SUBJECT: TOYOTA CAMRY CONQUEST, 1999 - 87,000Kms - Worn Valve Stem Seals (31/03/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "Just purchased the so called bulletproof Toyota Camry Conquest build 12/99 with only 87,000Kms. A pre-purchase inspection rated the engine and mechanics at 94 out of 100. Two days after buying I was choked by thick blue smoke coming from the exhaust on startup. I knew it wasn't going to be good. At first it appeared to be piston rings but we later found that the VALVE STEM SEALS were badly worn. A seal treatment has partially fixed the problem but it still blows smoke when started even after 1 hour. Toyota says it's rare but this can happen with poorly serviced cars and cost of replacing is upwards of $2,500. Unfortunately the company who inspected the car will only pay $500 towards the cost.
• A Carpoint review on this Camry model says 'The 10,000 kilometre service intervals are too long for cold-running, short haul drivers but the damage to valve stem seals from contaminated oil doesn't show up until after 100,000 km when the engine starts using oil. There is also a tendency for Camry owners to delay servicing until 12-15,000 km. Replacing chewed-out valve stem seals in both Camry engines is neither simple nor cheap.'
• The moral of the story - Don't trust pre-purchase inspectors and make sure you get a service history." D Leeman, Burwood, NSW

SUBJECT: LAND ROVER DISCOVERY II DIESEL, 2000 - 3rd radiator at 58000km, known problem (30/03/2006) *RADIATOR*

• "I am on my second Discovery, 1st being a V8 petrol 96 model. Now a 2000 diesel & this will be the last. Any of you people thinking of buying one think real hard. I'm on my 3rd radiator, they are aluminum. 1st replaced at 43000 kms, 2nd replaced at 58000. Land Rover said sorry we know about this problem. They gave me my first one for half price although I had to pay for labour by my mechanic. Now there is nothing else they can do about it. They can stick it where it fits I will never buy another one." M Hughes, Sydney, NSW

SUBJECT: FORD FESTIVA - Cumberland Ford - Incompedence (30/03/2006) *WARRANTY* *DEALERSHIP*

• "First Festiva: purchased new from Sinclair Ford who did not honour warranty claims. From new, piston pinging at slow speed related to the use of the air con. Without my knowledge and consent, cylinder head was removed and milled out to a compression of 8.5:1 and radiator was badly damaged by improper use of a spanner. After pick up, the car was un-drivable. Replaced the head at a different company which restored the cars power and pinging.
• 2 years after, I noticed that the 2nd fan never run with the air on, found by Cumberland Ford, bad earth on screw from new. This also fixed the piston pinging. Next fault, engine cut out when using blinker. Never found by Cumberland Ford but always charged, turned out to be a bad earth at the common earth point in the engine compartment.
• Second Festiva: Bad idling, engine cut out when braking. Cumberland Ford was unable to find and fix the fault in over 4 weeks and did more damage then good. Told me it needs a 'main power relay module'; purchased but did not fix the fault. After examining the old part, it turned out to be only the sound module to warn of the seat belt and lights left on, nothing at all to do with the motor. When asking for the service manual, I was told they don't have one and it can not be found.
• Next, they claimed the fault on a blocked air hose which they drilled out with a large drill. Had they looked, they would have found out that it is suppose to be this way! I had to buy another one just to rectify the damage done at this company. When I picked the car up, the newly painted door had a deep 2 inch scratch and the headlight protector was broken. Ford Melbourne never responded to a which I sent. The claims made by Ford that they service what they sell has proven to be false. Also, their part prices with $1553.00 for a idle solenoid would not suggest honesty toward the Australian public." M Walter, Mt. Druitt, NSW

SUBJECT: FORD CL FOCUS, 2005 - just broken down for the 2nd time! Only 1700km on the clock (28/03/2006) *NEW CAR*

• "Bought new Ford Focus CL hatch late December 2005. At 1100km car would not start, showing 'engine fault' on the display ... late for work. Had car towed to City Ford to evaluate problem. Faulty throttle sensor. No spare parts in the country for 4 weeks! No loan car available for 7 days! One month later car back on the road. At 1700km car again would not start. 'engine fault' again on the display! Now waiting for tow truck to take it back to City Ford ... this time they can give me a new replacement." J Allchin, Sydney, NSW

