SUBJECT: FORD BA XR8 UTE, 2003 - Can't anyone fix a problem anymore (28/06/2006) *SERVICE* *WARRANTY*

• "Our XR8 has been towed again to a third dealership. It has only done 68,000ks when it just started turning off for no apparent reason. So we took it to Grawill Ford. Something is wrong with the 7th cylinder we were told. The head will need replacing and it was going to be off the road for some time. Now this is a work vehicle and my husband needs to be able to drive to work and that could be anywhere in Sydney as he is in Construction. As it turned out Caringbah was where he was working 2 1/2 hrs away so he took my 2005 XR6. So now I had to find my own way to work. We ask for a courtesy car - there wasn't any. If there was we would have to pay $33 a day. What a joke, our car was still under warranty. You would think they would have a better policy.
• Got the car back after 9 days and we thought it was fixed until about 10 days later. This time my husband broke down in Castlereagh St, Sydney on Friday afternoon at 2pm. I had caught the train down as it was our wedding anniversary and we organized the kids so we could spend the night in town . Ok this time it gets towed to City Ford. They can't look at it until Monday because its Friday afternoon and we all know what that feels like. So we have our weekend in Sydney cut a little short because we weren't in the best of moods. So we caught the train home, organized someone to pick us up because we live 20 min's drive away from the station.
• Monday morning, rang City Ford. They had found lots faults (codes, coil harness open circuit, congested throttle body ..). They drove it in traffic and it was deemed ok, so we picked the car up. 4 days later my husband was leaving a job. Hopped in the car, drove 1 metre. The car stopped again and wouldn't start up again so he rang Ford Care. Oh sorry, they said your car ran out of warranty 2 days ago so you'll have to organize a tow truck yourself. Mind you its 2.30 Friday afternoon, we live on the central coast 2hrs away. I start work at 2.15 and we have children coming home from school and they need an adult there. What stress I work in an nursing home; we work in pairs and I can't really leave on such short notice. So in the end the car got towed to Dale Ford at our expense.
• My eldest son drove up to look after his 7 yr old twin brothers, missing out on going out with friend who were heading to Iraq on Monday. My husband stayed in Sydney and its Tuesday morning and I'm still waiting to find out about the car. Oh I start work today at 2.15 and I have to catch a bus at 12.15 because its the only one that will get me near work which is only a 15 minute drive away when I have my car. We spent $75,000 on cars last year so we could have 2 reliable cars for our family - What a joke" D Bourke, Copacabana, NSW

SUBJECT: TOYOTA PRIUS, 2006 - Brighton Toyota, Victoria (28/06/2006) *NEW CAR* *SALESMAN*

• "I had every intention to buy a Toyota Prius from Brighton Toyota (Victoria) yesterday. The salesman there was very sleazy all over you type of guy. Fake smiles, pretending to take an interest in you etc. Anyway, I told him from the start that I will not be buying a car today. He tried SEVEN yes 7 times to sell me the Prius. He said that his deal is only good for the day i.e: I couldn't come back tomorrow and get it. That is a typical salesman trick that I wouldn't fall for. Every time I said I was not buying a car today but he still didn't give up. He said that they have daily car targets to meet ... what a load of ***, monthly yes, not daily! Don't fall for these salesman." K Richardson, Melbourne VIC

SUBJECT: MAZDA BRAVO, 1999 - Mazda Bravo annoying rattle/vibration (27/06/2006) *ADVICE WANTED*

• "Help! I'm writing this on behalf of my computer illiterate parents. Their Mazda Bravo has this rattling noise somewhere around the motor area. Their mechanic describes it as a vibration but my parents think it is more of a rattle. My father has pulled out the wheel arch part of the vehicle and could not find anything. If anyone could suggest a possible solution to this problem, the oldies would be greatly appreciated." M Parsons, Frenchville QLD

SUBJECT: NISSAN X-TRAIL, 2005 - Exterior mirror (27/06/2006) *SAFETY*

• "Just purchased new X-Trail only traveled 250ks. I have been driving as a commercial traveller for over 30 years, approx 50000ks a year. After 250ks in the X-Trail with these mirrors I believe the car is an accident waiting to happen." K Mackin, Brisbane QLD

SUBJECT: HOLDEN BARINA XC, 2001 - Gear shifter problems (27/06/2006) *TRANSMISSION* *ADVICE WANTED* *FEEDBACK*

• "I own a 2001 XC Barina - 3 door manual. I have owned this vehicle from new. The gearbox has always been very notchy. I have put this down to the gear selection mechanism. Last week it failed after only 50,000 klms. The initial symptoms just prior to totally failing were:
  1. inability to select 1st or 2nd as if there was no shift gate there ( this was an intermittent problem )
  2. 3rd and 4th gears being able to be selected in both 1st / 2nd and 3rd / 4th shifter positions! (jiggling the gear shift would allow you to get 1st and 2nd)
  3. total failure;.a box full of 3rd's and 4th's
• The vehicle has been booked in to the local Holden Dealer to be fixed. Will let all know the outcome from this. I have looked on this site and do not see any other listings for Barina gear box or gear shift problems. I would appreciate hearing from anyone else with similar issues ." Mike, Melbourne VIC

