SUBJECT: KIA MENTOR, 2000 - still not happy

• "I traded my Matiz for a Kia Mentor. It has been in workshop more times than I have driven it. Air in brakes, hand brake still not right, vibration in 2nd gear, air con smells like road kill ..." D Campbell, SA

SUBJECT: NISSAN PATROL STS, 2005 - Patrol 3.0 ... buyer beware!

• "Just a word of warning to prospective Patrol buyers out there. Take a very, very close look at what your buying. Firstly, if you are buying a ST or better and intend to actually go off road, make the dealer include a set of 16" dished alloys or steels in the deal (written). Don't listen to any BS about wheel carriers etc, just force them. The 17" wheels they come with look just great on the freeway, but are a disaster in the bush. I've done about 30ks of moderate bush work and all but one rim is scratched! Apart from that, what advantage does a low profile off road tire give you ..."what the ???" Its purely cosmetic, it certainly provides a harsh ride over corrugations. Sorry I'm just getting nasty now!
• Next is the low range, or lack of it. If you do many rough river crossings or steep climbs or declines, then your going to hate this vehicle. It is simply too fast even in first low. Lets just say its not good for your investment, my left step tread and rear flare would concur on this! That combined with with high rev torque input makes for lots of stalling and dropping of ones clutch! I drove a 4.2 turbo diesel and it was not much better. I owned a 2001 Hilux Td 3.0 and I have to say, I really miss that ute! It would crawl over just about anything it came up against (stock standard). All it scored was some black berry bush scratches after four years.
• Next, if you want to carry more then your wallet/purse and maybe a pair of shades in the glove box, forget it! A flea would have a panic attack in that thing. There is simply no where to store small items. Door pockets are poorly designed, drink carriers are, well, just weird? The door drink carriers are too big for even a large drink bottle? And the console ones carry small coffee cups only? Its strange, the thing feels like your at the wheel of a battle ship, certainly turns like one, yet you struggle to stow the Melways in one?
• My advice is, take a friends Patrol for a spin, around town and in the bush. I can only say that I have grown to hate mine. So be very careful, its a lot of money to be feeling unsatisfied!" M Smith, VIC

SUBJECT: KIA SPORTAGE, 1990 - Car dealer as bad as Car! - Caloundra City Autos

• "Before we even got into the Kia, it had a clutch leak. Which meant we had to travel back home (2hrs away) and return the next day to get the Kia after being fixed. Car dealer (Caloundra City Autos) had extreme trouble getting the car to start due to the immobiliser issue. On the way home, a dash light kept flashing. Apparently something wrong with the fuel emission. Car dealer was called from the side of the road and we were told to just continue home.
• A week or so later, the car was so sluggish and going through an excessive amount of fuel. Car was finally booked into Caloundra to have the fuel sensor replaced - waited 2 weeks for parts to come into the country and be fitted. In that time a broken lead was found and replaced. As we drove out the driveway of Caloundra City Autos, a sparkplug lead broke. Fortunately it was replaced on the spot.
• On the way home, had trouble with the gears. They kept snitching. There was absolutely NO problems with the gears before it went into have the sensor replaced.
  And a clutch doesn't **** itself if the vehicle is suppose to be sitting in the workshop! Can anyone else figure that one out? Well a couple of weeks later and a number of phone calls, the Kia was booked in to have the clutch replaced. It took 5 weeks to get a clutch in from overseas.
• Then, wouldn't you know it, another issue. The Kia was supposed to be sitting in the workshop for the whole 5 weeks but when we got it back, it sounded like a Harley Davidson! This time we were determined NOT to let Caloundra City Autos get their sticky little fingers on it. We took it to a Holden Dealer (apparently it had to go to Holden if covered by warranty) who were very understanding. Turns out, just ONE of the bolts that holds the exhaust onto the manifold hadn't been done up properly which had caused the gasket to blow out. Sound suspicious?
• All I can say is STAY CLEAR OF CALOUNDRA CITY AUTOS unless you want a lemon and then be treated with lack of respect if you dare complain! I woudn't touch them again, even if they were the last dealer on earth! People BEWARE!!!" B Shell, QLD

