HOLDEN ASTRA CITY, 2002 - Charged outrageous prices (31/12/2006) *SERVICE* *DEALER* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I booked my car in for it's 60,000km service at Gateway Holden, Wollongong. The service people were extremely nice and helpful but that is where the nice and helpfulness stopped. I was told the service would cost approximately $700 and knowing no different and being a loyal (female) Holden customer I just assumed this would be the average price and agreed.
• I was telephoned during the service with a whole list of 'problems' which amounted to close to $2000. Amongst other things I was told the rear disc pads would need to be machined and the tyres needed to be balanced. When I informed the gentleman the tyres had been balanced only 2 months before, he told me in a sarcastic manner I must have hit a pothole!
• Believing that the 'mechanic' would know exactly what he was doing I agreed to have the 'problems' fixed but called my father to tell him what had transpired. He in turn called the dealership and spoke with the supervisor, asking exactly what the 'problems' were. My father being around cars and machinery during his life surmised I was being taken for a ride. The supervisor shifted all responsibility onto the 'mechanic' and agreed some 'problems' may not have needed fixing. Work was ceased on the car and only the essential service was carried out, with a total cost of $800.
• I later took the car to a Brake and Clutch specialist who on investigation replaced the rear discs. I was told the discs were so thin that they would have shattered after a couple of days driving, if they had been machined! How disgusting! Not only were Gateway Holden going to take a unsuspecting female for a ride BUT also going to get more money out of her after the discs shattered! Shame on you!
• I wonder how many more unsuspecting females have had 'problems' and agreed unwittingly only to be charged outrageous prices! " J Simpson, Wollongong NSW

MAZDA PREMACY, 2001 - Is there any problems?(31/12/2006) *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "After owning a Kia Carnival, 2 motors later I don't want to purchase another lemon" D Pap, Nulkaba NSW

FORD BA , 2002 - Brake Fix ... (31/12/2006) *BRAKES* *FEEDBACK*

• "Just posted a whine (pun not intended) about the BA diff and noticed many complaints about the brakes! Had mine fixed under warranty - Once! Apparently the major problem is the heat range of the pads fitted by Factory and/or most dealers. I've had 45k+ out of the current set so far without the problem recurring ... Again - independent advice is the way to go. Hope this helps!" K Wheeler, Nowra NSW

FORD BA XR6 UTE, 2002 - Diff dramas and disenchantment (31/12/2006) *DIFFERENTIAL* *WARRANTY* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "This is more a warning to others than a major gripe. I just shelled out $1400 (plus labour) to have the diff rebuilt in my XR6 ute 4mths after it ran out of warranty! I complained about the "noises" whilst the car was still under warranty but - according to the dealer records ( I will allow them anonymity against my better judgment!) - I never complained "specifically" about the diff! "Loose suspension" they said or "exhaust rattle". I thought all was sweet because we had "extended dealer warranty" on the car but, guess what? The fine print specifies services at 10k intervals (not the 15k in the logbook) and my ute had done 11,400 since last service ... That's 101,400k's ... I was, therefore, not surprised to find so many people on the net complaining of diff problems with the BAs.
• Moral of the story - complain, complain, complain! If you think you have a problem - take the car to an independent mechanic ( NO - they CAN NOT void your warranty for doing this) then back to your dealer with a "specific" complaint. Lift your game, Ford. This life-long fan is extremely disenchanted today!
• On the up-side I paid the extra $300 and had an LSD installed (*smiles*) Oh - and FYI ... if you find yourself having to rebuild one of these diffs, shop around. The guy that did mine uses centres from an OLDER model - because everything is bigger and stronger ... go figure!" K Wheeler, Nowra NSW

PROTON GEN 2, 2005 - Re: Numerous faults complete lemon(31/12/2006) *FEEDBACK*

• "In reply to B. Millar regarding the problems with a Proton GEN2. Proton was and is fully aware of the quality issues affecting this model and had in fact set up a pre dealer delivery centre to in an attempt to rectify the many faults that this model had prior to the car arriving at the dealer. If the dealer refuses to co-operate I would suggest that you contact Proton directly, otherwise you can contact Consumer Affairs.
• All manufacturers regardless whether they make toasters or cars are obligated to provide a product that performs the intended function reliably and without fault. As this is not clearly the case then you are well within your rights to demand repairs be performed to bring the car up to standard. Don't back down and don't let them intimidate you. You are well within your rights to demand the work be performed and the dealer is legally and morally obligated to repair the vehicle." C Lombardo, Melbourne VIC

MERCEDES-BENZ VITO, 2004 - Lots of problems for Vito (30/12/2006) *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "Vehicle has had lots of problems resulting in it being at the workshop over 15 times. Things such as:
  - broken window switch, passenger mirror falling off, failing to start due to an electrical fault and taking 5 months to trace, 2 radiator hoses failing, diesel leak on engine, transmission leak, scratches when vehicle was near at pick up, internal rubber seals falling off windows, transmission flairs between gears, trim falling off drivers door, rear door fails to shut properly despite adjustments, rip off rubber mat from dealer, most problems fixed but it was a battle with dealer. Not happy." P Hess, Melbourne VIC

HOLDEN ADVENTRA, 2003 - The Biggest Lemon Ever (30/12/2006) *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I purchased a Dec 03 Holden Adventra LX8 in May 2005 from Dwyer's Holden in Wollongong NSW. At that stage the car had approx 33,000 km's on the clock. My occupation requires a lot of driving and I traded in a 2003 1.8T Audi A4 Quattro fearing it would not be able to handle the km's I do with my work. I specifically chose the LX8 variant as it appeared to offer the same level of luxury (leather seats etc) as the Audi and I was confident that the 8 cylinder engine would handle the 70-odd thousand km's I do a year ... I was wrong.
• Please see below for a list of the problems I have experienced since purchasing this vehicle. The car has spent over 2 months off the road over the last 18 months and most issues take at least three visits to the dealer before they are fixed (if they are fixed) ... needless to say, I will never purchase another Holden again.
  - Failure to maintain cruise control, c/c turns off without warning or is so jerky that passengers end up being car sick. Inability to change up gears appropriately. Transmission eventually capitulated and I drove home from Canberra in 2nd gear. Replaced under warranty 5 months ago and new transmission displaying similar symptoms. Six visits to dealership, 3 weeks off road.
  - Every electrical 'feature' has failed at least twice including central locking including locks jammed and locked in car, locks jammed and locked out of car, stereo replaced twice, electric seats adjusting without warning (with one instance nearly crushing my 3 year old daughter), electric side mirrors jammed, plus too many more to list. Total 3 weeks off road.
  - Failure to start, eventually fixed after 4 visits to dealership, 2 weeks off road, and numerous job related medical emergencies not attended / attended late.
  - Power Steering (replace pulleys and pump), 4 visits to dealership, 3 days off road.
  Out of space to write more but have covered some of the major problems.
• Don't make the mistake I made ... buy something else." D Vogel, Mt Pleasant NSW

HOLDEN ASTRA, 2003 - Another lemon Astra (30/12/2006) *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I changed a coil pack at 58000kms just out of the 3 year warranty that Holden would not cover. At 65000kms the water pump had to be changed luckily before any major damage was done. Also the sender unit on the cam shaft where the wire insulation has just fallen apart, cost another $300 for that part.
• All in all absolutely disgusted in the car and Holdens response to the cars problems. I vow never to buy another Holden after owning Holdens since 1953" L Oliveri, Innisfail QLD

