Holden Car

How Bad an Idea is it to buy a Holden? Hey y'all. American family about to relocate to Sydney area, need to buy some cars, how bad an idea is it to buy a Holden? Specifically a Captiva SUV? They keep showing up in a large SUV search for 2017 to present MY. I know Holden is a defunct brand there, and was GM Australia, it looks like a Chevy Traverse from our US market more or less. They're dirt cheap relative to other makes (marks? Marques?) - curious if they can still be serviced, get parts, reliability - is it gonna strand us, break down a lot, etc. We're car savvy, I do a lot of work on our family's 2008 Land Cruiser (which is going back to a cousin, can't bring her over sadly) - but not sure I want to take on a problem child car. Side rant: what the heck with the car prices y'all? Nuts. Archived post. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Upvote 56 Downvote 171 comments Share Share u/RedditforBusiness avatar u/RedditforBusiness • Official • Promoted You're here. Your audience is here. You should advertise here. Learn More accounts.reddit.com Thumbnail image: You're here. Your audience is here. You should advertise here. Sort by: Best Search Comments Expand comment search [deleted] wuhanlabrador • 2y ago There's a reason they're called 'Craptivas'. The Commodores were generally good but the cheap Daewoo rubbish they slapped Holden badges on, such as the Captiva, were all pretty poor in terms of reliability. Upvote 106 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago • Edited 2y ago OHHHH that's a Daewoo? Yeah, hard pass then. Also explains why they're so "cheap". Back in the day automotive truths: Nothing more expensive than a cheap {audi | Porsche | air-cooled VW | jaguar | range rover | etc} ;) Upvote 31 Downvote Award Share Share AgentSmith187 • 2y ago Yeah the rebadged Daewoos Holden sold for a bit were kinda notorious. The Craptiva earned its name. Knew a guy who owned one and he also had a 20 year old Ford Falcon Wagon. He used to regularly bring out the Falcon because the Craptiva struggled to get up some hills. It was both sad and amusing. Last time I drove a Craptiva it sounded like an off tune lawn mower and had about as much power. Upvote 17 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] [deleted] • 2y ago Yeh, our neighbour bought one new and is on the fourth engine. Only drives to work and back. Upvote 10 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] Nidiocehai • 2y ago Also hard pass on anything from Audi from before the last 10 years, and any Audi/VW made in South Africa. Upvote 4 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago VW/Audi in NA market I’ve owned a bunch. Never an SA production, appreciate the tip. I’ve seen a bunch of them for sale down there late model SUVs and I’m sorry the price premium far outstrips the value or quality IMHO. It’s a real mystery those deep six figure Q5 or Q7 TDIs. BMW is a little better but not much, we like that new X7 it is hot here in America. But dang those German marks down there, don’t seem worth the 25+% price premium over US market. Heck at that point we would go back to a Mercedes, owned and really enjoyed many of them. I think for this jaunt of life Toyota makes more sense. That and something crazy for fun, see other parts of this thread ;) Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] Nidiocehai • 2y ago If you see one you'll know why, the interior trim starts to fall apart, all the warning lights come on, and the DSG gearbox fails... We seem to get the worst of everything in terms of car manufacturers here in Australia. "premium" brands like VW at the higher end of the market, Audi, Mercedes Benz, BMW, are seen as something to aspire to due to the import tax here affecting any care that's worth over $50k. I don't know why, I have European blood flowing through me, if I see a Mercedez, and it isn't higher than a C class or doesn't have all the AMG options all I see is a taxi. It's an "aspirational" thing, and it's a fucking stupid Australian thing, TBH: unless you're spending real money Lexus is a better premium brand than all of the above. Upvote 4 Downvote Award Share Share BuckyDoneGun • 2y ago "premium" brands like VW at the higher end of the market, Audi, Mercedes Benz, BMW, are seen as something to aspire to due to the import tax here affecting any care that's worth over $50k. I don't know why, I have European blood flowing through me, if I see a Mercedez, and it isn't higher than a C class or doesn't have all the AMG options all I see is a taxi. It's an "aspirational" thing, and it's a fucking stupid Australian thing, It's not something Aussies have just made up, it's the result of 40 years worth of these brands intentionally positioning and marketing themselves as premium or luxury brands. Sure, you might see a taxi, but no one else here will because they never sold a poverty-spec E class here before, only fully loaded or step up to the E63, the one you really want. The luxury car tax was pure market protectionism that hasn't kept pace with inflation at all and no longer has a domestic market to protect. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share 13 more replies ma_che • 2y ago I owned a Holden Malibu, that was made in Korea. One of the best cars I’ve ever had, 0 issues. Granted it’s not a Commodore V6, but cost a fraction of the price. It was written off on a flood and I still miss it. Upvote 9 Downvote Award Share Share u/MrSquiggleKey avatar MrSquiggleKey • 2y ago The difference between the Malibu and the Captiva is the Malibu is designed for the US market, you’re just getting the Korean built model (which still had issues mostly with the transmission) but the Captiva is a Daewoo through and through from design to manufacturing. Upvote 5 Downvote Award Share Share ma_che • 2y ago Oh I see. Makes sense, thanks for the insights Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share 1 more reply u/returnfalse avatar returnfalse • 2y ago American in Australia here. You may want to reconsider a large SUV if you’re going to be mostly in inner Sydney. It’s going to be a huge pain to drive in the city. Large vehicles are relatively rare in built-up areas of AUS. Here in Melbourne, I feel like the only ones driving large SUVs are real estate agents with a Discovery fitted for off-road driving (yet has clearly never been off-road). Upvote 25 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago Ah yes the infamous “Mall Cruiser”. Our intent for the large SUV is to gtfo of Sydney and see the country. Surf trips. Ski trips. Etc. I expect it will sit a