Holden Problems

The Captiva doesn’t actually have a four-wheel drive mode in the conventional sense. It employs an all-wheel drive system with all the drive going through the front wheels in normal conditions, but when conditions dictate the drive is redirected to the rear axle as required for maximum traction. I’m not sure what difference having a light on the dash would make, the system would still be working out the best distribution of the drive for best traction, all you would have is a light flashing on the dash. I would find that distracting.

On the basis of what you have described here it doesn’t sound as though the car is unsafe, and I wouldn’t be reluctant to drive it. I can, of course, understand that you feel frustrated at not being able to get a satisfactory explanation of the cause of the noise. I would suggest that you go back to the dealer and ask for a meeting with the service manager to discuss your concerns. Have the manager talk you through what they have found wrong with your car and what they have done to fix it, and ask them to justify to your satisfaction that it is indeed fixed. If you’re still not satisfied ask them to have a Holden factory technician assess the noise and give you a report on it. Further to that you could have an independent mechanic assess it for you.

You could use E10 ethanol blend fuel in both of your cars; you could also use regular 91 in them if you wanted.

There is no set distance and it is usually only done when the engine starts to run a little roughly or loses power. It sounds to me like your dealer is trying to sell you up to something you don't really need.

The Adventra was never regarded as a particularly economical car and your numbers confirm that. Holden claimed a combined average of 13.2 L/100 km, which makes your car around normal.

The key is programmed to the car so any locksmith needs both to supply you with a new key. But if it’s just the locking part of the key that’s a problem, and the key still starts the car, then you might be able to have the key head reprogrammed by a locksmith in Australia, who will be able to instruct you on what you need to do to mate the new key head with the car once it’s returned to you. Try Port Melbourne Locksmiths on 03 9645 1222 for more information, but you could try other locksmiths as well.

In a word, yes. If you believe you have exhausted all avenues with the dealer and Holden then legal action is all that remains. Have a solicitor send Holden a letter setting out your case and your preferred outcome.

That's a brave move after all those years driving the HG, but you've chosen a car that should give you good service. It's not possible to say it won't breakdown at any time, and if it does you won't be able to fix it yourself as you would have done with the HG. The brakes won't wear out as fast as they might on other brands, the current car doesn't appear to have the issues with ignition coils that earlier models did, and I haven't heard of reports of brake hose failures on the VE. Overall it is generally reliable and shouldn't give you too many nightmares.

Phew, where to start! It's always a good idea to read the warranty before you buy a car so you understand what it covers and what it doesn't. The new car warranty is provided by Holden, the extended warranty is not, that is provided by an insurance company and sold to you by the dealer. Again you need to read it and understand what it covers and what it doesn't cover before you buy it. Personally I wouldn't buy one, I don't believe they are good value for money. Like every profession there are good mechanics and dud ones, ones that treat their customers well and others that don't. It's a good idea to find a mechanic you can trust, one that treats you with respect, and stick with them. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't be fobbed off. If you aren't satisfied persist until you are satisfied with the answers, it's not a bad idea to ask to see any parts that have been replaced and get an explanation of why they needed replacing. A good mechanic will be happy to take the time to explain to you what has gone wrong and what they have done to repair your car. With regard to Holdens breaking down shortly after the warranty runs out, I don't believe there is any evidence that they do, certainly none that says they breakdown more frequently than other makes. As for the extras charged during a service; you are perfectly entitled to get a quote before the car goes in, and Holden would be able to tell you how much each service will cost you; if there is anything else they find during the inspection they must get your approval before going ahead with the work. It is not uncommon to find faults during the service inspection; that is why they inspect cars when they come in for service, I don't think that's unreasonable. Cars do breakdown, that's a fact of life, and it's not restricted to Holdens.

Sorry to tell you but the diff problem is a common one in the Crewman, has been since it was new. Other than changing the diff, there’s not much you can do about it, except try changing the oil.