SUBJECT: HOLDEN HSV GTS, 2001 - need warranty for GTS (29/07/2006) *USED CAR WARRANTY* *ADVICE WANTED*

• "Warranty problems would anyone out there be able to help out and know of any places I can acquire a guaranteed warranty for the purchase of the GTS I am purchasing. Be mighty grateful for any input." M Smith, Alice Springs NT

SUBJECT: KIA SPORTAGE, 2002 - Positive Report on Kia Sportage (28/07/2006) *GOOD NEWS* *CONSUMER ADVICDE* *RESALE VALUE*

• "After reading all the negative comments on various makes and dealerships, I thought I'd throw a positive in for my Sportage. I purchased this car in June 02 from Regal Motors in Maitland NSW, and the only problems I have had were in the early days with the power windows and the CD player. Both were repaired / replaced under warranty with no problems and are fine to this day. The car has only done 76k, has been serviced regularly (expensively I might add) until the 70k service which I did myself as the warranty has now expired.
• My only gripe is that I wanted to trade it in to update last year just after the warranty ran out at the dealership I bought it from and had it serviced at for it's entire life, and the best they would offer me was $13000 (car cost $26k plus all the extras I put on it). The car had less than 50,000 klms on it! The real stinker was that they had an identical model with more mileage in their second hand lot out front for $18000. When I pointed that out to the salesman, he said words to the effect that "They couldn't even get anyone to open a door on it", meaning that they couldn't sell it, but I noticed it was gone the next week! A quick little $5000 profit.
• Now I'm waiting until I leave the Territory before upgrading, and will probably only lose a few extra thousand in that time! Anyway, it's been a great little car." J King, Darwin NT

SUBJECT: HOLDEN ASTRA CONVERTIBLE, 2005 - Computer, Cruise Control, Roof & excessive Oil usage (28/07/2006) *NEW CAR* *OIL* *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "I bought a 2005 run out this year. So far the Computer & cruise control have been replaced. The check oil light came on after the new computer & was told it was probably the setting on the new computer. But it was actually out of oil. It needed 1.8 litres of oil & has only done 8000 km.
• The dealership is currently doing an oil consumption test & I have to take it back next week to get he results. But no new car should need an oil top up between it's scheduled services. The roof plays up intermittently, but until it plays up when the technicians have it they cannot do anything about it. The dealership have been very helpful & are doing everything to fix my problems." M Peterson, Heritage Park QLD

SUBJECT: NISSAN NAVARA 4X4 STR, 2004 - Front disc brakes lock in the wet and in the dry (26/07/2006) *BRAKES* *ADVICE WANTED*

• "The vehicle is still under warranty. The vehicle front brakes lock up and the back drums feel as though they do not contribute to stopping the vehicle. Driving in the wet is horrific with just steadily increasing paddle pressure bringing on a front disc lock up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer today and they charged $88 for machining the front Discs. The difference it made was nil. They also adjusted the rear drum shoes in an effort to remove the problem. This made nil difference.
• This vehicle has done 27000 klm and was taken to another dealer prior to this one and they reported that there was no problem with the brakes. If you apply the hand brake it locks the rear wheels when the vehicle is in motion suggesting that there may no be a mechanical leverage problem, but perhaps an hydraulic one.
• Is there anyone out there who knows how to measure the hydraulic pressures between front and rear brakes? Is there a diagnostic machinery around that can measure braking effects? I feel that I am doing R&D for the manufactures of this vehicle." R McLennan, Mirrabooka WA

SUBJECT: MAZDA 3, 2004 - gearbox problems (25/07/2006) *TRANSMISSION* *ADVICE WANTED*

• "We have a 2004 Mazda 3 ( 20,000klms) with a ongoing problem associated with using reverse gear. According to Mazda this is "standard" for this model and is not a warranty issue. Are there other users experiencing the same problem?" B Glasby, Brisbane QLD