FORD FALCON, 2000 - Great service, shame about the car (30/12/2006) *DEALER* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I got great service from Denmac Ford in Indooroopilly. These guys were so good at spotting problems and resolving them under warranty I would like to buy a car from them so they alone service it. They are pleasant to deal with, know their stuff and fix it fast.
• Now the problem is the car, every service there's another problem, stuff I'm glad I'm not paying for:
  - window winders don't, windscreen wipers maybe if you'll wait for us to get going ... boiling over coolant, leaking welsh plugs, then the motor starts sounding like its possessed when starting - but never when in the service shop. Handling under brakes and acceleration that is primitive and dangerous. Tyres lasting no time at all.
• I'm not hard on cars, believe me I know how to be. Never again Ford ... never. Had to get rid of the car soon as the warranty finished." P Gray, Brisbane QLD

NISSAN PATROL GU 4800 PETROL, 2003 - Re: LH Rear wheel falling off (30/12/2006) *FEEDBACK* *WHEELS*

• "In response to similar complaint of Nissan Patrol 2002 LH rear alloy wheel falling off (28/12/2006). Around 2 years ago we had a Government fleet vehicle suffer similar incident except it was the front wheel that came off. Vehicle was used for a field survey at Innanmincka. During the trip back to Adelaide I noticed a sharp wheel shimmy which caused me to stop the vehicle and check the tyres. Upon accelerating back to the proscribed speed we noticed/felt a loud bang followed by the front left tyre and part of the wheel parting company with the vehicle followed by the remainder of the wheel which at this stage I had ground to a halt on the road verge.
• Upon examination of the vehicle and the recovered pieces of wheel and tyre it was revealed that the alloy wheel had actually split into 2 pieces around the position of the well inside the flange. It was as if someone had cut the wheel with a saw, so perfect was the line of fracture and eventual breakage. 2 wheel studs had broken, we recovered some of the nuts, cleaned up the brake caliper and rotor and put on spare wheel.
• The shed tyre was in perfect condition, no signs of abrasion, fracture, the vehicle was presented to State Fleet at Netley and they had Unley Nissan replace the wheel, and brake parts. We were asked to pay the bill as it was considered that we were at fault! I found this hard to comprehend as we had not taken the wheel off during the term of the lease and in fact had checked the wheel nuts at Innamincka as we had replaced the rear tyre due to puncture.
• We sought an independant wheel manufacturer in Adelaide to give an opinion as to why the wheel fractured and detached itself from the vehicle. We were advised that the wheel casting was too weak for the vehicle application particularly the centre pressing where there is in-adequate material around the wheel nut holes and the actual rim well area (only 2- 3 mm thick).
• Nissan Australia was advised through the dealer of the breakage and we were informed that the incident was not likely to have been the result of wheel nuts coming loose due to insufficient torquing. I have since spoken to ARB accessories in Adelaide and they acknowledged there was a problem with the alloy wheels and nuts on this model which incidentally are the same nut used on the steel split rim offered by Nissan. My advise to anyone using these wheels for 4wd application would be to swap/replace them for steel well based rims used from earlier models" J Jay, Adelaide SA

FORD XR8, 2004 - Unhappy customer (30/12/2006) *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "After test driving different makes of cars, including Clubsports etc we chose the XR8 with all the luxury extras for its looks and performance. It only had 26,000klms on the clock and after driving it for a few weeks we noticed a noise in the rack and pinion, flat spot in the engine whilst air con was on, vibration in wheels and droning noise whilst having 4 people in the car. All these issues were addressed and appeared to be fixed with good service.
• At 58,000klms there was a noise in the diff and it was replaced, but only after returning to a service centre twice. The drive shaft was balanced and rotors machined but they did not replace pads. The steering had a shudder in it but they told us it was due to cheap tyres. We had just replaced the tyres at $300 each. This was all done over a 2 month period. The service centre we took it to was recommended to us as the experts in the XR8 series on the Gold Coast. The shudder was also said to be happening because the car was "Lowered". The car is at factory spec's. After telling us that they returned it to what it should be we asked "Did you replace all the springs and shocks" answer was "NO"! so how did they think it was lowered? I am a qualified panel beater with 34 years experience, as well as having hot rods etc.
• Clunking has now returned again after 2 months. Engine will not start on occasions and vibration has returned. We have spoken to Ford Customer Service and, too, are wondering are they waiting for the warranty to run out. The fuel economy on the car is 12.4. We do not drive the car excessively. We found the service people on the Gold Coast to be rude and uncaring. We will continue to follow this up with Ford. Any feedback would be appreciated. " B Stensness, Tamborine QLD

TOYOTA RAV4, 2005 - After sales service is poor (29/12/2006) *DEALER* *AFTER SALES SERVICE* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• PROBLEM RESOLVED - POSTING DELETED BY REQUEST
• M Allaway, Newtown NSW

PROTON GEN 2, 2005 - Numerous faults complete lemon (29/12/2006) *INTERIOR* *FEEDBACK WANTED* *FEEDBACK*

• "From the day I picked up my brand new car it has had nothing but faults. I have had the car for 11 months and at present it has been back to the dealer 23 times and is going back again next week. The entire interior has been replaced including the dashboard due to color fade, black interior that went chalky white. Three weeks after being replaced it happened again. Car dealer is refusing to fix problem stating its my fault not covered under warranty.
• Foot rest paddle came off and went under the brake, there are constant squeaks and knocks. Door locks keep loosening so doors intermittently won't lock or lock and can't be unlocked. Leather seats replaced due to splitting, door trims come loose, buttons on stereo receding in and the list goes on.
• Used the rear wiper for the first time Christmas day. 5 minutes after switching it on heard a clunking noise. Wiper had fallen below the rear spoiler and scratched bumper. Rear wiper no longer works thus one of the reasons car is going back yet again.
• If anyone can give me advice on what to do about car dealers refusal to fix car it would be appreciated. Have contacted VACC and got nowhere. Surely there must be something that can be done regarding this problem." B Millar, Melbourne VIC

HONDA ELEMENT, 2004 - Brakes locking up in the snow (29/12/2006) *BRAKES* *SAFETY* *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "Has anyone had any problems with their brakes locking up in the snow.  I was involved in an accident when I went to slow down and my ABS brakes locked up putting my car in a spin and then sliding into on coming traffic.  I have never  had this problem before and it is a concern to me that maybe these brakes are not performing as they are intended to do so." C Jacobsen, Twin Falls USA

NISSAN GU PATROL, 2002 - LH Rear wheel falling off (28/12/2006) *WHEEL* *SAFETY* *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "I bought my GU Patrol from Ferntree Gully (FTG) Nissan in April 2002. It is a 3 litre diesel with alloy wheels. Last week whilst driving down Springvale Road the LH Rear wheel fell off. There was no warning of the impending disaster. At the time we were travelling at about 60km/hr. A truck ran over the tyre and we managed to pull in at the side of the road. The first question that comes to everybody's mind is, 'when did you last get it serviced'. Well it was about 4 weeks prior to the accident, when the wheels were rotated. The mechanic has always serviced my Patrol and I no doubt he tightened the wheel nuts. Further had he not I suspect the wheel would have fallen off a lot sooner seeing that we have done thousands of km's since the service.
• Whilst waiting on the side of the road somebody pulled up to tell us that exactly the same thing happened to his wife and that some months later he had found that Nissan were aware of a problem with Patrol's with alloy wheels and, particularly the LH rear. I have since talked to FTG Nissan who in a long winded way confirmed that they were aware of this type of problem, particularly with alloy wheels. I have also since found, on the web, another report of a similar nature.
• Has anybody out there had, or know of, a similar accident with Patrol's? In the meantime I intend to pursue Nissan as this has the potential to cause a serious accident. Fortunately nobody was hurt in this incident but, as you can imagine a number of 'what if's' go through your mind. " C Noon, Dupery VIC
  

