Holden Commodore Problems

Based on your mechanic's diagnosis it would seem that the oxygen (02) sensor is probably faulty and needs replacing. There is no connection with the car's heater. If there is a problem with the heater it's different one.

Not very confident I'm afraid. It's a well known problem, but the car is five years old and has done 90,000km. You should try to get some compensation, but the best I reckon you might get would be if Holden paid for part of the cost of repairs.

We're writing now about coming Plum Purple cars. And don't forget Holden has had a string of "hero" colours going back to Tiger mica on the VT Commodore.

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?

The police pack should make no difference to reliability as, even though they are driven hard, the cars are well maintained. So there is at least another 100,000km in it. As for Lang Lang, security is as tight as ever and it's not closing when the factory closes.

The VF Commodore is the best-ever Australian car and my pick. It gets a Big Tick. Neither will give you problems with servicing or parts suppies, even after the local factories close.

We're also expecting the power boost for the Commodore tweak, which is happening in October.

It's an easy choice for me. I'd go for the VFII SS-V with the new Corvette engine. It's a new high-water mark for Holden and, in any case, all the XR8s have already been allocated to owners.

I've just been driving the latest Chrysler 300C and it's much improved and definitely continuing beyond Commodore and Falcon. It's not as good as the VFII, which you should choose next, but would work for you once Holden becomes an import-only brand.

We'll be driving the Series II, with its major V8 engine boost, very soon for a road report. My heart says Mustang for the shape and history but the head would go Commodore in a showroom.