HSV Problems

Confirming genuine classics can be difficult and requires intimate knowledge of the make and model to be certain.

I would contact Holden's customer assistance people, give them the id numbers of your car and ask them to check against their production records.

If they can't do that contact a club such as an HSV Owners Club and ask them to help you. There isn't a club in the NT, so contact another state's club.

A guiding range for the value of your car is $38,000 to $46,000, but it can vary widely depending on originality, condition, kilometres done etc.

I don’t believe it will increase in value in the short to medium term, in fact it will probably drop in value, but because of its relative rarity it could increase in value over the long term. If you plan to keep it in the hope it does I would use it sparingly, service it regularly, and keep it covered even when garaged.

The price is higher than average for a 2005 Grange, but the kilometres of the car you're looking at are less than the average.

On the surface it seems a good buy if it is a genuine HSV Grange and the odometer is correct.

There's not a lot that goes wrong with them, so focus on things like condition, which is paramount in an older car, and servicing is equally important.

I have no doubt that it was frightening and I'm equally as sure that the experts you have spoken to are correct, and that the explanation you have been given is pure fantasy. It would have to be a major side impact to trigger the bags and it would seem that just hasn't happened. Something being flicked up from the road is not going to set the bags off. Go back to Holden and demand a proper explanation.

The warranty that came with the car covers the whole car, not just the HSV-specific parts. Talk to your dealer, who I'm sure will be both an HSV dealer and a Holden dealer, he should be able to repair the sat-nav screen and send the bill to either HSV or Holden, in this case it should be Holden.

In the short term either would have about the same resale, but if you're thinking about which might be more attractive to collectors in the longer term I would think the Clubsport would be the better one.

I can sympathize with you, the car could one day be a classic and the wrong caliper finish could affect its value with HSV enthusiasts. It seems clear that the problem was caused by sloppy work during the service and the dealer has accepted responsibility for it, but the action he's suggesting isn't acceptable to you. It would seem to me that it's not a huge cost to him to replace the calipers, and it would be to his advantage as a reputable dealer to do the right thing. You can try to negotiate with him to get what you want, or you could enlist the help of a solicitor and have him send the dealer a letter setting out your case and what you want.

Clearly it is frustrating, but you are doing the right thing in insisting the car be fixed. I would suggest you meet with the dealer and try and sort it out face to face rather than by phone, e-mail or any other remote means of communication. Don't be fobbed off with a junior member of staff, talk to the dealer manager. If that doesn't result in a resolution, go up the ladder to Holden and again seek to talk to a senior manager. If all else fails enlist the help of a lawyer.

Glass's Guide analyst Rushad Parkar replies: "The values of these models have been improving and are now quite strong and likely to continue to improve in the short and long term. This relatively low-mileage vehicle would sell for about $35,000. The market for V8 performance cars is quite strong and, with the demise of local production, is likely to remain so. Original, unmodified vehicles are particularly sought after."

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.