SUBJECT: TOYOTA KLUGER, 2004 (vs KIA CARNIVAL) - Fantastic (26/03/2006) *GOOD NEWS*

• "After owning a Kia Carnival and discovering it was a never-ending repair bill, I purchased a new Toyota Kluger. It has been a beautiful car, as it is well built and finished, a very refreshing change to the last." T Pavey, Maryborough, QLD

SUBJECT: NISSAN PATROL 3.0 TD, 2002 - Goldy Motors Midland Perth - More Trouble than Worth (25/03/2006) *WARRANTY* *DEALER*

• "I bought a second-hand 3.0L TD Patrol from Goldy Motors that had 135,000 kms on the OD.  I had no problem with the number of kms on the clock because I made sure that the warranty bought with the car would cover all major repairs that could be required - for this I paid $2200 for a platinum 3 year unlimited warranty. 8 Months after purchasing the vehicle, I had gearbox problems with the 5th gear.  No Problems - that's what the warranty is for right? - wrong.  Goldy Motors had been refused the warranty by the third party insurer 8 months ago and had pocketed the $2200.  I have been trying to get my entitlement for 4 months now (car has been out of action) and have had no help from Goldy Motors.  The best they can offer is a Gold Warranty that won't fully cover the repairs. Of course, the warranty I had agreed to buy would have covered everything. BE WARY OF BUYING FROM THIS DEALER.  I have been in negotiations for 4 months and am getting tired of their non assistance. 2 more weeks and I will be reporting them to the ACCC and launching legal action." A Hoyle, Perth, WA
  

SUBJECT: KIA CARNIVAL, 1999 - Help please regarding recall (25/03/2006) *RECALL*

• "I wonder if anyone is able to help me here. I have read by many people that the 1999 Kia Carnival had known faults i.e: wrong size head gasket as well as other general engine faults. I have also read by many people that the model was not recalled even though Kia knew it was faulty. Does anyone have any proof to back this up, that it wasn't recalled?
• I ask because 10 months ago I brought a 1999 model and 3 days ago the engine has died. 2 mechanics can't find anything in particular that caused it to die and have put it down to the known faults from when it was manufactured. So now my extended warranty won't cover it. They claim that seeing as there are known engine faults in this model that Kia Australia is liable for it! So yes I rang Kia only to get told off! They only give a 3 year warranty on the engine which covered it until end of 2002. He acknowledged that there are known faults in that model. However he stated that they were all recalled not long after they were released for sale and fixed the faults. I asked if they could use my engine number or VIN to verify that my car had definitely been recalled and fixed. I was told "no, I know they were all re-called so there's no need to go any further with that". What's up with that? Am I supposed to just take some guy on the other end of a phone's word for it. How do I get proof that every single car was recalled and fixed? And when they say fixed, does that mean they just fixed the known faults or did they replace the whole engine? I also need to find out, when they did the recall. That 3 year warranty should start from when it was all fixed / replaced, not from when the car was originally built like they told me.
• Thanks to anyone who is able to help in anyway ... really appreciate it, as a mother of 4 and on a disability pension I don't have the cash to pay now and fight them later. If they didn't recall then I feel KIA should be liable for this. If they did re-call then I feel my warranty should cover this. Do Kia or the warranty cover stress caused by them giving everyone the run around?" A Smith, Adelaide, SA
• P.S I am posting this article below in the hope to be able to help any other people having this problem so they can have something to back them up when dealing with Kia or in Court if it has to go that far. Once I found this article I was very happy ... it shows the Kia spokesman stated on the 31/01/2005 that they know of the problems but its the type of problem that can not be found until it actually happens. Also that they have NOT had a service campaign or re-call to fix this problem. Plus that they fix free of charge. I have not found any evidence that they have done a re-call since the date of this article and I find it highly unlikely that they would have done one now being 7 years on:
  'By Tim Colquhoun - The Sydney Morning Herald - Monday January 31 2005:
  Kia spokesman Edward Rowe says there has been a problem with the head-gasket in Carnival engines produced up to May 1, 2002. "It's not a catastrophic failure, it doesn't happen suddenly. You get a gradual loss of power as the gasket gradually fails." He says the company replaces affected engines free of charge and supplies customers with a Carnival while repairs are carried out.
  "It's a fault that has a very distinct start and stop date and any customer who has this problem will get a loan vehicle while the vehicle is being fixed. We don't repair the engine, we give them a replacement 'short' engine. That's a much better deal for the customer than repairing the existing engine."
  Rowe says almost 3000 Carnivals have had their engines replaced but there is no way of telling whether it will happen before the gasket fails, which is why there has NOT been a service campaign or recall to fix the fault. Rowe says it would not be possible to warn potential buyers of 1999-2002 model Carnival's of potential engine problems. "It's not something we have control over. A lot of these cars change hands through [non-Kia] dealers and it's a bit hard for us to insist that individuals selling the vehicle provide this information; they're not our dealers." He does not believe it would be possible to have Kia franchised dealers provide warnings to Carnival customers. "It's hard to enforce because you're not talking about a catastrophic failure, you're talking about something that happens gradually. It's not a safety issue." '

