So, I bought a Captiva! My thoughts so far [Archive] - Australian LS1 and Holden Forums

mickeyVX350

11-02-2013, 01:59 PM

Well guys, many reasons forced my hand, but I bit the bullet and bought my first new car ever. I loved my Adventra, and I still have it in the shed (it must go though!) and I really agonised over what the replacement should be. I didn't want anything big or thirsty, so that cut the options. I needed something that I could lug band gear in, and something that had at least the same lux spec as my Adventra CX6 (Climate, leather, stacker, cruise) and the ability to go off road onto gravel roads with sufficient clearance and good AWD grip. My Adventra was super for this!

My shortlist was:
Hyundai ix35 - too angular in the load area
Kia Sorrento - Quite dear for the Platinum
Colorado 7 - hrmmm
Kluger - dull and expensive
Territory - a bit big and a buit hungry.

I ended up with a 2012 Runout Captiva LX7 from Ferntree Gully Holden. Sunroof, sidesteps and 2.2 CRTD.... My thoughts so far:

1. Great styling, it maybe the colour (Ironite Silver), but it looks great, nice lines. It's a bit flat on the nose, but the mid is very X5 ish.
2. It's a good drive, not interesting, not fun, but comfortable. I have a CV8 for fun!
3. It's econonomical so far, 550K from the first half tank.
4. It gets along well, without fuss - It's not fast, but it sneaks up on you. It's loosening up every drive and the low down torque is improving.
5. Well appointed and quite nice inside. Leather, nice switchgear, and a few things that are extremely well thought out. Storage is fantastic and uses up every free orifice!

My dislikes so far:
1. The cruise control, too cheap and Epica like in function. I loved the "Cruise on / enabled" screen in my VZ
2. Ease of bluetooth streaming with Android.. it's my phone, I know. The GF's iPhone is very instinctive and completely controllable, I have to start playback on the S24G
3. Plastics mark easy. I have arour-alled and leather wiped the hell out of the interior to hopefully prolong the life. I did the same in the Monaro and VZ and they are both mint (the Addy has 1 mark in the seat after 300K).
4. A few little trim rattles, but I'll get that sorted.

Overall, for the 38K drive-away, I am so bloody completely impressed with what GM Daewoo have produced. We only have to look to Hundai and Kia to see what the asian countries are doing!

Smashfist

11-02-2013, 02:25 PM

macca_779

11-02-2013, 02:32 PM

My neighbour just traded his as the running costs were getting up there with all the travel to Sydney and back. Was a petrol model too. Resale is quite poor on them too. He got burnt.

mickeyVX350

11-02-2013, 02:45 PM

I went the diesel deliberately. With LPG nudging 80c out here in the bush the Adventra became less attractive!

I'm also not too concerned about the resale as I intend to use the hell out of it. My Addy has 300K and is still running like a dream.

They really are a good value unit, but I will always wish that there was another Adventra :(

macca_779

11-02-2013, 02:50 PM

Enjoy the servicing costs of the oiler model. IMO diesel is overrated. Its not cheap anymore. LPG engines are far cheaper to run

mickeyVX350

11-02-2013, 03:54 PM

Enjoy the servicing costs of the oiler model. IMO diesel is overrated. Its not cheap anymore. LPG engines are far cheaper to run

Currently it is costing me $43 a tank to do 300-360Km, less around town. I also need to put ULP in as the SVI starts on it and runs it through the system to preserve the components. My use is about 14L/100...

If I don't factor in the ULP use, and make an arbitrary guess on the distance the Cappy will do on a tank of Diesel (conservatively), my running cost is identical...

LPG would have a massive future if it wasn't climbing so steeply (nearly 40c in 3 years)...

large

11-02-2013, 03:56 PM

I had an vyII Lx8 Adventra. Sold it and bought a Captiva lx8. Liked it for a while, then hated it and sold it. I bought a VZ lx8 Adventra and will drive it till it dies. Its a great tow vehicle, the best seats ever and the stereo goes ok as well. You will be back!