SUBJECT: HOLDEN VZ CREWMAN CROSS 8, 2005 - Crewman & service - really needs to lift their game (26/06/2006) *SERVICE* *WARRANTY*

• "Before my story, I want people to understand how proud I was of Holden Australia, and how fanatical I was about Holden vehicles before purchasing a 2005 VZ Crewman Cross 8 last year from Mantello Holden Fawkner. I have experienced nothing but problems with this car of my dreams and the general service that Holden doesn't provide after selling me a $53K vehicle.
• I thought I was going to keep this car forever, but after replacing the transfer case and gearbox @ 1000km, rear diff, shockers, rear electric window switches at 30,000km I was starting to think I had bought a lemon! until I started to talk to other Crewman Cross 8 owners and learnt it was very common. All of them seem to have problems. This is not to mention the problems that they wont fix - scratched windows (tinted) from the windows going up and down, glove box dropping and out of alignment, and the horn not working properly! These problems would not even come close to being as bad as they are if Holden would put more effort and training in their dealer service and general service to help fix these problems.
• When the transfer case dropped a litre and a half of oil on my new concrete driveway, I was told by Mantello Holden service department on a Saturday morning that I had to get the car to them! Although the strange noises and oil leaking from the gearbox would surely deem the car to be unsafe! Biting my tongue, swallowing my pride and excepting the inconvenience of the situation I tried to drive the car to Fawkner. I made it to the end of the street before it would not go any further. I was then told I had to wait until Monday before the car would even be looked at. Monday came and when I requested a replacement vehicle while my new car was being fixed they said I was not entitled to one and that they do not provide courtesy cars! 5 working days I was inconvenienced for with wife and two children!
• It seems to be our responsibility as new car owners, with new car warranties, rather than Holden, for the car's reliability. This is from a car manufacturing company that is supposed to be running under a quality controlled system! With the other parts replaced under warranty I was told each time by (new car dealer after being dissatisfied with Mantello's service previously) Alan Mance Holden Footscray that if they could not find a warranty item wrong with the car when checking, that I would be charged for labour to check concerning noises and defective items! Without a hint of even an apology from Holden for the inconvenience of taking the vehicle back to get fixed and appalling co-ordination of Holden service departments not getting parts in when I have booked car in to be repaired 2 weeks in advance and having to return to Holden to get them to re-fix warranty work that was supposed to be completed and checked the previous day. What chances have I got for compensation .. none.
• That is why I have sold my new Holden and I am very embarrassed to say as a very proud Australian and HRT fan, that I have bought a new Subaru - Fantastic car and even better service! I will still keep restoring my EH Holden though - how times have changed." B Campbell, Melbourne VIC

SUBJECT: FORD FAIRMONT GHIA, 2003 - Can anyone help me? Fuel consumption! (25/06/2006) *FUEL ECONOMY* *ADVICE WANTED*

• "Just wondering if there is anyone out there that can tell me if they have had a problem with the fuel consumption on their Ford, and if so have they been to Ford to have it fixed? I bought my car with 29,000km on the clock. I was told that it would be good on the juice. However, after running it I have found that it chews through the fuel. I had a VT Berlina before this car and it was a lot better than this Ford. I have been to Ford a few times and they are telling me it is the way I drive the car. I know it isn't the way I drive my car so I am wondering if anyone out there has had the same problem as me and what they did to get it fixed (or looked at at least) through Ford! Would really like to hear back from someone. Cheers" P Caia, Bayswater VIC

SUBJECT: NISSAN MAXIMA ST, 2000 - Engine misfire or flat spot on one cylinder - intermittent (23/06/2006) *ENGINE* *ADVICE WANTED*

• "My Nissan Maxima seems to have an intermittent engine fault which causes it to run roughly and guzzle petrol. It appears that the fault causes (according to the mechanics - in whom my faith has diminished severely) a dead flat / short on one cylinder. Supposedly a coil pack problem but they can't determine which one - apparently they have 5 and they are all different. Vehicle idles smoothly in park, but wobbles terribly in drive and reverse. Does anyone have any clues on this at all! HELP PLEASE!" S Bennett, Narangba QLD

SUBJECT: JAGUAR X TYPE LUXURY LTD ED, 2005 - Car Salesman are liars (23/06/2006) *NEW CAR*

• "Once again I have experienced the lies of car salespersons. I was considering a choice between BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Jaguar. Jaguar Brisbane appeared to be the most genuine and when told about the extras of the Jaguar I was sold. BUT! some weeks later I realised I did not have the premium sound system I was promised - and the vehicle was worth $86,000. When trying to rectify the situation I was informed that as I was not provided a written endorsement for this "extra" which at the time was relayed as standard, I was fobbed off." G Emmerson, Brisbane QLD