SUBJECT: HOLDEN COMMODORE SS V8, 2005 - Gibbons Holden Gosnells

• "I bought my son a new demonstration model SS V8 commodore - beautiful car. Payed $52,000 cash from my mums estate after her passing. Gibbons Holden advertised all on road cost payed or $4,000 petrol. They payed the transfer of $3,360 so everything was fine. A month later they went to the transport department and took the transfer money back; said it was a mistake. Now we have to pay the transfer again plus a $100 fine. Now I have to work a lot of overtime and I am in my late 50s. Anyway I suggest you all stay away from Gibbons Holden in Gosnells. I will be taking the matter futher. They are so false but the car itself is a dream. We now have our services done at Brian Gardener Holden - best thing we did" M Grove, WA

SUBJECT: TOYOTA COROLLA LEVIN, 2003 - diff whine in 2003 Corolla

• "My Corolla has a diff whine that Brighton Toyota failed to diagnose with 6 visits to the dealership. I took the car to Lane Toyota in Glen Waverley and they diagnosed the problem and repaired within 3 days. The problem is I have an extended warranty offered from the original selling dealer - Brighton Toyota - that I really no longer want to upkeep as their service and level of care has been so poor. I am told this is an ongoing problem with owners of manual Corollas. I suggest you complain to Toyota Australia as they were able to direct me to a dealership who had the interest and staff able to repair my problem." A Ruggero, VIC

SUBJECT: HOLDEN CREWMAN VZ STORM, 2005 - No dramas so far - if anything does go wrong I will eat my words and write back *GOOD NEWS*

• "Fortunately haven't had the problems everyone else is complaining about. As far as being bogged in sand, perhaps they should go back to 4WD school. Had mine up north in Kalbarri off road in sand and had no problems. Also no problems with the beast inhaling dust or and in any part of the car. Maybe luck is on my side at present. Will keep my fingers crossed and if anything does go wrong I will eat my words and write back. Sorry guys and gals, all sweet for my storm so far!!" J Hall, WA

SUBJECT: HOLDEN BARINA, 2005 - Air bag did not work. Disgusting for a brand new car!

• "After having an accident where my girlfriend ran up the back of another car doing about 60km the air bag did not come out. The car was only 2 weeks old!"
  S Dawson, SA

SUBJECT: HONDA ACCORD EURO, 2004 - lemon or standard

• "Have had numerous problems since my purchase (2004 Accord Euro) of what I hoped would be trouble free motoring. I brought the vehicle new and complained to Honda about the head lights dimming badly every time the a/c compressor kicked in; unbearable during long night drives. Honda said it was normal and there would be no fixing it. They also said Hyundai has the same problem (great). Headlight had to be replaced due to filling with moisture. Tail light failure. Paint is terribly soft, scraching easily and if you wash a bug off the paint it leaves a horrible scuff mark (other niggly problems). I won't go into detail about the damage done to the car during the routine services but this alone has turned me off Honda. Recently the car has had two failed fuel pumps leaving the family stranded mid trip requiring transportation back to the dealer for repairs (have had no joy with Honda reliability). Should have kept my old VS Commodore - no problems in any department. My brother loved coming to my rescue in his Camry. The car has 35,000 K's on the clock." L Deeley, QLD

SUBJECT: MITSUBISHI PAJERO EXCEED, 2005 - Satellite Navigation in Pajero's is "JUNK"

• "We recently purchased a top of the range Pajero Exceed in July 2005, spending around $60,000 after all the additions/options were added. One of the key reasons we bought this over a Prado was that it had a factory fitted SatNav (as well as a TV/DVD etc). As I do a nominal amount of driving both inter and intrastate with my work, a satnav would be invaluable as I hate getting lost and trying to read from a map as I drive.
• The 1st problem came when the vehicle was delivered. We tried to put our street address in only to find that our street didn't even exist. Given we live in Pyrmont, one of Sydney's oldest suburbs, this was a surprise to me. Then I started trying to use the system around town and in other smaller areas. Continual recommendations by the system regarding directions up one way streets, illegal u-turns and convoluted, long winded directions to get to simple destinations are all part of the deal. In short - buy a Prado GXL and an after market system - the Pajero just ain't worth the money plus the resale is poor.
• I have complained to the salesman & Mitsubishi(Nepean motorgroup) - who agreed that it was not much use (after selling it to us - surprise surprise!!) - Mitsubishi Australia said they would upgrade it by September 2005. In December they called me and said I would receive a letter from the head office. I don't want a letter unless it contains a free upgrade from the 2001 standard software they sold me.
• 'Mitsubishi - Better Built Better Backed' - I think not - is it any wonder they are going down the spout?" P Christie, NSW

SUBJECT: HOLDEN VY COMMODORE, 2003 - V6 engine rattles

• "My VY V6 has done 47000ks and has a rattle ticking noise from the motor that disappears after oil change for a couple of days then returns. GMH removed the heads thinking it was a valve guide but the noise is still there. They now say its operational noise and are unwilling to fix it. I have contacted GMH head office and got no where. Don't buy a GMH product and expect faults under warranty to be repaired." D Dickson, WA

SUBJECT: HOLDEN COMMODORE (50th anniversary), 1998 - The Boot!

