This is a huge vehicle by Australian standards. But that sheer size is justified by its big carrying capacity. Holden Suburban can tote up to nine adults, though a more realistic use is seven adults and two children.

It can also carry their luggage. Other big 4WDs can seat eight people, but when loaded with humans there is precious little space for their goods and chattels.

Suburban is also an excellent tow vehicle, being able to haul 2.7 tonnes with the 5.7-litre petrol engine and 3.4 tonnes with the extra-heavy-duty 6.5-litre turbo diesel. All Australian Suburbans came as standard with a towbar as Holden thinks that will be a major reason for purchase.

Though it appears gigantic, Holden Suburban is only half a metre longer and 150 mm wider than a Commodore station wagon. On suburban roads it fits comfortably into traffic lanes, is easy to place in traffic. When turning sharp corners at suburban crossroads you need to make allowance for the extra length, otherwise the required driving technique is pretty much as usual.

Parking? That can be the downfall of the Suburban in tight suburban areas. It has a reasonable turning circle of 13.7 metres, and a moderate height of 1.9 metres, so it can be slotted into most spots by an experienced driver.

Off-road the big Suburban copes easily. Though its paintwork is likely to suffer in tighter situations as shrubs and tree branches drag down its flanks, so plan ahead if you want to do serious off-road driving.

Suburban uses part time four-wheel drive with a high-low range transfer box. It can be shifted from two-high to four-high and back at speeds of up to 100km/h, but must be stopped for shifts from four-high to four-low and vice versa. The front hubs engage and disengage automatically.

Fuel consumption isn’t low, but it’s not as bad as you might expect. Somewhere about 16 to 18 litres per hundred kilometres in suburban driving, dropping to as ‘low’ as 12 to 14 litres per hundred on the highway. It has a voluminous 159-litre fuel tank. If you are carrying a large number of people in a Suburban - and that’s what it’s designed to do - the fuel cost per head becomes more than reasonable.

Build quality is reasonable, though nowhere near the high standard of Japanese or Australian cars.

The big underbonnet space means you can do a lot of your own work without doing any real damage to your knuckles or your temper. Pick up a workshop manual before you start, and stay away from safety related items unless you are a professional.

Insurance charges are usually pretty moderate as vehicles of this type are generally operated by sensible drivers.

Holden was right when it made the decision to import the Suburban (it comes from a GM plant in Mexico) due to pent up demand. The trouble was that the number of potential customers was rather limited and once those folks had their vehicles no-one else seemed particularly interested. Holden had hoped to pull sales from those considering Toyota LandCruisers, Nissan Patrols and so on, but it seems that the extra bulk of the vehicle just didn’t appeal.

The final Holden Suburbans reached our shores in January 2001, though the last of them weren’t sold for several months after that. Holden dealers still carry spare parts for them, and seem likely to do so for some time into the future. But it may be worth a call to your local dealer, particularly if you live in an area where the Suburban isn’t common, to check on whether they stock parts, or have to get them in from elsewhere.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Build quality is a bit hit and miss by passenger car standards so check for bits that aren't screwed on properly. Listen for squeaks and rattles during your test drive.

Look over the complete interior for signs of damage, some Suburbans are used as heavy-duty work vehicles and may have done a lot of work. Don’t forget the boot.

The engines, particularly the turbo-diesel, are on the crude side and relatively noisy. If they seem to bad call for an expert opinion.

Check the engine starts easily and idles smoothly within a few seconds of kicking over.

Acceleration should be smooth and constant. There will be hesitation due to turbo lag from the diesel, too much could indicate troubles.

Also listen for a turbo-diesel with too much of a whine from the turbo.

The big four-speed automatic transmissions are generally pretty good, but beware of one that’s slow to change and/or hunts between gears, especially when hill climbing.

Inspect the underside for damage caused during off-road driving. Also look at the bumper corners and the paint on the body sides.

HOW MUCH?

Expect to pay from $15,000 to $20,000 for a 1998 Suburban 1500LS; $18,000 to $25,000 for a 1998 1500LT; $20,000 to $29,000 for a 2000 Suburban 2500; $23,000 to $32,000 for a 2001 2500LS; and $25,000 to $35,000 for a 2001 2500LT.

CAR BUYING TIP