Who looks after Holdens now?
GM announced on 17 February 2020 that Holden would be retired. The next day it said the after-sales network would keep providing spare parts, repairs, servicing and any recall or field action, and that dealers could stay on as authorised service outlets.
That promise dates from 2020, so check what's still in place for your car. A mechanic who sees Holdens regularly will know where the parts come from these days.
Holden had roots here too: it assembled cars at Trentham until production there was phased out from 1990.
Which maker is really under the badge?
Holden sold plenty of cars that other makers designed. The Rodeo was Isuzu-based, the Barina from 2005 came from Daewoo, the Colorado and Trax were Chevrolets, and several models were Opels, including the very last Commodore, the ZB.
That matters for parts and know-how. A mechanic who does a lot of Isuzu utes understands a Rodeo, and one who's at home on European cars will cope well with the Opel-built ZB. Tell them the model, the year and the engine.
The last Commodore Holden built itself came off the line on 20 October 2017, so even the youngest of those cars is getting on.
Signs an older Holden needs a look soon
- A temperature gauge creeping higher than usual. If it reaches the red, pull over somewhere safe and switch off.
- Fresh oil or coolant spots where the car is parked.
- Slow, laboured starting on cold mornings.
- Clunks over bumps, or a car that wanders on the motorway.
- A warning light that comes and goes.
Keeping it, or buying one?
If you're keeping your Holden, stay with one mechanic rather than whichever garage is closest that week. Consumer Protection points out that a garage you use regularly keeps notes on your services, warrants and repairs, and on an older car that history is gold.
If you're buying one, have it inspected first. Consumer Protection also reminds buyers that a current WoF doesn't mean the car is in good mechanical condition. Our page on pre-purchase inspections covers what to ask for.
Keeping an older Holden going
You can
- Check the oil, and the coolant level in the see-through tank, on a cold car.
- Look under the car where it's parked for fresh drips.
- Keep the service invoices together in the glovebox or as photos.
Leave to the mechanic
- The cambelt (the toothed belt that keeps the valves in step) and water pump, if the engine has a belt.
- Suspension bushes, engine mounts and hoses that have hardened with age.
- Diagnosing warning lights.
What we'd do with a Holden
Our first move would be one thorough going-over by a mechanic who still sees plenty of Holdens, with the findings written down in order of urgency. That list tells you what the car needs this year and what can wait. Before any big repair, we'd weigh the written quote against what the car is worth to you.