• "Well my sister's boyfriend has a Holden Commodore 50th anniversary 1998, which I borrowed while they were overseas. I had all my uni work and my laptop in the boot. It was raining and I thought well since its a newer model it shouldn't get wet (a friend has a 1996 VS commodore and his boot was leaking). When I got home I opened the boot in the garage and a big gush of water went in the boot and all in my folders and laptop. I was so angry. I called Holden customer service and all they could say was tell your insurance company then the lady hung up on me (lucky my laptop was insured). I called his insurance company (AAMI) and they said it would take about 5 weeks to fix and because my car was smashed ( I own a 2001 VX Holden Berlina and some lady crashed into the back causing me to crash into the back of a Landcruiser) and i need it for uni and work. I took it in and it took an extra month to be fixed. Luckily they gave me a rental car. I was very disappointed when I got it back. All they had done was put silicon around the lights and it looked absolutely ****. So now as I write this its getting its back lights and boot seals replaced and I am taking AAMI to court so that they will pay for the damages." R Lowe, VIC (contact: 0412 628452, )
  

SUBJECT: SUBARU WRX, 1999 / RACV BATTERIES really dodgy - DON'T BUY THEM!

• "Nothing ever goes wrong with my 3rd beautiful Subaru. Except for the 4 RACV batteries I've had in as many years. Each time I asked for the biggest best battery I could buy as I can't afford to have problems. Each time the battery they fitted was under rated (not enough "cold cranking amps"). Finally last month I got a really good tech who's been with them for 12 years who told me what has been going on.
• The RACV guy told me that RACV has known about the batteries being too small since 2001 but did nothing about it and continued to fit the small ones. When I rang to complain I got stonewalled at every level. They just kept telling me that the batteries sell really well and RACV is very happy with their batteries. Well of course they are selling well when they don't last.
• They even lied about a recent booking I had when my car wouldn't start after being at the airport car park for 11 days. They told me that I'd left my lights on. When this was simply untrue. The fact was that their dodgy battery just wouldn't start the car. Anyway, I could go on and on but basically they are a **** organization these days (yes they used to be good a few decades ago) so whatever you do DON'T BUY AN RACV BATTERY!" P Ball, VIC

SUBJECT: MITSUBISHI PAJERO DIESEL, 2005 - Noisy but a "bloody" good vehicle *GOOD NEWS*

• "Having read about a noisy Pajero Exceed Diesel I had to respond with my story. I have a 05 model Turbo DID Platinum Series which is my third consecutive Pajero. Sure, the Diesel is noisy but I have to say that after 6,000kms it has quitened right down and everything else about it is so good that the noise is dismissible.
• I get 900km per tank around the city and up to 1100km on country trips. The torque is unbelievable for a 4 cylinder diesel and the responsiveness equally amazing. It does suffer power shortage over 120km/h but will wind up to 160km/h on a flat run.
• The comfort, handling, and overall build quality makes it good value for money at $54,900 drive away. Previously I had two exceed petrol versions and must say I do not regret going diesel this time round.
• I tow a 1400kg boat and have to say the steptronic style transmission is a dream especially when towing. I continually amaze people when they ride shotgun and see how gutsy this motor is and how well the power transfers to rubber between 0 and 80 km/h, anyone who owns one would tell you they fly at the 0-80km/h speed range from a standing start (relatively speaking that is).
• It does have some downfalls such as a blind spot when using the drivers side mirror and narrow side steps with a reduced opening at the foot section of the rear door openings but honestly speaking I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone seeking a genuine 4wd that has 2wd capability, that is great on fuel costs, that handles and rides more like a car and I like the idea of 10 YEARS Warranty on the drive train." A Jones, NSW

