Holden Problems

Holden has in the past replaced faulty transmissions without cost to the owner, but I would guess they won’t offer to replace yours free of charge, as your car is seven years old. But until it is assessed you can only speculate that the transmission is at fault.

If the mechanic/repairer is a qualified and registered company they should have some guarantee on the quality of their work. Take the car back and show them what your are unhappy about and ask for the work to be done again, or compensation. If they are not qualified or registered with a trade organisation you have little comeback.

Yes, it is a common rail diesel engine.

The 2012 Holden Captiva LX was AWD and had a 4-star ANCAP rating.

Leaking water pumps are not unknown; most are changed every time the timing belt is changed because they’re leaking.

I assume it won’t unlock using the remote, but guessing it probably would with the key. It could be an issue with the key, perhaps replace the battery, or with the sensor on the boot release.

Your choices are limited. An i30 of around 2014 would handle your towing needs and fit your budget. You could also look at Holden Cruze or VW Golf wagons.

The private price guide is $23,500-$26,000, but that’s with average kilometres of 30,000-50,000. With 10,000 km the value would be towards the top end of the range.

Water vapour from the exhaust is common during the warm-up phase. It should stop after a short time of driving, but I wouldn’t be concerned about it.

The engine oil should be a 10W-40, the auto transmission fluid and power steering fluid should be from a quality brand, and the brake fluid should be a DOT 4 spec. Go to an automotive supplies shop and they should be able to advise you.