SUBJECT: TOYOTA KLUGER GRANDE, 2005 - Transmission indecisiveness - What bl**dy gear am I in ? (23/06/2006) *TRANSMISSION*

• "Has anyone had transmission problems on Kluger Grande? This is the version with the electronic gearbox and stability program etc and all that other stuff that the fuzzy logic controller can't operate properly. My Kluger cannot decide what gear it should be in even with all these electronic smarts. It has been back 3 times to the dealership for this and, although the dealership is EXCELLENT in trying to help me, (Castle Hill Toyota), they can only implement what Toyota gives them. So far I have had a new transfer gearbox or case or some mechanical thing and 3 ECU software upgrades. The reason I am writing this tonight is because I nearly got wiped out at a road junction tonight when I accelerated after slowing down and nothing happened. It just could not decide what gear to be in so it just coughed and spluttered and luckily then surged.
• If anyone from Toyota is reading this, I hope you get this fixed because I would NEVER recommend this car to anyone especially an in experienced driver. You literally have to second guess what the transmission is likely to do. On the other hand my spouse's 2003 Falcon XR6 does exactly what is it supposed to do, never misses a beat, is always in the right gear when you need it and cost me half as much as the *&^%$ Kluger.
• PS Toyota does not appear to give you an ECU firmware upgrade or transfer case exchange unless you actually complain ... Even though they know there is a problem affecting drivability. Search Google for KLUGER and ECU and see what you find ... lots of unhappy owners" C Holtom, Kellyville NSW
  

SUBJECT: FORD TERRITORY GHIA, 2005 - Wheels Car of the Year - Beware Ghia Buyers (22/06/2006) *NEW CAR* *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "I talked my husband into buying this car. We have had nothing but trouble with it - Our indicator lights come on for no reason and the only way to stop them is to press the central locking. We have been told that Ford cannot find a problem with it. Our brakes have not stopped squealing since day one - we were told this was "characteristic of our vehicle" and cannot be fixed. The main thing has been that our drivers side window fell in between the door, triggering electrical problems and we could not physically shut the door. This happened on a Saturday and Ford would not do anything about this until Monday morning and we are with Ford Prestige Care. We were told this is one of the "glitches of the Territory" and that we should be lucky as it happened to another one customer 7 times!!
• We also had a REX3 Entertainment System fitted at the factory. Have had it replaced as it would not show any movies, then repaired because the replacement would only show movies for half an hour, and now it will not show movies at all. Please feel free to warn your friends. Apparently Ford understand the window thing is a problem but will not issue a recall to repair on vehicles as they do not think it is a safety hazard - try telling that to my husband who had to drive the car with an oky strap around the drivers and back seat window to get our son to football!" M McEvoy, Brisbane QLD

SUBJECT: FORD XR6 BA, 2003 - BA Ford Brakes - front rotors machined 3-4 times in 21 months (21/06/2006) *BRAKES* *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "2003 BA XR6 Turbo has travelled 59,000 kms and went in for the 60,000 kms service 2 weeks ago. I was told the front brake pads need replacing and when they are replaced the front rotors will need to be machined and then they will be undersized. This car has had the front rotors machined 3 or 4 times in the 21 months I have owned it.
• I have since found out Ford Australia sent out a directive to Ford Dealers in April 2005 to fit a reviewed brake pad for BA's that had the brake shudder problem. Also there is a shim kit that can be fitted as well. I have also found out that Ford rejected up to 60% of rotors at manufacture because of faults and the machine going out of calibration.
• I ed Ford Australia on 07/06/06 and received a phone call on 08/06/06 advising that the guy looking after this would contact me on 13/06/06. No phone call. Sent another on 16/06/06 advising that they are looking into this for me. With a car that is only just over 3 years old and only travelled 59,000 kms and only country kms since I have had it, I think this is not good enough. Ford should come to the party and replace the pads with the revised pad and replace the rotors. Anyone else with the same problem please me so maybe we can get together and have more numbers and proof that this is a major problem and make Ford look at this more seriously and even recall the brakes on these cars" K Bennell, Geelong VIC

SUBJECT: HOLDEN ASTRA CD, 2000 - Air cond, Brakes, Timing belt, Ignition ... (21/06/2006) *AIR COND* *BRAKES* *IGNITION*

• "I purchased a TS Astra CD sedan in 2000 from Robina Holden that was 18 months old and had done 18000km. In the time I have had it I have had to spend considerable money on the brakes (discs and pads). I have had to fix the air-conditioner clutch assembly (manufacturing fault). I have put in two new brake light switches; had to put in a new starter motor because the faulty ignition (manufacturing fault again) caused it to burn out and now my car sits at a Holden service centre (definitely not Robina) awaiting a diagnosis on the the snapped timing belt at 116000km (which was listed on the 60000km service by Robina Holden as 'replaced timing belt and tensioner assembly') and subsequent damage. This covers some of the problems I have had with the car. Don't get me started on the dealership!!!
• In 1999 I bought a 1987 laser for a tenth of the price and have put in a new clutch and new radiator. This car still runs better than the Astra. Hmm" M Mayall, Burleigh Heads QLD

