Overview of the Holden Crewman
When in 2003 Holden took its One-Tonner ute and combined it with a four-door body and the four-wheel-drive system from its Adventra wagon, it created Australia's first locally produced AWD model. These were known as the Cross 6 (V6 engine) and Cross 8 (V8) models, though the Crewman was also available as a simpler rear-drive model. Both the V6 and V8 engines were upgraded during the Crewman's short lifespan, which proved to be far less successful than rival Ford's AWD effort - the Territory SUV.
HOLDEN CREWMAN GENERATIONS
2003-2007
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
3.8L V6: 12.5 litres per 100km
5.7L V8: 14.0 to 15.2 litres per 100km
3.6L V6: 12.2 to 13.8 litres per 100km
6.0L V8: 14.8 to 15.3 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Each 'Essential' service currently costs about $199. Holden Crewman parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO HOLDEN CREWMAN
Ford Courier
Mazda Bravo
Mitsubishi Triton
Toyota HiLux
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: HOLDEN CREWMAN (2003-2007)
V8 versions of the Crewman need a close check of the engine for worn out hydraulic lifters, valve springs and rocker bearings.
A ticking noise from the engine on start-up is the first sign of trouble and while you're in there, check for oil leaks, particularly around where the engine joins the transmission.
On VZ (later) model Crewmans, the big issue is timing-chain stretch which affects the V6 engine. A rattle when the engine is cold or is revved and returns to idle is a pretty good indication that this problem is present. A new timing chain is the fix, but it's a big job.
And like any work-oriented vehicle, make sure the Crewman in question hasn't been worked to death by a previous owner.