SUBJECT: HOLDEN RODEO, 2005 - under 5000kms, and on fourth motor (25/07/2006) *ENGINE*

• "Bought a new Rodeo ute for business purposes, plumber. Had vehicle 4500kms and engine failure and had it replaced. 0n 2nd motor did 250km, the motor died again. Motor replaced again and whilst in mechanics he did another 80kms it has done what would appear to be another motor. So vehicle still under 5000kms, and on fourth motor. In this period it has been 9 weeks with Holden not willing to replace vehicle or to give my money back. Now even selling this vehicle will be difficult fight as its a lemon. It would appear that Holden "doesn't mean a whole lot more to Australia any more" E Owens, Wellington NSW

SUBJECT: BMW C645i, 2005 - BMW 6 Series problems with on board computer system (23/07/2006) *COMPUTER*

• "After 18 months of problems with the entertainment system (CD's silently continue to play after engine is shut off) and telephone and bluetooth don't work properly. Also entertainment will randomly change from one to another, like CD to FM radio. Dealer at time of sale said BMW usually fixes problems with the computer in 60-90 days. s from me to dealer and BMW north america were not responded to without my insistence. In May 2006, auto with 8500 miles still not fixed so I wrote a "lemon law" letter. Lemon law in the USA requires the manufacturer to buy back a vehicle which has a problem that substantially impairs the automobiles value or replace it with a new vehicle.
  BMW north america said their engineers would again look at car.. they did in June 2006, and then manager of dealership advised I could not get a replacement vehicle as a remedy because all the 6 series have problems.
• They offered to buy me out of the car per lemon law or give me $9500 compensation for the problem and I would keep the vehicle. I agreed to a buy out .... but a few days later I was told that in exchange for buying me out they informed me that BMW north america is insisting I sign a release and a clause that I will not disclose to any one the nature of the problem. I think every buyer of the 6 series, a very expensive car, should know that there may be a serious problem to look for. BMW north america wants to keep this a secret apparently; otherwise why would I be asked to sign a non disclosure agreement?" I Zinman, Bloomington USA

SUBJECT: HOLDEN TS ASTRA CD, 2000 - Help - I own an Astra - will cost me a lot of money (22/07/2006) *QUALITY*

• "I have an Astra TS CD sedan 2000 and am amazed by the similarities of problems people on this site as well as other owners are having with this car. Why does the rear electric window fail on this car. I travel alone and hardly ever use the back windows, but the motor is broken and I have been quoted over $400 to fix it. My air conditioner will not work and it does not need gas. I realise that this will cost me a lot of money. In January the brakes were replaced at a cost of $600, all this for a car that has 68,000 on the clock. What next, when will the timing belt go?" R Beegling, Gold Coast QLD

SUBJECT: HOLDEN TS ASTRA, 2000 - Timing Belt broke before Holden recommended replacement .. (20/07/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE* *TIMING BELT* *SAFETY*

• "I bought a Holden Astra new in 2000. It has now done 106,000 km and to date it has been a great car to own and drive. Until earlier this week, it had given me no trouble at all. I would still recommend it to anyone, provided they are aware of the potential problem with the timing belt.
• The TS Astra Owner's handbook supplied by Holden with the car recommends replacement of the engine toothed belt at 120,000 km. Unfortunately they got it wrong. The timing belt should actually be replaced at 60,000 km. This was stated by by VACC in the September 2004 edition of Techtalk, and I believe is common knowledge among mechanics. To my knowledge, Holden hasn't issued an official advice to any car owners or dealers.
• A couple of days ago, while driving my Astra on a freeway, it lost all power and I couldn't restart it. Subsequent investigation revealed the cam shaft was no longer turning and the diagnosis was a broken timing belt. Because of the damage this would have caused inside the engine, so far undiagnosed, the repair bill was estimated at between $2000 and $4000.
• Fortunately, the mechanic was aware of the Astra/Vectra/Barina timing belt problem and suggested I take it up with Holden, which I did. In my case, up until the 60,000 service, a Holden dealer had completed all services on the vehicle. I contacted the dealer and explained the problem. I was told there was no guarantee I would get any help from Holden, but later in the day, I received an assurance that Holden would pay for any damage caused by the broken timing belt as long as I paid for the timing belt kit. A fair outcome I think.
• So if the same thing happens to you, take it up with Holden." T Barclay, Melbourne VIC