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE, 2000 - New Beetle fault - VW - Your problem (27/12/2006) *ELECTRIC WINDOW* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I purchased a brand new Beetle. These cars have faults with the power window regulators. In the US, warranty has been extended to cover the design fault. If you take the car to a US VW dealer, they will replace both regulators.
• In Australia, it is your problem. I was going through regulators yearly - despite the car being driven only 5,000 km per year. Cost to replace and install the regulator is $1,200. The window would simply fall into the door and would not return. Useless!
• I have now sold the car and vow never to buy a VW again. Why would anyone buy a car with a known, expensive fault, which the factory will not address? " M Apps, Sydney NSW

FORD EXPLORER, 1997 - 2 turns till pancake ... (26/12/2006) *TRANSMISSION* *DEALER* *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "Hi all, I was just wondering what I should do about this. I bought a 97 Explorer. When I first bought it back in May I had a problem with the tranni. After the car yard tried to snake me on the tranni I decided to run it down to my mechanic to get a roadworthy to buy some leverage on the tranni business. Was right the bucket of **** had like 10 things on the list to be fixed. So I went back to the car yard and gave him an ultimatum to either fix every thing on the list or fix all the major things and the tranni. We all know what he picked (tranni and major for all you who didn't guess).
• It took them just under a month. When I got my car back just the day after I noticed it was leaking tranni oil. So I lost it for another day ... by then it was mid June.
• Back in October I was doing a early shift in the city. On the way in I noticed a vibration ... After that I drove it to my mechanic again to get the front bearings, brakes, tyres and wheel balance done hoping it would get rid of it. He phoned me and said the bearings are built in to the hub and they cost $1300 to replace. After picking my mouth up off the ground I told him this might be a later thing and went and picked it up. I used the Explorer twice more, 1 to drive my sisters kids home, 2 to pick up a TV. Both times I had my gf and kids in the car.
• Last night I started searching the net for this problem. When I got up today I got under it with a screw driver and started going on the front uni's when I noticed the tailshaft from the gearbox end was hanging off by 2 bolts. Now if it had 3 in it I wouldn't be worried but for the fact it had 2. And 1 of them 2 were in by just 2 half turns is the bit that worried me. Anyone who knows about cars knows when you drop it from the gearbox end it will catapult the car. After ***** myself I went and got a friend from down the road who gave me 2 high tensile bolts and a bottle of lock tight. As I was putting the 2 bolts in and tightening the other 2 bolt I didn't notice the bolts going in hard, they actually went in like flin (easy as). Do you think when they did the work on the tranni they might of forgot to tighten the tailshaft bolts? After all the **** it has given me do you think I should go to Vic Roads or Consumer Affairs about it?
• Oh and does anyone know a good mechanic in the Melbourne West? Any suggestions or info would be gr8 .... Oh by the way the car yard is Syd Ellis on Ballarat Rd Braybrook. Thanks all" S Porter, Melbourne VIC

NISSAN NAVARA STR 3.0, 2003 - Just purchased (24/12/2006) *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "I have just purchased a 2003 model Nissan Navara 3.0L turbo diesel 4x4. Since I have had it, I read about motors blowing, noisy gear boxes and poor manufacture back up. Can someone give me some good news or hints on a good long run out of my new purchase. Would appreciate any worth while info thanks" A Heycox, Batemans Bay NSW

SUBARU LIBERTY GT, 2004 - Subaru (22/12/2006) *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I have just read "Buy a Subaru and you Won't have problems" and thought I would add my experience.
• At 33000klms I had a big end bearing collapse on my new Liberty. Subaru took 2 months to fix it and only after a lot if whingeing on their part did they do it. They have also replaced the discs and pads through faulty parts. The car does not idle smoothly, the dash has rattles, the lower control arm bushes last for only 20000klms and Subaru tell me this is all normal.
• You will never experience any of this if you only drive on a sunday with your hat on but if you enjoy driving enthusiastically you might ..." R Smith, Sydney NSW

NISSAN X-TRAIL, 2002 - Engine collapsed from faulty catalyst (22/12/2006) *ENGINE* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I own a Nissan X-Trail 2002, 2000cc. The car all of a sudden had a lot of white smoke from the exhaust pipe. I immediately brought it to the dealer where I was simply informed that I have (at my cost, since there is no guarantee any more) to change the engine, which was probably damaged from a faulty catalyst. I will never buy another Nissan.
• Is there a hope that the Nissan corp. will change it for free since from what I hear many other clients had the same problem?" A Efstathiou, Patra, Greece

TOYOTA - Own fault (20/12/2006) *SERVICING* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I've now read through this page and all I see is people buying Korean, Australian, and European cars. Take it from a mechanic as we see these cars all day long. These cars are ****, there's always something leaking, broken or rooted.
• One of the best affordable vehicles is a Toyota as long as they are properly maintained and serviced. Not leaving a 10,000km service till the odo reaches 20,000 then it's your fault. Your neglect that causes the problem not the manufacturer and not the dealership. As well a lot of the time when a vehicle comes into the dealership there is not a great deal of time to carry out a service; maybe 1hr tops. In that time we have to check over the whole vehicle, complete the service and road test the vehicle. Also what you people do when you want something fixed like a rattle, is bear minimum information (I can't fix what I don't know). It all comes down to you - cheers " W Pilot, Goldcoast QLD

SUBARU LIBERTY - Buy a Subaru and you Won't have problems (20/12/2006) *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "People, having read most of the posts on this Forum, I didn't see one complaint about Subaru vehicles. Why would anyone risk their hard earned $$$ on buying an Australian built vehicle, knowing that there is a very good possibility that you'll be buying a lemon, that you'll be stuck with for ever!
• I have owned two Subaru vehicles (both Liberty's) and have never had one single warranty complaint with either. Not so much as a rattle, squeak, problem - nothing! Now is that just my good luck, or does it say something about quality? I would NEVER buy/own a Ford or Holden. I would not take the risk. Once a major problem happens, Ford/Holden just don't want to know you.
• I have a friend who paid $45,000 plus for his new Holden SS. He laughed at my new Subaru Liberty (called it "jap ****") when I bought it. Well, guess who has just had a new engine bottom end in his SS Commodore, because it seized after 7,000 klms? I'm the one laughing now. Just my 2 cents." B Pike, Diamond Creek VIC

HOLDEN BARINA, 1994 - Re: Automatic Transmission Problem (19/12/2006) *TRANSMISSION* *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "I've just read you problem with your Barina. We've had the same problem that the gear do not change. I've also taken the car to 3 Holden Dealerships and auto electrician and they can not find a problem with the car. I'm wondering if you have your fix or has someone has found out what the problem is." A B, Melbourne VIC