lot during the normal school/work weeks. Upvote 11 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] Nidiocehai • 2y ago You will want at least a Subaru if you plan to go out back, or even the little Suzukis are pretty good... in four wheel drives.... Other than that a landcruiser (land bruiser) or Nissan Patrol. In general you're underestimating the quality of Australian roads, unless you plan on going way out in the sticks, in which case it does turn to dirt roads, but most of Australia's roads are paved. Oh yeah, Australians don't know how to drive in the snow, or even rain, so keep that in mind, and we don't sell "winter" tyres so you're going to need chains if you go out in the snow in winter. Upvote 12 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago Our Land Cruiser wears Michelin Defender LTX M/S that’s mud & snow, great do everything tire including snow. Hope y’all have those down there! Never needed chains in snow including a massive week of snow on Wolf Creek pass in SW Colorado a couple seasons ago. If we can manage a Prado I’m not worried about me, but definitely worried about everyone else! Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] Nidiocehai • 2y ago Oh yeah, you can get proper 4WD tyres, just not the ones for going four wheel driving in the New York City snow in winter season... We don't have real snow until you get to the alpine region, between Canberra and Melbourne. Sometimes Melbourne will get a light dusting of snow in winter as will Tasmania, particularly Hobart... But nothing here really necessitates having winter tyres, unless you're actually going out to the ski fields, in which case that's generally less than 3 months of the year, and honestly, unless you're doing the mountain pass on the Monaro Highway, going all the way through to Melbourne, completely useless and a waste of money. You can get proper 4WD tyres, just not for "four wheel driving" in the snow i.e. winter tyres for cars... The best you're going to get for that are basically called "all season" tyres that have a bit more grip in the wet. It doesn't snow in Australia unless you live somewhere near the Alpine regions. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] No_Ninja_4173 • 2y ago Every second person in the inner Melbourne Eastern Suburbs drive large SUV's, mostly BMW X5's , Porsche Cayenne, Landcruiser, any number of model of large Mercedes Benz SUV's and Audi's. Upvote 4 Downvote Award Share Share flippychick • 2y ago Anecdotally I feel that American car parks have much bigger spaces. I never have a problem parking giant rental cars over there yet somehow my small sedan takes a bit more effort in Australian car parks. Upvote 4 Downvote Award Share Share u/iilinga avatar iilinga • 2y ago Not sure anymore. Lets go with QLD Large vehicles are RARE in the city? No one has informed the soccer mums of expensive suburbs. Because they are like 90% range rovers and large SUVs Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share Rd28T • 2y ago • Edited 2y ago As a broad rule, the cars that will give the least grief and costs, in order from best down are: Japanese car, made in Japan. Japanese brand, but Thai or elsewhere production. Korean (Hyundai/Kia) Everything else you buy on the basis ‘I like car xyz enough to accept much higher ownership costs and depreciation.’ Or you can become instantly and completely accepted as a true blue Aussie by buying an AU or BA Falcon. Gods car. Handles and drinks fuel like the Queen Mary, roof lining will fall off, power steering will leak, may have head gasket issues - BUT is the best dirt/rough road passenger sedan in the world, outrageously comfortable with soft, long travel suspension, headlights that banish the night and aircon that will end you if you leave it on high too long - even on a 50 degree day between Cobar and Wilcannia. And the wagons can fit a 500L Kelvinator fridge in the back, or a king single mattress. They are fucking huuuuuge. Upvote 31 Downvote Award Share Share Kementarii • 2y ago Spoken like a true country traveller (re: old wagons). We are about to replace (sob), our venerable 2007 VZ Commodore wagon. Last of the wagons with decent storage space. Not a fan of SUVs - I'm too short, and getting too old to be climbing a mountain to get into a car. Roads are crap around here (1.5 lane dirt, full of potholes). "Someone" has to pull off into the ditch for two cars to pass, so without needing 4x4, need at least AWD. Have decided on the Subaru Outback. Slightly less clearance than the Forester, but only a smidge less length in the back than the VZ. (190-ish cm) Not nearly as much power, but should be comfy on the highway (and may keep me from getting so many speeding fines). Upvote 16 Downvote Award Share Share Rd28T • 2y ago It’s sad that our big Aussie cars are gone. Nothing else comes close for covering big country kms and getting out feeling fresh and comfortable still after a days driving. Outback’s are a great car too 👍, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Upvote 10 Downvote Award Share Share u/iilinga avatar iilinga • 2y ago Not sure anymore. Lets go with QLD I have an outback and I love it. I can fit so many things into it Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] Nidiocehai • 2y ago Yes, anything European is because "I have money" or "I like brand" Japanese cars are best, but if you can't afford that then a Hyundai is a poor mans Japanese car (Korean). Upvote 9 Downvote Award Share Share AgentSmith187 • 2y ago Heathen! I was a Commodore man myself. Owned every model from a VN to a VY at different points other than the VT which I somehow skipped. I kinda discounted recommending them to the OP as they seemed to be looking at newer vehicles though. Plus everyone thinks they are worth a fortune now because they are no longer made. What I did love about the Commodore is even when I had the VY SS it was still quite reasonable to run one along a dirt road at speed at night. My last big trip in a Commodore was during the 2019/20 fires when i drove one from NQ to Sydney, spent 2 weeks fighting the fires and drove back. 2000kms each way and I went the inland route. Spent so much time weaving through basically farm tracks as I detoured around roads closed by fires it wasn't funny. Not bad for a $2000 car. Poor thing was in poor shape when I started and about the same when I sold it last year. Looked like crap but absolutely unkillable mechanically. Upvote 8 Downvote Award Share Share Rd28T • 2y ago Only because it’s on Reddit and anonymous, I can admit that commodores aren’t a completely terrible car