About the Holden Ute
Dale purchased this Holden Ute used for $7,000 (including all on-road costs) in 2019. Dale would buy this car again because: “Ute prices have gone crazy in the past year, I would buy again but I wouldn’t be happy coughing up the extra coin. Good examples are getting hard to find and for a base model that’s 17 years old it was pretty well spec’d in its day.”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
Hasn’t missed a beat in the 12 months I’ve had it but credit there goes to it’s previous owner who kept the maintenance up, no glaring issues in spite of the high mileage (270,000km) and the Alloytec is fairly easy to work on. Air con needs re-gassing for summer, that’s about it.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
It’s a very easy vehicle to live with and there are just enough mod cons to make driving comfortable. It’s a given with cars of this age things are bound to wrong. As long as you keep on top of things with regular servicing, well, she’ll be right.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
I paid a fair price at the time, was a little hesitant considering the high km however the previous owner had done a heap of work under the bonnet and it showed. Powered mirrors and seats were a nice touch on a base ute and you can get into a comfortable driving position quickly. It came with a Holden by design hardlid, X Force exhaust, and a set of 16-inch VS Series III ute alloys which sweetened the deal considerably.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
The Alloytec gets a bad wrap but it’s a good engine. The ute has the older Leo 175kW donk with plenty of power on tap when needed. It dawdles along on the highway barely raising a sweat returning 7.5L per 100km, and in town it’s roughly 11-12L per 100. I suspect it’s had a tune due to the X force muffler? Reasonable economy with quite a nice note.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
None of the steering controls work due to an aftermarket stereo but that’s ok. Everything is within hands reach and the cruise control works like a charm. The dash LCD is great with all the features you need but I just leave it on the digital speedo. For its day it was a well optioned machine.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
She’s a very comfortable highway cruiser, it goes where pointed with minimal fuss. Can get a bit tail happy unladen on a wet road but that’s ute life. ABS was optional I believe on this model and the first owner didn’t tick that box. Again it just ads to the fun.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
Overall very happy with the old beast. My boy who’s 5 gets to sit up front with dad and see everything which is a rarity these days. Hopefully when the time comes I can pass it onto him.