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.

Are they saying their paint isn't capable of withstanding the odd drop of bird poo? Holden’s response is unsatisfactory. Seek the help of a paint specialist who should be able to give you an assessment of what caused the flaking, and then take that assessment to Holden. Another option is to take your claim to VCAT.

The Captiva is rated to tow 2000 kg. The kerb weight the dealer gave you is correct.

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.

Unless you are buying a manual I would rule the Cruze out, the automatic is trouble in that model and not worth the risk. If you do but a Cruze I would choose the 1.8-litre engine. Others to think of are the Hyundai i30, Mazda 3, or Mitsubishi Lancer.

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.

I'm afraid I can't say with any certainty that Holden has solved the Captiva's reliability issues.

Also worth considering is that even in 2015 the Captiva was a very old design, and well behind its competition in most areas.

If you're after a value buy of that vintage, I'd be looking at the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail as two key options.