Holden Problems

HSV produced 500 SS Group A versions of the Commodore in 1991 to homologate it for racing, i.e., Bathurst. It sounds like one of those, maybe built after the introduction of the VP in September 1991.

If you missed the recommended service interval by 15,000 km – that’s like missing a whole service – then I don’t think you have any grounds on which to make a claim. The only thing you can do is to repair the engine.

The computer is getting a message that the engine is overheating. You have replaced the temperature sensor, so check the connections, and the wiring looking for a wire that might have shorted out.

The Chevrolet (and Holden) Equinox should be a reliable car when driven sympathetically and serviced regularly. For the money there are probably better vehicles for the money in the SUV category in terms of fit and finish, and on-road performance.

Ultimately any purchasing choice will come down to personal preference and budget as to what is a better car for you.

The Chevrolet Equinox, also known as the Holden Equinox in Australasia, is built on General Motors' D2XX compact front-wheel-drive and crossover SUV platform. This means the Equinox is primarily a front-wheel-drive model though a part-time all-wheel-drive model is available. There are no 4WD Equinox models with low-range or lockable hubs.

The Chevrolet (and Holden) Equinox should be a reliable car when driven sympathetically and serviced regularly. For the money there are probably better vehicles for the money in the SUV category in terms of fit and finish, and on-road performance. Ultimately any purchasing choice will come down to personal preference and budget as to what is a better car for you.

There’s clearly no point in talking sense to you, your head is in a complete muddle. You want a fix for your mid-life crisis, yet you talk about resale value, warranty, fixed-price servicing and boring stuff like that. You need to think about what it is you want from your “sporty-ish” car, do you want a performance car that will be thrilling to drive, or are you a park-and-poser and just want to look good when you stop at the café for a latte. The VW Golf GTi is a thrill-a-minute hot hatch; you like the i30N, and both would be good buys. Buy the Lux if you decide on the i30N. You could also think about a BMW M3, or an older Porsche Boxster. I wouldn’t suggest a Commodore SS or a Falcon XR6T ute, they’re a bit boring.

The VN Group A was a special run of Commodores to homologate the car for racing. They’re now collectable and worth $37,000-$45,000 depending on condition, kilometres etc.

The third-generation Equinox is 4652mm (183.1in).

The third-generation Equinox is 4652mm (183.1in).