Micks

11-02-2013, 05:13 PM

IJ.

11-02-2013, 05:42 PM

Sad to hear you've forsaken the Addy Son.... ;)

Davothegreat

11-02-2013, 06:22 PM

We bought a brand new Captiva 7 LX diesel for my wife in December to replace her old Astra. Happy with it now but it had to have the lower control arms and complete stereo/nav system replaced in the first week due to issues. The control arms used to clunk when coming to a stop or on speed humps and the stereo had a mind of its own and locked up all the time. Now that those bits are sorted it's quite nice to drive. Very efficient use of space, one of very few cars in this class that can fit a baby seat in the middle and comfortably sit 2 adults in the same row as well as fit 2 adults in the far back row of seats. Diesel engine is great, very good fuel economy and surprising amount of grunt if you avoid the Eco mode. We also test drove the V6 petrol but felt it was a peaky pile of rubbish that had to rev its head off to go anywhere which made it uncomfortable to drive.

We didn't really have a shortlist, we just went from dealer to dealer to see what everyone had, ended up visiting 8 dealers representing 7 manufacturers in the end. Holden were the last one we got to and had the only car we had no reservations in buying and that had nothing to do with brand loyalty with my HSV, it was just the most suitable car. Couldn't care less about resale, we'll drive it into the ground.

mickeyVX350

11-02-2013, 08:20 PM

If you can put up with the Captiva they aint a bad car! I still reckon "petrol" is the cheapest part consumed on the vehicle over it's life.
I drove the Captiva V6 auto petrols 2 yrs ago when the wife needed a newy & found them very ordinary! Her old Astra was incredible in comparison.
With my love of GM vehicles & what decided to go the sportswagon & have had no issues, no dramas, no warranty claims in two years. Basically regular oil changes & fill it up with fuel. The 6L goes like a dream & would be far more economical & any four wheeler.
Good luck with your new ride & enjoy!

I agree, I drove a Series I and wasn't impressed. It took a lot of research and an open mind to try them again, and all of the reviews were very critical of the previous dynamics.

I would have had a Sportwagon but I already have a V8, and I do 30-50K a year and some of that on very poor / single lane roads. I am REALLY hoping I have few troubles as the Adventra is going to be a hard act to follow. Single handedly the best car I have had the pleasure of owning (I still have it in the shed. If I can't sell it for a fair amount, it'll stay there!)

RAWKUS

11-02-2013, 09:44 PM

mickeyVX350

12-02-2013, 11:43 AM

Funny how every thread that mentions Adventras has glowing reviews of them. Not that I disagree, I love mine too :thumbsup:
Hope the Captiva works out buddy.

BTW: Somebody got a bargain here if the repairs all check out and easy VIV:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/290856982709?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I know - it's a shame people only realised how good the Adventras were after their demise... I mean, they aren't a perfect product, I expected some clicks and bangs, but my god, in 300K it's cost me a water pump, front shaft and tyres!

The Captiva has a lot to live up to :)

The 5K Addy, that's around what the trade in was on mine... I didn't take it (with a 4K LPG system!)

XUV

12-02-2013, 12:19 PM

mickeyVX350

12-02-2013, 02:20 PM

Did you have too get a new car ?

I'm not sure I understand?

I went new because when I shortlisted the Captiva, I wanted the 2.2L Diesel and "better" package (over the pre 2011).

Resale on these things is OK, 35K drive away for a 2011 LX Captiva, or 38K Driveaway for a Dec2012 Brand spanker. As I said up there ^^^ I didn't want to go for a lower luxury / appointment level than my CX Adventra, so only the LX was a similar package

XUV

12-02-2013, 02:31 PM

I'm not sure I understand?

I meant did u need a new car for work , tax , salary sacrifice? if not, why didn't you freshen up the Addy ? as always each to their own .

mickeyVX350

12-02-2013, 03:19 PM

I meant did u need a new car for work , tax , salary sacrifice? if not, why didn't you freshen up the Addy ? as always each to their own .

