Holden Problems

All of them would be good choices, but I would prefer the Mazda CX-5 or the Kia Sportage. Either would be fine.

Holden reduced the service interval on the cam timing belt change to 60,000 km to get over the problems they were having with the belt breaking and causing major engine damage before the original service point was reached. They later changed it again to 90,000 km. A 2004 model should have already had a belt change, if not on the basis of kilometres done, then certainly on the basis of time. If in doubt have it changed.

It’s a common problem for us as we get older, but there are no sedans or hatches that have the sort of higher driving seat that you want. The best option would be a small SUV, such as a Holden Trax, Toyota C-HR, Ford Kuga, or Suzuki S-Cross.

It’s a high price compared to the average, which would be $9000 to $10,000, and with only a month of rego, but to compensate the kilometres are lower than average. The cost of maintenance is no higher than other, similar cars, so that’s not a problem. If you’re not sure about it have it checked by a mechanic, or the RACQ.

The transmission in the Cruze has been a major problem, but it seems that Holden has accepted that it’s an issue in your case by offering to replace it. But to link the cooler failure to the transmission problem you need evidence, and you don’t have that. If you feel strongly that Holden hasn’t responded the way it should have you should take your case to the state government consumer affairs people.

I would rule out the Cruze straight away, they have too many issues with reliability with them to be considered. The Elantra and the Camry are both good cars. Your budget should allow you to buy a 2014 Elantra, but probably won’t stretch to a Camry. You might have to go for a 2012-2013 Camry.

For starters Holden is not shutting down. What it is doing is stopping local production, so there won't be any more Commodores built here in the future. Holden is committed to continuing in the Australian market selling cars it imports from Asia and Europe. Parts will continue to be available for the Commodore well into the future, and there wont be any change to quality of the service you receive from your Holden dealer.

Check the air/fuel ratio to see if it’s running rich. I would guess it thinks it’s running cold, but as you’ve changed the oxygen sensors and the temperature sensor I would focus on the ECU.

It's annoying that this should happen, but I doubt that Holden would cover it. It's one of those things that can happen with age.