Holden Ute Problems

I can’t see why not, Peter. The 1996 and 1999 are more or less identical cars so there should be a high degree of interchangeability. While manual versions of the Commodore Ute form this era did, indeed, change gearbox types as the years progressed, the automatic version stuck with the same unit, so the gearbox and all its ancillary bits and pieces should be a straight swap.

And how good is a ute with a bench seat for three and a column-shift? Car makers should revisit this layout as it makes so much sense.

Your son's one tonner is based on the VY and VZ Commodore era of vehicles, and so shares its interior with the sedan, wagon, utility, Crewman and Adventra. The VY series ran from 2002 to 2004 and the VZ from 2004 to 2007. The later VE and VF Commodores are completely different with no shared parts bar some powertrain (engine and transmission) components.

What you'll need to do is make sure the colour and trim patterns match your son's VZ one tonner, but if that's not a worry then all should have interchangeable parts.

No, the Commodore ute was only produced with V6 and V8 engines.

Mitsubishi and Toyota make single-cab 4x2 cab-chassis with petrol engines, but they’re not available with the extra-cab, and the petrol engines are basic four bangers. I don’t believe there is a model that is an exact fit with your needs.

They say the problem is fixed, and by your own measure it appears to be. All you can do is to monitor the oil consumption and keep careful records so you can show your dealer if the problem returns.

For a V8 auto ute I would definitely go for the Holden. Ford has given up on developing the Falcon but Holden is still committed to the Commodore and keeping it fresh and relevant.

The main reason is the lack of repeater stations we have, if we had more the reception would be better. Poor receptions can also be caused by interference from overhead power lines, tramlines and the like that you get in the city and inner suburbs. It can be usually improved by fitting an aftermarket amplified antenna, but the VE already has an amplified antenna and is one that isn't often affected. You could fit a better quality amplified antenna, but that would entail fitting another radio and it's starting to get expensive. You could also look at getting a digital radio module and connecting that to your radio through the auxiliary connection, which would improve your AM reception and give you digital radio at the same time.