Oh! Yeah, um, My folks live on the other side of the state, so it is nothing for it to do 30-50K in a year. A number of factors were at play:
1. My vindictive psychotic ex... I have the only Impulse Adventra in town... I've gone anonymous!
2. Running costs. I'm trying Diesel as I was sick of filling up every few hours on a long trip, and the price of LPG has increased to a point where it isn't such an advantage out here in the bush.
3. THe Addy is a big car... a bit big for what I need running around town.
4. Work, I travel for work, so I'll make it work for me :)

VESportswagon20

14-02-2013, 09:33 AM

The current model Captivas really aren't a bad vehicle, but have fun at your 15,000km service when you're told the front cover and sump need a reseal. That's a 3 day job as it's an engine-out affair. Apart from that they're pretty solid (with the exception of ones that get filled with umpteen million kids that always have shit broken on them - pro tip it's not the car's fault).

When I had the oil issue on my 2011 LX Series 2 at 15,000km, I did not need to leave my car at the Holden dealer for 3 days. It was ahalf day job and no they didn't need to take the motor out on mine. My Captiva has been great. Only thing is I would have liked to seen it specced up to the equivalent Chev Captiva I drive in Thailand.

MickStephens

15-02-2013, 08:23 PM

$38,000 on road? Thats a pretty awesome price you got there.

Smashfist

15-02-2013, 08:57 PM

When I had the oil issue on my 2011 LX Series 2 at 15,000km, I did not need to leave my car at the Holden dealer for 3 days. It was ahalf day job and no they didn't need to take the motor out on mine. My Captiva has been great. Only thing is I would have liked to seen it specced up to the equivalent Chev Captiva I drive in Thailand.

You've had a sump reseal then. It will need a front cover eventually and Holden specify the engine HAS to come out to reseal a front cover.

mickeyVX350

15-02-2013, 09:44 PM

$38,000 on road? Thats a pretty awesome price you got there.

Yes mate. That was the first price i got at Penfold on Burwood hwy, i used that as the base. Doncaster were also willing to match. I realised by ferntree gully Holden that it was a good figure. it's a lot of car for that coin.

Davothegreat

14-01-2014, 05:19 PM

You've had a sump reseal then. It will need a front cover eventually and Holden specify the engine HAS to come out to reseal a front cover.

We had our sump resealed back in August at 9000km. The dealer kept the car overnight as they wanted to do it then let the thing sit cold so it could dry properly or something. Isn't leaking anywhere else so far and it's now got 15k on it.

ti0350

14-01-2014, 06:25 PM

We had our sump resealed back in August at 9000km. The dealer kept the car overnight as they wanted to do it then let the thing sit cold so it could dry properly or something. Isn't leaking anywhere else so far and it's now got 15k on it.

Had the sump done on mine as well, although other than that mines run flawlessly mind you in the 2 and half years we've owned it I've only done just over 20,000km in it though. I do miss my old SS at times but when i think about it I really do like my Capy.

BLACK 346

15-01-2014, 06:29 AM

My wifes LX Diesel has done 1400km and has had the sump resealed twice, timing cover resealed once and gearbox replaced. We have had it back for two weeks and no more leaks so far. On top of that Holden put two big scratches in the roof while they had it, so are taking it back again to get the roof resprayed. Great new car experience so far Holden :(

whitels1ss

15-01-2014, 08:09 AM

My wifes LX Diesel has done 1400km and has had the sump resealed twice, timing cover resealed once and gearbox replaced........ :(

Is that 1,400km or a typo & supposed to be 14,000km? :shock:

BLACK 346

15-01-2014, 12:25 PM

Is that 1,400km or a typo & supposed to be 14,000km? :shock:

Nope, unfortunately it is not mate. I believe the car may be cursed.

mickeyVX350

15-01-2014, 02:56 PM

Mine is cursed, well, I'm cursed!

