stereo System

Midly Worked the engine

17" Low profile Mags

Lowered

Neon body kit.

I now estimate the engine pumps 250kw at the wheels and the looks I receive while I'm out cruising with my friends are all good!!

Hopefully in about 2 weeks I will be taking it down to the speedway to see what times she pumps now :)

Anyway in my mind I would think I would have the best looking best performing VH SL/E in Adelaide. (It better be with $40,000AU in it and over 250hrs of work from me alone without all my friends and family helping me.)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th October, 2002