SUBJECT: HONDA ACCORD V6 LUXURY, 2003 - More Honda rattles (23/03/2006)

• "Although mine is an Accord V6 2003 model, the complaints are the same, in exactly the same places as the Euro of "full of rattles 16/3/2006". At least 15 trips if not more to the dealer & a visit from a Honda rep. I ended up rectifying most of them myself, even though it's under warranty, but it's still not what a $50k vehicle should be like. Dept of Fair Trading couldn't help as Honda's policy is fix defects due to faulty workmanship or materials but not rattles & squeaks. What is a rattle or squeak if not a result of faulty materials and/or workmanship? It went on for two & one half years. I'm with you, never again & nor will anyone I know. Honda & their dealers have certainly lost their reputation as one of the industries better organisations. I will now be seeking legal interpretation of their warranty wording & intent." E Martinsons, Wagga Wagga, NSW

SUBJECT: FORD XR6 BA UTE, 2003 - Steering shudder - Ford new car warranty, what a joke! (20/03/2006)

• "I purchased 2nd hand a December 03 plated XR6 Turbo Ute in May 05 with 4500km on the clock from Trinity Ford in Cairns Qld. It is still covered by Ford new car warranty until the 12th of March 2007. (Original owner sold due to failing health - cancer, checked this before buying). My car has a low speed steering shudder that they will not or can not fix. So far they have done a bleed on the steering, replaced the power steering hose with the updated hose that Ford produce to rectify this shudder. Next was a new power steering pump. None of this has rectified the problem and now I am told by Martin Howard (Trinity Ford) and Alex Noulus (Ford customer relationship center - Ford Australia) that this problem will not be fixed. This steering shudder is evident throughout the Ford BA range. Ford admits that this problem exists but refuse to rectify it as Ford deem it to be acceptable. I have since had an independent assessment carried out by a steering specialist and they do find fault with the steering in my car.
• It has also developed a under body clunk (weight shift noise). The Dealer tightened the rear suspension saddles. This fixed the noise but has now returned after 2 months. Diff clunk described by Ford as Diff chatter. Dealer put Duraphos Diff Add in and so far seems OK. It now has developed a brake squeak that it is yet to go back for.
• After so many telephone calls I've lost count and numerous s to Ford about this I have only just received a written acknowledgement from Alex Noulus (Ford customer relationship center - Ford Australia). He said that we have received your e-mail and will be in direct reply with you shortly. I am still awaiting a written explanation from Martin Howard at Trinity Ford in Cairns as to why Ford is not prepared to rectify this problem.
• So after all this it only leaves me to sign write my car with just the facts and park it in front of the Ford Dealers, contact any media group that will list and proceed with legal action for them to buy back if they won't fix it. I can only assume Ford is hoping that I will give up or they can string it out until the warranty expires in March 2007.
• I would love to hear from anyone who could help or is in a similar situation." P Martin, 0427137676, Cairns, QLD

