Holden Commodore Engine Problems

The VE sounds like a good car that's been well looked after and would be a good car for a growing family such as yours. I will assume it's a V6, in which case the main thing to be concerned about is wear to the camshaft timing chains. They're a known problem and cost $2000 or so to replace if they do wear. You can tell if they're worn as the engine runs poorly because the cam timing is thrown out. Other than that the VE is quite sound.

If you want the V8 then you should have it. The economy will be good enough on highway work but remember it will suck fuel down on short trips or if you uncork the performance away from the traffic lights.

Worn timing chains are quite common on the V6 engine in the Commodore. A change was made to the pitch of the chain, but the jury is out about the effectiveness of the change. In any case have the mechanic fit the updated chains when the makes the replacement. It is a costly repair according to our trade contacts, but we’re told $4000 is very high.

Years ago when you owned your Torana it was considered something of a performance car, as the Clubsport, SSV and Calais are today, but there are many other ways of getting your driving thrills today without having to go for a V8. Some of the hot hatches now available would give you all the thrills, and more, than the big-bangers of old. Take a test drive in a VW Golf GTi or one of the fast Ford Focuses and I'm sure you'd rethink your choice. All the cars you mention, the Clubsport, SSV and Calais are good cars with plenty of grunt, the V8 sound, and the comfort of a big car. For mine though I'd be going for a hot hatch.

It could be, but it would be a big and expensive job, not something I would recommend. If you want a petrol version, it would be much simpler to go and buy one.

It does sound like the engine might be terminal, but you should have a mechanic properly diagnose the problem before you do anything. If a new engine is required you should be able to get a reconditioned one, which would save you a lot of money.

I think you’re comparing apples with oranges in comparing these two cars. But to try and give you a guide I would say the build quality of the Aurion is a little better than that of the SS. I would also say the Aurion’s V6 engine is of a higher quality and standard than the SS’s V8, and would use less fuel, but I would say that both are equally drivable and practical in city traffic. My feeling is that the SS is an emotional purchase, the Aurion a safe one.

It's the old story; it's either a problem on the fuel side or one of the spark side. My inclination is to check the fuel pump, Commodores had problems with the in-tank pump, and I'm thinking it's not supplying the fuel.

Based on your mechanic's diagnosis it would seem that the oxygen (02) sensor is probably faulty and needs replacing. There is no connection with the car's heater. If there is a problem with the heater it's different one.

Not very confident I'm afraid. It's a well known problem, but the car is five years old and has done 90,000km. You should try to get some compensation, but the best I reckon you might get would be if Holden paid for part of the cost of repairs.