SUBJECT: HOLDEN BARINA, 2001- ERG (20/07/2006) *ADVICE WANTED*

• "I have a problem with the ERG has too be replaced. Has anyone ever just took it off and did it have any effects on the car (the part is expensive)" L Bentley, Hampton Park VIC

SUBJECT: MERCEDES E320, 2002 - Sanderson Mercedes Benz - in the workshop 19 times (18/07/2006) *DEALERSHIP*

• "Sanderson Mercedes Benz at Rushcutters Bay are simply put; pretentious snobs chasing their own tails and not helping the customer. My vehicle (in which I regret buying) has been in the workshop 19 times since I bought the car in 2002.
• Do not use this useless boutique dealership!" J Ryan, Sydney NSW

SUBJECT: MITSUBISHI MAGNA, 2002 - Auto transmission problems (17/07/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE* *TRANSMISSION* *FEEDBACK*

• "Assuming transmission is mechanically/electrically OK, try "remapping" the auto control program. Disconnect battery for 30 seconds then reconnect. Start car and accelerate smoothly through the gears then slow to a stop. Do this, (speeding up, slowing down to a stop) at least 6 times. This wipes the memory (of all your "bad" habits!) & gives the "smart" transmission a clean slate. I had trouble with two earlier Veradas and the above (recommend by Mitsubishi) seemed to work. All the best." I Hughes, Gawler TAS

SUBJECT: CARAVANS - Water tanks and Dealer not the problem (15/07/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE* *FEEDBACK*

• "Water tanks are only 75ltr not 80. You can't get total 75 ltrs of water max may be 50-60 ltrs each due to air gap. Sometimes the angle of the caravan creates a bigger air gap. Too many people take everything literally and don't think about anything or anybody else. This is not the dealer's fault or the builder's fault. It's just the way it is" J Langley, Craigieburn VIC

SUBJECT: FORD BA XT, 2002 - Ford BA cruise control issues (15/07/2006) *CRUISE* *ADVICE WANTED*

• "My cruise control was working fine. Then today I tried to set it but it wont set speed. When I click to start cruise control it says 'cruise' but when I hit the Set key it wont work. Any ideas how to fix it? I did get Altezza lights, I put them in my self! Could it have anything to do with the brake switch? If anyone's had the same problem and fixed it please let me know. Other then that I haven't touched anything else in the car since it was working last!" M Sage, Melbourne VIC

SUBJECT: MITSUBISHI PAJERO EXCEED, 2002 - Pajeros - I've owned 2 and loved them (14/07/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE* *GOOD NEWS*

• "My first Pajero was a 1999 GLS V6 and was my first 4wd. It was a real treat. 3 years and 140000k later I didn't even have to put a spanner on it.
• I bought a new Exceed V6 in 2002 and later on had Opposite Lock raise the suspension 60mm and put airbags under the back because we bought an off-road caravan. With all the weight of the fully loaded van, kids and a roof rack and back full of gear it was terribly heavy. But to my surprise it pulled very well even through the softest of sands at Cooloola, Moreton Is and Straddie. It was sad to see it go at 170000k last month. Again, I never had to do any repairs. Great vehicle, and comfortable on or off road. All my servicing was at City Mitsubishi - they really were great.
• My only complaint with the Pajero was its fuel economy, but I figure that if you are going to push around that amount of metal you have to expect to suffer at the bowser a bit.
• Looking around for a replacement I decided on a diesel because of the torque and fuel economy. I first went to the Pajero because I had spoken to other owners who love them in the diesel. However, I found the same thing that other entries in this column have found, i.e that the diesel is noisy.
  I decided to go into the Landcruiser 4.2 TD. I'm pulling 11.4-12.5lt/100k on a new motor, which is way better than I ever got in the petrol Pajero, and the diesel noise is really only noticeable at low low speed. You can't hear it on the highway." M Nystrom, Brisbane QLD