SUBJECT: LAND ROVER FREELANDER, 1999 - Finally getting rid of this money pit (19/03/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "Diesel 2.0 Lt turbo. Great motor - sorry to those of you stuck with the 1.8 Lt petrol. Massive problems with the whole drive train with this model - another well known problem by Land Rover Australia - but ignored and denied. I won't even mention the exhaust falling off, or air con that stops after 5mins.
• It went through 3 sets of tyres before it had completed 40,000km. 2 sets paid for by Land Rover, the other by me. We replaced the IRD Unit - supposed to fix the problem - DIDN'T.
• Finally after saving up $7500 - I replaced the viscous coupling. Since then the new tyres I also put on the vehicle have lasted over 50,000km already. It is NOT a diff problem as many mechanics will try to tell you. Particularly if the tyres are scalloping.
• The ONLY way I could get Land Rover to pay some of our expenses was to threaten to send a Press Release out, backed up with a website listing ALL the many ridiculous repairs and their total disdain for the public. They at least paid half of the cost of the IRD unit.
• Should anyone reading this list wish to start a website up with me - even though I have finally sold my Freelander (which I did like driving) get in touch. We may be able to assist others at least. Please use FREELANDER in the subject." J Donaldson, Brisbane QLD

SUBJECT: SUBARU WRX STi, 2005 - Faulty Rear Struts - replaced 5 times (17/03/2006)

• "I believe that this is a major problem with the STI's and Subaru don't want to fix the problem. My 2005 STI has had the rear struts replaced 5 times, and it is about go back to Subaru again for Number 6 !! In discussions with Subaru "on the record" they claim its my driving style. Yet off the record they happily state that it is a major problem with STI's and some WRX's. A mechanic stated that their warranty store room is full of Faulty Pink STI struts!
• Subaru solution is to keep replacing the struts until one of the replacements don't fail. I wonder when the warranty comes up - are they still going to replace them?
  Also my CD stacker has failed. I believe that this is a common fault too. This is the Last Subaru I will ever own! Are there any others out there that have had similar problems?" G Sherriff, Research, VIC

SUBJECT: FORD BA FALCON XT, 2004 - Bought FALCON - immobiliser problem / corrosion/flood history (17/03/2006) *ADVICE WANTED*

• "I bought a 7/2004 Ford Falcon Wagon last week and this week it would not start, indicating immobiliser problems. RACQ came out, twice as it did it twice, and 'hinted' that the car has been involved in a prior flooding and pointed out white marks all over the engine and boot latch, which indicated corrosion. The problem according to RACQ was corrosion on one of the starter motor parts.
• I rang my FORD dealer, who I purchased it from, and they checked it out and said there is no problem. It's to do with the coating that FORD put on their vehicles now and it's quite a common occurrence. The problem I encountered was due to the immobiliser code being incorrect. I'm not sure what to do. Shall I get an independent (RACQ or NRMA) check on the car and see what they say, at a $200 cost, or do I trust the dealer I bought it from?" X Attridge, Brisbane, QLD

SUBJECT: PROTON WAJA X, 2005 - Not as bad as they say ... a great little beast (16/03/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "Hi all, we purchased our Waja in Melbourne just on 12 months ago and it has been a great little beast, we looked at all Aussie and Jap cars but none offered all the extra's the Proton has. The quality may not be fantastic but reliability and fuel costs make up for it. Don't be afraid to look outside the square ... Cheers." D Williams, Melbourne VIC

SUBJECT: HONDA ACCORD EURO, 2004 - Full of RATTLES! - It drives me insane! (16/03/2006)

• "Just like the guy in 'Honda Accord Euro, 2004 - full of RATTLES - I'm never buying Another Honda (01/03/2006)', I have had EXACTLY the same problems with my Euro. Both driver and passenger doors rattle, the side pillars too. There's a rattle in the dash when you drive over any bump or cats eye on the road. It rattles around the glove box too. I am also at my wits end as Honda don't seem to take this seriously and advice me I am the 'only' one they have heard of with this problem. AND it was from day one. We took it back after the first week (Sept 2004) and it's been back regularly since. In fact it's going back tomorrow for about the 15th time. It drives me insane!" K King, New Zealand