HOLDEN ASTRA AH, 2005 - Cruise control (19/12/2006) *CRUISE CONTROL* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "This is the second ASTRA we have had. We have had this one since Nov 2005. We love the car and the one before. Since we have owned this one it has gone back to the Dealer 5 or 6 times to get the cruise control fixed. It is booked in in 2 days time for them to have another go. We are about to buy another car. But we will be looking at some other car after the service we have not received " L Osborn, Nowra NSW

FORD FAIRMONT, 2003 - Re: Auto Transmission - design fault (18/12/2006) *TRANSMISSION* *FEEDBACK*

• "My husband purchased this same such vehicle in Mackay Queensland and have had the exact same problem. The fist time it happened it was under warranty and was fixed no trouble at all. Now just 17 months later and it has happened again and I too am wondering if this is a design fault. Ford Australia is offering to pay 75% of the cost to repair which I think stinks. If they are willing to own up to 75% of the fault then they should own up to 100%. We too were informed of a automotive place that would fix this problem in the same manner as referred to by D McNally Perth WA. Should the customer bare these costs?
• I searched around the net to find out if Ford had a vehicle recall site for Australia but no - amazing isn't it - I can't seem to find one. Should this vehicle have been recalled for this fault?" P & A Lewis, Mackay QLD

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO, 2005 - Towing capacity (18/12/2006) *TOWING*

• PROBLEM RESOLVED - POSTING REMOVED BY REQUEST (25/4/2007)

FORD AU II, 1999 - Auto Shuddering - Fix Problem (18/12/2006) *TRANSMISSION* *FEEDBACK*
RELATED POSTINGS: A   B   C

• "I had the same problems with my Ford, twice. First time it did exactly this, took it to local mechanic, needed new Auto Trans. Cost $2070, fixed for short time then similar thing happens. Take it back, he sent me off to another place as he didn't have the equipment needed. After that it was something to do with the computer interfering with the auto trans. Was fixed for $160, but I was told by my local mechanic it was so cheap because the auto was under warranty and a lot of the work was covered. Says it caused a fair few problems but not at my cost. Car now has run really well no problems at all - Great Car! This is the only problems I have had in 3 years since I purchased the car." G Mills, Melbourne VIC

FORD BA XR6, 2003 - 3 days for a turbo hose (17/12/2006) *DEALER* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I had my BA XR6 Turbo booked in at City Ford crown street a while back as a small rubber hose off the turbo was split. The foreman Dickie told me I had to wait a day as the part had to come from Melbourne. I had no drama with that as I have dealt with spare parts before as I owned a forklift business and had to wait several days for parts. The next day when I went to pick the car up I was a little startled when I turned up as my car was still in the same place where I left it. The service manager came out who looked a little like Tony Barber although his name was Bob explained that the people in parts had forgotten to order my turbo hose. He explained that there were two people in there, Shane and Troy. They had got busy and the Melbourne order was not placed for that particular day. As a travelling sales rep I had only organised to take one day off work and now I had to take another day off to wait for a $5 hose that probably only takes 2 minutes to fit. Unacceptable boys!" N Bartos, Sydney NSW

CAR BUYING / SELLING - Don't buy / sell from cars4chinese (15/12/2006) *BROKER* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "Have been ripped off by this person. Said the car was worth this amount, asked me to advertise, and sold to him for that amount. He told me that he's not going to sell this car over that price. But after I sold it, he adds more over that price. The worst is, he asked me to do the listing for $55. He said he'll ask about 200 dealers and advertise it online and said it takes only few days to get response.
  But after more than 1 week, no response. And after I sold it to him, he tried to sell it for a lot higher price than the price he asked me to do listing. Been ripped off ..." T K, Gold Coast QLD

LAND ROVER FREELANDER, 1998 - Shattered about my Freelander Lemon (14/12/2006) *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• " In April I bought what I though was my dream car. A 98 Land Rover Freelander. It was quite inexpensive ($13,500) but looked amazing and drove really well. It only had 80,000ks on it. Funny that everyone says the head gasket goes at 60,000, the previous owner did tell me he had to replace the head gasket right on 60,000 - Amazing!
• Wow, now I wish I did my research before buying a car with my heart instead of my head! The lessons we learn ... In the last few months I have had to replace the muffler which was rusted through 2 sections. A week later, when stuck in peak our traffic and on the way to an event that I was managing, the clutch went. So, I've now had to replace the clutch.
• Now, last week in 40 heat, my aircon is not working. Apparently it needs re-gassing ... The rear door was not opening, so I took it into Landrover and they fixed a faulty wire (so they tell me) and a week later its broken again. They NOW tell me it needs a new rear door motor (What the hell?) at a cost of $1000. After I almost burst into tears they called me back and said they could get a second hand motor and replace for $700. And, the zipper broke on the soft top so I have an open flap at the back.
• Looks like I'm going to have to sell this LEMON of a car, lose a lot of money that I don't have to lose, as I got a loan to buy this car. I've already spent $3000 on it and need to spend over $1000 before I could even sell it!
• Thanks Land Rover. Will NEVER buy one again ... Am shattered beyond belief right now ..." (name withheld) VIC

VW PASSAT V6 WAGON 4MOTION, 2006 - A rattle not fixed after six(!) attempts (13/12/2006) *NEW CAR* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I am writing this on 13/12/2006. Bought the top model fully optioned Passat V6 Wagon. Paid $74,750. Took delivery on 29/09/2006.
• Had a strong rattle from day one. Have taken it back for repair six times (2x1, 1x2, 1x4 and 2x5 days) and it is still not fixed. Dealer did what they could, but it was not enough. Volkswagen Customer Service is there to make you go away. They do not commit to doing anything. They are not authorised to make any decisions. They are not allowed to disclose the name and contact details of their manager or supervisor. They make it really hard for you get anything done about a problem. So much for driver and customer satisfaction. They are not interested.
• I bought their top model, so I have to assume this is the best they are able or willing to do. They have made me sick for life. I am so bitter about this brief period of ownership I do not want the car. I want my money back, and do not want to even hear about Volkswagen. Ever!
• They supplied me a defective car to start with, then topped it off with disgusting customer service. Do not deal with this organisation and anyone associated with them if you do not have to." P Jonas, Ashfield NSW

FORD FIESTA, 2006 - Pornographic material left in car (13/12/2006) *DEALER* *SERVICE*

• "I left my car overnight to have the gearbox rebuilt and when I picked my car up from the western sydney dealership there was a copy of ****** magazine in the back seat and 2 empty bottles of Tooheys new long necks. I am totally disgusted and would never take my car back there. The service advisor whose name was Glenn smelt of alcohol at 11am in the morning." K Miller, Sydney NSW

HOLDEN ASTRA, 2002 - The same as everyone else. A Total Lemon! (13/12/2006) *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I saved up and bought the Astra TS when I was 20. I put all of my money into this car, no loan. I was extremely disappointed when it started to break down:
  1) Emission system, totally stuffed. Car stopped in middle of Sydney traffic jam on several occasions. Had to be towed over 4 times.
  2) Aircondioner - had to be replaced
  3) Clutch - taken into Holden on 4 different occasions, they said on the final occasion 'there was air in the clutch'
  4) Air bag had to be replaced, came out by itself.
  5) Speakers - have gone crackly already, and I don't listen to music loudly.
• This car has been in the Holden workshop for over a month in total since I bought it. Never once has Holden helped me out with a courtesy car or cab charges. I have forked out so much money for this car.
• When I wrote Holden two letters, they rang me and told me it was my driving ... hmmm, that seems funny since I work for a Government business in which I do advanced driving courses, not available to the public.
• Holden, worst customer service ever. I will never be buying one again, neither will my family or friends. A few of my friends have/ had Astra / Vectra's. They are in the middle of getting rid of them or have already.
• Shame Holden, Shame! Lansvale Holden, McGrath Holden, Campbelltown Holden. All terrible. The only person that has ever helped is Ultra Tune Menai." R N, Sydney NSW

