Holden Problems

I'd be hanging on to it for a while yet, the economy is likely to improve and with it so will the demand for classic cars. Added to that I don't think the VZ Monaro has acquired the true classic status it is likely to acquire over time, even though yours has only a few kays on the clock. It would be worth $40,000-$45,000 right now.

Generally it would. The colder air entering the engine is denser than the air that’s drawn in from the engine compartment, which is heated by the engine, so you pack more in to the cylinders. But before you do fit it check to see where the air is being drawn from on your car as many new cars already have a form of cold air intake.

Holden claims the Berlina will average 9.3 L/100 km so I would say yours is in the ballpark, but bearing in mind that is just two weeks old it should get a little better once it's run-in. As for the speedo, if it is showing a lower speed than the actual speed then it is illegal and you should take it back to the dealer to be fixed. The law allows the speedo to read as much as 10 per cent over the actual speed, but it can't read lower than the actual speed.

The advice you have received from your mechanic is bad; ABS is an important safety system and should be repaired to proper working order as soon as possible. Definitely do not have it disconnected. A regular mechanic should be able to find the fault and repair it, but I would recommend you take it to a Holden dealer, despite your fears about the cost.

It's hard to be sure without driving it for a time and observing for the leak. Before taking delivery check the paperwork to see that the dealer has attended to the problem, and keep a copy of the vehicle inspection report for later reference if needed. It's not unusual for cars to develop oil leaks, most do.

It's impossible to predict what might happen in the future, but I would tend to agree with you. I don't see any reason to sell it; it's only six years old and providing you keep it well maintained there's no reason to think it won't continue to give you good service for some years to come.

From your description and looking at the photos you supplied it seems to be a very nice car. I would think it's worth $8000-$10,000 depending on the condition of the interior you say needs some TLC.

It's a moulded headlining panel and the backing foam is probably crumbling, which makes it hard to fix. The way out is to replace it.

If you take-off at the stall speed of the torque converter the auto will have the quicker get-away because of the torque multiplication of the converter. At speeds below the stall speed the manual will get away quicker because the torque converter is, in effect, slipping during the initial phase.