30K in and I still WANT to hate it, but I can't. It does everything well. It's still not going to age like a more rugged Holden (such as my Adventra) but it's a really likable, inoffensive and plucky car.

So far I need to:
1. have the front and rear bumpers replaced (damage from moving house and a slack cable fence stainless cable rubbing through the paint)
2. Wing mirror needs repainting from a pressure wash. I thought this was poor.
3. New windscreen. Thanks impatient truck driver!

I have already filled it with ULP by accident...

Davothegreat

15-01-2014, 05:40 PM

Apart from the lower control arm saga (the updated part from Holden has fixed this), the sump reseal and the nav system going nuts in the early days ours has been fine. Haha what timing... as I was writing this post I just saw a letter the Mrs had left for me on my desk with a recall for the fuel feed line rubbing against the air conditioner pipe. Oh well, back to Holden again.

planetdavo

17-01-2014, 12:43 PM

There was a very detailed updated bulletin released in the second half of last year relating to the correct diagnosis and repair methods for the diesel engine oil leaks. This included increased refererence to the critically important "tack time" for the liquid sealant to become tacky to achieve the desired result. The tack time is heavily reliant on the local air temp and humidity levels as to the time this takes to occur.

BLACK 346

30-03-2014, 04:16 PM

Well, the Captiva nightmare continues. This time the engine started making a horrible knocking noise at idle and the steering developed a nasty clunk. Ended up being a software fault causing an injector issue, and a worn input shaft in the steering that would have caused total loss of steering if it had failed. 3500 on the clock now and I have fingers crossed that this is the last time it has to go back in for repairs. On a brighter note, Holden had the scratch fixed on the roof fixed whilst they had it. I wonder how many issues you have to have before a car is considered unacceptable? It is a shame really, as we still really like it as family hauler.

markone2

30-03-2014, 09:09 PM

There are very Valid reasons as to why the vehicle question is commonly referred to as the Craptiva in used car land

.My condolences to all owners caught out in the Holden Hype

SV805

31-03-2014, 08:12 AM

Interesting read about the Oil Leaks, I had not read this thread until today.

My Daughter had a small oil leak about 6 weeks ago in her 2012 Diesel Captiva I think about 20,000 ks on the clock. Off to the dealer who advised they need it for a week as the engine had to come out. She was due to pick it up on the Wednesday, but was advised it was delayed until the Thursday lunch time. She was due to drive to Sydney with husband and two kids the next morning, only to find late on Thursday when she got home it was still leaking oil. Had to get Air flights to Sydney for wedding (Not real happy) . Rebook with dealer for two weeks time when courtesy car available. Car in shop for 4 days with engine out again.

She drove from dealer straight home and when she walked past front left noticed a large scratch on front left panel about 15 cms long, quite wide. Rang dealer and took photos, within 30 mins of picking vehicle up.

Two days later noticed more oil slightly different spot and again rang dealer to be fixed along with scratch. Two weeks for courtesy car to be available.
Then on her way to day care with two small kids in the car, was flashed and honked at by another motorist, so she pulled over to find fuel pouring out of the car and VERY strong smell of fuel. She was not aware that Diesel is not combustable and was very frightened trying to get two kids out of car seats whilst heaps of fuel was around.

So car is again back at dealer to fix the Fuel issue (Dealer advised this was a separate incident and not related to Oil leaks. Cant help think that an engine out twice in a few weeks is not related to a fuel hose coming loose) Hopfully fix scratch and oil leak for good.

C4B

31-03-2014, 09:29 AM

We were on the beach at North Stradbroke Island recently checking out beach camping spots when we discovered a Captiva up in the beach camping area (behind the dunes). This shocked us a little and my wife pondered how a car with so little ground clearance would be able to get to where it was. Luckily for us we found out!

As we were idling along the track the Captiva owner jumped in and started along the track in front of us. This created much anticipation because where they were heading was a fairly deeply rutted exit where I've seen real 4WD's get into trouble many times in the past.

