Holden Problems

It’s most unusual for a fuel-injected car to suffer from fuel vaporisation as you suggest your daughter’s does. Check the fuel pump, make sure the fuel return line is not blocked, and check to see the fuel lines are not too close to the exhaust. It can also be affected if the car is running hot for some reason, so make sure the cooling system is up to scratch.

The VX had the old 3.8-litre V6; the VZ had the later Alloytec engine. I expect it would physically fit, but I would also expect the radiator and thermostat to be different. I wouldn’t recommend it.

Because it is so new you need to take it back to the Holden dealer, and ramp up the pressure on them to fix it.

If need be contact Holden customer service directly and tell them the dealer can’t seem to fix it to your satisfaction, and ask that their regional service manager assess the car.

The best option would be to contact Holden (1800 033 349) and ask them to fix it. They will most likely come to the party for at least part of the cost, which would be much cheaper than if you were to have it fixed yourself.

Go to a suspension specialist like Pedders and they should be able to help you with shock absorbers, suspension bushes etc. to improve the ride. You could also talk to a tyre expert about tyres that might be more comfortable.

It’s recommended that you use 95-octane Premium unleaded in the RS, and that’s what I would use. You could damage the engine using 91.

You’re buying a used car, it’s not new, so you have to expect some wear-and-tear issues. The older the car, the greater the wear-and-tear, and the more likely it is to have suffered mechanical failures or even a crash. That means you have to thoroughly check the car before purchase, and you have to rely on the honesty of the vendor. If the car has had clutch problems it should be recorded in the service book. It’s the same with the others you’re looking at, check them thoroughly, and if you’re uncertain have an expert check them for you. Of the three others you are considering I would avoid the Passat as a potential money pit, and go for the i40 in preference to the Commodore.

It is quite common for a carmaker to offer to pay for parts, i.e. the transmission, and charge the owner for the labour. While you would like to think Holden would pay for everything the car is eight years old and well beyond its warranty period. If you would like to pursue Holden for the total cost contact its customer service (18000 033 349).

 The problem models are from around 2010/2011. They are definitely ones to avoid, but you needn’t be worried about the 2015 model.