HOLDEN ASTRA CD, 2001 - Bouncing Idle (12/12/2006) *ENGINE* *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "For the last two years I have had a bouncing idle. When I come to a traffic light and stop 90% of the time the idle bounces by about 500RPM for 10 seconds and then settles down to a smooth idle again. It also happens when I start the car in the morning.
• It used to be smooth the whole time so this is not standard by far. I asked 4 separate workshops about it and their computers came up with an unknown error so no-one can fix it. I also had the entire timing belt and bearing set replaced at last service but it still persisted.
• I hope someone can tell me what the heck to fix on this. Thanks." B Altona, Sydney NSW

BMW 318i, 1984 - BMW wont start when hot (12/12/2006) *ENGINE* *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "I have a regularly maintained BMW 318i 1984 automatic with 170,000kms on it. Its a great car and runs really well with one exception:
  I notice that when its a hot day or when the car has been running for an hour or so and its hot that I stop it and then come back to start it (within a couple of hours) but it wont start. I turn the key and all the lights come on and the radio come on but the starter doesn't make any sound, and nothing happens. If I wait for a bit and try again it will sometimes start, no problem. Sometimes I need to wait only a few minutes but sometimes its an hour or longer. It starts first go every time first thing in the mornings and I notice that this problem happens especially when its a warm - hot day.
• I have been told by my mechanic that the starter relay is dirty and he has cleaned it but the problem persists. I have had someone else look at it who thinks its the inhibitor switch, but when this happens it wont start in park or in neutral either. I am not sure what to do next - has anyone else had this problem or have any advice?
• I worry about taking it back to the mechanic constantly because I don't want to spend thousands and thousands for him to repair / replace items on his hunch that really don't need repairing / replacing. Thanks " H Askwith, Melbourne VIC

KIA SORENTO, 2005 - Shifting Problems in Manual Transmission (12/12/2006) *TRANSMISSION* *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "We have been experiencing a highly intermittent shifting problem in our 2005 manual transmission Sorento which is a serious safety issue. We have documented with Kia and NHTSA. Suddenly we cannot shift gears at all and our vehicle will not move. Has happened upshifting from 1st and higher gears and downshifting to lower gears. After repeatedly trying different gears we can finally get it back into gear to drive. Because it's intermittent Kia cannot duplicate it & will not fix it.
• Writing from USA where very few manual trannys are sold. Service manager told us if more were sold there would be greater #s for problem to surface. If anyone is experiencing this exact problem please let us know, especially if this has been documented with Kia. We appreciate your help." D Welling, St. Augustine USA

TOYOTA HIACE, 2006 - Damage to a brand new vehicle upon delivery (11/12/2006) *NEW CAR PURCHASE* *DEALER* *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "Please read this, it is very important if you get stuck in this position ... feedback greatly welcome. I ordered a brand new Toyota Hiace 2006 model with a range of accessories with it from Noble Toyota, Chullora Sydney. Of these accessories, I ordered rear bench seats and LPG conversion.
• The problem started on the day when they said the car was ready. They gave me a time to pick it up the car so I came in about half an hour after this pre-arranged time so as not to rush them. When I got to the dealership I inspected the car and the very first thing I noticed was four big holes drilled into the right rear wheel arch. I could see the ground! Sitting next to this was a wheel bracket and the spare tyre. I called the manager over and asked him what the deal was. He was astonished and after some enquiries it was found that they had initially installed the bracket and bolted it in and had come across a problem. That is, the position where the spare wheel bracket was installed wasn't compatible with the rear bench seats. The spare wheel bracket was in the way of the rear bench seat so now it was just sitting on the floor, unsecured with holes in the car's metal.
• It gets worse ... I ordered foldable bench seats but the problem was, they couldn't fold because the person who installed them placed the two bench seats too close to each other so they couldn't fold as each seat was blocking each other.
• It doesn't stop there, not forgetting the four holes drilled and exposed in the rear wheel arch, each bench seat requires sixteen(16), yes sixteen holes to fix the seat to the floor of the car. This means more drilling ... so basically the bench seats require re-location so they have to take them out and drill more holes again to actually get the folding bench seats to serve its function.
• It doesn't stop here. There were grease stains on the carpet that I had installed in the cargo area of the van, in addition sections of the carper were not laid down properly, and there were big bubbles underneath it.
• On the day the car was suppose to be ready and after 2 hours of waiting, I said to them I am not taking the car and that these problems needed to be fixed. So I walked out of the dealership and went home, frustrated and very unhappy (I specially ordered this van and waited 4 months as there weren't any in the country).
• So now after a couple of days of thinking, I no longer want the car, as to me the car is damaged and required repairs (for the holes that is), plus other things. It is no longer brand new in my eyes. As far as I am aware, I bought a Toyota Hiace with X amount of accessories. I didn't buy a Toyota Hiace with X amount of accessories plus all these holes drilled into the car.
• What rights do I have? I haven't paid for the car yet, only the deposit of $500 and now I want to cancel. I will make enquiries with Fair Trading and know where I stand but from face value, what rights do I have? Toyota basically have not delivered to me a product which I bought. Any help, thanks." A T, Sydney NSW

FORD FOCUS ZETEC, 2006 - tail out (11/12/2006) *TYRES* *NEW CAR* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I purchased a new Ford Focus Zetec this year in June. After travelling 12000 km in the car we found that the rear tyres were completely bald! So we took it to the Ford dealership and they fixed the problem. A few weeks later after the car was fixed they said that the back tail was out causing unnecessary wear on the tyres. Apparently it was a manufacture problem. How come the service agent didn't notice it at the 1500 km service.
• We love our Focus. We always had Fords and never been a problem. This is the first time that the dealership struck this sort of problem. As they were so kind and gave us a courtesy car as they were waiting for the tyres to come from Goodyear. THANKS Ford! " K Anderson, Maryborough QLD

NISSAN X-TRAIL ST-S 4X4, 2006 - 40th anniversary edition (10/12/2006) *AIR CON* *NEW CAR* *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "I have the Nissan X-Trail 2006 ST-S 4x4 40th Anniversary edition (3 months old). Until recently I was extremely pleased with this car. The added extras (alloy wheels, large sunroof, and fog lights) are fantastic. I have not had the whistling sound heard by others when opening the sunroof. However, be warned, if you live anywhere subject to hot climate (such as Australia), you will find that the air-conditioner of this car is totally inadequate. Hours of operation on maximum does little to reduce temperatures inside the car, if outside temperatures are in the 30C's. Be prepared for your children in the rear to be sweating profusely, as there is no rear air vents.
• I have been unable to use the car for the last two days as temperatures in my town have reached the high 30Cs. I cannot get the car to come below 38C. When the car is parked, I have three reflective panels on the windshield and front windows, and two rear window socks. This is despite the highest grade (Grand Prix-Formula 1) window tinting. Also, I agree with a previous complainant that the heater also when directed at the feet requires manual shutting down of the upper vents. The dial to select vents also "sticks".
• Can anyone tell me, does the model above (I believe the Ti) have climate control?" J Papas, Adelaide SA