SUBJECT: FORD ESCAPE, 2001 - Brake is making a hissing noise (13/07/2006) *BRAKES* *ADVICE WANTED*

• "My brake is make a hissing noise coming from where the pedal is. When the brake is pressed it stops making the noise and starts when the brake is released. When the brake is tapped slightly it may stop but not always. The noise even carries on once the engine is turned off. Apart from this noise which has been getting worse, the brake work perfectly. Please can someone advise" J Snell, Sydney NSW

SUBJECT: FUEL - Contaminated fuel (13/07/2006) *DIESEL FUEL* *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "Fuel is manufactured to the appropriate Australian standard and is quality assured from the refinery to the tank farm / terminal / road tanker. Once the fuel is dispensed in to the underground / aboveground bulk storage tank, the quality assurance becomes the responsibility of the site operator.
• From 1905 until 1985, dispensing sight glasses (your quality assurance ) were mandatory on all browsers. However with the demise of lead in petrol ( which controlled the fungal material that grows in diesel and petrol ) the petroleum industry removed sight glasses from all fuel browsers Australia wide. This has resulted in thousands of people and organisations, inadvertently purchasing fuel contaminated with water, excessive rust, microbial material. And to top it off when you then experience operating issues and you return to complain, you find yourself with no allies and a major repair expense that cannot be recouped.
• Contamination prevention, avoidance and rectification issues can be discussed with me by phone or " S Marriott, Richlands QLD 0412 211777

SUBJECT: FORD BA XR8, 2003 - Engine Misfire (12/07/2006) *ENGINE* *ADVICE WANTED*

• "Problems after leaving my car at Ford for a month to have my gearbox repaired at my expense: I had an exhaust system fitted to the car, they claim because of the extra power my gearbox is now slipping. Funny that the GTP 290 KW has the same gearbox! Anyway don't want to write you a 7 page story but I am sure you can imagine the problems I experienced whist trying to get this repaired under warranty!
• NOW the real problem: after my car was not used for over a month it has developed an engine misfire which Ford can't seem to pinpoint. It's now a few days out of warranty but this will be my 4th attempt to get this fixed. Any idea's apart from buying a new car?" J Hugo, North Sydney NSW, 0412449808

SUBJECT: LAND ROVER FREELANDER, 1999 - Head gasket and IRD (10/07/2006) *ENGINE*

• "I join the ranks of other furious Freelander owners. Head gasket and IRD has gone in the car and Land Rover act as though they are looking at problem but just draw it out. It is at the Landrover dealer who have diagnosed head gasket and IRD problem but Land Rover wants us to pay to take engine apart to fully diagnose at our expense before making further decision? They have already basically said they are not going to pay so why try to draw it out? Land Rover Australia deny existing head gasket problems? Land Rover UK admits to them! They even had a Watchdog program on the issue in the UK! Land Rover Australia hides their heads in the sand and hopes the issue will go away! Look up head gasket issues on Freelanders on internet. This is a design fault!" J Moseley, Kiama Downs NSW

SUBJECT: MITSUBISHI MAGNA, 2002 - Auto transmission problem? (09/07/2006) *TRANSMISSION* *RESPONSE*

• "I bought this Magna recently. It's done 75000km's. It's seems to run well until you're on the freeway and you want to overtake. When you accelerate quickly it will kick into gear like a bucking horse, wondering if anyone else has this problem." J Passa, Hornsby NSW

