Holden Astra Problems

The new car warranty has expired so I suspect you would have no claim against Holden. It's clearly running out of fuel, and there could be a couple of reasons for that. One, it could be that the gauge is wrong and it's actually running out of fuel when the gauge is indicating that it's quarter full, or two, it could be having trouble picking up fuel in the tank when the level drops. Both possibilities need to be checked.

The new car warranty has expired so I suspect you would have no claim against Holden. It's clearly running out of fuel, and there could be a couple of reasons for that. One, it could be that the gauge is wrong and it's actually running out of fuel when the gauge is indicating that it's quarter full, or two, it could be having trouble picking up fuel in the tank when the level drops. Both possibilities need to be checked.

It is likely to be an engine sensor misbehaving intermittently. Check the crank angle sensor and its connections, or take it to a mechanic and have him run a diagnostic check on it.

The harsh reality is that parts fail and cars break down, sometimes with disastrous outcomes as in your case. As the owner of an Astra you should be aware of the problem with timing belt failures and what can happen when one does fail, it’s well documented and has been extensively reported on here at Carsguide. Most mechanics will check the water pump when replacing the timing belt because they often find them leaking and they prefer to change the pump then rather than send the customer away knowing they will be back when the pump fails. I would have expected the mechanic to check the pump when doing the belt and tensioner, and like the previous Holden dealer, change it as a precaution at least.

It could be a question of adjustment of the roof mechanism. I would take it back and have the roof alignment checked and adjusted if needed.

The water pump is usually changed because it’s found to be leaking when the mechanic strips the front cover off the engine to replace the belt. It’s not a regular service item as such, but done because it’s cheaper to do it at the same time the belt is done rather than leave it and have to replace it at a later date. The failure of a water pump is different to that of the belt, it’s usually due to leakage, which doesn’t result in catastrophic internal damage like a belt failure does.

Typically it takes about four hours to do the work and most mechanics charge around $80 per hour, so you’re looking at about $320 for the labour only.

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.

It does seem like a lot of money for the work done, particularly when it has come back to you with a problem. I would insist of them fixing it, but if you feel you don’t have any confidence in them getting it right, I would take it somewhere else and send them the bill.

You certainly have had a bad run with your car and I can understand your frustration. Holden's offer is not a bad deal, but if you want to take it further you could go to the ACCC, or your local state government consumer affairs people. In Victoria, that's VCAT.