1996 Holden Commodore Equipe 3.8 V6 from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
A true milestone in Aussie motoring, for refined yet eager performance
Faults:
Car required new panhard rod rubbers before purchase! The rear end was wandering badly. This is not uncommon in 200k plus vehicles.
Odometer was not working at purchase. Again, not uncommon at these k's. Speedo was, so watch for it when buying - it caught me out.
Some front and rear suspension rubbers required replacement upon inspection.
Rear discs were worn and required replacement, an easy job if you have a big hammer.
Water pump pulley seized at 210,000 busting serpentine belt. Replaced pulleys and belt with Gates.
Water pump started leaking badly at 218,000. Easily fixed with ebay purchase and minimal tools.
Rubber on keys perished and useless in no time. Replacement silicone rubber kit is available and really cheap. Keys now like new, for under $40.
General Comments:
I love this car because it is the last of the raw yet refined Holdens.
No ABS, no airbags, no stability program, no intrusions of the electronic kind. Even the electronic beeps aren't too annoying.
Several features alone make this a great car to live with:
1. The headlights switch off when you open the drivers door. No stupid electronic warnings, and you can leave your lights on all the time if you wish with no fear of a flat battery. Brilliant.
2. Two stage central locking, a great safety feature.
3. Fantastic brakes with awesome feel.
4. Cheap to buy, cheap to run and fix (if you're handy).
5. Drives as smooth as butter (if it's a good one).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th January, 2011