lol. Dad is finally going to sell his manual, navy blue VR Executive this weekend. He has had a succession of new cars over the years, but he has always kept the commodore to tow the car trailer full of firewood whilst whatever new car he has had at the time stays safe in the garage away from the sun and birdshit ahaha Upvote 5 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago Ok now I’m intrigued. Off to search up Falcons Upvote 7 Downvote Award Share Share Rd28T • 2y ago You won’t regret it. If you are posh as fuck you can upgrade to a Fairlane (long wheel base version). Lambswool seats, personal cigarette lighter for every passenger, more chrome than you can poke a stick at. The last video is long but awesome: https://youtu.be/qp2ova1JwhA https://m.facebook.com/aufalcons/ https://youtu.be/cWaNzBoGEyA Upvote 13 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago This is my kind of rabbit hole to fall down, appreciate this. Even more interesting to me because these didn’t exist in North American market. Closest thing a Taurus. Upvote 10 Downvote Award Share Share Rd28T • 2y ago Enjoy you introduction to the finest Australiana. Whilst it had a ‘Ford’ badge on the front and owned by Ford US - it really was an Australian car for Australian conditions. Designed and built for Australia, in Australia. Big, heavy, RWD, suspension tune to suit our high speed, but often poor quality roads with little attention to correct road camber. The best I ever saw was an old maroon early 90s Fairlane being driven at speed on the bone shatteringly corrugated Tanami Track (dirt track across the desert, very remote, 700km+ stretches with no fuel, water or services of any kind). Our group was all in 4WDs equipped for the adventure, and the old Indigenous man driving the old Fairlane to/from one of the remote communities out there blew past us like we were standing still. The wheels looked like they were about to fall off, but the body floated above it all like a magic carpet. Upvote 15 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago This is incredible https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Australia it seems Ford was perhaps the best domestic producer based on what I learned about Holden history. Dammitt now I really want one. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share Rd28T • 2y ago Or the true jewel in the crown: https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/australias-best-ford-falcon-gtho-phase-iii-for-sale-132109 Fastest four door production car in the world on release. Upvote 5 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago Fantastic. 😍 Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share Rd28T • 2y ago Check out these bad boys: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FPV_F6 Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share 1 more reply AgentSmith187 • 2y ago The Commodore was the GM equivalent and I'm biased enough to say a far better machine. They also stopped producing them. Closest thing a Taurus. Having briefly driven one its chalk and cheese. For starters both Commodore and Falcon were RWD not FWD. They were the sort of vehicle you could drive on the daily commute, load up a family and a caravan to cross the country on a holiday and take to a track day on the weekend. Ford vs Holden was once very important to many Australians. But Holden is no longer and Ford sells a variety of unreliable Euro and US models they haven't even attempted to adjust to Australian conditions like Holden did at one point before sales tanked. But im old enough to remember when every second car on the road almost was a Commodore or a Falcon. Speaking of which look into the Ford Everest. Fairly recent introduction to Australia and aimed firmly at the Prado buyers market. Have not proven themselves as capable off road as a Prado nor as reliable but as an SUV kept out of the worst of it at the right price it may suit you. Not everyone needs a daily driver that will climb a near vertical slope or travel up and down steps in the middle of nowhere like a Prado will. Upvote 6 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago In ‘Merica the Ford vs Chevy (GM) debate is embedded in our culture DNA. Another thing we have in common. I’m genuinely sorry that has slipped into the past for y’all. Here both Ford and GM are doing very well indeed, back to or perhaps even beyond their quality and reliability zeniths. We love our new GMC Yukon XL for example it’s fantastic. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] Nidiocehai • 2y ago Holdens/Fords that were made in Australia are basically GM underpinnings so engine/gearbox issues aren't a problem, actually the Ford/Holden V6 is European but still not a problem as parts are available. The V8s are a bit... yeah... how's it going.... I would only buy a Holden if it had an LS motor in it... We started putting LS1s and up in Holdens in the mid 2000s. Although with the price of "gas" you don't want an LS unless it's for a hobby car to take to the track. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago Oh emm geeeee now we’re talkin https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/1992-ford-falcon-gli-eb-ii-auto/SSE-AD-12908833 Now THAT would make a fine surf wagon Upvote 10 Downvote Award Share Share Rd28T • 2y ago That’s a fucking beautiful example - I’m gunna go buy it before you get here and take it lol. I had the model after that, in a wagon, in British racing green as my first car. The torque from the big, lazy, 4L straight six was epic. I remember once hitting the bottom of the hill coming back up from the Mooney Mooney Bridge (you will get to go on that when you go to the central coast beaches from Sydney) doing about 120km/h, it was late with no traffic and belted it in the guts (young and stupid I was), and was doing 160 in 3rd gear at the top lol. Upvote 11 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago If that’s the venerable I-6 platform well then abso-freakin’-lutely. And did I just read about a turbocharged variant called the “Barra”? Might have to have some restomod fun down there with you guys on one of these. Barra swapped Xn sounds like good fun Upvote 4 Downvote Award Share Share Fully_sik_uleh • 2y ago Hey matey, im kinda late to the party i guess (5-6 days late lol). Just wanted to add a few things myself. I own a BA Falcon with the mighty turbocharged Barra, its my fun ass daily driver and if your into car modifications, i think you'll love it too. If your after something like a Turbo Falcon as a family car with some oomph, the instead of an