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.

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.

You’ll be waiting quite a number of years for the value to climb to any degree, so if you’re selling it it’s probably best to get out of it now. But if you like it why not keep it and enjoy it? But if you do, keep it for those special days and don’t drive it daily.

Remember though, you have to keep it in pristine condition and well maintained, so don’t park it and forget about it.

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.

Yes, it does.

I suspect it's not actually firing when you first start it, and it's the computer shutting it down when you try again. It could be that when you take the key out and go through your locking and unlocking procedure you are in effect rebooting the computer. It could be a problem with the computer.

The Mazda3 and Holden Astra are both good alternative choices, but you could also consider a Toyota Corolla or Kia Rio or Cerato.

I can understand your anger at receiving such a rude response, and your desire to register it with Holden. It's best done through direct contact with the company, and the Holden Customer Care (1800 46 465 336) is the best place to start. Being Christmas it might take a little longer for them to respond.

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.

A ticking noise is often a sign of a problem with the starter solenoid. If it were the neutral start/safety switch, you wouldn't hear anything because there would no power getting to the starter.