SUBJECT: FORD AU FALCON, 1999 - Some of these complaints are pathetic (21/06/2006) *FEEDBACK* *WARRANTY*

• "The complaint is ridiculous - the car was out of warrantee, who cares if you are still paying it off, that is no ones concern but your own. Letters and phone calls ignored, no wonder ... Its a second hand car, a second hand car as in it has been used and u got it for a reduced price ..." J Thompson, Melbourne VIC

SUBJECT: NISSAN PATROL ST 3L DIESEL, 2000 - Very disgruntled Nissan customer (20/06/2006) *ENGINE* *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "I recently purchased a a 3 Litre Diesel Patrol. The vehicle was purchased from a car yard and I had a pre inspection. Last week, on returning from the long weekend the vehicle stated to blow heavy smoke. I immediately switched the vehicle off and pulled over to the side of the road. Yep it was a tow truck job.
• The statutory warranty had expired by 400 km. I put the vehicle in for repair to find out that I had blown a piston in number 4 pot and number 2 had a hole in it.
  I have since been advised that this problem is common place for the 2000 model 3L Diesel and this expensive repair is carried out regularly.
• I am disappointed that Nissan are not interested and will only discuss the matter if I have the full service history of Nissan dealer service. I did not own the vehicle prior to 3 months ago. My question being if Nissan was aware of a well documented problem why did they not recall the vehicle and replace the problem components. I own a Nissan X-Trail as well from new. I now have serious concerns related to Nissan customer service and care for their customers. This will influence future purchases. Let this be a warning to all who buy a 2000 3 Litre Diesel Patrol to have the head removed and the pistons checked prior to purchase it will save you around $6000. Very disgruntled Nissan customer" P Bates, Mooroolbark VIC 0407 131119

SUBJECT: FORD LASER, 1989 - John Nebe Used Cars Bundaberg (20/06/2006) *DEALERSHIP*

• "I bought a Ford Laser from John Nebe Used Cars Bundaberg in January. When I picked it up there were massive faults. I cancelled the contract in writing; they didn't want to know. The RWC was dodgy and faults were NOT repaired. After complaining we agreed (in word!) on cash payment for repair. I was promised $500, but to this day nothing. Also the sales contract was NOT filled out properly and I found out the speedo was turned back. To this day I am getting the runaround." D Iden, Bundaberg QLD

SUBJECT: HONDA ODYSSEY, 2003 - Special lug socket (20/06/2006) *DEALERSHIP*

• "My two daughters and my husband and I purchased an Odyssey in 2003 from Ed Morse Honda in Riviera Beach, FL. - same car salesman (what a commission he got from one family!). We just learned from one daughter who needed tires that we should have received a special lug socket to take tires off. After speaking to salesman he said "I can't help you after all this time - you should have mentioned it before this so, therefore, it will be $25.00!" The tires cannot be replaced without this special lug socket - don't you think out of three deals he would have mentioned it to at least one of us?! " G Hanson, Palm Beach Gardens FL

SUBJECT: HOLDEN ASTRA CD, 2002 - Another dissatisfied Holden customer (19/06/2006) *AIR COND* *WARRANTY*

• "In April of this year when my Astra had done 70,000 kms and being out of manufacturers warranty, the compressor clutch in the air-conditioning went. A comment made by my local mechanic fixing it made me stop and think. He had fixed the same problem in four other Astra's in the past 3 weeks. He also said he had trouble getting the part as there was a shortage of the part, owing to the demand of this exact part.
• I ed Holden with my concern that this may be a manufacturing fault. They had me take the old compressor clutch into my local Holden dealer, Barry Robertson Holden on the Tuggerah Straight Wyong. It was left there for the Rep to see. Two days later I was told to come and pick up the part and that Holden could do nothing for me in regards to reimbursing me. There was a message left on my answering machine from the man in charge of my enquiry I suppose. He said because I have not continued to have my car serviced at the Holden dealership (thereby negating my extended warranty), that they can do nothing for me.
• Does this not sound like they are admitting there is a problem but are punishing me for not continuing my service with them. I was under no obligation to do so and that still has nothing whatsoever to do with the compressor clutch failing in a car that is only 4 years old and not done a lot of mileage. Holden no longer care about customers after the warranty has expired. Do they not realise that an unhappy customer will tell everyone in their social circle and then they in turn will tell all their friends and so on and so on.
• I have written to Choice Magazine but they are waiting to hear if there are anymore with problems regarding Holden Astra's. It is only by getting it out there in the public, that we may get some satisfaction from Holden, although I wouldn't be holding my breath. I'd never buy another Holden and we've had Holden's for 30 odd years. I don't need to be treated like that when I buy a new car and expect it to be of merchantable quality for a certain number of years and not just in the warranty period. Looks like a lot of the Astra's are lemons." R Finno, Central Coast NSW

