By EWAN KENNEDY
 27 January 2002

Holden Statesman and Caprice give you huge amounts of interior space, plenty of engine performance and a real lift in the prestige stakes compared to the standard Commodore models on which they are based.

Statesman is the lower cost model, Caprice the upmarket one. They are very well equipped, with climate-control air conditioning, power mirrors and windows, multi-speaker stereo systems and cruise control. Caprice also has leather upholstery, power front seats (from 1995), foglights, additional stereo speakers, a CD player (also fitted to Statesmans from 1995), a trip computer and an electric sunroof (in the Statesman from the 1996 model).

The big Holdens are closely related to the Commodore station wagon, using the same extended-wheelbase platform and most of the same mechanical parts. The extra length means the big sedans provide much greater legroom in the rear seat. That’s most noticeable in the positively cavernous rear area of the current WH Statesman and Caprice, sold new from June 1999. However, Statesman and Caprice offer stretch-out luxury for four adults, not five, because the rear seat is tailored for two rather than three.

Boot size is good, though not outstanding, being about the same as in the standard Commodore.

The biggest drawback is that the extra length of the car means it needs a big parking space, and it can be awkward to reverse park until you get the hang of it. Other than that the Statesman and Caprice are as simple to drive as any other Commodore in normal use.

Though not as refined as the large European or Japanese luxury cars in ride or handling, these big Australians are better suited to Australian road conditions. In particular they can cope with hundreds of kilometres of pounding along corrugated dirt roads without shaking the passengers or the car to pieces.

Power comes from either a 3.8-litre V6, a supercharged version of the V6 (from October 1996), a 5.0-litre V8 (until June 1999) or a 5.7-litre V8 (from June 1999). On paper, the engines are somewhat old-fashioned, with pushrod operated valves and only two of them per cylinder. But high-tech electronics give them far better economy and performance than you might expect. That’s particularly so in the 5.7-litre Chev-based V8. Noise and vibration suppression is somewhat lacking in the earlier engines, especially the V6s, but improved considerably from the 1995 update.

Models, prior to the VR series of March 1994, are considered less desirable because of their closeness in appearance to the more plebeian Commodores.

All these luxury Holdens are sold only with a four-speed automatic transmission which works exceptionally well, giving all but imperceptible changes and refinement throughout its range.

Though not quite as easy to work on as the simpler Commodore, the Statesman and Caprice have plenty of room under the bonnet and the good home mechanic can do a lot of their own work. It pays to have a workshop manual in front of you as these are complex cars in some areas.

Spare parts are readily available Australia-wide and prices are very reasonable for a car of this size and luxury.

Insurance costs are low and most companies make no differentiation, though others will ask extra for the V8 and supercharged versions.

Many used Holden Statesmans and Caprices will have begun their lives as government or company fleet cars. These will have been serviced by the book and often driven by professionals, so command top dollar as used cars.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Check that the engine starts within a second or so of the key being turned, even when stone cold. It should settle to a steady idle almost immediately and not any smoke from the exhaust.

Older engines may be relatively harsh under full acceleration, but if it seems too bad get a professional opinion. Listen for noises at the top end of the V6 engine. Also check for oil leaks towards the lower-rear areas of the sump in both sixes and the 5.0-litre V8.

Automatic transmissions which have slurred changes or are slow to go into gear from Neutral or Park may be due for an overhaul, not an overly expensive exercise.

Listen for a whining noise at the differential when accelerating or decelerating at speeds of around 60 to 90km/h. it’s not usually there at steady running speeds, but if it is it could mean the diff is on its last legs.

Make sure the brakes pull the car up fair and square and that ABS, if fitted, stops the tyres from locking up for more than a few moments. ABS will create a vibration in the brake pedal as it operates.

Check the multitude of ‘extra’ equipment works correctly. The best way is work through the owner’s handbook page by page.

Make sure to get a quote on all repairs needed, some apparently minor problems can be expensive to fix and this can upset your budget.

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