XR6 Turbo, maybe go for a G6E, nice luxurious, leather interior with all the mod cons plus the Turbo Barra to boot. Fun daily to take the wife shopping, the kids around to sport/school functions, and to have a bit of fun while on your own ;-) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE5ukQELgMw Alternatively if your attached to the GMC Yukon you mentioned in one of your previous comments you could probably privately import that when you arrive, but driving a big LHD yank tank suv on aussie roads would probably get quite bothersome but i have seen it done with some lady and her husband who brought over there jumbo Ford F truck lol Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago We haven't owned it for 12 months yet so unpossible to import, besides which it would be insane to have it over there - yank tank SUV is so on point :D I love a good fun car that can be played with, modded and what all and the appeal of a genuine Aussie original is very strong. Alas methinks practicality will win out in a Prado and small EV. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share 5 more replies Luckywithtime • 2y ago Just went to carsguide.com.au. I remember hearing it had some mechanical issues but didn't expect their section on it too be this big: 'A turbo-diesel Captiva carries the same caveats, issues, complaints, problems, common faults and reliability issues as any other make or model diesel with a soot filter fitted. That includes the chance that the filter will never get hot enough in urban driving to clean itself. Manually cleaning or even replacing the filter (in a worst-case scenario) equals big dollars. Diesel fuel-injectors can also have a short life, particularly if the vehicle has been used to tow heavy loads. The turbo-diesel engine also required replacement of the toothed rubber timing belt at 90,000km, so be very wary of a diesel Captiva with 85,000km that seems like a steal. The earlier two-litre diesel was also prone to bearing failure in the rocker arms, a problem made worse by a lack of servicing. Holden eventually even issued a recall to fix the affected vehicles. The petrol V6 engine uses a timing chain rather than a belt, but these are prone to stretching, at which point they require replacement. Given the east-west engine location in the Captiva, this is not an easy (nor, therefore, cheap) job. The problem is more likely to crop up in cars that have suffered skipped oil changes, so a look at the service handbook will tell you a lot. The first signs of a stretched timing chain might be a rattling noise from the top of the engine when it’s hot, or a 'check-engine' light on the dashboard as the computer becomes confused by the slack chain. The V6 has also been accused of rough running and a poor idle and the usual solution is to fill the tank with premium ULP rather than the standard 91-octane fuel. That will often fix the problem but adds considerably to the running-cost bottom line. The other fix for the same problem is sometimes to replace the oxygen sensor. Again, a bung sensor will often trigger a dashboard light but some Captivas have also taken it upon themselves to randomly switch on their `ECU’ light. Some owners have reported replacing the on-board computer multiple times to try to fix this and other electrical problems, including a sudden loss of power which the trade reckons is a faulty connector in the wiring harness. In that case the fix is simple; the connector which has acquired moisture needs to be dried out and re-sealed, but that’s only possible once the problem has been diagnosed. Anybody who has replaced tyres on a Captiva may also have discovered that the vehicle seems very difficult to wheel-align correctly. The wheel-alignment industry reckons the Holden is very hard to accurately set-up, but incorrect camber settings (in particular) will lead to accelerated tyre wear. The Captiva has also been prone to automatic transmission problems, apart from getting used to the sometimes patchy shift pattern that seems part and parcel of the vehicle. Problems include a loss of drive or failure to select a particular gear. Holden was replacing entire transmissions in some cases. The odd thump of bang from the gearbox is also not uncommon, particularly when shifting back to first gear.' Also notable that under their section called 'Things we like' the only point was that is was a lot of car for the money. If you're familiar with working on Toyotas maybe check out how much a clean Prado is going to cost you. My parents have an '02 model and are not gentle with it, but it is a big comfortable 7 seater that gets them everywhere they need to go. Upvote 24 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago Fantastic resource - thanks for sharing, yeah Prado was high on our list along w/ an EV - we have a Tesla here in the states - the Mrs car - she loves it - I'm slowly being won over. For around town we're thinking EV (but maybe a Hyundai/Kia) - road trips, bigger hauls, Prado is on my very short list. I'd love a full sized Land Cruiser but y'all's market is even more insane than ours where they've discontinued the LC altogether and may bring in the 300 series in gaudy Lexus trim only. But dang, as Americans I don't know if we can get financing with no 'credit history' in AUS and I am loathe to tie up that much cash in cars! It's ridiculous. Combine w/ diesel/petrol costs and, welp, I'm not wanting a V8 turbo-diesel. All roads lead to Prado it seems for the 'family' vehicle. Upvote 13 Downvote Award Share Share AgentSmith187 • 2y ago I highly recommend a Prado if you live in the country but in the city it seems like a hell of a waste of money. They are also kinda agricultural to drive. I just brought mine back from NQ. It served admirably and was great for wadding through flooded road, poised on dirt tracks at 100kmh+ and the bullbar proved more than effective at dealing with Roos. On the EV front i have actually ordered a Hyundai Ioniq for a city commuter (but they get my Prado out of my cold dead hands too). Bad news though is our used car market is screwed right now and many times worse than usual because our new car market has serious supply issues. The wait for a new car can be between 3 and 18 months now. For a Hybrid double it. For an EV well you think Prados are expensive lol. Even then wait lists start at months. But because of this people who would have brought new cars for assorted reasons like theirs was involved in an accident or broke down catastrophically can't wait until one is available and instead are trying to buy near new ones to the point