The owner of this 1992 Holden VQ Caprice had held onto the car for over 10 years, always hoping for the right time to bring it back to life. The goal was simple — make the car safe, reliable, and roadworthy so it could be registered and driven again.

Our team at Rawson Motors took on the project with extra care, treating it as more than just a car — but a sentimental investment and long-term goal for the owner.

Rather than just addressing one issue, we carried out a full vehicle assessment and built a plan to repair, refresh, and road-prepare the entire vehicle. This included safety systems, steering, braking, cooling, fuel, suspension, drivetrain and general performance.

The power steering rack was replaced, Front and rear shock absorbers and springs suspension were replaced

new brakes front and rear, front wheel bearings and tyres were fitted

the cooling system was overhauled, replacing water pump, thermostat and the original radiator restored to prevent overheating

The engine received new seals, mounts, and ignition components, along with sump removal to remove contaminates from sump and oil pick up to restore proper pressure and oil flow

The fuel system was refreshed, and new Manta exhaust system was fitted, and the transmission and driveline were serviced for smooth performance

After final adjustments and testing, the Caprice now drives confidently, safely, and smoothly — ready to enjoy on the road once again

After an extensive list of mechanical and safety repairs, this Caprice has now:

improved handling, braking and drivability

restored reliability for everyday use or weekend cruising

renewed confidence for the owner behind the wheel

Most importantly — a long-awaited project is finally back on the road where it belongs.

This wasn’t just about getting the car back on the road, many of the works to return the car back to optimum condition, ensuring that the was going to be reliable for many years to come - we would like to thank the owner for placing trust in us to complete the work.

At Rawson Motors, we take pride in helping customers bring their automotive goals to life — with clear communication, thorough workmanship, and results you can trust.

Discover how Rawson Motors restored a 1992 Holden VQ Caprice, tackling key mechanical repairs and preserving its sentimental value, bringing it back to safe, reliable, roadworthy condition.

1992 Holden VQ Caprice Restored to Roadworthy Condition

CASE STUDY – 1992 Holden VQ Caprice Restoration to Roadworthy

It is a fact that you get to choose where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices.

Wanting to snap up a great deal in the end of year car sales or want to welcome in the new year by having your new car serviced? Here is some sound advice from Rawson Motors in Officer.

The acquisition of a new car is one of the most substantial investments you will likely make, so it is common sense to do whatever you can to maintain it. Caring for your new car goes beyond detailing the interior and keeping it sparkling with a loving weekly wash, however.

There are a few other things to consider, such as who is the best choice to service your car.

You will want to ensure it is regularly serviced by 

1. a qualified professional like Rawson Motors, 
2. to the manufacturers requirements, 
3. using high quality parts and fluids which meet the manufacturers specifications. 

This is not just to look after your new car, but because if these 3 requirements are met you will also preserve the manufacturers warranty.

It is a fact that you get to choose who will service your new car without voiding either the manufacturers warranty or your rights under the Consumer Guarantee.

Car dealers are not able to force you to take the vehicle back to the dealer where you originally purchased it for service or repairs. Provided the work is implemented to the manufacturers specifications by a suitably qualified person and uses acceptable quality parts and fluids, the warranty stands. You have the right to choose who services your car.

With Repco Authorised Service you can tick all the boxes. Every Rawson Motors mechanic is fully qualified and Auto-Tech trained, giving them access to Australia's leading provider of automotive technical information and training. This means Rawson Motors mechanics are kept fully up to date with the latest in automotive service techniques and are able to service your new car without voiding the warranty.

Repco branded parts & products are manufactured to stringent Repco quality standards, and are covered by the Repco Nationwide Warranty, giving you added protection. Rawson Motors will also only ever use fluids and lubricants that meet the specifications of the original vehicle manufacturer.

If you already own a new car or are thinking of purchasing one, make sure you clearly understand where your statutory rights begin and end

Make sure you are aware of the diversity between express, statutory and manufacturer warranties to help you make the right selection when it comes to servicing your new car. You are automatically covered by a statutory warranty, also known as a Consumer Guarantee, under Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and this statutory protection can never be replaced by manufacturer or express warranties (which are offered by the car maker and car dealer respectively).