CARAVANS, JAYCO STARCRAFT,1993 - Danger to life through non trades & unlicensed incompetency (10/12/2006) *DEALER*

• "Beware - don't use these caravan industry traders for your own good. Why, ...oh Why you ask? Paul Tall & Co. Jayco dealer.
• NSW Dept Fair Trading advised Tall & Co holds no licences or trade qualifications - initial complaint GEN 06/29455. Misrepresented and misled on systems installed; failed to honour installation & refund promised; failed to return or replace goods stolen from caravan when in their possession; failed to provide satisfactory systems. Failed take to action for floods caused by Tall incompetence & unlicensed, non trade certificated work on my caravan. Failed in 9 separate attempts to supply and install simple, commonly fitted pressurised water system ordered for my caravan, over a period of almost 18 months!
• Failed in 5 separate attempts to satisfactorily supply & install fully warranted Aircommand air-conditioner he recommended against my researched assessment, over a period of 9 months. Thus on 14 separate occasions' systems warranted by Paul Tall & Co as working correctly failed to meet order or satisfactory performance - clear total incompetence by Paul Tall & Co.
• Admitted on 24 November, air conditioner never properly installed and gassed in 9½ months! Following still not completed on 14th attempt to provide operating systems with all requests fulfilled:
  1. Failed to comply with Consumer Tribunal Order of 4 July 2006.
  2. Failed to provide warranted air conditioner ordered on his recommendation, as referred by Jayco.
  3. Failed to provide air con test results required - my letter of 22 November 2006 facsimile receipted.
  4. Failed to provide lockable cover over water tank filler - my letter of 25 May 2006.
  5. Failed provide required inspection report or rectify flood damage to caravan caused by faulty workmanship.
  6. Failed to satisfactorily rectify crash damage caused to caravan when in Tall's possession.
  7. Failed to refund water system costs as promised.
  8. Failed to return or replace items stolen from caravan when in Tall's possession.
  9. Failed to install promised copper piping throughout caravan water system.
  10. Failed to provide any trade certificates or licences when requested in writing.
• Not only have I suffered the derision of Mr Tall and his arrogant and ignorant schoolmasterly lectures on how to turn-on and operate either the water system (tap), or turn-on the knobs of the air conditioner (see also objectionable remarks on Paul Tall & Co invoice of 27 April 2006), but also:
  1. The false and public defamatory personal accusations of Mr & Mrs Tall (including Mr Tall's reference to me needing to have my mouth washed out with soap and water, 20 November 2006),
  2. Tall's refusal to provide under Privacy Act Principles 6 & 7 video and illegal phone tap audio tapes stated to be held and relied upon,
  3. Tall's never believing or acting upon any of the symptoms relayed to them - they were always right and belittled all entreaties and statements of fact,
  4. Tall's illegal phone tapping and threats relating to its use with video tapes he claims to hold
  5. Tall's always blaming constantly changing staff, and in addition the resulting scorn of:
  a) Jayco NSW - David Carrick, GM, Jayco NSW - cruel anger and washing his hands of my problems with his recommended dealer, when Jayco too busy to perform work, while staunchly supporting Aircommand products & blaming me for problems.
  b) Aircommand air-conditioning - Aircommand's R Dawson's refusal to honour warranty on air conditioner 20 November 2006; stating had no knowledge of my air-conditioning problems despite his signed letter dated 12 July 2006
  c) Barnes Caravans - David Barnes' annoyance with me - telling me "you are wasting my time" when I telephoned to have all faults in my caravan rectified. Tall's had falsely promised they instructed Barnes to complete work - 20 November 2006.
  d) Ryans Caravans Dubbo - Peter Ryan, close friend of friend, refused Tall's request to assist me, refusing to become involved in debacle; also separately refusing my telephone requests for assistance, he is a Jayco dealer & accepted by Aircommand
  e) Alternate Gas Refrigeration - Bob Parkinson of Alternate Gas Refrigeration angrily stated I was wasting his time when I finally traced my caravan to his premises 23 November 2006, after being deliberately wrongly caravan at another location, following its removal from my home when receipt refused by Tall's.
• As a result of these problems, six holidays have been ruined and we have also had to cancel a long holiday to the Red Centre and another during this Christmas break to NSW & Victoria. Along with Paul Tall & Co., all of these so called industry leaders washed their hands of my incompetently installed, unworkable and unsatisfactory systems. Also my dilemma caused by repeated unlicensed & non trade certificate backed sheer incompetence and arrogance by Jayco & Aircommand representative often with up to 40 caravans awaiting work.
• My written complaints to Caravan & Camping Industry Association (CCIA) unanswered.
  DEPARTMENT OF FAIR TRADING - Have not responded to or acknowledged one of the written complaints lodged against Tall, as instructed by Fair Trading Tribunal, Penrith. Also they have failed to contact me on my 27 November 2006 online complaint against Aircommand. On 8 December 2006 Department of Fair Trading's Anne ...(refused to provide name) advised:
  1. A pop-top caravan cannot be air conditioned - evidence or authority for such statement not provided,
  2. Aircommand's airconditioner is a plug-in airconditioner not requiring, installation plumbing, gassing and electrical wiring, or carpentry work - authority and evidence not provided.
• I had heard similar words from Tall's, despite Tall's recommendation and promises of effective airconditioner performance during 9½ months. Thus, with my ignorance of Tall's not needing any trade certificates or licences to perform plumbing, electrical (12v & 240v), gas fitting, air conditioning, carpentry and gas work to install the air conditioner and other work on my caravan, with the overall attitude of Anne... in dealing with these matters and my complaints, I concluded Department of Fair Trading considered my complaints to be trivial. Anne... became upset with my questions and called her supervisor, Margaret Moeller, who promised to get back to me on 8 December 2006, after discussion with Penrith Fair Trading Tribunal, but failed so to do. She also advised that if goods were misrepresented or if I was misled within 3 years of purchase I could apply to require goods be returned with full refund. I advised her that I chose to make such application.
• Tourism Australia states 'The caravan industry is one of the fastest growing tourism sectors, with sales almost trebling in the past 10 years. This market accounts for around 10 per cent of total visitor nights spent by international and domestic visitors. Long term prospects for the industry also look promising, with demand from seniors set to grow." In 2004 there were some 50,000,000 overnight stays by caravanners and campers in Australia. Jayco claims to manufacture some 40% of new caravans in Australia. This could be in excess of 120 caravans each week and it has been said that "The caravan industry is still continuing to grow at a fast pace with new caravan registrations reaching just under 16,000 in 2003 - a 13% increase on the previous year. In Australia, there is a caravan manufactured approx. every 8 minutes with a waiting period for new buyers.'
• Conclusion: It is vital that the industry is supported by qualified and licenced tradespeople, yet the evidence presents a different picture and one that is not only sadly lacking, but one which places individuals at danger through incompetent workmanship where gas, 12v and 240v supplies and water mix and/or are in very close proximity in the compressed living environment of a caravan, a vehicle which is required to be registered in each State of Australia." J Atkins, North Ryde, NSW, ph: 02 9889 4537

