Holden Trax Problems

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.

The Trax is good value for money and stacks up well against all comers in the class. The 1.4 turbo is the best engine, and it has a conventional auto instead of a CVT that most of its rivals have. Others to look at are the Suzuki S-Cross, Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru XV.

There are a lot of sealers and glues used in today's cars, so what you've got is common. You haven't been sold a bodged-up car.

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.

No, it's not normal. Holden recalled a number of Trax SUVs in 2014 for problems with the ignition barrel. Although the recall doesn't specifically mention then problem you are reporting I suspect it could be related.

The dealer is dumb. He got a sale, but lost a customer. Had he been a little more forthcoming with you and told you about the upcoming sale and to wait he would have got his sale and probably kept you as a customer long term. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to happen that way these days.

The starting price of the CX-3 is cheaper than its rivals at $19,990, so it should not be as expensive as you think. Of your other three, the S-Cross is boring but the only one I would remotely recommend.

I am not remotely a fan of the Trax. I'd suggest a test drive in a Mazda CX-5, which is best in class and gets The Tick, and then compare it with a couple of worthy rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage. Or wait for the new wave of baby SUVs including the Mazda CX-3 and Renault Captur