Holden Camira JE Review

1988 Holden Camira JE Wagon. 15 years and 245000 k's later it still hasn't died (which is good). Original engine and gearbox. Only time the engine was opened was for new gaskets at about 240000 k's. Doesn't blow smoke and it's deceptively quick (or at least not slow). It loves being thrashed around corners and it's taken a pounding in it's first 15 years. The fundamental electrics have been reliable but things like little interior lights on the heater and ventilation controls have had niggles and the radio (not OEM) goes really loud when you go over bumps. Holden's plastic department must have been in its infancy in 1988 as the dashboard and bumpers haven't aged very well. Faithful to their reputation, the panels don't line up very well but it can't be all bad because a Jappa ran into me and was written off but the Camira only sustained a small dent. Just starting to get non-structural rust. All in all, this JE Camira has far exceeded its reputation and looks in heaps better shape now compared to its competitors of the day (Sierras, Coronas, 626s etc) and it hasn't had an easy life.