SUBJECT: HYUNDAI GRANDEUR, 2000 - Just out of warranty, wouldn't you know it (09/07/2006) *WARRANTY* *MANUAL* *ADVICE WANTED*

• "Firstly I would like to say that I love the car. It is by far the best car I have ever had but just out of warranty and things start to fall apart. It only has 126000 Klms on the clock. Hyundai have told me that my gear box is on the way out and that I am looking at about $5000 to fix it. I have taken it to Ipswich Automatics who have tested it and said they don't think anything is wrong. It started making weird noises from the front so I took it to Pedders to be told the engine mounts are stuffed. My local Hyundai dealer has told me that they cost $309.16 each.
• The other gripe I have with Hyundai. Why can't I get hold of a service manual for the car? It appears that nobody has one and Hyundai don't have one available. Anybody got any ideas to help me, feel free to contact me." A Shortland, Ipswich QLD

SUBJECT: FORD TRANSIT, 1999 - Never buy a Ford (08/07/2006) *CUSTOMER SERVICE* *ADVICE WANTED*

• "I have three Fords, Transi t1999, AU ute 2000 and a 2003 Ford Explorer. I have had problems with each car due to design faults and recalls but the major problem is with my Transit. I have had this van serviced religiously every 10,000km and now it has given up the ghost with an estimated cost of between $15000 - $18000 to fix. I understand that the warranty has expired but after dealing with Ford on numerous occasions they have not once come to the party and accepted responsibility or compassion for the inferiority of their products. They are an absolute disgrace to deal with as all they seem to be capable of is stating company policy as if they are trained parrots. They have no solutions or explanations for me and couldn't care less about the customer. All they want is your money and then are extremely happy to drop you on your face. I don't expect Ford to give me new vehicles but I do expect them to value me as a customer and at least offer me some kind of help. Can anyone offer me an insight as to what my next movements should be with this terrible company. NEVER BUY A FORD" J Evers, Newcastle NSW

SUBJECT: FORD BA UTE, 2002 - Another **** heap - will never buy another new Australian car (07/07/2006) *QUALITY*

• "I bought my car new in 02. From the moment it went out the door it was a problem:
  1. Brakes have been back 3 times with excessive shudder
  2. Had to replace steering due to degradation from the sun after 12 month
  3. Had starting problems from day one; Coffe Ford couldn't find the problem. It would only start on 1~2 cylinders.
  4. Chrome lifted off shift panel.
  5. Head light got dust in it and was replaced.
  6. Burnt out ECU chip
  7. Electric windows died. New regulator had to be fitted. Thanks to Coffe for helping out. Ford Australia didn't want to know
  8. Head failure at 75,000 km. I told Ford I was not going to pay! After some discussion they agreed to fix.
  9. Fan on the heater will not switch off, resulting in battery running flat. Not yet fixed ... and I bet I'll have to pay for that as well.
  10. Gear box clunks into first. Also has vibration when coasting along in top. I've been told that I will have to watch it in case in goes bang.
• One good point of fact is that the people who serviced my car have never given me grief. Coffee Ford do a smack on job and by no means is this aimed at them. I will never buy another new Australian car for as long as I live. Take note Ford. If you want brand loyalty, you'll have to a lot better than this." J Clowes, Berwick VIC

SUBJECT: NISSAN MAXIMA, 2004 - Startup noise (07/07/2006) RELATED POSTING 1    RELATED POSTING 2

• "I have the same problem with startup noise. The car is awesome but sounds terrible when starting it. The noise it makes sounds like a car running without oil in it, metal clanging. We too had it serviced, and they said we had to use "dealer" oil filters, so that's what we did ... Needless to say, it didn't help at all, and of course, they're more expensive!" H Mead, Indialantic

SUBJECT: NISSAN PATROL, 2000 - Known to blow engines (06/07/2006) *ENGINE* *CONSUMER ADVICE* RELATED POSTING 1    RELATED POSTING 2

