Holden Problems

The Storm was a marketing package based on the SV6 and came with specific badging, front fog lamps, and sat nav.

It’s in the zone, so I would be very cautious about buying it. If you can, check its history to see if there has been any trouble with the automatic transmission, and consider having it checked by an automatic transmission specialist.

Take it to a Holden dealer and they should be able to get the code for you.

The offer you have been made is pretty standard one, and not a bad one given that your car is now eight years old. If you want to pursue Holden for the full amount it would be best to consult the state consumer affairs department in Perth and get their advice.

It is a common problem. Contact Holden’s customer service (1800 033 349) and lodge a claim to have the transmission replaced.

Of those choices the Mitsubishi Mirage would appear to be the best option. It is the newest, has the fewest kilometres, and is the cheapest. It’s also reliable and should give you good service. In order of preference I would suggest the Toyota Corolla and the Holden Cruze.

You need to remove the timing cover on the engine, remove the old belt and fit the new one, it’s not terribly difficult. Costwise I would expect to be around $400-$600.

The first thing to check is the fuse. The location of the fuses panel will be shown in the owner’s manual; that should also show which fuse is the one for the instrument panel.

It is low for the discs to require machining, but the Astra is a European car and they tend to have a higher brake wear rate than cars from Asia.

Have the dealer/mechanic show you the measurements of thickness they took that demonstrates the need. With brakes being considered a wear and tear item it’s a long shot if you’re thinking Holden might come to the party with the cost of the machining.

It’s cars built around 2010/2011 that are the ones affected with the transmission problem, which is the most concerning one. You should be safe in buying the 2013 model, and you have done the right thing in checking the service history.