SUBJECT: NISSAN MAXIMA, 2003 - engine noise on startup (14/03/2006)

• "Disappointed in engine noise on startup of Nissan Maxima 2003/2004. This is the new 3.5lt engine. Nissan dealer had the car for 5 weeks only to tell me unable to find any fault. Lifter noise on cold startup and it disappears after few seconds of running engine. Otherwise car is a winner. Has any other Nissan driver experienced this problem? and can it be fixed? " N Drago, Dromana, VIC   RELATED POSTING

SUBJECT: KIA CARNIVAL, 2001 - Not Value for Money - this is easily the worst, a real lemon (13/03/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "Purchased the KIA Carnival new and have been paying for it since. In over thirty years of owning cars this is easily the worst, a real lemon. I thought my Datsun 200B was bad but it is brilliant compared to the Carnival. Yes it was a cheap people mover, but lacks powers, runs rough and the turning circle is shocking. Had a new engine, gearbox, clutch, water pump, brake disc machined twice, wheel bearings, four changes of brake pads, three CD/Radios, etc, all before 100,000km.
• The cost for services and spare parts are much higher than any other vehicle, for example the 100,000km service is around $1500. Have been given the complete run around by the Dealership in the ACT - National Capital Motors, who just charge like a wounded bull. When one highlights a problem, their response is 'normal'. They have no confidence in the KIA Carnival at all, and KIA Australia do not want to have nothing to do with you. They say you must go through the Dealer, it is like a vicious circle.
• What are the good points, my wife says the seats are good. My advice - stay away from KIA's at all costs. They are expensive for running costs, unreliable, and have many problems. Even if the new ones are better, I would recommend staying away from them. Spend a little more in outlay on other models, as it will save you in the long run. Also do not deal through National Capital Motors ACT." G Pearce, Kambah, ACT

SUBJECT: KIA MENTOR S2, 2000 vs FORD FESTIVA - What a great car compared with Ford! - just goes and goes (09/03/2006) *GOOD NEWS*

• "Used to have a Ford Festiva GLXi 98 with 107000km in best and looked after nick until a very small problem developed: rough idling (after being warm) to the point of not being drivable. First put the car to a local repairer who, after 3 weeks just gave up and could not find the fault. A "engine management specialist" who was called in by the same repairer gave up as well! Towed the car to Cumberland Ford in Blacktown who had this car for over 4 weeks and also gave up on it, they just could not find the fault, even asked Lander Toyota for help who declined after some consideration.
• While at Ford, I asked to replace the petrol regulator, cost $ 350, original Kia price $120. Made the car run differently but did not fix it. Intended to replace the idle valve, got quoted $ 1553! The scratch in the newly painted door and the breaking of my headlight protector was free of charge at Ford. Whenever you read that Ford fixes what they sell - take it with a cup of salt. It was then that I changed over to a Kia Mentor - what a great car, city consumption 8L/100, smooth brakes, roomy and just goes and goes." M Walter, Mt. Druitt, NSW

SUBJECT: FORD BA FAIRMONT, 2004 - The Fault list continues (09/03/2006) *ENGINE* *TRANSMISSION* *BRAKES*

• "After driving from the Showroom I noticed a rattle in the engine which after enquiring the next day was told to monitor it. It turned out to be a dud rocker so after a few attempts they found the problem, replaced the rocker only to forget to seal the rocker cover which leaked oil everywhere.
• Before 30,000kms another rattle appeared which they said was not serious. It mainly came on light load between 1000 and 1400 revs. After constant hounding a guy from Ford came out and under pressure confirmed that it was too much clearance in the gudgeon pins which had been a problem in other cars ... new engine. In the process of fitting the new engine they damaged the transmission ... new transmission. One of the shockers went too.
• As with another entry on this site I have had brake trouble so they skimmed the discs and put new pads on. These ones released a lot of black dust and squealed so after being told they were bedding in, it was too much. Back to the shop for another skim which they said Ford would continue to pay for until the end of the warranty period. Soon there will be no more disc left. When I dropped it off today I was aware of another knock on take off. They found a stabiliser bar faulty which was replaced under warranty.
• It wouldn't be so bad if Ford didn't try to fob me off all the time" J Turner, Moorabbin, VIC

