HSV Maloo VP-VZ Series 1992-2006 - Buyer's Guide

By: Cliff Chambers

Date: 26.01.2023

HSV spread its wings, modifying many Holdens with even the ute getting a wild makeover

Its name comes from an Aboriginal word for ‘thunder’ but early Maloos barely raised a whisper in the HSV sales rooms.

During the Maloo’s first decade only 1000 were made, but then came V8 ute racing and a cultural shift reviving interest in recreational commercial vehicles.

March 2000 saw HSV begin fitting Chevrolet-sourced, 5.7-litre LS1 engines with 255kW.

Also new was the six-speed manual transmission fitted to a Maloo, allowing HSV to fit a lower final-drive ratio (3.77:1 vs the four-speed automatic’s 3.07:1) for superior off-the-line and mid-range acceleration.

| Buyer's Guide: HSV Maloo VU-VZ

The Maloo and up-spec R8 featured different styles of 18-inch alloy wheel but only a space-saver spare. The front brakes were 330mm diameter with 315mm rotors at the rear.

Cloth-faced sports seats with electric adjustment were standard, as was cruise control, a trip computer, dual airbags and a leather-bound steering wheel.

Outside, a larger air dam with integrated fog lights, side skirts and rear number-plate panel were unique to the HSV version. A fibreglass tonneau cover with integrated spoiler came standard, along with upgraded brakes, on the $54,950 R8.

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The VUII altered the headlights and some minor details but most significantly added ‘data dot’ coding as a theft deterrent. From June-October 2002 a 15th Anniversary was sold for only $150 more than the $49,450 base model.

Late 2003 the Y Series didn’t significantly alter the utes appearance but lifted power to 260kW. The Maloo Y’s major improvement came via a brake upgrade.

A Series II version released in October 2003 increased the price of an R8 to almost $60,000, with a 25kW power increase and the added security of traction control. Air-conditioning was now climate-controlled. The Maloo Y contributed 1172 sales and remained in production until the Z Series’ arrival in October 2004.

Yet more power (297kW) and 530Nm of torque made this the most potent two-seat HSV and one of the most affordable super-cars on the world market – with a Guinness Book of Records listing to prove its pace.

In 2006 with Mark Skaife driving, a stock R8 scorched down a deserted strip of Woomera's Rocket Range tarmac at a documented 271.44km/h confirming HSV as the ‘World’s Fastest Pickup’.

Base price for a Maloo had by 2004 reached $54,250 and an R8 cost $61,450. However, they offered increasing value considering the improvements in performance and sophistication achieved since the 1990s.

Maloos with a hard tray cover offer aerodynamic advantages but are impractical if you need to carry something tall because the cover requires two people to remove and reattach. A vinyl tonneau or spending extra on one of the ‘roller-door’ types of cover is more practical.

Values for most Maloos have increased, in some instances quite dramatically, however it is possible to secure a 20-year-old example at reasonable money. Service history, excellent mechanicals and a near-perfect interior are essential, especially for cars being sold at excessive prices before the over-heated market cools.

Value Range HSV Maloo (VX-Z)

Fair: $20,000
Good: $35,000
Excellent: $60,000
(Note: exceptional cars will demand more)

BUYER'S CHECKLIST

Body & chassis

Some buyers like the fact that their Maloos sit low, right up to the moment they clout a gutter and crack the air dam or beach the thing on its extended sills. Poorly-repaired crash damage shows up via inconsistent bumper and bonnet gaps, but less obvious is damage to mounting points for the air dam and rear bumper. These need to be checked on a hoist. Look also inside the tray for a torn liner and the hard lid – where fitted – for poor fit and damage to seals which will allow dust and water into the load area. New panels are still available but genuine body kits may not be and even after-market replacements cost more than $2000

Engine & transmission

Local and imported V8s should, with regular maintenance, deliver around 300,000 kilometres of trouble-free use. Oil leaks can develop fairly early in an engine’s life and you don’t want it burning on the exhausts so while checking the underbody, look for leaks as well. Chattering from the valve train is symptomatic of dirty oil and it is wise to avoid vehicles with sketchy service history. Clutch life varies according to use and 80,000 kilometres should be possible. The six-speed manual isn’t especially quiet and whining at constant speed is normal. Check with a specialist if you intend towing with a Maloo because HSV didn’t specify a safe maximum weight for early versions.

Suspension & brakes

Worn suspension bushes can affect steering response and grip, especially at the rear. If the rear tyres are worn significantly on their inner edges, the IRS components need examination by a specialist. Brake components can need frequent replacement, with a set of stock rotors and pads worth around $1000 but rising to $3000 for upgraded components. Ensure that wheel rims aren’t gutter-scuffed as second-hand replacements cost upwards of $350 each.

Interior & electrical

Interior parts can be unique to HSV and more expensive to replace than the same parts in basic Commodores. Leather needs to be supple and crack free or a hefty retrim bill awaits. Due to the pronounced bolsters, even the stock seats are prone to wear. Feel around the edges of carpets and under seats for dampness from water entering the cabin through vents or a replaced windscreen seal. Test the power seat adjusters to make sure they haven’t seized due to lack of use and electric windows to ensure smooth operation.

1992 - 2006 HSV Maloo VP-Z Series specs

NUMBER BUILT: 4000 (approx)
BODY: Steel, unitary body two-door utility
ENGINE: 4987cc, 5665cc or 5967cc V8 with OHV and fuel injection
TRANSMISSION: Five or six-speed manual or four-speed automatic
POWER & TORQUE: 297kW @ 6000rpm 530Nm @ 4400rpm (6.0 litre)
PERFORMANCE: 0-100km/h – 5.5 seconds 0-400 metres 13.8 seconds (6.0-litre manual)
SUSPENSION: Independent with struts, coil springs and anti-roll bar (f) independent with semi-trailing arms, coil springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bar (r)
BRAKES: Disc (f), disc (r), pwr assisted with ABS
TYRES: 235/40 ZR18 or 245/35 ZR19 (Maloo Z)

From Unique Cars #473, Dec 2022/Jan 2023

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