Holden Problems

If it's just a smear I wouldn't be too concerned with it, I'd simply keep a close eye on it, but if it's more than a smear I'd have it checked out. Most people find out about the transmission problem when they lose drive. By then it's too late, the transmission has been damaged.

By negotiation. There's no hard and fast rule when it comes to getting out of a car you're unhappy with, you just need to stick to your guns and be determined to see it through to the bitter end whatever that may be.

Owners have been reporting transmission failures in the Cruze to me for several years and Holden has been quietly replacing them through that time. If the car is still under warranty that's an even bigger incentive to have the transmission properly assessed, not by the dealer but someone from Holden's head office, and replaced if necessary.

I doubt that Holden would agree to replace the transmission free of charge, even though I think they have a moral responsibility to do so, given that there is long history of this problem that suggests that it is a flawed product. I would recommend that you contact Holden's customer assistance people and ask them for help.

Transmission troubles are common with the Cruze of that vintage, and you're right, it will be expensive to replace the transmission. The only thing you could try is to contact Holden and see if they would come to the party and help with the cost of repairs, given that it is such a common problem. While saying that I don't fancy your chances of getting any help.

Regardless of the engine work, the Viva is not a good car. For similar money, in a small wagon, I'd go every time for a Mitsubishi Lancer.

6.7 L/100 km in country type driving. Now, they're the official numbers, which are best used to compare the fuel-efficiency of different makes and models. They're not necessarily the figures you would get in your particular driving conditions. You should get somewhere near them, but there are so many things that can affect fuel consumption that you should not expect the car to give you the consumption claimed.

You need to get it fixed, without doing that you car is seriously devalued. I would approach Holden, either through your Holden dealer or directly through the company's Customer assistance service and try and negotiate a deal to have the gearbox replaced.

It's not decided if Holden will bring in the new Malibu post-2017 when it stops production of the Commodore. It's been touted as a Commodore replacement, but there are other options the company is considering. Local production of the Cruze will come to an end, but the car will continue as an imported model. Whatever happens Holden will continue to support both cars with parts well into the future. You should feel confident that you can buy either one and not be left with an orphan.