the price of a 2 to 3 year old car can be close to or even more than the new price. It's insane. My Prado is a 2015 model. I was offered $40k as a trade in because it's a bit beaten and has obviously spent time off road and under water and that scares buyers. They always low ball on trade ins. The insurance company says it starts at $51k value for insurance purposes. But go back about 3 years you could buy a 2 year old Prado with 50,000kms on it for about $40k used from an ex-fleet dealer. I know because I was considering trading up to one at the time but decided against due to the cost of replacing all the extras I have added to mine. Not even 6 months back when transferring the registration from one state to another they had to look up the "market value" for the transfer and came back with $40-45k. It's the only car I have owned that is seriously appreciating in value. The problem is so is everything I would replace it with lol. EV wise I have been considering my options for a few months now. Obviously you have the Tesla but it's expensive and build quality is dubious at best. The Polestar 2 also has build quality issues. The current Hyundai Ioniq is short range and I believe is being discontinued in the near future. So if you go that way be quick I guess. I'm still looking at October delivery even though I already ordered one. The Ioniq 5 is sold out. They release about 500 at a time and it usually sells out in hours. Then you wait a few months to actually get one. Personally I also think it's as ugly as sin and way overpriced. It's Tesla money. Kia currently has 2 options. The Kona (not my style of car) is OK or the EV6. The EV6 does look like the pick of the litter right now. But your paying through the nose for one. Oh and waiting again. Upvote 7 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago Agreed Prado is impractical for a city car - our use case though, can justify one. Weekend trips out into the woods, surfing, camping, mountain biking, ski trips, and hauling kids to/from sport, a dog, blah blah blah. Agree they drive like trucks. I wish y'all had GM SUVs there, we have a new GMC Yukon XL and it is amazing. And enormous. Diesel - gets great mileage for something so huge, is very comfortable, fantastic on road trips, they nailed the new one even with the *gasp* IRS move. For what we call a 'mall cruiser' (Shopping mall, not sure what y'all call those) kid hauler grocery getter we love it. I did see that EV6 - pretty hot. I like it. We'll see. Agreed on Tesla build quality, it's shameful. Sad to hear Polestar is in the same realm. Upvote 5 Downvote Award Share Share u/Cimexus avatar Cimexus • 2y ago Canberra ACT, Australia and Madison WI, USA It’s worth pointing out that Australian market Telsas are now built at the Shanghai factory rather than Fremont (US). In my experience (sample size admittedly small, two from each factory), the Shanghai-made cars are better on average. Like, you can get a good car from either, but the most egregious examples of poor quality I’ve only ever seen from Fremont. Shanghai is at least more consistent, and I’d say they have OK build quality on par with other major non-luxury makes. Just don’t compare them with BMW or Mercedes etc. because they aren’t anywhere near that level of fit and finish. Upvote 6 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago 💯 agreed on the comparison to German luxury makers. No surprise Shanghai is more consistent. Do you know when AUS market switched to Shanghai? Looking at used. Upvote 4 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] Nidiocehai • 2y ago If you're not taking it off road, hard pass on anything four wheel drive unless it's a Subaru of course. You will see why... We've adopted the same "soccer mum" mentality over here... The stupid things are everywhere because they're "big and safe" but they never leave the bitumen that the road is made out of over here. Then you get to a carpark, especially an underground one and they're the most annoying things in the world. You can have yourself an accident because you can't see over the next car... Oh yeah, if you must buy something buy a Hilux. It's basically a Tacoma by now. Those things that are designed for the American market as pickups are very good and quite spacious, even in the back. Upvote 4 Downvote Award Share Share kingofthewombat • 2y ago If you’re moving to Sydney I very much doubt you will want to drive into the city, there’s no parking Upvote 7 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago Yeah planning on using the trains and busses to get into CBD - my office is in N Sydney, Mrs is at uh . . . Barangaroo - but we both work from home most of the time, plan on basing at a northern beach. So these would be suburb runners, market, errands on the weekends type use case, and as I mentioned in another comment, outdoor activity road trip car, not sure what y'all call that but basically taking off into the country to gtfo of the city :) Upvote 4 Downvote Award Share Share 3 more replies [deleted] Nidiocehai • 2y ago Hyundai is OK but Toyota, is next level... Also it's relatively easy to service Toyotas due to our relative proximity to Japan. Upvote 6 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago That’s a topic for another thread maybe the Sydney forum we always work hard to find a great mechanic and build a long term relationship. I’m not moving the entire house so all my garage gear, tools, stay here :(. Gonna need to find a great shop in northern beaches or lower N Shore Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] Nidiocehai • 2y ago Oh northern beaches, I'd be moving somewhere near Manly if I could, great public transport, and only one ferry stop into the city. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share 8 more replies u/ProblemMaleficent713 avatar ProblemMaleficent713 • 2y ago As a northern beaches local I thought I'd let you know that heaps of our suburban streets are tiny. Cars parked both sides so ultimately turning a lot of streets into one lane,a few soccer mums drive around land cruisers and struggle. We're a family of 4 who skis a few times a season and heads to the bush every 2nd week and we drive a Toyota kluger. We've had it about 10 years now and it's still my favourite car to drive. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share 1 more reply RedRedditor84 • 2y ago Perth I really wanted an EV for my next car but I couldn't bring myself to drop $240k on a model Ｘ. Ended up going on a 12 month waiting list for a Rav4 hybrid. P.s if you enjoy car prices then you'll love the price of *gestures broadly at everything. