Holden Problems

I couldn’t recommend the Cruze; there are too many problems with its auto transmission, as we have reported here at CarsGuide. Look at the Mazda2 or Mazda3, Toyota Yaris or Corolla, which are generally trouble free.

Sometimes new engines use oil because the rings are not properly bedded in, but yours is two years old and that shouldn't be a problem. What's normal? My car, I won't say the brand, doesn't use any oil between oil changes. If I saw it was using, even a small amount, I would suspect something is wrong. Other brands use oil as a matter of course. I wouldn't like to see any more than 250 ml used per 1000 km. If it does take it to your dealer and check it; if it doesn't keep a close eye on it.

It's not something that I have come across, and I'm not aware of it being a known problem. Without being able to hear it it's hard to point you in the right direction. The dealer has done everything you would think of doing, but without isolating the cause. You could try changing the torque convertor, check that the brakes aren't warped, and replace the wheel bearings.

Stretched timing chains are a problem on the V6 engine. On early engines they were being replaced as low as 50,000km, until a change to the chain in 2007 supposedly fixed the problem. I would be trying to get Holden to come up with at least part of the cost of the repairs, and I would be reviewing the extended warranty to fully understand what it covers and what it doesn't.

Based on your height alone I'd say the Commodore will be a better fit. And why not enjoy an Aussie V8 before they're gone?

Of those you have been looking at I would rule out the Cruze on the basis of its transmission troubles. The Focus and the Hyundai are good cars and would do what you want nicely. Others to consider would be the Mazda3 and the Kia Rio.

Definitely not the Captiva. The Kluger will cost more because of the Toyota badge. I'd favour a Territory — but make sure it's had necessary upgrades to the ball joints. As an alternative, a Hyundai Santa Fe would be a good choice.

These days Holden has lifetime capped-price servicing for all of its vehicles so it's easy to research the right number — and if you find a discrepancy, inform Holden. That is ridiculous money for any vehicle in the Holden range.

It's always hard when you know there's a problem, but it's never present when there's a mechanic with you. It's hard to diagnose when you can't hear it for yourself, so keep notes on when it occurs and anything you observe that might give the mechanic a clue. Things like, does it do it on cold starts, under acceleration, slowing down, at idle. Even better, record it on your smart phone so you replay it for the mechanic the next time you take it in.

Yes, parts are available, and will continue to be available for the foreseeable future.