1978 Holden Kingswood HZ 3.3 Litre In-line six cylinder from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
Tough reliable runner, and the last of the real Holdens!
Faults:
The engine blew at 184000, and I exchanged the blown one for a reconditioned unit built for gas.
Transmission has a tendency to sit in neutral if you put the boot in, but that's probably due to it never been worked on.
Bolt on brake caliper fell off on a dirt road one evening. Found it, but it was like finding a needle in a haystack!
General Comments:
Ever since the motor was done, it's more reliable, doesn't overheat, and tranny doesn't play up as much.
Looks better inside now since I put a Statesman dash in it.
But the back seat is worn and squeaks all the time.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th May, 2001
17th Jul 2002, 05:32
People still believe these cars were something special, because people held onto them longer than the newer models. The Holden Kingswood was built during a time when it was cheaper to fix an old car than it was to buy a new one. New cars are more affordable nowadays than ever before. It's now uneconomical to keep an old car on the road because many repairs, such as driveline work, steering, brakes and suspension cost more than the vehicle is worth. It's cheaper to go and buy a 7 year old Commodore with many creature comforts and still in good condition, than it is to fix an old nail like a Kingswood.
So don't be fooled; these cars where and still are sub standard. They only lasted as long as they did because of market forces, rather than any superiority in design or reliability.