In a remarkable story of endurance and nostalgia, a 2002 VX Holden Commodore Lumina wagon has crossed the one-million-kilometre mark, earning its place as an icon of reliability and commitment.
The man behind the wheel? None other than Australian country music legend, Paul Costa.
A Million-Kilometre Partnership
Costa, hailing from Robinvale, Victoria, bought the Shanghai mica-coloured Commodore brand new in 2002 for $37,000 from Mollison Motors in Kyneton.
The wagon, designed with ample space for guitars and amps, became his steadfast touring companion as he pursued his dream of a music career.
From humble beginnings to being inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame at the 2018 Tamworth Country Music Festival, Costa’s journey has been powered, quite literally, by his Commodore.
Over two decades of relentless touring, the wagon carried him through albums, gigs, and milestones—culminating in the magic number of 1,000,000 kilometres in December 2024.
The Big Question: What Happens at a Million Kilometres?
When the odometer approached 999,666km, Costa teased his followers on social media with a cheeky question:
“Does anyone know what happens in 334km?”
The responses varied wildly:
- “It just keeps going.”
- “It resets to zero.”
- “It gets stuck at 999,999.”
The truth? The Commodore’s digital odometer reset to zero upon hitting the milestone, making the well-traveled wagon technically “brand new.” Costa joked:
“At the moment, it’s sitting on about 344km, so technically it’s brand new!”
Secrets to Longevity
The Commodore’s original 3.8-litre V6 engine lasted an impressive 635,000km before being replaced, along with the transmission.
Costa credits meticulous maintenance for the car’s incredible lifespan:
“In my opinion, the key is you’ve gotta change your oil every 10,000 kays, and that’s been done all its life. I think that’s the key to longevity in a motor.”
To Sell or Not to Sell?
Despite the Commodore’s achievement, Costa has no plans to part with his trusted vehicle:
“I must admit, I thought – ‘Do I get to one million and then, you know, put it out to pasture?’ I’ll never sell it, but I’ll put it in the shed somewhere. [For now], it’ll keep going.”
Costa’s love for his Commodore runs deep, dismissing comments that suggest otherwise.
“One guy said, ‘Your music career couldn’t have gone very well because you’ve still got the same car.’ I don’t usually entertain stuff like that, but I said, ‘Your comment has no merit. I’ve kept it because it has served me well.’”
A Song for the Wagon?
As Costa prepares for his next performance at the 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival, fans are already speculating whether the milestone will inspire a song. The country star hinted:
“I’ve been humming some ideas and had a few people say I should write a song about the wagon, so it’s well on the cards.”
The Spirit of the Commodore Lives On
The Holden Commodore may no longer be in production, but stories like Paul Costa’s prove its enduring legacy.
This isn’t just a car; it’s a symbol of reliability, hard work, and the unbreakable bond between an Aussie musician and his trusty touring partner.
As Costa hits the road for his next gig, one thing’s for sure: his Commodore has earned its place in the hall of fame, right alongside the music legend it serves.
Will Paul Costa’s million-kilometre Commodore inspire a new country anthem? Only time will tell.
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Dylan Anderson
