Holden Statesman VS (1995-1999)

Perfect car for road trips – I think the Statesman is such an underrated car. It's a fantastic car to own. Very spacious, comfortable and reliable. There's a huge amount of rear legroom, but the VQ-VS series is good because they are a bit smaller than the ones that followed, so it's easier to get into tight parking spots. It's a very smooth and comfortable car to drive, and great for long trips. It's definitely no corner carver, although it's predictable and well balanced, like most Australian cars from the past 20 years. Much better than American and Asian large sedans from the era.

The stereo is good, although I've upgraded the speakers. The air-con works very effectively. It's an easy enough car to see out of as well. Mine is dark blue with tinted windows - I think it's a great looking car and the design has aged much better than the NF-NL Ford Fairlanes.

The V6 is strong, and smooth enough in everyday driving. There's no real need for the V8 in this car, unless you want a better sounding engine or to tell your friends that you've got the V8. My biggest gripe is probably the auto transmission, as it can be a bit slow to change down when you need power. But the gear ratios are well spaced, and it's quite economical on the highway. I can easily get from Melbourne to Adelaide in one 70L tank.

It's been reliable, and it's a relatively simple car to fix.

Repairs to an old vehicle that most owners would get rid off – You people keep asking me to comment on a product or a specific tradesman etc, off all the reviews I have completed for your Company, Sheen Panel Service - Croydon have been excellent in all areas of repairing my old girl, nothing was to much trouble, book in times for repairs etc, when they suited me, replacement vehicle - available, when I needed it, work completed on time and on budget, twice for the VS Statesman and once for the 1999 Nissan Tiida.