Holden Adventra Problems

The vast majority of complaints regarding the Holden Adventra emanate from under the bonnet. In the case of the V8 version (the CX8) the engine is a bit prone to experiencing wear in the top-end of the motor, namely the lifters and valves springs. A ticking noise when the car is first started each morning is the clue to this and although a lot of these engines will, indeed, make this noise on start-up, if the noise doesn’t go away in a few seconds, you have a problem.

The V6 (CX6) meanwhile which was available in the later version used the DOHC Alloytech engine which soon gained a reputation for stretched timing chains which needed to be replaced at a fairly substantial cost. The first hint that all is not well is a rattling noise from the top of the engine, combined (often) with a check-engine light illuminated on the dashboard.

Beyond those issues, many owners have complained about poor fuel economy and patchy build quality. Make sure, too, that any prospective purchase hasn’t been used off-road beyond its limits. Just because it used a higher ride height and all-wheel-drive did not mean the Adventra was a hard-core off-roader.

Informedia in Melbourne produce a DVD for Holden that has the information you need. Ask them for the contact details for Glenn Pierce, as you are after a Holden workshop manual. He only sells them through Holden dealers and not to the public, but once you’ve got his details go to your Holden dealer spare parts department and tell them you want the VZ102006 VZ series or VY202005 VY series CD manual. They might tell you they can’t find it in their system, but ask them to phone Glenn from Informedia as he distributes to dealers and give them $100 deposit and tell them to order a copy in for you. It costs around $450.

If you're looking for an SUV there are better buys. The Adventra was a heavy vehicle, which translated into high fuel consumption, particularly with the V8. It was competent off-road and would go places you wouldn't expect it to, but you don't want to buy one that has been used off-road extensively. A diesel-powered mid-sized Japanese off-roader would be a better option if you want an SUV.

The Adventra was never regarded as a particularly economical car and your numbers confirm that. Holden claimed a combined average of 13.2 L/100 km, which makes your car around normal.

Generally it would. The colder air entering the engine is denser than the air that’s drawn in from the engine compartment, which is heated by the engine, so you pack more in to the cylinders. But before you do fit it check to see where the air is being drawn from on your car as many new cars already have a form of cold air intake.

EVERY Adventra I've driven has had heavy steering, so much so I wouldn't buy one. The V6 is better than the V8, but it's still not good enough. I think that's what Holden is trying to tell you without giving the game away. It's hard to comment on the damaged wheels without seeing them and knowing what the car has been used for, whether it has hit kerbs or other things that could easily cause the damage. If you want more information, take the car to a wheel specialist for their opinion.

THE V8 Adventra was a bit of a dog in many respects, but 20 litres/100km is a bit too high. The Adventra is a heavy old nail so I would expect it to be pretty thirsty. I would think it should get 16-17 litres/100km on average. The only thing you can do is to make sure all is well with the engine and the electronics controlling it, make sure your tyres are inflated correctly and that wheel alignment is correct.