Holden Commodore Problems

Try Glass's Guide on 9663 3009. Glass's Guide is the recognised reference source for values and will have the information you need.

Many things can affect fuel consumption and you need to keep on top of them to make sure you're getting the best economy possible.

THAT'S great news. It's the first clear indication there is a fix for what is a most frustrating problem.

THE V8 SL/E is the most desirable of the VC Commodores so will appeal to enthusiasts, but earlier Commodores are on the cusp of being collectable and values are somewhat depressed. In good condition you could expect $2500-5000, and the value will be determined by the amount of rust. Advertise in classic-car magazines or try an auction house such as Shannons.

REPLACING the lifters in the Gen III is a reasonably big job. The heads have to be removed and machined before they go back on. That's why the mechanic is suggesting that you do all lifters at the same time. It's likely to save you money in the long term. The quote, however, does seem a little steep. It probably should be more like $2000.

Two types of systems are available for the Commodore V6, an older-technology mixer system and a later vapour-injection system. The mixer system is like a carburettor on a petrol engine; the vapour-injection system can be compared with fuel-injection. The latter is preferable. It offers less loss of performance, better driveability, smoother idling and less risk of backfiring. But it is more expensive, so it will take longer to recoup the cost of installing it. Many brands offer both systems. The best way to make sure you have no significant problems down the track is to choose a respected brand and have it installed by an accredited, experienced installer.

YOU should be able to find a 2003 VY Acclaim or Lumina within your budget. You should get a tidy example with 100,000-125,000km on the odometer.

THANKS Sam, and for anyone thinking of doing the conversion the information about the need to change the diff ratio is important to note. For readers in Victoria, we have been told the Castlemaine Rod Shop is able to do the conversion too.

Adding a third seat to wagons was once quite common, and carmakers have even offered a third seat option in the past. But with the availability of so many seven-seater SUVs and people-movers now, it's not so popular. The demands for compliance to Australian design rules have also made it more difficult. I would suggest you look at people-movers such as the Honda Odyssey and the compact VW Caddy Life, which is a Golf-sized vehicle able to seat seven.

Two years is a long time. I'd be tempted to sell it, even though you will suffer a substantial slug of depreciation. Leaving a car to sit unused for two years will adversely affect it, no matter what you do.  But if you do store it and you can have someone drive it regularly, I would simply cover it and leave it. If that's not possible, put it up on blocks and disconnect the battery. The fuel tank shouldn't be left empty but there should be no more than about a quarter of a tank of fuel left in it. Lightly smear some lubricant over the door and boot seals to prevent them from sticking, and cover it to stop dust building up on the paint.