2004 Holden Commodore 25th Anniversary Wagon V6 from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
A lot of comfort, practicality and performance in an affordable family car
Faults:
Power steering hoses replaced.
Air conditioning pump replaced.
Brake disc's warped machined on two occasions to rectify.
Brakes pads rattle.
Rear numberplate light globes keep blowing (6 globes).
First set of factory fitted Bridgestone tyres only lasted 30,000 kms. replaced with Simex probably get a full 45,000 from then.
General Comments:
Being an Australian car the it has been built for the Australian market, cost, quality and availability. In doing so Holden has come up with a good car, solid reliable and at an affordable price.
I do a lot of driving, mostly in regional areas and a bit on dirt, I am surprised at the condition of the car now. I do give it a hard time, but at the end of each trip to the bush it gets a wash and still looks and drives like new, very impresive.
Comfort levels are very adequate on not lacking in any way, comfortable and yet still practical. For cleaning, wear and tear resistance I'll give it a 9/10.
I do however long for a better transmission, this one a 4 speed automatic, seems to be hesitant and indecisive. When overtaking, from 100kms I find pulling it back to 3rd helps. I hope the newer Vz model has this sorted out.
Yes I am happy with car even though I did have some teething problems at the start, but Holden true to their word fixed all with little fuss.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th April, 2005
11th Nov 2007, 23:52
Well, the car has done 170,000kms and has reached the end of its time with me. It has served me well over the past years, but sadly things are starting to wear out. The interior hasn't stood the test of wear and tear well, drivers seat is loose and the padding needs re-doing. The carpet is still looking good thanks to the regular washing and caring.
Mechanically, it's time to go, the service bills are getting bigger and my mechanic is constantly tightening and adjusting parts for me. So goodbye Australian made cars, its Japan's go now.
26th Jun 2006, 06:35
UPDATE AT 120,000kms.
Well I’ve owned the above car now for near on 2½ years and a few things have worn. I replaced the front brake rotors at 115,00kms worn out due to the machining every 30,000kms. I’m not hard on brakes, but these discs keep warping, I spoke to a spare parts guy who told me the first thing the NSW police upgrade on their Commodores is the rotors. I broke one of the rear shocks, the external tube came away from the top weld, understandable from some of the roads I travel on, but the old EF & EL Falcons never did this on the same roads. The front seats have faded a bit from the sun? The Gunmetal colour on the dash is easily scratched and looks a bit shabby now. The front end seems to loosen up between services and always needs tightening, always feels more sure footed and quieter after service.
Yes I still like the car even after these annoying, but understandable worn parts, but will definitely be looking at all similar cars when I replace it in the next 12 months.
Would I recommend one??? Mmmmm, yes I still think you get a lot of car for your dollars, and cheap for repairs after reading about some of the Euro repair bills.