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share 6 more replies Profession_Mobile Cake icon • 2y ago I would buy a landcruiser over a Holden Captiva. Toyotas are also good and reliable for Australia. Upvote 12 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] No_Ninja_4173 • 2y ago Landcruisers are like 3 times the price though Upvote 6 Downvote Award Share Share 1 more reply [deleted] 3WayHarry • 2y ago Have you Had a look at Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun)? Way less expensive than a Prado. They're known for oil leaks and most will have lots of miles on them, but they're reliable. A well maintained one is good value, from 2010 model onwards. Upvote 6 Downvote Award Share Share AgentSmith187 • 2y ago I would give a massive hell no to that. We had them at work and they forever broke down. They seem to do intercoolers, turbo and wheel bearings at an alarming rate. Mitsubishi discontinued them for a good reason. They handled poorly around town and were absolutely useless off road. Oh and a last warning they go through transfer cases (I think that's what it's called, the bit to change from 2H to 4H and 4L) like its going out of fashion. Basically every one did one at least once a year. We also had the less serious issues with the rear door hold open bar snapping and the tailgate getting out of alignment and a lot of the plastic trim fling off. Upvote 5 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] 3WayHarry • 2y ago Not my experience at all. Where you using the Pajero as a Fleet vehicle in the mines or something? Upvote 4 Downvote Award Share Share AgentSmith187 • 2y ago Not anything as abusive as the mines but as a fleet vehicle in rail which did require travel down dirt tracks to meet the rail line and relieve trains. It was in NQ so the roads up there are far from ideal even though they spent 95% of their life on sealed roads the roads are horrible to be fair. But that said we also had Prados still running with over half a million kms on them that were in much better condition and much more reliable than the Pajeros once they hit about 100 thousand. We had supply issues in the end and instead of being able to swap them out once they hit 200 thousand some were close to 350 thousand. Mitsubishi then told our company they would no longer be producing them. They are being swapped out by highest kms first for Isuzu MUXs now and so far all reports is they seem to handle things fine. Another company was trialing Toyota Fortuners and they seem much happier with them too. Upvote 5 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] 3WayHarry • 2y ago Yep, those Toyotas are pretty good! Tip to the OP: don't buy an ex fleet Pajero! Upvote 4 Downvote Award Share Share AgentSmith187 • 2y ago Oh I wouldn't wish our used ones on anyone. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share 4 more replies [deleted] Nidiocehai • 2y ago Also the gearboxes in Mitsubishi Pajeros are crap as compared to a Toyota. Listen, you're either one of those people who buys a Toyota, or the other type that for some strange reason who has a weird fetish for Nissans and buy's a Patrol instead... It's OK... but it's a poor mans Toyota by comparison. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share 4 more replies decreed_it OP • 2y ago Haven't - but I will now. Seems to be a LOT more Toyotas than Mitsus there but it's fine, will check them out. Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] marcus0002 • 2y ago Do not buy a Captiva. They are cheap for a reason. If you want a Holden stick to the commodores, no newer than 2017 as after that they switched to an imported model that was a completely different sort of car. Upvote 4 Downvote Award Share Share brezhnervous • 2y ago Go Japanese. Like a Subaru Outlander etc Upvote 4 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] [deleted] • 2y ago • Edited 2y ago I bought a used Craptiva. It was alright for 2 to 3 years but then it had a bunch of issues. It became very difficult to sell in the end. Edit: I'll add that I sold it for a relatively good price to someone who had just moved from overseas who clearly had no clue about the bad reputation. I bought it myself when I first moved here too lol. Upvote 7 Downvote Award Share Share No_pajamas_7 • 2y ago Don't buy the Equinox either. They are just as bad. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] Nidiocehai • 2y ago It's a Korean car from the original brand of Daewoo just like some things that are marketed under the Chevrolet brand in the US. You have two problems... it's a Holden. It's imported. You're best off in Australia buying anything with a Toyota badge. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share mungowungo • 2y ago Yep get a Toyota. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share u/montdidier avatar montdidier • 2y ago The Captiva is a terrible vehicle. Holden made some decent vehicles over the years, but today I am not convinced that is still true. GM shivved the Australian auto industry and competitors are making superior vehicles. Holden is likely forever dead to me. I save any remaining feelings for the brand when I see well preserved examples of a bygone era. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share Vegesaurus-Rex • 2y ago We have a 2014 holden cruise and it's the worst car we've ever owned. Constant issues and because of it my partner and I have said we'll never own another holden. As soon as he pulls his finger out and works out which car to replace it with, it's gone. It's too unreliable and we don't trust it to drive long distances. The check engine light never goes off. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share ColdEvenKeeled • 2y ago We rented a Holden SUV recently, it was absolute garbage. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] [deleted] • 2y ago Ford AU station wagon.... Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share u/iilinga avatar iilinga • 2y ago Not sure anymore. Lets go with QLD I would say bad. Haven’t heard much good about captivas. Can you get a Toyota? Or if you need an SUV maybe a Mazda? Car prices are through the roof due to a shortage of new cars and then a few natural disasters. So many cars got flood damaged in the recent floods in NSW and QLD Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] lachjeff • 2y ago It’s not the worst idea, but I used love behind a mechanic and every one of the 6 or 7 blokes who worked there said they wouldn’t buy a Holden and recommend Toyota instead Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share OddBet475 • 2y ago • Edited 2y ago If weren't in a family situation and had an interest in falcons as seems you do I would have said look at a BF RTV ute but not an option at two seats only barring rare 3 seat bench examples. We've owned a BA XLS ute and a BF SR sedan, both were fun cars and we had minimal issues with them (barra engine is pretty solid) but like many these became too expensive to own with feul prices and 6cyl registration costs so we went the way of a Hyundai and a Kia. I can't speak to commodores and such, never had one but similar expense concerns apply. Captiva as others say have a horrendous reputation. Toyota is still good but getting very expensive to purchase and I'm not convinced they are as solid as they used to be (heard some stories), some say they are riding on the historic reputation of reliability and perhaps not living up to it on all fronts anymore (only opinion I've heard from some folk so take with a grain of salt, could be limited in truth) would still be a fair enough bet if can afford one, if an older model void point anyway. Whatever you opt for there are some good Australian review channels on YouTube that cover most cars in the market, 'chasing cars' is not a bad one and pretty unbiased. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] No_Ninja_4173 • 2y ago The Best SUV in the world is apparently the Kia Sorento, not that I have one but according to all the Car magazines, Wheels, Car and Driver etc, it's won every "best SUV under $000's" in a certain class for past years in a row. It's not super popular because most people prefer getting something with a more prestige name for a bit more I believe but you should look into it. have seen it on the road and it looks OK. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share u/Osariik avatar Osariik • 2y ago Melbourne | Volcano Guy Our car prices are wild because all cars are imported here since Holden folded and Ford stopped manufacturing here Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share NoodleBox • 2y ago VIC AU yeah the craptiva is not good. The newer sedans seem alright! Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share fleur_waratah_girl • 2y ago • Edited 2y ago Holden has been terrible for years. I had a 94 Barina that I drove into the ground and eventually traded up for a Cruze in 2010....biggest mistake ever, heap of fucking garbage and has been nothing but a money pit. Funnily enough the freind I sold the Barina to paid me $300 for it, did a little work and it's still running strong. I think that little bitch is gonna outlast the cruze by a decade. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share fleur_waratah_girl • 2y ago Unless you're buying a commodore I'd stay way clear. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share Bluberri13 • 2y ago Definitely not the Captiva. But for a midsize SUV we have loved our 2017 Nissan X-Trail. It’s not an off road 4WD but we have done a couple of road trips in it with no issues. Its smooth and comfortable, easy enough to park since it’s not over sized and has a reasonable fuel economy. Our second car is our 3rd Nissan, a 2013 Dualis, later models labeled as a Qashqai, it’s a smaller SUV and aside from a couple of electrical issues so far it’s been a great car. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share u/fourjobs avatar fourjobs • 2y ago F the captiva. If you’re gonna buy a holden get a colorad/ Trailblazer. Ute or wagon doesn’t matter. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share u/Noneyabeezwaz avatar Noneyabeezwaz • 2y ago Do urself a favour and get a vf ss mate Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago for you Prado people on the thread, I'm very familiar with US/North America market Land Cruisers and the Lexus "GX" (Prado) - all Petrol models, no diesel in NA. Can somebody point me to the definitive Land Cruiser/Prado forums to do the research? Example question I'd have, looks like around 2012-14ish they moved from a 3.0L 4cyl turbo diesel to a 2.8, sometimes those engines get a reputation as 'holy grail' reliability, and usually the replacement is either worse, or fixes some systemic issue. And then buyer's guides, we have that kind of forum here called ih8mud.com it's the defacto standard. I know some Aussies are there, but don't know if that's THE one for AUS, right? Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share sarschy • 2y ago I'm just gonna chime in with Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid. Most popular SUV these days. Upvote 8 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago Saw those! Def looking at hybrids too. Can't go wrong w/ Toyota. True across the entire globe. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share wilful • 2y ago We've got a new model RAV4 hybrid and as far as I'm concerned it's the best car we've ever owned. Super efficient (around 5l/100km), heaps of space in the back, very easy to drive. The biggest issue is availability, Toyota can't keep up with demand. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago Good 4x4? Are they AWD or legit 4x4? Super attractive option with that efficiency! And I think AWD would be more than sufficient for our usage. Add a bull bar and let’s go 😂 Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share wilful • 2y ago Only SUV standard, definitely not a proper 4WD, but people tend to overestimate their 4WD needs. It will get you to the snow comfortably and relatively cheaply. It will handle dirt roads fine, it won't go into the serious forest tracks, but frankly less people should be out there buggering up the bush imho. Upvote 4 Downvote Award Share Share sarschy • 2y ago AWD, with bullbar/nudgebar options. Can't wait to get mine at the end of the year. (: Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share AgentSmith187 • 2y ago Prado point I would say. When I'm looking up niche issues or modifications to my Prado I always end up there. I own a 3L diesel myself. Couldn't convince me to buy a petrol version. My engine spent too much time underwater to risk a Petrol. The thing will cruise along fine at legal highway speeds but lacks a bit of top end. But the torque is amazing. If you need to tow something substantial it will do it all day long with little complaint. Or if you need to remove a stump from the ground it will do that too. The number of times I have set up to drag something incredibly heavy only to reliae I started moving it when I thought I was taking up the slack is just plain funny. Used to be Diesel was cheaper than petrol too but not currently. