Holden Problems

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.

ONLY if it has sentimental value. The Torana is not a highly prized collector car, and would be worth only $1000 or so at most.

HOLDEN tells us it is taking this problem seriously and looking into every complaint, but so far we haven't had any meaningful explanation.The problem seems to affect cars with lots of electrical features -- such as your Calais. Keep the pressure on the dealer and in turn on Holden to come up with a solution.

A WE HAVE asked Holden to confirm there is a fix for this problem, because it appears to affect a lot of cars.

THE V8 SL/E is the most desirable of the VC Commodores so will appeal to enthusiasts, but earlier Commodores are on the cusp of being collectable and values are somewhat depressed. In good condition you could expect $2500-5000, and the value will be determined by the amount of rust. Advertise in classic-car magazines or try an auction house such as Shannons.

YOU should be able to find a 2003 VY Acclaim or Lumina within your budget. You should get a tidy example with 100,000-125,000km on the odometer.

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.

THE SS was only a V8, but there was a Crewman S that came with the 3.8-litre V6. It will carry a decent load, certainly enough to handle your husband's work needs. The rear seating was rather upright and uncomfortable over a long period. You would expect to pay up to $25,000 for a V6 S and $28,000 for a V8 SS VZ model. It was dropped because it wasn't the success Holden hoped for and having a separate chassis it didn't fit well with Commodore production. I would look at a Japanese dual-cab.

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.

WE'VE passed your complaint on to Holden and we're looking forward to getting the results of their investigations. CarsGuide will keep you informed as we get more information.