Used Holden Adventra and Crewman review: 2003-2009

It seemed like a good idea at the time. In the early years of the 21st century Holden president, the wildly-enthusiastic and mildly-eccentric Peter Hannenberger, was keen to expand the range of Commodores on offer. At the same time 4WDs and SUVs were starting to really pull big numbers in the Australian sales race.

So it seemed logical to build a Commodore station wagon with jacked up suspension, 4WD and plastic body protection panels so it could carry out moderately serious off-road use. The Holden Adventra was born, as was its non-identical twin the Holden Crewman double-cab utility. Both were big bold vehicles but were slightly on the crude side, probably because they were rushed into production before all the fine tuning was completed.

The biggest problem was that the Adventra was sold only with a V8 engine because the then current V6 was due to be superseded within a year and it was deemed not to be worthwhile to adapt the old engine to the new Adventra.

Even in good times, V8 engines seldom make up more that five to ten per cent of Commodore sales, meaning that 90 to 95 per cent of potential buyers couldn't get the wagon they wanted…

Holden Adventra and Crewman V8 were launched midway through 2003, the V6 belatedly arrived in March 2005. By this time reports of body squeaks, rattles and occasional mechanical problems were surfacing so they were already on shaky ground. Transmissions were all automatic, with the old four-speed unit being used behind all V8s and the new design five-speed auto featured on the V6s.

These old Holden V8s were thirsty brutes and in the Adventra and Crewman they excelled themselves in the ability to guzzle petrol. The petrol is a much better powerplant, offering almost as much acceleration while - relatively speaking - sipping fuel. Then again there’s nothing quite like the feel and sound of a big old style V8.

Extra ride height gives the Holden Adventra a tougher look than the standard Commodore and modifications to the body, particularly at the front where the squared-off bumper gives it plenty of street (and bush) credibility. At the back, the new tailgate design has the handy feature of a rear window that can be opened separately.

Adventra’s full-time 4WD system works reasonably well and not only offers plenty of traction on sand and gravel roads, but also gives added safety in slippery on-road situations. These are easy cars to service and repair due to their substantial underbonnet real estate. As always, steer clear of the safety stuff unless you really know what you’re doing.

Spare parts aren’t quite available at corner milk bars, but there are plenty of Holden dealers Australian wide, even in remote areas. Many, perhaps all, Australian motor mechanics cut their teeth fixing Holdens so there should be no shortage of experienced assistance.

Insurance premiums are generally lower than average. Some companies charge more to cover Adventra than Commodore sedans and wagons with much the same mechanical layout - obviously with the exception of the 4WD system. So it pays to shop around for the best deal.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

There were build quality problems in the early days so look at the Adventra in a lot of detail, then call in an expert to do the final checks. A couple we have driven had rattles in the rear tailgate on rough roads.

We have heard of several Adventras with power steering troubles. Turn the steering wheel fast with the engine running and the wagon stationary. Movement should be smooth and easy. During your test drive feel for steering that’s too heavy and also for it suddenly loading up.

Check the tyres for damage, particularly on the sidewalls, they aren’t up to the hard life of heavy-duty off-road running. Make sure the engine starts easily and doesn’t blow smoke when driven hard. After your initial drive allow it to sit and idle for at least a minute then floor the throttle. A big puff of smoke from the exhaust could indicate valve seal problems.

The four-speed automatic transmission can be harsher than average even when OK, if you find one that seems too bad either give it a miss or ask for a serious price reduction. The auto behind the V6 is a better unit. Again be aware of any problems during your test drive.

Holden Adventra CX8

Price when new: $52,990 
Engine: 5.7 litre V8
Power: 235 kW@5200rpm
Torque: 460Nm@4000rpm
Transmission: 4 speed auto
Dimensions: (L) 5036mm, (W) 1934mm, (H) 1654mm

CAR BUYING TIP

Far more ‘off-road’ vehicles stay on the road than go off it. These are usually, though always, in better nick than the ones that have tackled the great Aussie bush head on.