• "I too have a Nissan 2000 3L Diesel. We are just going through this at the moment. We are in Central Qld and have had the car to the local dealer to repair (to no avail). I am convinced that they don't know what is wrong and have no idea of how to fix them. It is going to cost us around the $10,000 mark to have this fixed as we are not in major town and the city people just love ripping us off (specially being a female). I will be writing to Nissan Australia to advise of this. I think it is not good enough for a vehicle that costs around the $55,000 to only do such a small amount of klms. Isn't a diesel supposed to travel heaps of klms before blowing an engine.
• We had purchased a second hand motor from a wreckers in Brisbane and they tried to rip us off and told us that the turbo did not come with the motor. We paid to get the motor and extra for the turbo (as we needed asap). They then called and advised that they had dropped the motor off the forklift and wrecked it. Now we are fighting to get our cash back to purchase another motor. I think this should be covered by Nissan as it is a known fault and Nissan themselves have told us this. I believe these models should have been recalled and fixed free of charge.
• Just a warning to others about Nissan Patrols and their engines." H Dollery, Emu Park QLD

SUBJECT: FORD BA FALCON XT, 2003 - not starting (feedback on previous posts) (06/07/2006)

• "I was very frustrated when yesterday morning my Falcon refused to start, out of the blue (and at 56,000km). A big thank you to J.Harper of Maryborough on this site, who provided information that helped me work out the problem and get the car started. I did ring the dealer where I get my car serviced, but they couldn't help me and suggested I would need to get the car TOWED to the service centre! Of course I was out of warranty by about 5 weeks. S.Dexter of Mornington on this site provided the information about the fix for the car, but don't rely on the dealer to warn you of these things. I asked whether the PCM calibration is something that should have been checked at the 45,000km service but apparently not. Also apparently the throttle body needed cleaning as it gums up with dirt and "spikes" the system so that had to be cleaned. The only warning I had of any issue was that the car was idling a bit rough while cold (i.e. in the first 15 mins of running). I've also had to replace the heater core in the last 12 months and there was a loud clunking in the steering on hard lock, which was fixed. Otherwise it's a very reliable car and I love driving it!" A Coia, Ringwood VIC

SUBJECT: HOLDEN ASTRA, 2000 - Hunter Holden - No wonder Toyota are eating them for breakfast (06/07/2006) *SERVICE* *DEALER*

• "After purchasing our Astra from a friend who had maintained the car with a full service history, I was initially pleased with the performance of a Holden having only ever owned Japanese cars. The air conditioner had failed before purchase and the previous owner had the compressor replaced at a cost of $1000. I was surprised that it had died so young and was pleased that I had not had to foot the bill.
• I phoned Hunter Holden to book the car in for it's 90,000km service and to have a rear electric window repaired. I was surprised that the window had failed as the couple who sold me the car were retired and would be unlikely to have rear seat passengers. When I dropped the car off I had to repeat basically every detail. I don't know what the phone operator did but it wasn't much as I had to repeat everything to the service man.
• When I picked the car up from Hunter Holden I had to wait an eternity as the person at the front of the queue was demanding to speak to someone in charge. When I was eventually served I was informed that the throttle body and air flow meter had to be cleaned and the bill came to $760. They had forgotten to fix the window - in fact they hadn't even written it down on the service sheet. I was also told that the timing belt would soon be due for replacement and that would cost $1100. The car was returned with a dent in the rear passenger side door and the engine sounds like a two stroke.
• I wrote a letter of complaint to the General Manager of Hunter Holden and have never heard anything.
• I had my own mechanic fix the window at just over $400.
• We have also found that the car does not always start when parked on hills. The NRMA guy said this was a fuel delivery fault. Also one of the keys failed and I was told that if the battery goes completely flat, the key fails and has to be replaced - $100.
• Four cylinder economy? This is the first and last Holden I will ever buy. No wonder Toyota are eating them for breakfast" C Stephenson, Loftus NSW

