Holden Calais Problems

There were two engines in the 2012 VE Calais Series 2. One was a 3.6-litre V6 Alloytec SIDI, the other a 6.0-litre Gen IV L76 V8.

The widow is probably rattling in its channel, which should be obvious when you remove the door panel to check it. The dealer should be able to fix it, and since the car is in warranty it’s their responsibility to do it. Keep at them, if not take it to a body shop.

Both cars meet all of your requirements, they have 5-star safety, they're comfortable, have a large boot, and plenty of power for overtaking. Either one would be a good choice, but if I were to be making the selection it would be the Toyota for reliability and resale.

With local production shutting down the big-car choices are getting fewer and fewer, but right now you can still buy a Calais if that's what you like. You can also buy an equivalent Falcon or Toyota Aurion. There are more expensive cars, from the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi etc. that would suit, but they come with a much higher price tag than a Calais. Others you could try are a Skoda Superb, a Honda Accord V6 Luxury if you're prepared to give up a little in size, and there's also the Chrysler 300C.

Based on your height alone I'd say the Commodore will be a better fit. And why not enjoy an Aussie V8 before they're gone?

If you want the V8 then you should have it. The economy will be good enough on highway work but remember it will suck fuel down on short trips or if you uncork the performance away from the traffic lights.

Don’t stress yourself. Take it to your nearest Holden dealer and book it in to be fixed. There shouldn’t be any problem in having it attended to.

Water vapour from the exhaust is common during the warm-up phase. It should stop after a short time of driving, but I wouldn’t be concerned about it.

Years ago when you owned your Torana it was considered something of a performance car, as the Clubsport, SSV and Calais are today, but there are many other ways of getting your driving thrills today without having to go for a V8. Some of the hot hatches now available would give you all the thrills, and more, than the big-bangers of old. Take a test drive in a VW Golf GTi or one of the fast Ford Focuses and I'm sure you'd rethink your choice. All the cars you mention, the Clubsport, SSV and Calais are good cars with plenty of grunt, the V8 sound, and the comfort of a big car. For mine though I'd be going for a hot hatch.