You might recall me telling you about the troubles I was having with my 2005 VW Golf Sportline. They began with a leaking radiator in my car, but that led to my VW dealer diagnosing a problem with the gearbox, and quoted me $16,000 to fix it. Well, I can now tell you that Danny from D. J. Automotive in Ferntree Gully got to the bottom of the problem, which was a fault with a manifold sensor, and fixed it for less than $1000. I can't peak highly enough of him.

17 May 2012

I have a 2010 Toyota Hilux SR5 auto that can't tow 2200 kg without overheating the gearbox. Is this not false advertising on Toyota behalf if it can't do what it says?

17 May 2012

For the first few months after buying our 2009 VW Golf Comfortline TSI 118 we thought it was great, but then it started breaking down. First it needed a new piston, then a new gearbox brain computer, then a new clutch, new software and a few other things. It now needs new fuel-injectors and there has been a four-week wait for parts. I have tried to talk to VW but they just keep me going around in their call centre, so I am at a loss. The car is nearing the end of the warranty. After reviewing the Fair Trading act I have asked VW for a replacement car or my money back as this is what the act implies is the appropriate outcome for a product that does not meet expectations. The bottom-line is that this is not what you would expect from an expensive and new car. I noticed other owners have raised similar issues, what was the outcome from their complaints?

17 May 2012

At 90,000 km the Welsh plugs in our 2005 Falcon BA had to be replaced as they were corroded and were leaking. It has now done 140,000 km and they are corroded and leaking coolant again. This does not seem normal. Is there some way to stop this happening?

17 May 2012

While traveling from St Helens to Hobart in my Honda CRV over Easter I filled up with BP premium unleaded, spending about $63. Five minutes later all the malfunction lights came on, suggesting there were problems with the Braking system and stability control and although the car was still safe to drive I should take it to my dealer as soon as possible. I drove on until the fuel gauge was showing empty, but the malfunction lights were still flashing, so I pulled over and called the RAC. They could not diagnose the problem, but escorted me to a service station to fill up. The car took very little petrol so it was a fault with the fuel gauge. We decided it would be safe to drive on to Hobart. The next morning the car went into the garage and was there for four days at a cost of over $600 because they were unable to diagnose the problem. On the fourth day they eventually diagnosed that there was water in the petrol and said they had taken at least four litres out of the tank. The fuel system is now damaged and apparently the fuel tank is corroded due to the presence of water. I contacted BP who after 10 days replied that they were unable to substantiate my claim that the damage was due to contaminated fuel and that they had no liability. The garage has a sample of what was taken from my fuel tank. Do you think there is anything I can do to address this injustice?

17 May 2012

I have been charged $128 and $126 for an oil filter when I have had my JH Holden Cruze serviced at different Holden dealers when I can get an oil filter for my VW Golf diesel for just $23. After some research I have been able to source an official GM part oil filter for the Cruze from the UK, costing $100 for a pair, including freight. Also, I understand the Cruze diesel engine requires Dexos II synthetic oil, yet neither Holden dealer has had this in stock. Instead, my car was given Castrol Magnetec oil. I do not know if this is a low carbon product or if is recommended for the engine. Is it fair that the oil filter should cost so much, and that Holden specifies an oil that dealers do not seem to have?

10 May 2012

I have a 2009 Mazda 3, which seems to have a cloudy clear coat, and the clear coat is separating from the paint underneath. I've attempted to lodge a warranty claim with Mazda and they are telling me it's my fault for having the car buffed. But the car has not been buffed and looking at comments from other owners about the Mazda paintwork it would seem to be of very poor quality. Any suggestions on how I could get Mazda to take responsibility for their product?

10 May 2012

The dash in my Toyota Prado developed cracks very early on, but I was unable to get my local dealer interested until I produced your article. I have since contacted my nearest city dealership, in Burnie, Tas, after direction from Toyota's national phone support people. Photos were taken and supposedly forwarded on a month ago, but I have had no feedback since. I have a young family and am becoming extremely concerned with the safety aspect of this cracking adjacent to the airbag. Can you tell me if others have had any success with their claims?

10 May 2012

The 2.2-litre engine in my Holden Rodeo duel-cab ute has developed a serious bottom-end knock, and three mechanics have told me I need a new engine. My options are to get an exchange reconditioned engine for about $2500 including fitting, or for the same price at the same place have them recondition my engine. I am not sure which way to go? How long would you expect a reconditioned engine to last? Are they as good as a new motor? Would it be better to get them to recondition my motor knowing that it's only done 74,000, or does this not matter in the reconditioning process?

10 May 2012

Water is leaking into the boot of my BF MK2 XR6 where side panels bond together underneath rear widow. There is little bit rust on top, but there is more inside. I went to few secondhand dealers and find out that there are lots of cars with the same problem, and it looks like it is common with this model. Do you think can I ask Ford to help me to fix this problem, because car is just over four years old?

10 May 2012