SUBJECT: HOLDEN CREWMAN STORM VZ, 2005 - Worn out clutch (06/07/2006) *CLUTCH* *ADVICE WANTED*

• "I am interested in finding out if anyone else has experienced clutch problems with Holden Storm VZ 2005 model. The car has only done 17,000 kms." T Lewis, Noosaville QLD

SUBJECT: FORD FAIRMONT GHIA, 2003 - Side Airbags! (04/07/2006) *AIR BAGS* *WARRANTY* *ADVICE WANTED*

• "I recently took my Fairmont up to Ford as the airbag light was flicking on and off. According to the manual it says that the airbag may deploy without warning (GREAT! ). The car is one month out of Ford warranty and when they tested it I was told that the airbag in the front drivers seat was faulty and needed to be replaced and because it is now 1 MONTH out of warranty they wouldn't cover it. Apparently Ford knows about this problem as it is common in this type of car yet they won't repair it under warranty or at a discounted cost. Just wondering if anyone out there has had any problems with their Fairmont Ghia? P Caia, Bayswater VIC

SUBJECT: DEALER SERVICING - Going to cost you plenty (04/07/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE* *SERVICE*

• "Would like to express to everyone, going back to dealers for servicing or repairs is going to cost you plenty. Your local mechanical workshop can do log book servicing without affecting your new car warranty. You will find a more personalised service and a better job most of the time. Prices are cheaper in most instances, but always request a quote first of course. As a workshop manager myself, most of the complaints I receive from customers are about the level of service they have received from their local dealer, and lack of support. Always get a second opinion from another workshop before committing yourself to an expensive repair job.
• From my experience a lot of service centres have under qualified personnel doing servicing as it is a monkeys job. You'll find that local workshops have normally very well paid technicians that have a wide variety of experience - not just on the make you have purchased. Also we see more of the problems that vehicles encounter as they have traveled more than the warranty kms. This is why it is more important to keep in contact with your local workshop. They want your business and want to keep your business, as they are locally owned and operated. So in future if you are not happy with your current dealer, contact you local garage for advise, they will only be too happy to help. Cheers.
• P.S some warranty conditions state that you have have to go back to the dealer for servicing so check your warranty conditions especially extended warranty" D Albrecht, Cairns QLD

SUBJECT: FORD TERRITORY GHIA, 2004 - Faults with Territory (04/07/2006) *CONSUMER ADVICE* *NEW CAR* *QUALITY*

• "I wish to bring to all, the faults with my wife's Territory and Fords failure to make good:
  1. the brakes have squealed since day 1, the dealer and Ford have yet to solve
  2. the drivers window has fallen out 6 times now, often jamming the door in the open mode
  3. the passenger window has jammed shut, and latter fallen out
  4. the reversing sensor jams on when you use the tow bar, has to be reset by dealer and once you tow it jams on again
  5. the lock system on the keypad stops working
  6. both front door trims keep falling out
  7. the rex TV system has been replaced several times
  8. the sat nav system has had to be replaced
  9. external trim fell off
  10. rear hatch jams open unable to latch it closed
  11. wiper motor stopped working and had to be replaced
  12. rear panel next to glass window fell apart.
• The car is used as daily transport by my wife. The car has done NO off road or hard work. NB: the car was delivered August 2004 and has approx 50,000 km " I Robson, Adelaide SA

SUBJECT: HOLDEN BARINA XC, 2001 - Gearshift difficult (04/07/2006) *TRANSMISSION* *FEEDBACK*

• "We have a similar problem with difficult/impossible to select first gear especially when cold. Getting worse." B Buchtmann, Orange NSW

SUBJECT: HOLDEN VY II SS UTE, 2004 - I will never buy an Aussie built car again ... (03/07/2006) *NEW CAR* *QUALITY*