A lack of disclosure requirements on car dealers at the point of sale regarding these contracts can easily lead the consumer into making a choice to be bound by a long term contract without access to all of the details needed to make a properly informed decision.

So at the time of sale, look out for new car dealers who may try to pad the deal with “express” or “extended” warranties, often for free. Much of the time these ‘special' warranties may include quite specialised restrictions or provisions, and are not always what they are cracked up to be. Many times these promises provide no real additional benefits not already covered by the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with a particular new car dealership.

Such promises are very unlikely to call to your notice the potential negative aspects involved with taking a new car back to the dealer for service or repair. This includes the distance you may need to travel to get your car serviced or longer waiting times due to fewer available service locations or mechanics.

Check out our frequently asked questions below for more information on New Car Service and warranties. If you need to know more, the AAAA website and ACCC website have some great information too.

New Car Service Frequently asked questions

Were you aware of the fact that it is your right to choose where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices. Rawson Motors can service your new car using quality parts and fluids, preserving your warranty…

Rawson Motors - The Right Choice for New Car Service

Rawson Motors are the Right Choice for your New Car Service

Do you feel every bump in the road? Does your car struggle to grip the road properly? Your shock absorbers be worn! Don’t take the risk—bring your vehicle to Rawson Motors in Officer for an expert assessment.

Shock absorbers are one of the most misunderstood yet critical components of your vehicle. Many drivers don’t realise their primary job is to keep your tyres in firm contact with the road, ensuring both safety and performance.

Shock absorbers, along with struts, are vital parts of your car’s suspension system. They directly affect your vehicle's steering, stability, handling, braking and ride comfort. Replacing worn or faulty shocks and struts, as well as inspecting the overall suspension system, helps maintain control, safety, and a smoother driving experience.  

A lesser-known fact is that shock absorbers also play a key role in reducing wear on other vehicle components, such as tyres, by minimising the vibration and stress that uneven roads place on the car.

If you notice concerning signs of shock absorber wear, don’t wait. Visit the team at Rawson Motors in Officer. Our qualified technicians can conduct a road test and provide professional advice. Below are some of the warning signs to watch for:  

Trouble stopping  Worn shock absorbers can increase your stopping distance by up to 20%, which could be life-threatening. Addressing this issue immediately is crucial.  

Nose-diving and swerving  Does the front of your car dip down when braking, or does the vehicle swerve when you slow down? These are classic signs of shock absorber problems.  

Steering wheel vibrations   If your steering wheel vibrates excessively, even on relatively smooth roads, it could point to faulty shock absorbers.

Drifting in side winds  If your car veers or drifts in mild side winds, it’s a strong indicator that your shock absorbers may not be functioning correctly. 

Excessive bouncing and rolling  Is your car bouncing excessively over bumps, railway tracks, or uneven surfaces? Or does it feel unsteady around corners? It might be time for a suspension check-up at Rawson Motors.  

Uneven tyre wear   Uneven or patchy tyre wear, especially bald spots, is often a sign of worn shock absorbers. This issue can reduce your tyres’ lifespan and compromise road safety.  

At Rawson Motors, we’re proud members of the Monroe Safety Specialist Program. This means our team is fully trained and committed to providing you with the right shock absorber solution tailored to your vehicle, driving habits, and individual needs. You can trust that any product we recommend will be fitted correctly and deliver optimal performance.  

Book an inspection with Rawson Motors in Officer today, and let us help you keep your car safe, comfortable, and road-ready.

Ensure safety and comfort on the road. Visit Rawson Motors in Officer for expert shock absorber inspections, repairs, and tailored solutions. Book your assessment today!

Dangers of Worn Shock Absorbers in Officer

At Rawson Motors in Officer we provide Log Book Service that protects your statutory warranty for a very wide range of makes and models.

You have the right to choose a mechanic for car service. Simply book a service for your vehicle or contact Rawson Motors, tell us about your car and your last service and we can give you a quote today.

Worried about your new car warranty? your manufacturers warranty? You shouldn't be. You are at liberty to decide who is entrusted with your log book service without worrying about losing your right to a statutory warranty. You don't have to travel across town to get to a dealership or pay inflated prices. Find out more about your rights on our New Car Service page.

