Overview of the Hsv Maloo
Maloo means 'thunder' in the Aboriginal language and it was applied to HSV's performance version of the Holden Commodore Ute in 1990.
The 'sports coupe with a boot' was fitted with increasingly powerful V8 engines, notably towards the end of its life with models such as the GTS and, lastly, the LSA with a supercharged V8.
Production of the Maloo ended along with the Commodore Ute in 2017.
HSV MALOO GENERATIONS (SINCE 2007)
2007-2013
2013-2017
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption (2013 on)
6.2L V8: 12.6 to 12.9 litres per 100km
6.2L V8 supercharged: 15.5 to 15.8 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Contact your nearest Holden/HSV dealer as the Maloo is no longer produced. HSV Maloo parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO HSV MALOO
FPV Tornado
FPV GS Ute
FPV Pursuit Ute
FPV Super Pursuit Ute
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: HSV MALOO (2013 TO 2017)
Just because it's a big-dollar car with big performance and a high-end badge, doesn't mean the HSV Maloo, as a ute, won't have done plenty of hard work in its day.
That said, many have led very pampered lives and have never carried anything heavier than an esky and a fishing rod, so that's the Maloo you want to buy second hand.
Listen to the engine when it starts from cold. Is there a ticking or tapping noise from the engine? If so, you're probably looking at an engine with dud hydraulic lifters.
This engine was notorious for this, and the fix is a new set of lifters. The valve springs and rocker bearings should also be checked while you're in there.
It isn't quite open heart surgery but it will take a few hours of labour. Cost is impossible to predict. As with anything like this, get a quote first.
Some of these cars will still be covered by the factory warranty, too, so make sure the service record is intact.
The Maloo was, like other HSVs of this era, recalled to check an electrical connector that could see the electric power-steering fail. The steering would still work but would need lots of muscle from the driver.
A rattle from the front end of the Maloo could be a case of loose ball-joint fasteners that were incorrectly torqued at the factory. There was a recall for this.