• "I bought my SS ute new from Suttons Holden Arncliff. Off the top of my head, these are the problems I have had:
  - Respray front of car (paint transparent and can see primer), Walsh plug leaking, leaking power steering hoses, replaced power steering pump, rusty headlights, faulty tail light, faulty stereo, rear shocks, rubber under rear springs, faulty gearbox, glove box fell out, reprogram computer twice, faulty brake booster valve, replaced sun visor, exhaust manifold leaking twice, fan under dash turning on at any time even when car is locked, clutch slips, noisy motor, burns oil (2 liters between services.
• As you can see this pathetic excuse for a car is a true lemon. So many times I have thought of burning this car on the front lawn of Holden's head office in Melbourne. They should be forced by the Government to show some accountability. I will never buy an Aussie built car again unless it was built before 1980. Take my advice and only buy Japanese." F Balen, Penrith NSW ph: 0401773118

SUBJECT: TOYOTA CAMRY CSi, 1998 - Bad boot latch (03/07/2006) *ADVICE WANTED*

• "l have bought a nice little car but the boot latch doesn't open from inside. Does anyone know how to fix it?" D Darren, Currumbin Waters QLD

SUBJECT: HOLDEN BARINA ML, 1988 - Automatic Transmission Problems (01/07/2006) *TRANSMISSION* *ADVICE WANTED* *HELP*

• "Can anyone help? I have had my Barina to the mechanic since Easter and he can't find what is wrong. The auto transmission was replaced because the engine was flaring and not changing gears properly. However, it hasn't totally fixed the problem. The mechanic has stripped down the gearbox, changed out the computer chip and solenoids, had it to other mechanics who can't find the problem and its still not fixed. It worked for one day after the trannie was changed. At the moment they are chasing the wiring to see if something is loose. But I think it is more than that.
• The big problem is that I can be driving along and it seemingly runs fine and then all of a sudden it flares, won't auto change gears. I have to drop it into first and drive in that until the gears decide that they are running too low. It is overheating and I know it can't be doing the engine any good. Can anyone suggest anything that may be the problem with it? I need my car for uni and stuff and have been borrowing a neighbours so I can do the weekly shop. I can't afford to get a new one and no one will give me a loan as I am only surviving on Centerlink. I am getting desperate for my car. Any advice gratefully accepted. Please me ASAP" P Gaule, Wavell Heights QLD

SUBJECT: HOLDEN VZ BERLINA, 2004 - The cost of dealer services (01/07/2006) *SERVICE* *PRICING* *CONSUMER ADVICE*

• "Well I booked my car in for the 30,000km service at the local Holden dealer. Now the service parts for this service are only oil and oil filter. When I first bought this car I was told the 30,000km service was $220. When I took the vehicle in I was told the charge was $273. I was flabbergasted as the time allowed for this service is only 1.2hrs and the parts including oil/filter and workshop top ups plus environmental levy came to a grand total of $93. That left $180 for the labour charge which works out to be $150 per hour. I informed the service manager this was a rip off and after a small argument he agreed to reduce it to $220; still too much for what was involved in the service.
• Now when I picked the car up in the afternoon I noticed that the wheels hadn't been touched as part of this service included balance and rotate. So I decided to check out the rest of the car. Firstly I found the door straps had not been lubed then I lifted the bonnet and discovered the coolant exchange tank was bone dry. So it looked like I got a cut price service to suite the discount.
• The next day I returned to the dealer and showed him the undone items. First he said the wheels had been removed and found to be not wanting any balance. I said ok I'll take it to the tyre place down the road and if they find it needs new weights he'll have to pay; after all the car had done 30,000km. He told me to leave it for the day and he'll make sure all the missing items are done. And when I picked it up, all the wheels had all been balanced and had new weights put on. I'm sure we all question the amount the dealers charge for their so called services. So next time you go, don't just stand there - argue and get your car serviced at a better price or tell them you will go elsewhere." I Sutton, St Marys NSW