Holden Astra 2007 Problems

The first response of most mechanics on this would be that you have a head gasket leak in the engine. Coolant in the oil and/or oil in the coolant are classic symptoms of this. It happens because the faulty head gasket allows the two fluids to mix but, depending on exactly where the gasket fails, you don’t necessary get both symptoms. A workshop can pressure test the engine’s cooling system and perform what’s called a TK test to show up any contaminants in the coolant that have found their way there via a blown head gasket.

But before you go tearing into the engine, check the service records to find out how old the coolant is. Coolant will discolour over time and kilometres and what you’re seeing as a `milky colour’ might simply be old coolant that has gone cloudy and needs changing.

 The odometer reading is on the high side of average, which would affect the value. It was also depend on the condition of the car. As a private sale you would probably get $3000-$3500, as a trade-in $1500-$1800.

You appear to have been given the run-around. Take the car back to the dealer and ask for a meeting with the service manager. Ask him for an explanation of what has happened and why, and then try to get a commitment to fix it, at their expense. You could also complain to the Motor Trade Association of WA about the work that has been done, they might be able to help you. You could also seek the advice of the WA Consumer Affairs Department, and as a last resort seek legal advice.

There are no fundamental problems to be concerned about, but it is getting on in age and things do tend to go wrong as the kilometres climb and the years pass. Check that it has been serviced as per Holden's recommendation, that the timing belt has been changed, and that the automatic transmission is working as it should.

There should be no difference in the fuel if you sampled it at the fuel rail or the tank. The fuel at the rail is the fuel that is being delivered to the engine, and that's what matters most. You would appear to have a gripe with the dealer, and that appears to be what the Holden people are telling you, and should discuss your concerns with the dealer staff.

Your local brake specialist can advise on the amount of wear but with so few kilometres in that time you could be fine. The owner's manual will give you the answer on the timing belt but look at the time and not the number of kilometres covered as belts deteriorate even with little driving.

I can understand your frustration, but it's a fact of life that cars do break down, and once the warranty has expired it costs money to fix them. It sounds like you have an extended warranty, so that should cover you for the cost of repairs. If you want to persist in chasing Holden you might be able to get part payment for the cost of repairs as a goodwill gesture.

You're right to demand the gearbox be replaced or overhauled. At the very least it needs servicing, at the worst replacing as you have requested.