I had bought a new Holden Captiva 7, 2.2 Diesel LTZ in 2013. I've always serviced my car at an authorised Holden dealer. In August 2020, I had to replace the automatic transfer case, and then in December 2020, the engine started making sounds and it looks like I now have a failed engine? Holden have knocked back my claim of manufacturing defect. What are my options? Is it worth it to rebuild the engine, or replace it with another engine?
Depending on what sounds the engine is making will determine whether the engine is a throwaway or can be fixed. But if the consensus is that the engine in your car is beyond redemption, then I reckon a second-hand engine from a wrecked Captiva would be the best bet. I don’t think the car itself would be worth enough money to justify a rebuilt engine which could run to $10,000 or more.
Nobody wants to tell you this, but fundamentally, the Captiva was a pretty ordinary car. Lots of owners had lots of transmission problems (which you already know about) and plenty of diesel engines destroyed their turbochargers and – in some cases – the rest of the engine in the process. The petrol V6 was no beacon of excellence either, with a terrifying propensity to consume timing chains.
Who at Holden has rejected your claim for help in repairing the car? If it was the dealer, I’d simply go around that business and talk directly to Holden’s customer service department. The fact that the car has a full Holden service history might sway opinion at head office, but I wouldn’t be going to the bank on it given the age of the vehicle.