SUBJECT: RENAULT SCENIC, 2003 - Renault Scenic Great Car - Why don't more people buy them? (18/06/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "I have a Renault Scenic that I bought second hand with about 10,000 klms on it. I use it as a work vehicle as a sale rep. I used to have a BA Falcon company car and think the Scenic is much nicer to drive with comfortable seats, great sound system and plenty of room with great fuel economy. My Wife also has a Renault Clio which is about the size of a Barina and this is also a little ripper. I think maybe people should consider checking out the Renault range before buying a new car next time." J Watts, Geelong VIC

SUBJECT: FORD COURIER (MAZDA BRAVO), 2003 - Turbo Diesel, 2.5 litre Overheating Problems (14/06/2006) *ADVICE WANTED*

• "I want to hear from any other owners who have experienced overheating problems with Diesel Couriers. My ute overheated at approx. 80,000 k's. Ford replaced the cylinder head under warranty. Since then I have travelled 31,000 k's in 10 month's. The same problem has arisen. The vehicle was fine one day and the next it travelled 5k's and overheated. No leak in coolant system and plenty of water in radiator when it overheated.
• My father had two of these utes. Both have had the same thing happen. One whilst under warranty, the other just out (Ford wouldn't cover warranty for this one).
• Scheduled servicing dictates that coolant water be changed every 80,000k's. Since having the vehicle overheat it has been at the local dealer while I try and get Ford to take responsibility for the part. Their standard response is that the warranty for the new part is 20,000k's or 12 months. Obviously I am not happy with this. Ford wants the dealer to remove the head, send to factory for analysis before they commit to any claim. If I pay the dealer to remove at a rate of >$70/hr and Ford then do not take any responsibility for part, I have a labour/parts bill you couldn't jump over. If I remove head and give to Ford, I'm sure they will deny warranty because part was not removed by authorised dealer (even though I am a qualified mechanic).
• On the other hand, if Ford remove part, send off to be analysed, take responsibility for part then cover under warranty I have, in the interim, paid for repairs (approx. $4,500) plus had vehicle at dealer while I hire a car to get to work for >6 weeks. Can I get feedback from other Courier/Bravo owners re overheating. Does anyone else know what or why this has happened. Cheers." D Turner, Pelican Waters QLD Ph: 0434 317739

SUBJECT: HOLDEN VS STATESMAN, 1995 - I will not buy another Holden. They have lost my loyalty (14/06/2006)

• "After owning a 1975 Statesman, a 1977 Premier Wagon and 1979 Gemini I was extremely happy with Holden's. All I did for those cars was, service, tune, change tyres, shockers and one alternator. They were unbreakable. The Gemini copped a thrashing and never gave up. The Wagon was used for work non stop and had no issues. The Statesman I still own and cherish.
• After so many old cars I wanted an upgrade. I bought a 5 year old VS Statesman in 2000, it had 120k on the clock. Problems: Air Con stopped working after 1 month, changed pipes and compressor $700. 6 months in, radiator leaked, no worries it happens, changed for a new one about $200. 1 year on alternator, $100, again, no problem car is 5 years old. Next, electric window switches playing up (common fault) $150; rear tyre wear due to **** IRS system, added IRS camber kit. Exhaust gets a hole in it, changed that. Suspension needed changing ... what next ...
• 3 years on ... Transmission requires re-build $1,700 (T700; the old T400 is still running and just gets serviced). 1 year later the diff is winding, $1000 that needs changing .. the car is still only 8 years old? Drivers window comes off the rails and breaks hinges, another $450. Performance started to lag, injectors changed, $400. Next fuel pump another $100, following on, the coil, another $80. Finally spark plug leads (fair enough).
• 9 years later it was time to sell, had enough, just constant unreliability from Holden. Car had 145k when sold. I had it for four years and never drove it apart from weekends and trips away. Did only 25 thousand kays, what a lemon! The worst Holden I ever owned, and the funny thing is a friend with a VS Berlina is wasting money too! My solution ... I bought a Toyota Camry, mate, the best car made in Australia, not one thing wrong (yet) fingers crossed." B Kay, Melbourne VIC

SUBJECT: FORD BA FALCON MKII, 2005 - Re: Falcon RTV (14/06/2006) *FEEDBACK* *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "My work vehicle is an RTV ute, steel tray, 25000kms, no problem. Tows about 1.8T over fairly steep hills no problem; similar fuel economy to 2.6L petrol Courier I used to drive." H Price, Perth WA

SUBJECT: TOYOTA KLUGER, 2005 - Re: Wheel alignment (13/06/2006) *FEEDBACK* *NEW CAR* *TYRES*

• "I had a similar experience - I noticed feathering at about 3000 km. I too went to Toyota with the same reply (not their problem). I then went to another well known tyre fitting group and had a number of wheel alignments but did not ever have this excess feathering corrected. I then checked a number of Kluger and noticed that all had some form of feathering. The car has now clocked up 25000 km and the front tyres are basically worn out. Not happy. If someone can suggest a brand of tyre that can perform better please let me know" G Pershouse, Brisbane, QLD