SUBJECT: HOLDEN VX COMMODORE, 2001 - Holden Warranty, An Australian Embarrassment (09/03/2006) *WARRANTY* *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "For over 3 years I've owned a faulty Holden VX Commodore. Holden has not wanted to or has been incapable of fixing it. In hindsight, I have clearly been far too patient with Holden, in relation to this reluctance to fix the problem. Holden has cited the extensive timeframe (during which I have remained exceedingly patient with them making endless excuses to delay fixing the car) as a factor in their decision to decline reimbursement for incidental damage arising from the fault they have been unable to fix.
• The fault has been present since I bought the car brand new. Holden has decided to wash their hands of the entire probem altogether, now refusing to honour their own warranty. Under advice from the ACCC and Consumer Affairs Victoria I returned the car to the factory in June 2005, seeking replacement or refund given Holden refused to honour warranty. Therefore, this post goes out as a HUGE warning to anyone with an unresolved warranty fault issues with a HOLDEN vehicle:
  
  * Commence making comprehensive & meticulous diary notes if you haven't already done so.
  * Be sure to quote every dealer response to your issue and highlight inconsistencies & differing excuses between dealers and the customer service centre.
  * Do not accept the feeble, uneducated and factually incorrect excuses of the customer service centre staff you speak to on the 1800 number.
  * Don't wait weeks at a time for them to "look into" the situation, or to "get back to you" or "speak to another department/person." etc. Such assurances are Holden code for "we have no intention of doing anything and are actually hoping you will give up, accept the mediocrity of your purchase so we can avoid our responsibilities."
  * Do not allow them to delay addressing your concerns for so long that their warranty period expires, because if they achieve this objective, they will without conscience, drop you like a hot potato and leave you with stuck with a faulty vehicle and state that "you will need to seek satisfaction outside Holden". This is exactly what Holden have said to me, even though my warranty is current! That response is Holden jargon for "We don't care about you at all. Go ahead and take legal action if you don't like our arrogance or the contempt we have for you. We've got our money out of you already, plus we have a substantial legal department, with an equally HUGE BUDGET, specifically set aside to deal with customers who refuse to be fobbed off and persist in demanding to get what they paid for."
• There's no use buying a new Holden if their warranty is not going to be honoured or enforced by anyone!" R Dent, Mornington, VIC

SUBJECT: NISSAN PATROL, 2003 - Contaminted Fuel Results in $11,000 Damage Bill - Caltex Diesel (08/03/2006) *FUEL*

• "I dont know if this the right forum, but I'm so angry and frustrated I need help. I filled up my Nissan Patrol 3.0 Litre turbo diesel from empty to full - 120 Litres.
  Shortly afterwards my engine light came on. I checked the fuel filter and it was full of water and a brown substance. I bled the system until it was clear diesel and continued driving. Shortly afterwards the same thing happened. I again found muck in the fuel filter and cleaned it out and continued driving. The next day when driving at 100kph, the motor died.
• Nissan Roadside assist examined the vehicle, advised that dirty fuel was the cause and towed it to a workshop. The workshop attempted to start the motor, but couldn't do anything without the Nissan Diagnostic computer and advised that the fuel tank was contaminated. It was then towed to a Nissan Dealer who advised that the fuel tanks contained very dirty fuel and drained them. The Fuel Injection pump was damaged beyond repair, the Injectors were blocked and needed replacement and the clutch was burnt out and the flywheel damaged. Hence the $11000 bill. I complained to Caltex, the owner of the service station in Beaconsfield where I re-fueled but, they refused to take any responsibility for the damage. Does anyone know where I go for help. I innocently filled up with fuel and now have to find $11000. The Nissan is out of warranty." M Higgins, Pakenham, VIC