SUBJECT: NISSAN X-TRAIL, 2004 - Temperature Sensor and Rear View Mirror

• "I have only two minor complaints about this car:
  1. The rearview mirror vibrates making the vision in the mirror virtually unusable. After a trip to the dealer the mirror was replaced making the vision better, but nowhere near perfect.
  2. The outdoor temperature sensor is erratic, it rarely reads accurately and is more often than not indicating as much as 5 degrees high. We've had the car back to the dealer to no avail. Whilst this on its own is of only minor inconvenience, I wonder if the sensor also is used by the engine management. Any comments on the outdoor temperature sensor would be appreciated." C Parkin, VIC

SUBJECT: FORD FALCON XR6, 2005 - Vibration through the steering wheel - My Last Ford Ever

• "I just recently purchased a New Sept05 BA MKII Ford Falcon XR6. I took the car back one day after picking it up with a severe vibration which shook the whole car. During the month of Novemeber 05 the car went back to Metro Ford Brisbane 10 times with the same problem along with a humming (wheel bearing noise) coming from the front driver side wheel. After replacing 8 sets of tyres one set of front wheel bearings and the rear differential Metro Ford said that this was the best that they could do & I had to take it up with Ford.
• Ford initially denied that there was a problem until I convinced them to talk to the dealer. They then said that the vibration was a characteristic of the tyre and Ford won't warrant it. The problem is the quality of the tyre, when the car is parked for a couple of hours the tyres develop a flat spot so when you drive off the steering wheel vibrates for the first 20 minites or so. I am not talking about a small vibration that you can feel but not see, the vibration can cause the steering wheel to shake up to one inch in either direction. Apparently this has been a known problem since 2004 but you don't see any information about this in the sales brochures. Metro Ford said that I had to either put up with it or replace the tyres at my cost.
• Because Ford believe that they are not responsible for the problem (even though they select the tyre for the vehicle) and they are willing to accept this level of poor quality for their products (lack of quality gaurantee) I will never invest in a new Ford again." R Rogers (My Last Ford Ever) QLD

SUBJECT: HOLDEN VR COMMODORE, 1994 - wrecker parts complaint

• "I want to complain about a car wrecker selling parts that he won't accept back an hour after he carried out the transaction. I purchased an electrical cooling fan for the radiator of my commodore from Caboolture Wreckers QLD 29/12/2005. When I arrived home to fit the system it would not fit. So I rang the gentleman who I purchased the fan from to see if he would accept the fan back and refund the cost to me. I use the term 'gentleman' very loosley as when I spoke to the him he explained, using some very colourful words, that he is in the business of selling not swapping or returning goods. I thought this was a bad attitude to have in business, since I will not frequent the premise ever again due to the cost of a measly $66." G Burgoyne, QLD

SUBJECT: HONDA ACCORD EURO, 2005 - It's not my problem says Honda Australia

• "I recently purchased a brand new 2005 Honda Euro in February 2005. I was advised at the 20,000 km service by the honda dealership where I get the vehicle serviced that all 4 Dunlop tyres that were orgiinally fitted to the vehicle are now worn around the outer edge and the vehicle is considered to be unroadworthy. Nothing was indicated to me at the 10,000 km service as the tyres were visually inspected and rotated by the dealership. The Honda dealership said it may be due to a wheel alignment problem. I contacted Honda Australia and they said it is not our problem, bring it up with the tyre manufacturer. So if I have a problem with the glass do I go directly to Pilkington, no I don't think so. No satisfaction from Honda Australia at all." A Phlorides, VIC

SUBJECT: FORD EF FAIRMONT, 1996 - NEVER BUY!!! 6 YRS OF PROBLEMS

• "I bought a 1996 EF2 Fairmont, with 80 000 km on the clock. I needed a reliable 4 door family car, and paid good money ($13k) for it. This was an ex Government car, with FSH. I had read nothing but good reports about these as a quality second hand car. The following is a list of repairs so far:
  Radiator replaced. Driveshaft replaced. Head cracked TWICE 1. dropped all coolant for no reason, boiled dry. Stopped immediately- too late. 2. Head gasket gave way between 5 and 6 cylinders, cracked valve seat. Cost : $1400 EACH time.
  Brake rotors machined 4 times, replaced three. Ignition leads replaced twice - you have to use a hoist, cost : $140 each time.
  Water pump replaced; Thermostat housing cracked. Radiator hose cracked, spraying alternator with coolant, shorting it out
  New alternator. Rear passenger courtesy light never worked. Glove box will not stay in- keeps falling and crushing passenger's feet.
  Air conditioning compressor replaced. Air conditioning system requires re-gas every summer- been told 'it's a ford thing' (like most of these)
  Drivers side power window falls out of its guides every 2 months, requiring complete strip down of door WHEREVER it happens. Happened once at night in the rain
  Central locking button on dash has never worked from new. Injector leaking fuel everywhere at the moment- will be fixed with head.
• Good Points: Comfy seats.
• Many many more problems, but outta space. This car is fully workshop serviced every 8000km (lots of city driving). This has all happened within 50k. Car now had 130k, and is virtually all new. Second head is now being fitted, but don't want to sell to some poor unsuspecting family. Looking to upgrade to- dare I say it- a BA Futura. Don't like the VY, cant afford a VZ (don't like the new engine anyway). Any other suggestions?" T Bornholm, SA

