Holden Commodore Problems

IT SHOULD be more than 112,000km, that's for sure, but you won't know it's a stretched timing chain until you check it. To do that, you need to take it to a Holden dealer, otherwise Holden will not have anything to do with it. If you have your mechanic pull it down and repair it, you will wear the cost.

AT THE time of the VE's launch there was discussion about its fuel consumption, which was the same or slightly worse than the VZ it replaced. That was down to extra weight. As for the seats and the ride, that's a matter of opinion, but generally cars have improved and will continue to do so.

A CARS such as the Corolla, Mazda3 and Honda Civic will tow a small box trailer comfortably without overstressing the engine, and will be more economical than your Commodores were. But because you have found getting in and out of the Corolla difficult you need to try other cars to see how they stack up. Alternatively, try a compact SUV such as a Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester. They are higher, which may make them easier to get in and out. You should be able to get a two or three-year-old model within your budget.

IT'S hard to say how many are left, but one thing is certain, many have gone to that automotive graveyard in the sky. Given their numbers are thinning it's fair to say they will become collectable, and their value should go up. If you're thinking of buying one as a classic with the potential to increase in value, buy an SL/E.

IT COULD be a faulty valve lifter. Get them checked.

YOUR first point is valid: always check that the work claimed to have been done actually has been done and getting the old parts is a good way of doing that. At the same time you can check the condition of the parts removed and assure yourself that the work was justified. It can also be a good idea to see what should be done in a service before you take the car in. That way you'll know if something unnecessary has been done or something has been missed when you pick the car up, and there's no better time to sort out problems than before you drive away.

YES we have had other complaints, but yours is the first we have had for some time. A Holden person recently advised me that they are on top of the problem, but your complaints seem to suggest otherwise. I will contact Holden and ask for an update of their investigations.

THOSE early Commodores often have trouble with a crank sensor, so that may be worth checking.

HIS advice is good as long as you are regularly servicing your car and changing the oil. I wouldn't be concerned about doing specific LPG system checks, you will soon know if there is a problem with the engine.

THE dealers will always advise against converting because they don't want any comebacks should something go wrong. They have no control over the expertise of the person doing the conversion or the quality of the work. The converters have heaps of experience and will say cars such as yours can be done without a problem. In this case follow their advice, but ensure it's done by a competent converter.