Holden Commodore 2009 Problems

THE quote seems reasonable, given the work that needs to be done. But I would consider updating to a newer car. Think about a later model. It is a good time to buy now the market so depressed.

HAVING spent time in a VE SS, I have to admit the speedo is almost impossible to read. The graphics, in particular the white on a grey background, are appalling. The only way I could read the instruments in the central cluster was to turn on the headlights and illuminate the graphics. I also like to read a dial rather than a digital readout, and I also like to use the trip computer to track fuel consumption.

YOU are correct, and that's the solution for Glen's problem with his dials.

FORD is expected to announce a new gas-injection system for the facelifted Falcon due this year. It will then be able to offer electronic stability control. An alternative is to buy a petrol Falcon with ESC and have the dealer fit a dual-fuel gas-injection system.

I HAVE to agree. The instruments in many cars fail in my view because designers go for form over function. At the risk of being accused of Ford-bashing again I would use the current Falcon as an example. In daylight the graphics overpower the graduations on the dials making them difficult to read, but at night when the dials are illuminated and the graphics can't be seen the instruments are easy to read. As for the controls on the Falcon, they defy logic. I've been a critic from the beginning. Give me a good old set of white-on-black instruments with large easy-to-read graphics.

THE new Toyota HiLux has the best dials I have seen in recent times. The graphics were white on a black background, so there was good contrast and they were lit whenever the ignition was on.

INTERESTING reading. The VE V8 ute I am driving has the problem. It's evident at about 30km/h, but is also there when taking off from the lights. There's no clunking in the driveline; its a deep slump in acceleration and then a surge.

I STRONGLY urge you to contact Holden Customer Assistance and register your concerns about tyre wear. Ask them for a recommendation on how to improve the life of your tyres.