SUBJECT: FORD BA XT, 2003 - HELP ME WITH MY LEMON (08/03/2006) *WARRANTY* *TRANSMISSION*

• "I bought a 2003 Ford BA falcon XT. With only 23000 kms, it has been back with warranty issues six times. The most recent one was about the transmission grinding in 1st and second gear: which it had been in on warranty claims twice before. It was four days before warranty ran out that I tried to have the transmission checked out. Ford could not fit the car in before the warranty ran out? So it went in 3 days after warranty had finished. Ford diagnosed the problem and asked Ford Australia for a change over transmission: Ford customer assistance denied, saying it is out of warranty" C Golding, Traralgon VIC

SUBJECT: FORD RTV UTE - Any comments on the Falcon RTV Ute? (04/03/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "I've given up on buying a Crewman due to build & diff problems. Have you guys got any comments on the Falcon RTV ute." I Jones, Canberra, ACT

SUBJECT: FORD FALCON FORTE, 2000 - HELP! - shudder (04/03/2006)

• "Hello, I need help with my car. I hope someone can help or give me an idea of what is going on. For the past month or so my car has been doing weird things. When I get to 100km/h and over it seems to move back and forth like someone pushing against the car. Another way of describing it would be it seems to shudder like slipping into and out of gear? I don't know. When I take off at a reasonable speed it revs up and down until it reaches a certain speed like 80km/h then it kicks in and speeds up. HELP! contact me by " C Muir, Newcastle, NSW

SUBJECT: RENAULT SCENIC, 2001 - Are all Renault Scenics Lemons? - I suspect they are not made for Australian conditions (03/03/2006)

• "Bought my Scenic from dealer ex demo back in 2002. It had the rest of it's new car warranty which ran out last year in July. This was at about the same time as the car and I ran out of luck.
• Since then both rear shock absorber struts have snapped, a few months apart ... then the TD sensor to start car has gone on the fritz and needs replacing (apparently I'm lucky, whilst in for one of my many visits to service centre heard that one with only 40K on the clock had similar problems). And a rock?? has pierced my air con condenser unit and will cost more than $1000 to fix. The service guys have guessed it is a hole as they can't see it without taking it out, but seem to think this is the problem. I rang Renault Australia and asked if anyone had alerted them that in my opinion was a design fault that it could be pierced so easily. They said they had never heard of this happening ... not what service guy inferred.
• This car is going from bad to worse. I will patch the lemon up and say goodbye. I can't believe I am the only one with problems out there! I suspect they are not made for Australian conditions ... not that my car has done more than drive on sealed roads around Sydney! Very disappointed in my Renault." S O'Neill, Hornsby, NSW

SUBJECT: FORD AU FALCON, 2001 - STEERING WHEEL (01/03/2006) *SAFETY ISSUE*

• "The material on my steering wheel has come unglued causing the material to move. I went to the Ford dealer who always has been good, but I was told that since it is out of warranty I will have to foot the bill. I think that this is a safety issue that should fixed as it is obvious faulty preparation of the steering wheel. My car has been garaged all the time I have owned it." G Durzo, Sandy Beach, NSW

SUBJECT: BMW 318i, 1994 - Any known problems? 1993 onwards models (01/03/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "Hello Everyone, I am in the market for a second-hand BMW 318i series, looking for a private buy, 1993 onwards models. Any suggestions, any known problem or issues that anyone is aware of ? Regards Vijay" V Patankar, Sydney, NSW

SUBJECT: HONDA ACCORD EURO, 2004 - full of RATTLES - I'm never buying another Honda (01/03/2006)

• "I bought a new Honda Accord Euro in 2004. From the moment I drove it out of the showroom it has been plagued by rattles. My dealer first denied that they existed, but after several test drives finally acknowledged that they were there. I'm not talking about anything subtle. There are loud cracking noises coming from the windscreen area when even the body flexes and numerous rattles in the doors, dash, overhead light, seatbelt height adjustor, cup holder, etc. The sad fact is that the car has been back 15 times and Honda either can't or won't fix it. Eventually they gave up the pretence of trying to fix it. I contacted several people at Honda HQ in Melbourne, including the national "customer relationship manager", all to no avail. They made lots of promises, but didn't fix it. The car is even worse than before. Eventually they too grew weary of my complaints and told me a) that the car has an acceptable level of rattles and b) sell the car if I don't like it.
• Before you assume I'm pedantic about creaks, rattles and cracking noises, check out the Acura TSX web site. You'll find literally hundreds of people all complaining about *exactly* the same problems I'm having. This is not an isolated case. This model has a systemic problem and Honda is ignoring the plight of its customers. I'm never buying another Honda product." AB, Canberra, ACT