SUBJECT: HYUNDAI ELANTRA, 2005 - Transmission problem - I've basically been told tough-luck.

• "I have a brand new Elantra with a Five Year Warranty. This car has had numerous rattles and has been back at the service dept. at least 8 - 10 times in 4 months. After travelling 4000kms the AUTOMATIC transmission developed a whine.This noise was primarily between 70 and 80 kms when the revs were under 2000. There have been two attempts at fixing it, but Hyundai have now said that they can't fix it and it will never be any better - even though it is now worse. The transmission is now 'rougher' than before and the noise can now be heard when driving up hill and is also present in other gears when you change back at this speed. Hyundai have decided that the noise is 'not normal' but is a 'characteristic' of the Elantra even though the noise was not in the car when I bought it, nor was it in the car that I took for a test drive prior to purchase.
• Hyundai are refusing absolutely to fix the problem, or to even replace the transmission and I've basically been told tough-luck. If anyone else has had a transmission problem with Hyundai please me." S Keyssecker. NSW

SUBJECT: NISSAN NAVARA STR 3.0, 2004 - Lack of service - Nissan dealers

• "North East Nissan, Adelaide, have had us running around in an unroadworthy vehicle for over a month. Due to the fact that they are unable to supply a new glock spring which has broken due to faulty service from Main North Nissan. We were informed that the vehicle would be okay to drive until they received the part. Upon presenting our vehicle for it's 20k service with our mechanic, we have been informed that we should not be driving this vehicle. No horn and no activation circuit for the airbag. How is Nissan going to improve it's image when it has Dealers ignoring basic safety concerns when it comes to their own customers." P Cotter, SA

SUBJECT: DAEWOO NUBIRA, 2000 - SERIOUS issues regarding Holden service department

• "I currently own a Daewoo Nubia. My whole family own Daewoos and have done for over 8 years, upgrading as each new model comes out. Over these 8 years we have never had a problem with any one of our Daewoos, until recently ... when Holden took over. The Holden service department is by far one of the worst car experiences I have had to injure. I took my mum's Daewoo Leganza down to Holden to have the Philips stereo looked at as it sounded as though there was a loose connection. I was spoken to extremely rudely and my car was treated very poorly. The service department couldn't even remove the rear speakers claming that they were still learning about Daewoos even though the set up is almost identical to the Vectra. Holden took over a day just to figure out how to remove the head unit and once was completed there were severe screw driver scratch marks all around the surrounding plastics. Holden service departments are over priced, unfair and complete rubbish. I strongly recommend if owning a Holden or Daewoo to take your car to an independent service technician as I do for my family and they are fantastic." J Busuttil, VIC )

SUBJECT: NISSAN NAVARA, 2004 - Warranty on Hard Cover - Brisbane Fair Trading Office

• "After 18 visits to dealer, hard cover still leaks and only got serviced in the end by contacting Fair Trading. They would not book the car in until Fair Trading got involved. If any one has an issue with their hard cover contact Katherine McKeller from Brisbane Fair Trading Office as they are still investigating Nissan. Every one at Nissan agrees that the cover is of poor quality and leaks, but they just wont fix it. They advertise the hard cover as a DRY storage area but it is not. Also be careful of genuine floor covers as they creep up the floor and when you accelerate the mat catches the pedal and holds it flat. Bad when you are on cruise control." C Willmott, QLD

SUBJECT: FORD BA XR6 UTE, 2003 - Full Refund Being Demanded - DONT PUT UP WITH IT, FIGHT BACK