FORD FOCUS, 2006 - Front seating (10/12/2006) *SEATING* *NEW CAR BUYING* CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "We were about to buy a Ford Focus as we were very impressed with the new automatic configuration. However all was well until my husband sat in the front passenger seat! He could not see out without ducking his head. The line of the windows were in line with his eyes. In the drivers side the seat height is adjustable and so the problem could be dealt with but no adjustment for the passenger seat. As a result we have had to go to a car that has a better system. As we have had Ford vehicles most of our driving lives we were most disappointed." J Ellem, Dorrigo NSW

HOLDEN ASTRA, 2004 - Astra bad smell air con (09/12/2006) *AIR CON* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I am very pleased with my Holden Astra Classic except for the bad smell that comes form the Air Con vents. It has been back to the dealers twice now and the best they can do is tell me its a known problem. They then spray deodorizer up the vents which makes the smell even worse for my wife who is sensitive to smells and a bit asthmatic. Surely this is something to do with the drainage of condensate water from the AC unit. Either the overflow is blocked, or not there, as I never observed water from the air con under the car.
• I understand that it is a big job to strip down the air con as it is at the back of the interior dash and quite inaccessible but surely Holden should be able to fix it." T Jones, Melbourne VIC

DAEWOO LEGANZA, 1997 - FEEDBACK Re: Leganza timing belt broken for second time (09/12/2006) *TIMING BELT* *FEEDBACK*

• "The water pump in these cars is part of the tensioner. Old Holden Camiras were the same. So if the water pump stuffs up, chances are the belt will as well ... " S Carr

RENAULT LAGUNA PRIVILEGE LX, 2002 - Failures to be aware of! (08/12/2006) *KEYS* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I have just had my Laguna attended to for its 60,000 km service. The week prior to booking this in, BOTH my keys (I alternate them) decided to fail and prevent me from locking my car. The dealer informed me that it would cost $250 to replace each key! They agreed that it was absurd I had both fail in such a short history and to contact Renault direct (as they were not in a position to contact Renault) to see what could be done - they ordered one key for me on the basis I needed to have my car secured ( 3 weeks + from France and still waiting)?
• I called Renault this morning and was told that there would be no such financial assistance as parts do wear out and they would do nothing to assist. So in order that I have my vehicle made secure it will now cost me $500 to enable me to continue driving it for possibly another 4 years - Absurd! They would not agree this was out of the ordinary!
• This incident follows my last problem when my cars engine mounts had both perished (after 50k?) and Renault finally agreed to replace them free of charge BUT I had to pay for the labour costs. Renault decided because I had not purchased an extended warranty from them I had to pay for the labour'
• Be warned these expensive cars are not made to last! " J Marshall, Middle Park QLD

NISSAN PINTARA, 1991 - Engine blew up (08/12/2006) *ENGINE* *DEALER* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "My son saved his money for his first car and we went to SLR Motors in Wagga Wagga and bought a Nissan Pintara. Two weeks later I drove to Batemans Bay, my son hasn't`t got his licence yet, and it threw a conrod. I had it towed to a repair shop in Batemans Bay, and caught two buses home that night. I rang the dealer who said there was nothing he could do and now I have to hire a car trailer this weekend and go down and collect it.
• I am so angry and I feel that the dealer saw me coming in this deal, a woman who doesn't know cars! My son now has to save any money he gets (Austudy from Centerline) to buy a reconditioned motor for it. These people can get away with holding their grubby little hands out for 3000 dollars but have absolutely no morals or ethics! I will go out of my way to tell people about this car dealer or should I say a man that has no morals or compassion! Please don't ever buy a car from SLR Motors of Wagga Wagga. You will lose your money and get No after sale support!" S Perrin, Wagga Wagga, NSW ph: 02 69713152

HOLDEN CREWMAN - Mechanical faults(07/12/2006) *SAFETY* *FEEDBACK WANTED*

• "I am currently compiling a list of faults with the Crewman that may cause an accident, particularly with tyre blowouts, steering failure, handling problems, differential failure or any other safety problem. I am not interested in cosmetic or service complaints at this stage. I need feedback fairly urgently and hope readers will respond ASAP. Regards" B Smythe, Mildura VIC 0418138017

LAND ROVER FREELANDER, 2001 - Be ashamed Land Rover (Freelander) (06/12/2006) *IRD* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I purchased my 3 door 2001 1.8 early 2005. Private sale with 53 K on the clock and s/history. I had owned a 3.5 Disco before which was brilliant. So I expected the Freelander to be of the same quality! Within weeks trim started to rattle and I had an expensive sounding rumble from the rear end. It had new tyres (covered less than 5k) when purchased and the Local LR Specialist said it was the tyres! The rattles I fixed by removing all three door panels and tightening every screw and bolt.
• After 3 months the rear window driver cable snapped and I had to drive home in a severe storm with the window down. The replacement mechanism was $765, and that is with me fitting it. This is a simple cable loop with an integrated motor. That kind of money is obscene.
• The rumble from the rear end was getting worse and still the local LR guy said he couldn't hear it! I got under and had a good look and found the axle support rubber mount had let go. $89 for a glorified exhaust hanger and it was fixed (for the time being).
• A few weeks ago I heard a whine from the transmission (Note - I always use the correct recommended Land Rover oils on every service and had changed the engine/IRD and final drives oils BEFORE they were due). I couldn't find the source of the whine, it went after the oil change. About a month ago the whine returned but was more general. I thought it was the central t/shaft coupling - they are known to fail on Freelanders. On inspection it looked ok and was within specks.
• Last week while driving home there was an almighty "bang" and the car started to lurch about. I immediately thought a diff had failed as I had experienced this before in a competition car. The vehicle was undriveable and had to recovered for the trip home. To cut a long story short - the IRD box had thrown a bearing which contributed to the diff shattering teeth! THAT was the rumble that LR couldn't hear!
• Point is - the replacement unit was $1,987. Make that $2,100+ with oils etc. If you have the V6 Freelander you are in dire straights if the IRD unit fails. It is almost $6,000. Yes $6,000 to replace and that is without labour! The LR agent told me that its almost the same ...
• LAND ROVER you are a disgrace. Both the window mechanism and the IRD unit are stock items. Tells me they are prone to fail and a very nice little earner, thanks ... SHAME ON YOU. People know when they buy a Land Rover costs are expected but this is obscene - You are building with all the quality of a 35 year old Lancia engine mount but charging like a Lexus which does have the quality ... even if it is a Toyota. " D Cowdery, Perth WA ph: 0409 881 626

FORD BA, 2004-05 - Shaky BA (06/12/2006) *STEERING WHEEL SHAKE* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I have a BA XR6 2004 and a BA SR 2005 and they both shake through the steering wheel starting at around 85 and disappearing about 110. Had the XR6 in at Ford for 2 weeks a while back. Couldn't find any think wrong. (No surprise) I'm not even gonna try with the SR.
• I have tried changing ride height, springs, tires, wheels, tail shaft shims, tail shaft balance, wheel alignments, tire pressures. I think BA Fords have a major design fault and Ford motor company can't afford to admit it. Its a shame I'm stuck with 2 BA lemons. Had Fords all my life until now. Time for a change I am saddened to say" S Sell, Goldcoast QLD

HOLDEN ASTRA, 2004 - Service Rip Off! - Ralph D'Silva Holden (06/12/2006) *SERVICE COST* *DEALER* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "In September 2006, I had my car booked in for its 30,000km service at Ralph D'Silva Holden in Preston. When I went to pick it up I was informed that it was going to cost over $600! There was nothing else wrong with the car, it was a simple 30,000km service. I was not offered a quote prior to the service and only found out after several days that I had been ripped off by more than $200.
• After ringing Holden they informed me they could do nothing. I am now in the process of making a time with the "Customer Care Officer" to go through the invoice. I will not be returning to Ralph D'Silva either for service or sales. I also intend to let people know of my experiences, as majority of my family drive Holdens." R Vanderkley, Melbourne VIC

