Holden Colorado 2015 Problems

You’re on the right track by asking about the gear-stick and its linkages; either of those two things is almost certain to be the cause of your problem. The gearstick itself needs to pivot in two planes, so there’s always scope for wear to develop in those joints and create the sloppy shift action you’re experiencing. In fact, because the shifter on your car bolts directly on to the gearbox – with no external linkages – wear in the shifter pivots is a very good bet as the cause.

You can remove the shift lever, take it apart and replace the bushes that allow the shifter to move and select each gear. That should tighten up the shift action and give you much better feel for what’s going on. The other possibility is that the shifter has become loose where it bolts on to the gearbox, or the rubber gasket that sits between the shifter and the transmission has perished or failed, allowing movement to occur.

Water shouldn’t get into the diff by merely driving in the rain; the seals should be good enough to keep water from getting into the diff even when driving through creeks and water crossings. Something more than a dud seal is at play here. Have the dealer make a more thorough check of the diff, and don’t pay for a replacement until the cause of the leakage is established.

Halfway on the dipstick suggests that it doesn’t need topping up, try waiting until it gets to the lower mark on the dipstick and see how far that takes you. Holden, or any other carmaker, won't tell you how much oil consumption is ok with their engines, but all engines use some oil. There are two basic reasons an engine might use oil, leaks, or burning. Leaks can usually be seen and easily fixed, burning isn’t so obvious and is more costly to fix. If it is burning oil you should see some evidence in the form of blue smoke from the exhaust. Go along with Holden’s recommendation and do the test.

It’s on the surfaces most exposed to the sun, and it probably a problem with the clear coat. Have your Holden dealer check it, and perhaps show it to a painter, or pant specialist to assess the problem.

The best way to get a resolution to your woes is to deal, at first with the dealer. If that doesn’t resolve your issues go directly to Holden’s customer service (1800 033 349) and seek a resolution. After that your next port of call should be consumer affairs in Queensland.

In 2015 Holden recalled 26,000 Colorado utes and SUVs because of the chance they might catch fire. The affected models were made between September 2013 and January 2015, which fits with your car. According to the Federal Government recall website, "there is a risk that cable insulation may melt or catch fire." For its part Holden said that an alternator cable might have been assembled so it makes contact with a steel bracket on the battery tray. The insulation could rub through, causing a short circuit, which could lead to a fire.

The Holden is cheaper because more people are choosing the Ford. If it's close enough on features, and ahead on value, then park the dream for some reality. But perhaps also cross-shop the Mazda BT-50, which is a clone of the Ranger.

Comparing utes and SUVs is tough. I get complaints from Grand Cherokee owners, the HiLux is being replaced soon and the Outlander is nothing special. The Colorado SUV is probably best for you but drive a Hyundai Santa Fe before you commit.

The Ranger is the winner, ahead of the Colorado and the HiLux (which gets replaced in the first half of next year). But don't forget to cross-shop the Ranger's Mazda BT-50 twin.