Holden Problems

Your complaint is a common one with people who have bought the factory options, but my investigations suggest you can’t update the maps without buying the factory disc. You’re right, it isn’t good enough, and anyone thinking of buying the factory GPS should consider this cost before they do.

I don’t remember the Commodore test, but I do recall the claims made by companies trying to sell us their products. I have to admit I’m a skeptic and don’t believe the claims. I would prefer to err of the side of caution and change the oil regularly instead of relying on something that in my mind really isn’t proven.

It’s not always easy to diagnose a problem, which is probably why the mechanics haven’t been very specific with their advice. If you’re not happy with the advice you have received take it somewhere else. You could perhaps try a steering or suspension specialist who should be able to tell you if it’s the steering or the suspension.

As you say 20,000 km from a clutch, when driven normally, is not acceptable. You need to retrieve the parts and have them examined by an independent engineer with experience in clutches. Armed with his information you can approach Holden and ask for compensation for your expenses.

Rear tyre wear is a well-known issue with the VT Commodore; it’s due to the type of rear suspension it has. Holden made a change with the VX Commodore in 2001 to fix the problem. You could talk to the guys at a suspension specialist, such as Pedders, who could probably help you with an aftermarket fix they sell.

It’s hard to suggest where you might look from your description, but you obviously think the rattle is coming from the suspension and is not an engine-related rattle like pinging. If your suspicion is correct I would be looking at the front shock absorbers, but you really have to try and identify the area the rattle is emanating from.

Vapour-injection kits are more expensive than the old venturi/mixer systems, but they work well on the Gen III. If you go for good quality brand and have it installed by a competent gas mechanic you should have no problems with it.

The Apollo is the same as the Toyota Camry, which converts well and gives little trouble. You can choose between an old venturi/mixer system or the latest vapour injection technology.

It doesn’t sound like there’s anything wrong, the ‘smoke’ is pretty normal for most cars during the warm-up phase.

Holden switched from the Isuzu 3.5-litre V6 to the locally produced 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 in 2006. The fuel economy was claimed to have improved by around 2.5 per cent in the switch.