SUBJECT: NISSAN PATROL, 1990 - Minimum $1000 to fit a few o-rings in a leaky fuel pump (13/06/2006)

• "This 1990 Nissan Patrol has been brilliant and has done 430,000kms. However, it started leaking diesel a few days ago from the fuel pump. I'm gonna get it fixed and been quoted $1000-1200. The guy has advised me this is a relatively common problem in Patrols and diesels in general. " J O'Brien, Perth WA

SUBJECT: NISSAN NAVARA, 2003 - Good news for sound system (11/06/2006) *SOUND SYSTEM*

• "I recently purchased a 2003 Navara & after reading some of the problems on this site with the sound system I have some good news for other Navara owners. I took my vehicle to Complete Car Sound at Enoggera (Brisbane) to fit Cruise Control, Remote locking & to fit rear speakers. When I picked up the vehicle the technician informed me that he had to supply a special connection ($20) to the radio as there was no provision for extra speaker wires. Because of this special connection the radio now has fader function for front & rear speakers for the cost of connection & speakers + fitting ($99). No other problems with vehicle - very happy." P Close, Brisbane QLD

SUBJECT: FORD FAIRLANE, 1995 - Air conditioning (11/06/2006) *ADVICE WANTED*

• "I can't control the air conditioning. Air conditioning controls puts itself into test mode then when it comes out. It only does it when the car has been running for a few minutes. I just put a new motor and spent a load of money on the car so if anyone can help me please do - thanks" N Vander Peet, Melbourne VIC 0412 566549 

SUBJECT: HOLDEN ZAFIRA, 2003 - Any information? (09/06/2006) *ADVICE WANTED* *BUYER ADVICE*

• "We are looking to buy a used Zafira, 50000kms. As not many of these have come on the market in NW TAS none seems to know much about them. Built on an Astra base, 7 seater, 4 cylinders, 2.2lts, does anyone have any experience with these? Easy to service? get parts? likely problems to look for? " M Rubock, Burnie TAS

SUBJECT: MAZDA MPV, 1993 - Gearbox problems? (09/06/2006) *ADVICE WANTED* *REPAIR*

• "These cars are rare in our area and no mechanics seem to know anything about repairing them. We have replaced a solenoid in the gear box 3 weeks ago ($1800) and now a cog has sheared off and gone through the gear box shredding the cogs. It has done 180,000kms so is everything else going to start breaking down too? Is it worth repairing?" M Rubock, Burnie TAS

SUBJECT: PEUGEOT 307, 2005 - Brand new Peugeot is a complete 'LEMON' (09/06/2006) *NEW CAR*

• "I purchased a brand new peugeot 307 with a 5 year warranty on June 21 2005 and on May 04 2006 it ground to a halt and has been off the road ever since. City Peugeot service manager then advised me on June 06 that they will re-build the engine rather than replace it despite my objections. Peugeot Australia customer service has said that there will be no negative affect on the re-sale value of the car and that they are not obligated to provide a loan car when the car is off the road.
• There is a high likelihood that there will be further problems with the car due to the fact that it is obviously 'a lemon', even if the work is covered by warranty. The fact is no loan car will cause me constantly to be 'out of pocket' despite the fact that I bought a brand new car instead of a second hand one. I would not recommend that someone buy a Peugeot. For reasons of both poor quality and lack of support by the Peugeot brand for their product. Their attitude to customer care is well below standard and they simply don't take responsibility for having sold me a 'dud' car." R McIntyre, Prahran VIC

SUBJECT: FORD XR8 BA FALCON, 2004 - What a lemon. Ford has done very well on this car (09/06/2006) *NEW CAR*

• "No wonder Ford has gotten 52 million dollars to develop their Territory and Falcon range when they are selling vehicles like mine. This hunk of junk has been nothing but a nightmare since day 1. The day I picked up my brand new XR8 it overheated. That's when the problems start.
• This vehicle has had engine replacement, front and rear springs (rear springs collapsed @ 100kms/hrs with my children in the car, Fords response was"OH WELL"), rear shocks, upper and lower control arm bushes, diff, clutch, drivers side door has dropped and hard to close, fuel pump & sender unit, upper door rubbers, diff mount bush, gear box mount, clutch master cylinder lines, power steering lines, 3 yes 3 steering racks.
• There are still issues with the vehicle: clicking when turning steering wheel (4 Ford dealerships and 3 steering racks unable to rectify), vehicle wanders over the road (very unsafe), and a clunk under the car along the right side.
• Ford does not have a problem with me driving or putting my family in this $58,000 death trap. These are NOT SMALL problems. How can Ford getaway with vehicles like this and others. CRC at Ford are absolutely hopless. I have been waiting for a 3 way conversation for 4 weeks, has not happened yet. Is ford waiting for the warranty to run out or what. This vehicle has only travelled 40,000kms. This is Fords attempt at a "performance vehicle" what a JOKE. This vehicle is signwritten and hopefully Ford might take a little notice of it and for some reason obtain some common sense.
• Regretfully yours, a disappointed Ford owner." R Roberts, St George QLD

