| The Holden Statesman offers a locally made | | | | was remodelled and 44mm was shaved off the |
| alternative to the European prestige cars | | | | back end, making it a little less bulky. |
| such as the BMW and Mercedes Benz. The Holden | | | | There were also changes on the inside with a |
| Statesman is based on the Commodore but with | | | | restyled dashboard. This 2003 model is known |
| a longer wheelbase for extra passenger room | | | | as the WK model. |
| and comfort. There are a number of engine | | | | |
| options available including a V6, a V6 | | | | Holden Statesman engine options |
| supercharged model and a V8 option in later | | | | |
| models. | | | | As mentioned, the Statesman is available in a |
| | | | naturally aspirated V6, a supercharged V6 and |
| The Holden Statesman is a popular choice with | | | | a V8. |
| hire car drivers and the Commonwealth | | | | |
| Government owns a fleet of Holden Statesmans | | | | The naturally aspirated V6 3.4 litre Ecotec |
| to drive our esteemed leaders about the | | | | engine originally had 147 kw of power which |
| nation's capital. The Holden Statesman offers | | | | was later increased to 152 kw. The |
| a smooth, quiet ride, especially in the bush | | | | supercharged V6 produces a much more |
| where they handle the rough country roads | | | | respectable 171 kw of power considering the |
| even better than many of the European luxury | | | | size and weight of the car. In 2004, the V6 |
| cars. About town however, the sheer size of | | | | powerplant was updated with the 3.6 litre |
| the Statesman can make it hard to park in | | | | Alloytec engine which boosted the power to |
| tight spots. | | | | 190 kw. While the earlier models had a four |
| | | | speed automatic transmission, the 2004 WL |
| There have been a number of updates to the | | | | model included a five speed automatic |
| Holden Statesman over the past few years. In | | | | gearbox. |
| 2001, the WHII model included improvements to | | | | |
| the car's suspension and ride and the Holden | | | | The Holden Statesman also came with the |
| Assist option became available. Holden Assist | | | | option of a 5.0 litre V8 engine although you |
| is an interactive primary security system | | | | might find a one owner 5.0 litre V8 harder to |
| which provides on-board assistance 24 hours, | | | | come across as not all that many were |
| 365 days of the year. | | | | released. However, in later models a Chev 5.7 |
| | | | litre V8 engine was available and a good one |
| Some of the situations where Holden Assist | | | | owner 5.7 litre Chev V8 should be easier to |
| may be of benefit to the Holden statesman | | | | pick up. |
| driver include: | | | | |
| | | | When buying a one owner Holden Statesman |
| ·Locking the keys in the car | | | | |
| | | | When buying a one owner Holden Statesman, |
| ·A flat battery | | | | check over the car thoroughly as there were |
| | | | some issues with build quality on earlier |
| ·In an emergency or crash | | | | models. Later models should be okay. As these |
| | | | are fairly complex luxury cars, it will pay |
| ·If the Holden Statesman is stolen. | | | | to get a professional inspection. Also, bear |
| | | | in mind that many Holden Statesmans have been |
| In 2003, the Holden Statesman had a face lift | | | | used as hire cars so check for high |
| to rectify some of the criticisms of the | | | | kilometres and pay particular attention in |
| looks on the earlier models. The front end | | | | the rear for wear and tear. |