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Holden Commodore 1988
The 1988 Holden Commodore carries a braked towing capacity of up to 1590 Kg, but check to ensure this applies to the configuration you're considering.
Holden Commodore 1988 News
Holden Commodores through the years
Holden Commodore name to live past 2017
Holden Commodore recalled for fourth time in three months
Car sales stall as rebound fails to appear
Holden V8 dead
Holden Commodore claims first Nascar victory
Holden says Commodore not dead
Holden engine plant and Commodore in doubt beyond 2017
Holden's new V8 previewed
Holden Commodore 1988 Q&As
Check out real-world situations relating to the Holden Commodore 1988 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.
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Wheeling and dealing
SOME people think the VL was one of the best, if not the best early Commodore, because it had a Nissan engine. The Nissan six is a good, reliable engine and I'm sure you've felt its good performance. In the Nissan it was bullet-proof, but it had a few problems in the Commodore, caused by installation, not the engine. The Commodore's radiator was prone to breaking an internal baffle, affecting the flow of coolant, and mechanics often wouldn't bleed the cooling system properly after repairing the radiator. This led to overheating problems. If yours is in good condition, it's worth $2000-$3000, and would be popular with young drivers. It sounds as if the dealer doesn't want to take it off your hands. Do a deal where you keep the VL and sell it privately.
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Which runabout?
THE Camira was heavily criticised when it was new, and the criticism was justified. They rusted badly, burned oil and fell to bits. Early models should be avoided at all costs, but by the time Holden turned out the JE, most of the problems had been fixed. The problem is they are now at least 15 years old so should be approached with caution.
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And what price a fine vl?
THE VL Commodore is a popular model and you should find plenty of willing buyers. The odometer reading is very low and provided it has been well serviced and is roadworthy, any new owner should need to do little to it. It would be worth contacting Holden car clubs in your area. An average VL Commodore has a value of about $5000, but yours could be worth $8000-$10,000 if it is as good as you say.
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Ticking tappets
IF THE noise is a light rattly one heard only when the engine is cold, then it's more than likely to be the hydraulic lifters, or tappets, as you've been told. You don't say if your car is a VL or VN, which was released in August 1988, but I'll assume it's a VL. The reason for the assumption is that the Nissan engine in the VL suffers camshaft wear and lifter rattle. The way to fix it is to replace the camshaft and lifters.
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Holden Commodore 1988 Wheel size
Wheel size for the 1988 Holden Commodore will vary depending on model chosen, although keep in mind that many manufacturers offer alternate wheel sizes as options on many models.The wheel size available will alter the range of tyres available to be fitted. Standard wheel sizes on the Holden Commodore vary from 14x6 inches to 15x6 inches.
| Holden Commodore Model | Body Type | Front Tyre Size | Front Rim | Rear Tyre Size | Rear Rim | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vacationer | Sedan | — | 14x6 inches | — | 14x6 inches | |
| SL | Sedan | — | 14x6 inches | — | 14x6 inches | |
| Executive | Sedan | — | 14x6 inches | — | 14x6 inches | |
| Executive | Sedan | — | 15x6 inches | — | 15x6 inches | |
| SL | Wagon | — | 14x6 inches | — | 14x6 inches | |
| Vacationer | Wagon | — | 14x6 inches | — | 14x6 inches | |
| Executive | Wagon | — | 14x5.5 inches | — | 14x5.5 inches | |
| Executive | Wagon | — | 14x6 inches | — | 14x6 inches | |
Holden Commodore 1988 Price and Specs
Pricing guides
| Holden Commodore Model | Body Type | Specs | Price from | Price to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlina | Sedan | 3.8L ULP 4 SP AUTO | $2,310 | $3,630 | |
| Berlina | Sedan | 5.0L ULP 3 SP AUTO | $2,640 | $4,070 | |
| Berlina | Sedan | 3.0L ULP 4 SP AUTO | $2,640 | $4,070 | |
| Berlina | Sedan | 3.8L ULP 5 SP MAN | $2,640 | $4,070 | |
| Berlina | Wagon | 3.8L ULP 4 SP AUTO | $2,420 | $3,850 | |
| Berlina | Wagon | 5.0L ULP 3 SP AUTO | $2,640 | $4,070 | |
| Berlina | Wagon | 3.0L ULP 4 SP AUTO | $2,640 | $4,070 | |
| Berlina | Wagon | 3.8L ULP 5 SP MAN | $2,420 | $3,850 | |
Holden Commodore 1988 Dimensions
Dimensions for the 1988 Holden Commodore are dependent on which body type is chosen. The maximum width and height is 1802mm x 1474mm and can vary on the basis of model.
| Holden Commodore Model | Body Type | Height x Width x Length | Ground Clearance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vacationer | Sedan | 1368x1722x4766 mm | 155 mm | |
| SL | Sedan | 1368x1722x4766 mm | 155 mm | |
| Executive | Sedan | 1403x1794x4850 mm | 143 mm | |
| Executive | Sedan | 1368x1722x4766 mm | 155 mm | |
| SL | Wagon | 1389x1722x4763 mm | 151 mm | |
| Vacationer | Wagon | 1389x1722x4763 mm | 151 mm | |
| Executive | Wagon | 1389x1722x4763 mm | 151 mm | |
| Executive | Wagon | 1422x1794x4896 mm | 141 mm | |
Holden Commodore 1988 Towing capacity
The Holden Commodore has maximum towing capacity of 1590kg. Some models also offer heavy-duty or towing option packs which can increase towing capacity, as well as options which can hamper towing capacity. Towing capacities can vary wildly on a large number of factors. These include engine, transmission, model, and options chosen. Always check with the manufacturer or in your vehicles handbook before attempting to tow anything.
| Holden Commodore Model | Body Type | Specs | Braked Capacity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vacationer | Sedan | 3.0L,ULP,5 SP MAN | 1590kg | |
| Executive | Sedan | 3.8L,ULP,5 SP MAN | 1590kg | |
| Executive | Sedan | 3.0L,ULP,4 SP AUTO | 1590kg | |
| Executive | Sedan | 3.8L,ULP,4 SP AUTO | 1590kg | |
| SL | Wagon | 3.0L,ULP,4 SP AUTO | 1590kg | |
| Vacationer | Wagon | 3.0L,ULP,5 SP MAN | 1590kg | |
| Executive | Wagon | 3.8L,ULP,5 SP MAN | 1590kg | |
| Vacationer | Wagon | 3.0L,ULP,4 SP AUTO | 1590kg | |
Holden Commodore 1988 Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption for the 1988 Holden Commodore is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The Holden Commodore currently offers fuel consumption from 9.5 to 13.8L/100km. The Holden Commodore is available with the following fuel type: ULP.
| Holden Commodore Model | Body Type | Specs | Fuel Consumption | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlina | Sedan | 3.0L,ULP,4 SP AUTO | 10L/100km | |
| Berlina | Sedan | 3.8L,ULP,4 SP AUTO | 10.3L/100km | |
| Berlina | Wagon | 3.8L,ULP,5 SP MAN | 9.6L/100km | |
| Berlina | Wagon | 3.0L,ULP,4 SP AUTO | 10.8L/100km | |