SUBJECT: HOLDEN VECTRA, 2002 - Pretty good and reliable for first 4 yrs - expensive parts ! (28/02/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "I've owned my Vectra for 4 years and its done 60,000 km. Here are some issues you should consider before owning one:
  
  * Tyres - needed to get 2 new tyres for the front after 30,000km and a set of 4 at 60,000km. The local mechanic said that Vectra's seem to go through tyres faster than other cars.
  * In the warranty period, after about 1 year of ownership, both headlights malfunctioned about 4 weeks apart. They were replaced by Holden and never gone wrong since.
  * The Vectras need their timing belts replaced every 60,000km which is more often than other cars. This can be pricey, as the parts are all imported.
  * Just before my 60,000km service, the car started overheating. The cause was a leaking hot-water pump, which cost $100 to replace.
  * Front discs and brakes were replaced during my 60,000km service as well.
• Otherwise, a pleasant car to drive, but be careful. Owning it for the long term will involve replacing some expensive spare parts." J Buch, Melbourne, VIC

SUBJECT: HOLDEN ASTRA, 2001 - Buy an Astra, Buy a Lemon - unbearable smell - Air conditioning vent (22/02/2006)

• "We purchased a brand new Holden Astra in 2001, it has been very well cared for and serviced regularly by Holden. The day after we drove our brand new Holden Astra out of the dealership we noticed a pungent smell emitting from the Air conditioning vent. The next day the vehicle was taken back to the dealership where they claimed that they couldn't find the smell and that it may have just been something in the Air Conditioning vent as it was brand new. Over the course of the next 2 years the vehicle was returned to Holden over 7 times with the same rank and unbearable smell emitting from the vent. Holden claimed that a build up of leaves in the plenium chamber was the cause and that we need to watch where we park the car and avoid parking it under trees. The smell smelt like a rodent had crawled in and died in the Air conditioning system but Holden was sure that it was just the leaves that were causing the problem.
• Five years on and 14 repairs later the vehicle still emits an unbearable smell that means that we effectively cannot drive the car. The smell is also emitted even without the fan on as you can't close the demist and foot-well vents and therefore we find ourselves constantly driving around with all four windows open even though this is uncomfortable in the middle of winter. We have come to the realisation that we just have to live with the problem and Holden are unwilling to do anything about the problem other than just patronise us by offering a resolve of the situation but not actually fixing the problem. We have been lied to by the customer service centre and had the Summit Holden (Elsternwick) Service Manager treat us appallingly and dismiss our problem.
• Our main concern is that the smell is making us sick however Holden claimed they were confident that the smell was just from 'soggy' leaves and that the smell couldn't cause harm. The Service Manager at one stage told us that Holden sell over 1000 Astra's a week and no others had the same problem, so it was clear that it was something we were doing to the vehicle and it wasn't really Holden's fault. It seems as though all Holden were waiting for was our vehicle to come out of warranty and we are now left with a virtually un-driveable car and it's just not good enough.
• I know comparatively that this is not a major problem however we are now left with a car, which we paid good money for and purchased in good faith and in the knowledge that we were receiving a top quality product and one that would last us well beyond ten years and the vehicle is unbearable to drive. This is really not good enough and it's just something we have to put up with as Holden would not offer a solution that was favourable for both parties. Holden's customer service is terribly deficient and promises that have been made by customer service managers have not been kept. Just be weary when looking to purchase an Astra or any Holden product, and don't falsely think, as we did, that purchasing a brand new vehicle offers any protection or peace of mind." S Cohen, Melbourne, VIC

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