We were soon to find out an effective but shocking technique for getting out. When he got 20-30 metres before the nasty stuff he buried the throttle and literally skimmed/ploughed his way through the soft stuff. He sent a waterfall of sand up in the air and to this day I wish I'd had the GoPro on at the time. We saw the same car up close later at the Roadhouse and this thing was trashed.

Just because the car companies show a vehicle sitting on snow white sand in the ads doesn't mean it's a 4WD. This guy will learn that lesson when he goes to sell it down the track.....

We coined a new term from that day for anyone trying to do something way beyond their capabilities........... "Captiva Style"

EDIT:

3143

This is the exit I'm referring to. He was coming from top hard right of picture towards the camera......

CLUBRED

31-03-2014, 10:17 AM

The lesson will be learned by the person who buys it next, after it's had a good detail job on it done.

C4B

31-03-2014, 12:19 PM

The lesson will be learned by the person who buys it next, after it's had a good detail job on it done.

At least they'll end up with a brand new front bar because the one on it was being used as a grader :driving:

IJ.

31-03-2014, 12:47 PM

The Sand would help soak up the Oil leaks at least ;)

Micks

31-03-2014, 07:10 PM

IJ imagine what you could do to a Captiva using a decent drivetrain!:nyuk:

IJ.

31-03-2014, 08:39 PM

IJ imagine what you could do to a Captiva using a decent drivetrain!:nyuk:
LOL I could ignore them like I do now ;)

C4B

31-03-2014, 08:41 PM

IJ imagine what you could do to a Captiva using a decent drivetrain!:nyuk:

Look out Range Rover ;-)

VTClubSprtR8

01-04-2014, 01:36 AM

Yah and it's knob jockeys like that that would take it to a shop and say "Duh... there is something wrong with my car!?! :confused:

BLACK 346

05-04-2014, 07:05 AM

whitels1ss

05-04-2014, 07:42 AM

Had this thing back for just over a week and guess what. Oil on the shed floor again.
Does anyone have any experience or know what our rights are in Australia regarding Lemon laws? I just want this thing gone. I cannot sell it privately, and Holden offered me $31,000 for it last time we had it in there. I also wont allow them to take it back that cheap and then sell it to some other poor cnut so they can suffer.

Not 100% certain on the rules in SA there Rod but I think your best plan is to call the office of Consumer & Business Affairs first thing Monday morning

http://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/wcm/

Failing that, Today Tonight on Seven,
Frank Pangallo seems to love stirring the muck with stuff like this.

I remember them getting Holden to give someone a brand new Cruze replacement about 18 months ago:goodjob:

All the best with it mate:cheers:

BLACKVE

05-04-2014, 12:03 PM

http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and-reviews/car-news/lemon_story

this might help.

Sounds terrible it's a kick in the guts when you spend your hard earned and end up with a lemon. Holden isn't going to keep sales if the Korean imports are crap

vzss05

05-04-2014, 12:16 PM

Very Interesting read

whitels1ss

07-04-2014, 03:31 PM

IJ.

07-04-2014, 03:35 PM

How many times have you had to take it back now in only 1400kms Rod?
Doesn't matter it's quiet in the back seat ;)

whitels1ss

07-04-2014, 03:43 PM

Doesn't matter it's quiet in the back seat ;)

That's good to know...

Well I guess Holden will be able to get back to number 1 sales by 2020 then:hide:

C4B

07-04-2014, 03:59 PM

Doesn't matter it's quiet in the back seat ;)

Maybe the oil leaking from the sump as you drive along coats the underside of the body and creates a sound deadening effect?

IJ.

