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HSV MALOO Used Car Review

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.

Pros

Cons

  • Excellent dynamics for a ute
  • Brutal performance of supercharged V8; generally great V8s
  • Premium feel to cabin, especially 2013 on
  • Surprisingly comfortable in terms of seats and ride
  • Poor rearward vision
  • Engines had huge appetite for fuel
  • Expensive for a ute
  • Not all Maloos were necessarily better than regular Holden V8 Ute
This is general information and should not be relied on as purchasing advice.
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Overview of the Hsv Maloo

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

SIMILAR MODELS TO HSV MALOO

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.