• "Like many people would, I thought buying a new car would be a wonderful experience. First mistake I made was to buy a Ford. To all of you that have done the same I know how you are feeling and I'm sorry. But don't let them get away with it. Over the last 2 years and 70,000kms my new XR6 Ute has been back to a service department 17 times for warranty related work. The list of problems is huge varying from brakes, power steering, rims, paint runs, abs sensors, window tint, vibrations, aircon smells and the list continues. I have had over 22 items replaced and I have had enough.
• After serving the dealership a letter of demand for them to reclaim the ute and refund money my full I have never had so much attention from Ford. Ford and the department of Fair Trading are currently working on some offers to stop the case going to the media and courts. To those being brushed by Ford, DONT PUT UP WITH IT, FIGHT BACK." L Chamberlain, NSW

SUBJECT: HOLDEN ASTRA, 2000 - the worst car ever!

• "My Astra's History: Bought in March 2001 as a demonstrator. First problem was in 2003 after running over a rabbit. 15 minutes down the road discovered I had cooked my engine due to the radiator water leaking out in 15 minutes of driving. 3 months later I had my car back and running, after an engine rebuild, the transport company dropping the rebuilt engine while loading it, the engine being rebuilt, again, backwards, this only being discovered when it was returned to Queensland and placed back into the car and of course sent to Sydney, re-built and returned to QLD again. Next in March 2004, a ticking noise started under the bonnet, resulting in my driving the 15 minutes south to the closest Holden service centre and having the car of course die 100 metres from the service centre entrance. The little ticking noise turned out to be the cam angle sensor and timing belt had snapped at 78,211 kilometres.
• In June 2004 the A/C died (thankfully coming into winter), of course Holden said it just needed re-gassing etc. Also the cam angle sensor failed again. Finally in October 2004, when the heat was setting in for spring/summer I had the A/C fixed. Another 3 or so months later, part of the A/C compressor - just FELL on the ground while we were driving one night. Eventually fixed when $ permitted in October 2005 along with the 105,000 km's service, with the outcome of a noise in the timing belt needing to be investigated. 6 weeks after that, I started having issues starting my car. Told by an auto electrician that my battery and starter motor would need replacing, although wouldn't be dying anytime soon. What do you know, driving 2 hrs west on Saturday night for a party and as I reach my destination the battery light comes on & power steering fails. Inspection by a mechanic friend found a belt missing that controls the electrics in my car. So now there lies my car, in a car park, puzzling most talented mechanics & will most probably be towed to again to a Holden service centre, to no doubt costing me a lot of $ and die again in the coming months.
• KNOW ANYONE THAT WANTS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN CARS? Astras will definitely give you that. Stories I have heard about people owning an Astra have had the same or similar problems to me. In addition to these are problems with ignition key and problems with a crack in the radiator among a long list of other issues big and small. BEST ADVISE - DO NOT PURCHASE - THE WORST CAR EVER! Definitely built for European countries, not Australia's harsh climate." M Sharp, QLD

SUBJECT: NISSAN MAXIMA, 2000 - cracks in dash

• "I have a Nissan Maxima Sedan 2000 model which is always parked in the shade. Within the last 12 months it has started developing small cracks in the dash which are spreading quickly. Surely, this means that the dash could be faulty? the car is only 5 years old and has done 77,000 kms." Lou
• ========== REPLY ==========
  "First I would like to address Lou's problem if I may. Lou my man, it sounds that you will be needing a lawyer to resolve your problem with Nissan and the crack leather on your dashboard. I have 2000 Maxima too and it has never been housed in shade since it was purchased by me. I have approximately 86,000 miles on it now. This car sits not in a garage but out in the open. When the sun shines it's shining on the dash and so far there are no visible cracks.
  The problems I have are with my front brakes, in which they became warped, so I took the car back to the dealership to be diagnosed concerning my problem. The service manager knew right away what the problem was. He made me to know that Nissan had issued a policy to the dealership maintenance shop to make repairs free of charge to the customer.

  You may say that this was great, well, let me tell you, that once rotors warp it's time to get new ones. Nissan chose to just machine or turn the old ones instead. I ask and pleaded with the service manager to put new rotors on and he refused, unless I would be paying for it.