SUBJECT: FORD EL FALCON, 1998 - Servicing - old values are hard to find (08/06/2006) *SERVICE*

• "Ford Service he? My list of complaints could fill a B double tipper! A lot of it has to do with pressure, especially the ones that operate night shift as well. Cost of all this is passed onto us to the tune of $115 per hour labour rate (Brisbane). Then of course the high turnover must be pushed through even if it means breaking the camels back. This is in Brisbane but I guess it will be everywhere the same.
• I have been to others, all experts. Same ***! Sure, they service all right but they do not really look proper. So I noticed Repco (authorised) Servicing on the internet. I Thought, well why not try? They contacted me and put me through to my closest dealer which is Kats Automotive Services at Coorparoo. They are a family owed business and are first class pro; no nasty surprises, everything in writing plus detail of work performed including parts used and description. Maybe they should all return to family owed businesses again, old values are hard to find. " J Van Velsen, Brisbane QLD

SUBJECT: HOLDEN VZ LUMINA, 2005 - Front End and Car falling apart (07/06/2006) *NEW CAR*

• "I bought a Lumina in late 2005. Since buying the vehicle brand new I complained to my local Holden dealer that the vehicle pulling to the left. At which time I was told by one of the Holden salesmen that this was a safety feature in case I happened to fall asleep at the wheel. And nothing was done. The vehicle continued to pull to the left.
• I have had all four doors rattle and they told me they needed to be readjusted. After complaining 4 times that there was a rattle in the front window I obviously annoyed them enough that they pulled the door trim off to reveal a broken door trim runner.
• I then placed my handbrake on to have the handbrake trim come off in my hand. In the meantime I am still complaining about the car pulling to the left. Finally I had my own wheel alignment done at my expense and a report done on the vehicle by my own mechanic. The wheel alignment was so drastically out it was not funny, yet Holden still denied there was a problem.
• In the meantime the car began to display a clunking sound from the front end, which was gradually getting worse. They took the car and told me the cause was excessive material in the strut tower. They cleaned this out, about 2 weeks later it was discovered again by my own mechanic that there was a hole in the sump. I rang and reported this to Holden. They claimed they could not see the problem. Mind you I showed them the where the problem was. They then put dye through the motor and said that if there was a problem the dye would show it. And of course it did. I had to wait a week for them to get the new sump and they told me the car would be fine to drive around, but to bring it back on monday and so they could check whether the dye had run through the motor. At which time they decided to keep my car because under warranty conditions if the dealer believes that there may be further damage done they do not have to release your car back to you.
• After the sump was replaced, the very next morning I started the car to have this horrid gurgling sound come from the engine, so back to Holden I go. But NO there is nothing wrong. There is also a major fluctuation in the taco. Still they say nothing is wrong.
• Next the right hand front and rear door seals were defective, they replaced the rear one completely because it was stuffed and re glued the front one telling me that they replaced it. 2 days later the seal fell off. The cluncking in the front end began to get worse again to the point you could feel it through the floor. This time I demanded someone come for a drive with me and they finally admitted there was something wrong with the front end. I took the car in and they told me the front right hand strut spring was not sitting on the strut plate properly and that there was once again excessive material in the strut housing. I received the car back and was told that it did not need a wheel alignment; yet it is pulling so far to the right that it can drive itself around a corner. Also when braking, the car pulls to the left quite severely. When the problem with the struts first occurred they told me there was nothing they could fit to stop this from happening, yet the last time I took the car in they told me they had fitted strut covers.
• Last friday I was detailing my car and both front left and right hand door protector strips are falling off. When I rang Holden I told them that gluing them back on was not acceptable and that I wanted new ones. Mind you when I go back to have them fitted I will be asking to see the replacements and I will also be marking the old ones to make sure they have replaced them with new ones. I have now decided because of the front end, I will be taking the car to have another independent inspection (at my own cost again) because the car drives like a bag of ****. My car is back at Holden every 2 weeks and I feel as though I should be paying rent there. I paid $36,500 for the car and it is just not good enough. I wanted to trade it in and get another car (not a Holden) but the redbook value of a trade in is only $18,000 and the car is only 6 months old. So I basically spent $36,000 to look at a car fall apart. I will buy Holden again. Very Disappointed.. " S Westwood, Toowoomba QLD

SUBJECT: NISSAN X-TRAIL STS, 2006 - Nissan Xtrail-STS Anniversary Edition (07/06/2006) *NEW CAR*

