Holden Barina Problems

I can't imagine what would cause the brakes to lock on without touching the pedal. You could check the front suspension, alignment, wheel bearings etc.

You're right to be concerned about the safety of the 2007 Barina, it only had front airbags and ANCAP rated it only two stars. Side front airbags weren't made standard until November 2008, after which it was given a four-star rating. You would be much better off going for the later, safer, model. I also agree with your thinking about having him drive a manual, that way he'll be a more capable driver. Based on your assessment of the condition of the car you're considering it would be worth around $4500.

On the private market the value would be between $1000 and $4000, with five-door models worth more than three-door models. As yours has low kilometres and in good condition it would be valued towards the higher end of the price range.

None of the above. It's the Volkswagen Polo, which recently had a significant price cut, that gets The Tick from me.

Holden recalled all 2009-2010 Barinas because of a sticky valve in the Electronic Brake Control Module. If affected by the problem the braking performance was reduced and the pedal feel was spongy. That would seem to be the most likely cause of your problem. Take it to a Holden dealer and have it checked.

No. It ran perfectly for five or six years before giving trouble, so I don't think you can blame Holden. Has the coolant been changed in the time since it left the factory, has it been overheated at any time, they're questions I would want answered before trying to find someone to blame.