  The problem reoccurred and they refused to make free repairs altogether. So I did the work myself after I purchased the parts. I am consulting a lawyer. And now the bearings on the cooling fan are rattling and making loud noise. I have an extended warranty that was purchased at Nissan Dealership when car was purchased. And it seems that they will make me consult lawyer on this situation too before they will do anything binding. "
  
  POSTED BY: GREG MACK - GARY, INDIANA USA, INTERNATIONAL 26/02/2007

SUBJECT: HOLDEN VECTRA - Preston Motors

• "Regarding Preston Motors’ "great customer service" (read Preston Motors & Holden).
  We purchased our Holden Vectra from them and took it to their workshop for servicing.
  On separate occasions they did the following:
  Refitted the steering wheel on an angle, ie, to drive straight ahead you had to turn the steering wheel as if you were turning right.
  Serviced the car and failed to put water in the radiator.
  Serviced the car and failed to put oil in the engine. When I took the car back they said it was because the “computer never told them to put oil in”. I told them they didn’t need a computer, just a stick, a rag and a pair of eyes. I mentioned this to the owner of Preston motors when I took them to VCAT over a warranty dispute and he just shrugged his shoulders.
  Failed to replace worn front brake pads. These were so badly worn that they were cutting into the discs which subsequently needed re-machining." N Kennedy VIC
  

SUBJECT: HOLDEN VECTRA - rubbish

• (Re: HOLDEN VECTRA - you build rubbish M Nelson) "Yes, the Holden Vectra is rubbish. Our car also continually stalled and we are up to our fourth faulty sensor in less than 100,000 kms. If Holden refuse to fix it under the extended warranty then take them to VCAT. We had a successful ruling there and now Holden fix the sensors at no charge. Their previously arrogant attitude has softened considerably too." N Kennedy VIC

SUBJECT: NISSAN NAVARA - Dealer complaints - Good on you Nissan *GOOD NEWS*

• "My son's hard tonneau cover was a lemon resulting in continual rattling and rubbing off duco around the entire ute back. The dealer, Maryborough Nissan was most helpful and equally was Nissan Brisbane. During November 2005, a new Nissan modified hard tonneau cover was supplied and fitted and the entire back panels were re painted free of charge. Nissan also re applied the paint protection free of charge. Additionally, new decals were fitted to the vehicle. Nissan incurred $1300 expense for the painting plus parts and labour.
• I am completely satisfied with the warranty service Nissan provided. I would suggest if others have warranty problems they might consider contacting Mr John Thorn Nissan Brisbane. John looks after Nissan Dealer complaints.
• My advice when dealing with the manufacturers - negotiate on a softly softly basis - Remember you catch more bees with honey. You don't like being abused and surprise surprise neither does the manufacturer. So far the replacement hard tonneau cover is faultless. Good on you Nissan." M Studwell

SUBJECT: DEALERSHIP - Mondo Motors

• "I would like to make a complaint against Mondo Motors, Yard 20, 399 Warrigal Rd. Cheltenham. On Saturday 26th November 2005 I went to their car lot to inspect a car that I saw at their website. I fell in love with the car straight away and began to talking price with the dealer (Ron). I was a little disappointed to find out the price on the Internet was not the asking price at the lot. This and the that fact Ron was very “pushy” made me a little uneasy so I asked for the night to sleep on it.
  I ran them Sunday Morning to inform them that I would like the car subject to finance and passing a RACV test to my satisfaction. I spoke to the Manager Paul who took my credit card details for a $200 deposit refundable if the above conditions were not met. At no point did Paul mention any special conditions regarding their refund policy.
• I organised the RACV test for Monday and gave permission for the RACV to leave the test results with Ron so that they could be faxed to me as soon as the test is completed. I received the results Monday afternoon and had a mechanic friend look over them that night. After discussions with my friends and family it was decided that the RACV test was not satisfactory to my standards.
• I rang Ron Tuesday morning to inform him of my decision. He then became very abusive towards me, and told me I would need to speak to his manager Paul regarding the refund of the deposit. On Thursday I rang again and spoke to Paul. Again he was very abusive and he refused to refund my deposit despite our previous agreement. He claimed it was a satisfactory RACV report.
• The two main things I would like to point out.
  * I informed the dealer within 2 business days of agreeing to buy the car that I was no longer interested. The consumer Affairs Victoria website shows that I have a 3 day cooling off period.
  *The Only reason the dealer ever saw the RACV report was because I asked him to fax it do, otherwise it would have been delivered by the RACV and he would never of seen it.
• I have never been so openly abused by anyone in any sort of business before, and I am very glad that the deal fell through as I would hate to see what would of happened if there was a problem with the car down the track. Being verbally abused is one thing but the loss of my deposit is something totally different ..." B Craigen