Rawson Motors can deliver log book service and more on a wide range of makes and models right here in Officer - merely drop by to see us today and tell us about your car and your last service and we can give you a quote today.

See the related articles below for some of the Vehicle makes we can service:

Rawson Motors can service and repair a variety of vehicle Makes & Models in Officer. Give us a call today to discuss your needs...

Car Makes and Models Rawson Motors Service

Sometimes, what looks like a routine repair turns into something kind of… unexpected. That was the case with this Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, which came in showing signs of trouble: low coolant levels and noticeably poor performance. 

At first glance, there were no visible leaks, so we topped up the coolant and began our checks. That’s when things got interesting—rather than circulating properly, the system was boiling the coolant. Suspecting a circulation issue, not unheard of, we removed the thermostat to help it run cooler and allow us to bleed the cooling system effectively. 

With the system bled, we moved on to checking the thermofan operation. The fan worked as expected with the A/C on, so we ruled that out as we could prove operation. At this point, the Jeep was still running rough, with a clear misfire at idle and a check engine light on the dash. 

We moved on to head gasket testing by performing a hydrocarbons test in the cooling system, as overheating and poor running can often point in that direction. Fortunately, for us and the customer; the test came back clear. 

Still chasing the issue, we decided to replace the thermostat—our initial suspect. It helped slightly but didn’t resolve the rough running. That led us to the next concern: a misfire. On closer inspection, cylinder 8 was misfiring. We swapped coils and spark plugs around to see if the fault would follow, but it stubbornly stayed on cylinder 8. A compression test came back healthy, which meant we weren’t dealing with internal engine damage—always a relief. 

At this point, we turned to a smoke test to check for intake leaks. That’s when the real surprise hit us. We found smoke pouring from the intake manifold area—something clearly wasn’t right. Once we removed the manifold, we discovered the root of the problem: the manifold itself was melted. Yes, it actually melted. Watch our Video....

Jeep SRT8 – An Unexpected Discovery

This kind of failure is incredibly rare—we’ve never seen it before, and even after asking around, it seems to be virtually unheard of. It’s not often that a plastic intake manifold fails so dramatically, but in this case, it was the missing piece of the puzzle – perhaps something engineers should have predicted? 

Thermostat replaced; boiling coolant issue gone

Rough idle, check engine light, and cylinder 8 misfire

Smoke test revealed a melted intake manifold 

It’s not every day a Jeep throws us a curveball like this, but that’s what makes this job so interesting. Each vehicle has a story, and this SRT8 definitely gave us a memorable one to tell. 

Contact Rawson Motors for all your car servicing needs in Officer and surrounding suburbs. Our technicians won't stop till your issues are resolved.

This Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, came in showing signs of trouble: low coolant levels and noticeably poor performance. Rawson Motors share the diagnostic journey...

Case Study: A Jeep SRT8 - A Surprise Under The Hood

Case Study: A Jeep SRT8 with a Surprise Under the Hood 

Your car's suspension and steering are critical for stability, good handling and ultimately safety whilst on the road.  That's why a regular suspension and steering service that includes inspection of the overall suspension and steering system, will protect the longevity of your tyres and the efficiency of your vehicle.

At Rawson Motors, we have highly trained mechanics that are familiar with all types of steering and suspension systems. We are able to inspect, diagnose and discuss possible maintenance and/or repairs that are required for your car. 

A regular suspension and steering service that includes inspection of the overall suspension and steering system, will protect the longevity of your tyres and the efficiency of your vehicle.

Suspension and Steering Service

Suspension & Steering

AAAA

VACC

Rawson Motors take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Conveniently located in Officer, the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 

Rawson Motors have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.

Rawson Motors

Suspension & Steering

Let's get started with your booking.

Let's get started with your booking.

Related articles

CASE STUDY – 1992 Holden VQ Caprice Restoration to Roadworthy

Rawson Motors are the Right Choice for your New Car Service

Dangers of Worn Shock Absorbers

Car Makes and Models Rawson Motors Service

Case Study: A Jeep SRT8 with a Surprise Under the Hood