Holden Commodore Problems

It could be, but it would be a big and expensive job, not something I would recommend. If you want a petrol version, it would be much simpler to go and buy one.

It seems to me your answer lies in what you wrote at the beginning of your email. Why not buy another Hilux, it did the job for you before and there's no reason it wouldn't do the same again.

You certainly haven’t had a good run with it. I have heard of transmissions being replaced, but not many, and I haven’t heard of widespread trouble with the other issues you have had.

Larger wheels are used mostly for styling and image reasons, plus the fact that the carmakers can charge more for them. As for the ride, larger wheels go in tandem with low profile tyres, which ride harder and are less comfortable.

It’s not a myth, it’s the law. It’s also why Ford is stamping a 10-year supply of Falcon and Territory body panels this month in Geelong before closing down that part of its local production operation.

It does sound like the engine might be terminal, but you should have a mechanic properly diagnose the problem before you do anything. If a new engine is required you should be able to get a reconditioned one, which would save you a lot of money.

For a V8 auto ute I would definitely go for the Holden. Ford has given up on developing the Falcon but Holden is still committed to the Commodore and keeping it fresh and relevant.

WA uses the national Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR) and requires all written-off vehicles to be registered by the assessor. There are two types of written-off vehicles, Statutory Written-Off vehicles that can't be re-registered, and Repairable Write-Offs, which can be re-registered. To re-register a repairable write-off the car must pass safety and identity checks. I don't believe there is any requirement for a dealer selling a repairable write-off to advise the buyer of its status, although I think it's a little mischievous for them not to do so. The responsibility for checking the status is with the buyer. There's nothing wrong with selling a repairable write-off, they're often written-off because the cost of repairs exceeds the value of the car, and in some cases that's easy to do. I doubt that you have a case, but seek legal advice if you feel you want to pursue a claim.

Wow, that is a major change of direction. Before you make such a change I would suggest you actually test drive each of the cars you're thinking of to see if they really suit you. The Mazda MX-5 is a two-seater and not very practical for instance. It's hard to advise you because we don't anything about what you want from the car you buy. If it was me I would probably buy the MX-5, I would have no problem with a two-seater.