• "We recently purchased a Nissan Xtrail from a dealership in south of Sydney. After a week or so of driving the vehicle we realised that there were some issues:
  1) when you open the sunroof and are doing a speed in excess of 50km/hr there's a road whistling noise coming in which is so irritating that you have to close the sunroof
  2) we had factory leather put into the vehicle as it didn't come with leather. After taking the vehicle home we realised that because of the way the leather had been put in, the seatbelt was not retracting back into the side pillar properly and was scratching the b-pillar and sitting on top of the seat.
  3) the air con (when the dial is turned to heat on the feet only option) it blows out hot air from all the top vents - resulting in the driver having to manually close all the top air vents to allow for warm air to only flow from the feet option.
• We addressed the issues with Service and have had nothing but run around and grief from them. We were advised that there were no problems and that nothing would be done about it. If anyone is having any issues can you please advise me on what feedback you have received." S Cotroneo, Sydney NSW

SUBJECT: HOLDEN CREWMAN, 2005 - My crewmen is a LEMON - what a waste of money (06/06/2006) *NEW CAR*

• "I bought my Crewmen 5 months ago and already the diff is playing up. The dealership has already taken out the motor and gearbox just to fix up a leak coming from the gearbox and now I'm having problems with the gear box ... This is pathetic. Lately I have now been getting a weird rattling sound coming from the steering column - God knows what it is but I am unimpressed, what a waste of money." J Farrugia, Sydney NSW

SUBJECT: KIA CERATO, 2004 - Help wanted - paint is starting to come off (06/06/2006) *PAINT* *ADVICE WANTED*

• "Within six months of purchasing the new car - the paint is starting to come off in pin hole patches - is there anyone out there that can help me with this problem - thanks Heidi" H Berry, Dubbo NSW

SUBJECT: LAND ROVER FREELANDER, 2001 - Total Lemon - constant problem since day one (04/06/2006)

• "I have had a Freelander which I purchased in May 2002. It has been a constant problem since day one and has now been off the road for nearly two years as I wait for a result of a dispute with Land Rover. I have had a new engine, transmission, starter motor head gaskets, and it still doesn't work. Now it has black smoke coming out of the exhaust, doesn't reverse and stops every hundred meters. If you have had any problems with your Freelander let me know. It may help in my case and would be happy to help anyone that is in the same position." D Weissbacher, Melbourne VIC

SUBJECT: HONDA CIVIC, 2005 - Poor 20,000 km service from Hornsby Honda (02/06/2006) *SERVICE* *DEALERSHIP*

• "On the 1/6/2006 I submitted my car for a Honda service. I had my left hand side mirror smashed and wanted it replaced. The electronic mechanism was working before I submitted it and my wife received a phone call while they were servicing it saying that the mechanism was broken and it wasn't just the glass that would need replacing but the whole left hand mirror mechanism. They informed us that it would cost $300 to replace. Now I know the thing was working but they claim it was broken. Instead of arguing I just told them to leave the mirror off and we would fix it ourselves. When will these service places take responsibility for their mistakes and own up to things that they break instead of passing the cost onto the customer?" M Odenthal, Hornsby NSW

SUBJECT: KIA RIO, 2004 - Blackburn Kia and Kia Rio clutches (02/06/2006) *CLUTCH* *DEALERSHIP*

• "I purchased a manual Kia Rio Hatch at Christmas 2004. I used it for driver training. At about 12,000 km the clutch was starting to misbehave. The manager of the service dept of Kia Blackburn Melbourne, said that "it is not possible, it must be the dual controls." I removed the dual controls myself to check, and it was the clutch.
• At 18,000 km I was told not to expect more than 45,000 km's out of the clutch due to wear (I never let any student abuse my clutch as I had control over it). At 45,000 km's I had the clutch replaced and I was refused warranty as I was using it for driver training. Only about one third of my mileage, as shown in my book, was for training.
• I contacted the main Kia office and was told that if I had contacted them earlier they would have replaced the clutch. The service manager said they were lying. At 12,000 km's on a new clutch, with less than half that due to driver training, the clutch was starting to go again. I was driving my car often completely clutchless to avoid any expensive problems. I sold the car for less than half what I paid for it.
• This wasn't isolated: a mechanic at Blackburn Kia told me they were having the same problem with many other Kias, and mechanics were advising owners to simply get rid of them." P Phillip, Melbourne VIC

SUBJECT: HOLDEN ASTRA, 2003 - Don't buy these lemons (01/06/2006) *BRAKES* *ALTENATOR*

• "I have had this car from new. I have had the usual problems with brakes at 49,000km the front roters and disc pads were replaced (not by Holden!) by a brake specialist. They put in harder roters and softer pads. It is great, no more mess on the mags. Now at 53,000km I have a big engine noise in the timing belt. I have had it inspected by the RAC and they have found that the automatic tensioner pullies on the outside belt and the timing belt are so worn out that the whole engine could fail at any time. The bearing on the alternator has also got to be replaced. (a new Alternator)
• This car is only 3 months out of warranty. Holden will not admit it has a problem with these cars. I have been with Holden now for a very long time, never again." G Oliver, Perth WA

MAY 2006 POSTINGS