Holden Problems

Intermittent problems are always difficult to find if they don't occur when the mechanic is there to witness it, but I would be looking at an engine sensor, crank angle or O2, as the most likely cause.

I wouldn't recommend you take it anywhere but the dealer. It's still under warranty and the dealer and Holden are the ones to fix it. I would take it back and tell them you believe it to be dangerous to drive and refuse to take it away until it's fixed.

On the surface it seems it could be the result of shoddy production, so by all means take it back to the dealer and have them look at it for you.

You should insist on having the problem resolved, if that means replacing the gearbox then so be it. But I wouldn't insist on replacing the gearbox straight up, as the cause of the problem might not be the gearbox.

You have experienced the problem that is the fuel consumption guide. The fuel consumption in the ads and the guide are the results of tests done under laboratory conditions, and not necessarily an accurate guide to what might happen in real life. They are meant to be used to compare one make and model against others in the same class, they're not intended to be an outright measure of real life fuel consumption. That gives carmakers the wriggle room they need to get out of a problem when customers, like you, complain. I think you are within your rights to demand that the dealer/Holden thoroughly check your car instead of fobbing you off and make sure it is within the factory specifications. Once that is done you could test your false advertising allegation, but that's a legal question best answered by others. I do, however, have some sympathy for your view.

It appears that most, if not all, one-tonne utes are affected by the same clutch problem. It's the same story on pretty much every ute, no mater the brand, and the common complaint is premature wear and/or slipping and shuddering. I agree with you that 60,000 km is too low for a clutch to be worn out, but you'll find your warranty clearly states that the clutch is not covered. You could argue your case for Holden to cover the cost of the replacement, or you could have a better aftermarket clutch fitted.

If the engine were reconditioned by a reputable engine reconditioning company and they gave you a guarantee with it you can be confident that it will last a long time. How long is impossible to say. There would be little difference between the exchange reconditioned engine and the one done by your mechanic. Either way you should check on what they are going to do the engine in the reconditioning process, so you can be confident that it is done professionally and properly.

When we put your questions to Holden we were told that the diesel oil filter costs so much is that "it is designed to assist in the Cruze meeting Euro 5 emission standards. It contains a glass-fibre element, which is significantly different, and more expensive, than elements constructed from more commonly used materials." Holden wouldn't comment on the pricing, which does seem exorbitant to us, preferring to say that dealers set their pricing independently of the company and competitively in relation to the local market. As for the oil Holden told us that "Dexos is the Holden recommended oil, but dealers are currently not compelled to use that oil. If they elect not to use it then they have a responsibility to ensure the product they do use meets the Dexos specifications." Castrol Australia recommends its Magnatec MP 5W-30 for the Cruze diesel and says it is Dexos2 compliant.