Holden Problems

Check out the reports and comparos on our website where our road testers have consistently praised it in its class. I can only back up what has been reported, that it has decent fuel consumption, 5-star safety, and is well tuned to our roads.

I reckon you could fit it, but I would recommend you seek the advice of an automatic transmission mechanic who should be able to tell you about any pitfalls of such a transplant.

You appear to have been given the run-around. Take the car back to the dealer and ask for a meeting with the service manager. Ask him for an explanation of what has happened and why, and then try to get a commitment to fix it, at their expense. You could also complain to the Motor Trade Association of WA about the work that has been done, they might be able to help you. You could also seek the advice of the WA Consumer Affairs Department, and as a last resort seek legal advice.

If you believe they have appeared while the car was garaged you have to look at the possibility of something, or someone, rubbing against the car. It could be while they're moving past it, perhaps carrying something that's rubbed up against the paint. If you cover the car while it's garaged it could be the cover rubbing on the paint, perhaps due to wind blowing through the garage.

Seeking the help of a diesel engine mechanic is a good idea, they often have greater expertise on diesel engines than mainstream dealers and can make repairs at a lower cost to you.

You're getting into the Colorado at about the right time, when they've done around 100,000 km. If you're going manual check the clutch, that's a bit of a weak point, but other than that go for the best car you can find. One thing to focus on is wear and tear from use as a work vehicle. Look at damage in the bed, dents and scrapes on the body from being worked hard on the job site. Overall they're a pretty good thing.

The Cruze transmission is a major problem and what you have experienced is common. The transmission needs to be replaced. Don't accept what the dealer is saying; have them approach Holden about getting a new transmission.

Yes, it can be rebuilt or replaced and an automatic transmission specialist would be able to do that for you. Cost for the job would be around $2000 to rebuild or replace the transmission on a changeover basis.

There are no fundamental problems to be concerned about, but it is getting on in age and things do tend to go wrong as the kilometres climb and the years pass. Check that it has been serviced as per Holden's recommendation, that the timing belt has been changed, and that the automatic transmission is working as it should.

The best way to get a resolution to your woes is to deal, at first with the dealer. If that doesn’t resolve your issues go directly to Holden’s customer service (1800 033 349) and seek a resolution. After that your next port of call should be consumer affairs in Queensland.