07-04-2014, 04:04 PM

Maybe the oil leaking from the sump as you drive along coats the underside of the body and creates a sound deadening effect?
Only after you drive it through sand ;)

Micks

07-04-2014, 05:25 PM

The MY10 petrol model I test drove back then when looking for a new car for the family seemed like it had 4500K stall! Was worried the missus would mow someone down in it & not be able to pull it up!! So opted for a 6L s/wagon instead!!! BTW the wagon has zero oil leaks & that's after 7 oil changes 3 of which done @ a stealership!

BLACK 346

07-04-2014, 05:34 PM

How many times have you had to take it back now in only 1400kms Rod?

This will be number 4.

whitels1ss

07-04-2014, 06:16 PM

This will be number 4.

Hope you get it sorted quick mate.:cheers:

mickeyVX350

08-04-2014, 08:06 PM

That's really terrible. Mine has been spectacular! I'd recommend it highly.

Mine gets better, the economy is great and improving, I put it through hell in the first year and used it VERY heavily as I am a big Km driver. As I have always stated, it won't wear as well as a Commodore, but it's doing OK! I'm recently back in my Adventra as I am travelling 3K a monthe and trying to conserve the Cappy a bit.

BLACK 346

18-04-2014, 06:51 PM

Sump still leaking, not sure how as there is plenty of sealant in that area (also plenty sprayed around under the motor as well, thanks Holden).
Intermittent squeak now coming from the rear of the vehicle at speeds between 10-20 km/h, appears to be coming from one of the rear wheels.
Knocking noise has come back in the engine, only happened once, but waiting for it to happen again now.
Can't get it in to City Holden for another 2 weeks as the Service Manager is on leave and does not want anyone else to work on it. He is doing his best, I feel sorry for him having to deal with cars like this. They also said we may not be able to have a loan car this time, I was pretty pissed about that and hope they change their tune, or I will probably go postal.

BLACK 346

01-05-2014, 08:42 AM

I finally got the total shits yesterday and wrote a nice but to the point letter to the dealership stating my disgust with the vehicle and asking that they stop sending me and my wife service reminders for it. Well, to my surprise the General Manager replied to me within minutes. I must have spent 30 minutes on the phone with him discussing the car and I must admit that he sounds very keen to sort this out and from initial impressions comes across as a genuine bloke. So the car went straight back in and a list of issues was supplied to Holden with video's of the engine noise. Here is hoping that this time it is rectified properly. They also agreed to throw in the $380 fixed price service for free, so that was a nice gesture.

jaykay

01-05-2014, 08:46 AM

Hopefully you get it sorted this time Rod....the whole warranty process on new cars bemuses me :confused:

BLACK 346

21-05-2014, 06:46 PM

Well, the car is back with us. Thanks to the General Manager of City Holden, the car was taken care of properly this time. Below is a rundown of what the issues were and how they were rectified.

Engine leak was located at the timing cover, disappointingly this was a workmanship issue and not a reoccurring warranty fault with the engine. Our foreman has been working alongside one of our most senior technicians and has confirmed the issue, rectified it and reinstalled the engine as required. No other leaks were evident.
The Knock from engine at idle has been diagnosed as a diesel knock due to injector pressure. Last time the vehicle was in we performed an injector relearn procedure. Our foreman contacted TAC (Holden technical assistance) in regards to the knock and from a discussion with a a Holden engineer we were instructed to replace the engine wiring harness and perform the injector relearn procedure again, Harness is due in tomorrow. Prior to the engine removal both our service manager and foreman road tested the vehicle for the shuddering and squeaking noise respectively, the good news is that the shuddering which was evident on the road test has gone since the engine removal, most likely cause of this was an engine mount not seated correctly when the engine was first removed, again extremely disappointing and the technician involved in the initial work has been spoken to and under close observation. With respect to the squeaking noise between 0-45 Klm/h this is proving a little more difficult to find and the vehicle will be road tested again tonight by our service manager in an effort to locate the complaint.

As I said in previous post, they did the first service for free and also had the car professionally detailed inside and out prior to delivering it back to my wife. She was impressed with how the car was presented.

So big thumbs up to city Holden, and in particular the manager for going out of his way to make this right.