1971 Holden Kingswood HG 161 Red Straight Six from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
Cheap to run, reliable, and distinctive
Faults:
Carbie jet blocked once in 2001.
Rubber suspension parts fail every 8 years.
Shock absorber fail every 5 to 8 years.
Wheel alignment goes out every 6-12 months.
Fuel gauge stopped working in 2006.
Speedo stopped working in 2000, replaced.
Rubber window trim mostly perished - expected at this age.
A CV joint wore out in 2006.
Brake light switch wore out in 2007.
Horn switch intermittent in 2008.
Master Brake Cylinder leaking in 2007, replaced.
Lime grows on fuses sometimes.
Can jam between gears if changing gears in a strange manner, rare and easy to fix.
Front Wheel bearings noisy in Oct 08, replaced.
Front seat upholstery cracked - re-upholstered in 2008.
General Comments:
This car is now 37 years old, so it's only fair that it should have little issues like those above.
It also does about 90km per week day, and is quite reliable.
It's biggest failing is lack of acceleration power relative to modern vehicles - probably takes 20 seconds to get to 100k/h if pushed, longer when driven in a relaxed fashion.
It is comfortable to drive - a bit like a flying couch.
Motor noise is minimal. Transmission in low gears sounds like an old tram.
Fuel consumption is 10 litres per 100 km, which matches a 95 Commodore!
Have added central locking.
Have an evaporative air conditioner and inverter for hot days - sits on passenger seat.
Wheel alignment issues are common on this model - it can be better to put up with one less year of tyre life rather than paying for regular alignments.
If you drive it with respect, change gears in a relaxed fashion (column shift), and change the oil every 5,000K, fixing little things as they happen, it will go for ages!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th October, 2008
16th Mar 2004, 14:05
My fav car, car of my childhood dreams, but now I can afford one never brought one, still love reading about them and seeing them on the road.