Ask The Guide

The Aurion has the V6 engine, which has a timing chain, so there’s no call for routine replacement as there would be if it had a belt.

Have you tried the spare key? If not perhaps try it and see if that one works. If it does it could be a problem with the key/battery. You could also have it checked by a dealer or an auto electrician.

Document the problems with the car and any work that has been done on it since you’ve owned it and take them to JLR with a request that they advise you on what work they plan to do to fix the problems. If that doesn’t get a satisfactory response then go to your state consumer affairs office, or perhaps lodge a complaint with VCAT.

Holden recalled 8000 diesel Cruzes in 2014 for a driveshaft problem that causes the vehicle to lose power. The cars affected were mostly built between February 2009 and December 2010. Holden replaced any driveshafts found to be faulty. Contact your dealer, or Holden direct.

It’s far too soon to be thinking about asking for another car. It’s under warranty and Mazda is required to fix any problems that might crop up. Let the dealer replace the screen as they have offered to do, and hopefully that will fix the problem and your concerns.

If the plug was cross-threaded and couldn’t be repaired by re-tapping the thread then replacing the oil pan was the only option. That would suggest the first dealer was at fault and should be responsible for the repairs needed. You need to sort it out with the first dealer, if that doesn’t work, go to your state consumer affairs department and ask for their advice.

It’s possibly a blown head gasket. Have a mechanic check it for you.

Take it to an auto electrician who should be able to test it and tell you if it is malfunctioning.

Without actually hearing the noise in question it’s not possible to speculate on what it might be. It’s under warranty, so take it back to your dealer and have them check the brakes for you.

It’s not legal to use a 3500 kg rated tow vehicle to tow 4500 kg, and your insurance wouldn’t cover you in the event of a crash. Step up to the bigger vehicle, or maybe look at something like a RAM pickup.