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago How’s the efficiency? Decent? I’m fine with torque over horsepower. In America, maybe there too, they say we buy horsepower but drive torque. Torque is what we want but don’t know it. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share AgentSmith187 • 2y ago Im averaging 10.9L per 100kms (how when generally talk about fuel efficiency in Australia not mpg) but im now in Sydney's outskirts and dealing with traffic a lot so it's a bit of a guzzler to tell the truth. Hence I'm getting the Ioniq Electric to use for that instead. From memory it was 8 to 9L to the hundred when I did more open road driving. Mine also set up for off-road use so think bullbar, rock sliders, underbody plates, snorkel etc. So it's heavier than standard and a lot less aerodynamic I'm sure. At the end of the day by Australian Standards it's a large vehicle. It's going to cost to push one along compared to a smaller one. P.S My old Commodore I had before it was using 13L/100 of premium 98 petrol. So the Prado was cheaper to run. But the Commodore had a dirty big V8 in it too lol Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago Ah yes that’s another question I had. If we’re doing some late night driving to/from the Ski mountains, Thredbo, Perisher, we legit need a bull bar? I’ve seen personally on travels and heard the Roos like to hang out on the roads at night. They do that in the winter too? Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share AgentSmith187 • 2y ago I would recommend one any time you leave the city doing night driving in Australia. If your vehicle is suitable for one. Its just a matter of time before nature's suicide bomber find you otherwise. Taking a Roo to the bonnet will absolutely ruin any trip and often writes vehicles off. If your willing to not travel between dusk and dawn you probably won't need one. But even then you may get unlucky. Upvote 2 Downvote Award Share Share 7 more replies u/_Blackbird_13 avatar _Blackbird_13 • 2y ago Had a Holden, they're shit. If you want a solid reliable car that won't cost an arm and a leg to run, get yourself a Mazda CX series. CX5 and CX7 are good options. Very reliable, parts are cheap and pretty fuel efficient. Good luck with the move. Be sure to check out other parts of the country too. Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share u/AutoModerator avatar AutoModerator MOD • 2y ago We have been getting a large volume of spam from throwaway accounts and so posts from brand new accounts will no longer be allowed. Your post has been removed because your account is too new. Please wait until your account is at least 48 hours old and then try again or message the mods and we'll validate your post. Thanks! I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. Upvote 0 Downvote Award Share Share bazza_ryder • 2y ago If the price of Cruisers is scaring you, have a look at Prados, you may have more luck. Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share u/Low_Commission_4595 avatar Low_Commission_4595 • 2y ago Yes. They’re bad nowadays. Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share pez96 • 2y ago Avoid the Captiva at all costs they’re all terribly built and expensive to maintain Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share u/petergaskin814 avatar petergaskin814 • 2y ago The Captiva from 2016 was a much better model. The problem will be lack of support as Holden no longer operates in Australia Upvote 0 Downvote Award Share Share Extra_Astronomer8242 • 2y ago NEVER buy a diesel Captiva!!!! Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share [deleted] Gracie1994 • 2y ago They are cheap because they are crap. That's about it! Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share AntonioPanadero • 2y ago I mean if you can find someone who will pay you to take one I’d probably consider it… Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago 😂 this says all I needed to know Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share YassBooBoo • 2y ago DO NOT BUY A CRAPTIVA. I mean... unless you want issues that cost thousands to fix each time. If you want a reliable vehicle - purchase a Toyota. Also pre-owned vehicle prices are quite high here now so would suggest buying new or demo. Do you have a budget in mind? Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share decreed_it OP • 2y ago • Edited 2y ago Budget is tricky. Theoretically we will own only 3 to 3.5 years. If I could lease a new car I would. I’ve learned y’all don’t have leases like we do in the US. So that’s out. We’d finance a new car with as little cash down as possible, but, new cars have crazy long lead times, and we won’t have established credit there. So I’m afraid that leaves purchase used and as said elsewhere in the thread I’m loathe to tie up a lot of cash. Late model EV and a Prado could be a LOT of cash. We’re going to double check financing is not avail because if it is at a good to decent rate that changes the equation. Finance, sell when we leave. If I gotta pay cash will be reducing expectations considerably and getting something good enough to eek out the 3 years. We generally budget 1000 USD per month per car all in for nice new cars and flip them at 2-3 years. Leases here have gone to the wayside very recently with the broken supply chain. I hate owning depreciating assets. Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share Dani66408 • 2y ago Liverpool, NSW The Captiva diesels are quite good particularly the 3rd gen I cannot say the same about the petrol 1st and 2nd gens. My Mum owns one and she can't complain. It gets her A to B and is very economical to run considering the price of diesel nowadays. The VZ commodore that Mum owned on the other hand was always giving her trouble. She later upgraded to a V8 Toyota Landcruiser. Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share Dani66408 • 2y ago Liverpool, NSW If I were to buy a car, I would steer clear of Holden and Ford for that matter and buy a Toyota, Honda or Subaru. The Toyota Camry, Aurion, Kluger are all good cars for a family and are cheap to run. The Subaru Liberty, Forester are also good cars and Honda Civic, Accord and CR-V are all good cars. The last cars that Holden and Ford made were bombs from 2005-2017 when production stopped here in Australia. Upvote 3 Downvote Award Share Share Spirited_Tomorrow_20 • 2y ago Don’t buy a Captiva, they are junk trust me they are more trouble than they are worth Upvote 1 Downvote Award Share Share karma3000 • 2y ago