Holden Astra 2006 Problems

For a start, it’s never a good idea to drag a car anywhere with the wheels, hand-brake and steering locked. You can damage anything from the transmission, steering column, driveline and even ruin (flat-spot) the tyres.

If the clicking noise when you drive it wasn’t there before, then a mechanic would suspect that there’s been damage done to the front driveshafts. This would be consistent with the car being forcibly dragged along the ground. If you’re worried, have a mechanic check the car over and send the repair bill to your (now possibly ex-) housemate.

There are two possibilities here and it will all depend on whether your car is a 2005 model (that was first sold in 2006) or a post-facelift model and also whether it’s a TS Astra or an AH model Astra. If it’s the earlier car, then you might be in luck. The process involves taking the new key, placing it in the ignition and turning the ignition on (without starting the engine). Then, when all the dashboard lights are lit up, you press one of the remote buttons on the key. And that’s about it. You should hear the car lock and then unlock itself to let you know the process is complete and you’re good to go.

For post-2005 models, however, things are not so simple. In this case, you need to either visit a locksmith or a workshop that has the Holden diagnostic gear, as the new key needs to be coded to the car via the diagnostic port. That said, I’d give the first method a try before spending money at a workshop. Who knows, you might just get lucky.

Have a car sound system specialist check it for you. They should be able to clear it so that you can insert CDs.

You probably could, but before you commit I would line them up to make sure the 2006 alternator would fit the later model. If they do, and I expect they will, you should be okay.

The VE sounds like a good car that's been well looked after and would be a good car for a growing family such as yours. I will assume it's a V6, in which case the main thing to be concerned about is wear to the camshaft timing chains. They're a known problem and cost $2000 or so to replace if they do wear. You can tell if they're worn as the engine runs poorly because the cam timing is thrown out. Other than that the VE is quite sound.

I would think about $13,000 would be the value of it for insurance purposes.

I would first question the need to do some of the work he is saying is urgent, and would suggest you have another mechanic check the car for you. If you are in the RACQ you could have them check it for you, at least to give some peace of mind.

First you need to make sure you have all of the documentation relating to your claim, and hopefully supporting it. If the dealer won't come to the party take your claim to the Motor Traders Association of NSW and ask for their advice. You could also consult the Department of Fair Trading. Failing that legal action is always available to you.