DAEWOO LEGANZA, 1997 - Re: Leganza timing belt broken for second time (05/12/2006) *TIMING BELT* *FEEDBACK*

• "It is usual to replace the timing belt Tensioner Idler kit where a timing belt has failed prior to the preventive maintenance or scheduled kilometer being reached. I cannot see how the water pump should have been the cause. Did the company explain how the water pump caused the timing belt to fail?" Ian

NISSAN MAXIMA, 2003 - Engine Rattle at start up (05/12/2006) *ENGINE NOISE* *OIL* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK* RELATED POSTINGS

• "I have heard the same rattle sound when starting up my engine. I have found the oil level dips and it starts to make this sound more and more. Top up your oil level and it will probably go away.
• So the real concern is why does the engine burn the oil?" T Chesman, Toronto
  

HOLDEN VECTRA, 2002 - MOTORWORLD WANGORA - Buyer Beware! (05/12/2006) *DEALER* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "Do not buy a car from Motorworld in Wangora. I purchased a 02 Holden Vectra from Motorworld in February this year and I have had the following parts replaced.
  - 2 camshaft sensors
  - 1 crank angle senor
  - new set of catalytic converters.
• I have just recently had the camshaft sensor fixed (last week) and it has failed on me again. After only having the car 9 months it has cost me well over $2000. Please contact me for more information.
• I am currently seeking advice from the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection (DOCEP) and they have said that I can hopefully get my money back. I have heard other nightmare stories about this dealer.
• PLEASE DO NOT BUY FROM MOTORWORLD WANGARA" B Whitby, Perth WA

FORD BA, 2004 - Car Buying - Feedback (05/12/2006) *CAR BUYING* *DEALER* *CONSUMER FEEDBACK*

• "I am not surprised to see Andrew Michaels jump on R Cornish (see posting "General Comments") for providing some healthy car buying tips. I did not expect any less from Andrew. This is the same guy who suggested that we treat buying a car like buying a can of coke - see posting "all buyers are liars".
• At least this time, unlike his past posts, he admits that he is a car salesman before ripping into someone and defending his kind. You go on about how tough it is being a car salesman and that you have a life too and how it is only the occasional car dealer who inadvertently does the wrong thing and how customers always lie to salespeople and on and on and on. I almost started feeling sorry for car dealers after reading your post Andrew.
• Well, I have news for you. Read the posts in this forum. Most of them are about car dealers doing wrong. All these people who write about car dealers are not wrong. Nor are they whinging. Car dealers are, in my experience, single minded people. Once they have your money, whether deposit or the full amount, they delight in showing you their worst side. And they will do anything to get your money, full or part amount. I will give you my experience.
• But first, R Cornish, good on you. Thank you for the car buying tips. I found your comments very helpful. I know a few things now that I did not know before. And they do work! I tested them end of last month. You beauty!
• Now my story. This may sound familiar to some people. I was in the market for a new car. I knew what I wanted. I went to a dealer in Sydney recommended to me. I had approved finance from my bank and a $7,000 deposit.
• I met with the nice salesperson and we went over the brochures thoroughly, talking options, colour, wheels (they did not have one for me to test drive but I was willing to buy one anyway. I had driven my friends one) and then decided on a price. This all took two hours, with him going back and forth to / from the managers office every 5 minutes. The manager was watching us from his glass cubicle but did not come out. Anyway, all done. Ready to hand over my deposit (I decide to play it safe and offered the salesman a $1,000 deposit and he said ok) and sign whatever I had to. Only just hold on a minute. He has to get the manager to sign off on it.
• This time the manager comes out of his cubicle, all smiles, effusively shakes my hand, sits down and wants to talk. From this point on things rapidly went downhill. He wanted me to increase my offer "just a little bit so that we are both happy". I thought I was already happy, same as the salesperson.
• However, over the next half an hour by shaking hands with me repeatedly, smiling at me and telling me he values my friendship (what?!) and telling me that we are both reasonable people and that we can come to a compromise that will be a good deal for us both he actually managed to increase my offer, in small increments, by a total of $2,600. And I kept reluctantly agreeing with him, not being able to say anything.
• Then he started cutting out on the options I had chosen on the car, saying that I did not need this, and that, and what am I using the car for etc. By this time I am getting stressed and starting to sweat. He is going back on everything the salesperson and I agreed on (with his knowledge) and then going one better. I am not happy and am feeling pressured. I tell him this. His reply, with a handshake and big smile, is "I don't want to pressure you. I would rather be friends with you than lose your friendship and sell you a car." Then he would start all over again. I must have told him about six times that I am feeling pressured and each time he would try to forcefully shake my hand and repeat the "I'd rather be your friend" mantra.
• Then he wanted more deposit. Remember, this is all AFTER I have agreed with everything the salesman had said. By this time I am sweating non stop. I am stuttering, I cannot think. And he is not letting me go. I tell him I need to think. So he just sits there across the table, smiles and waits for me. Then 10 seconds later starts again.
• I tell him I need more time to think straight. His response? "you have spent over two hours with XX (the salesperson) over here. He does not get paid by the hour. He gets paid when you buy. Now I am here spending over an hour with you as well." Now he has added guilt to my stress as well.
• Then "this is a good deal and it is good only for you and only if you sign today". Now he has added urgency to my guilt and stress.
  "I only I want you to pay just that little bit more and we have a deal". Now he has added pressure to the stress and the guilt and the urgency. And now I am $5,600 out of pocket on where we started. And now I have a throbbing headache. And he has been going for over an hour (plus the salemans' two hours).
• That was it. I cracked. Only not the way he wanted me to. I told him "you have put me under too much stress. I don't care if you don't do me the same deal tomorrow. I am not going to buy today". I left. Best thing I ever did, walking away like that. I felt good about it because only I know how close I came to succumbing to his high pressure, high guilt, high stress, high urgency hard sell.
• A similar thing happened to me with the next car dealer I visited the weekend after. Then at another one I was told to "lets get the paper work done now" - he did not have a car for me to look at, it would be in on Saturday. I told him I need to look at it and drive it.. He told me there is no reason to drive it. It is a brand new car!!!! He showed me a similar older model one. "Lets do the paper work now!" Then at another dealer I was asked how many dealers I had been to. I told him three. He said to me to get the best price I can then come and see him and he will beat that price.
• Then at yet another dealer the salesman turned to my mate and said " we are all aussies here. Let's help each other. Convince your friend that this is a good deal." What the?! Is no trick spared? I tried a Parramatta car dealer. There were four sales people in the yard talking with each other. I told them I wanted to buy a new car and I pointed out the model and asked the price. One of them told me "oh, that one is very expensive" and they all went back to their conversation. I was shocked. Maybe my work clothes turn car salespeople off? So I gave up and went looking for a second hand car.
• The first second hand dealer I dealt with was puffing on a cigarette in the car lot when I pointed out a car and asked him if I could test drive it. He told me "if you take that car for a test drive then you are buying it". What? Another tried to sell me a car by saying one owner. Retired. I found in the car, by accident, the original delivery docket. The car was an ex-fleet.