2001 Holden Barina XC - 5 Door 1.4 Ecotec

Summary:

As much as I hate having to get this car repaired all the time, the positives outweigh the negatives

Faults:

Ignition barrel needed to be replaced twice.

Disc brake rotors have needed to be replaced twice, originals too soft so replaced with harder aftermarket ones, no problems since.

EGR valve clogged constantly and has been replaced, with no more problems.

Timing belt changed 3 times already. Cam belt twice.

Plastic trim under front bumper torn off after a few months.

Interior plastic mouldings are starting to tear off... Drivers door handle pulled away from door... Front window winders snapped off.

Metallic paint now fading badly. (Car is kept garaged at home, but is in the full sun at work)

Ignition accessory module now needs replacing.

General Comments:

Very low running costs, if you don't take into account repairs. 10-12km/Litre.

For a 1.4L car it has some serious zip.

Steering wheel controls for the stereo are excellently placed, and not as "touchy" as some other cars.

This was a re-badged Opel; the original battery and some of the internals still had the Opel logo.

However bad the "what has gone wrong with your car" section is, I have driven it pretty hard for the last 7 years. I'm merely stating the things that have gone wrong. I really enjoy driving this car, and that is what keeps it in my garage, despite the numerous repairs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd February, 2008

13th Nov 2014, 14:09

To one of the things said in your review. Timing belt changed three times? Cam belt twice? The timing belt is the cam belt; it's the same component. Unless you mean the drive belts, not timing.

2001 Holden Barina XC 1.4

Summary:

Fantastic value car, comfortable and good looking

Faults:

EGR valve causing rough running, similar to misfire - this is a common problem apparently. Simply fixed by fitting blanking plate.

Cam-belt making noises when purchased so replaced at 100,000kms instead of 120,000kms.

General Comments:

Car is very zippy and solidly built. Handles as well as a classic Mini.

Was one of the first XC's imported to NZ and features side airbags and active head restraints.

Less rattles than my brand new Holden Astra.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th December, 2006

2001 Holden Barina XC Equipe 5 Door 1.4 Ecotec

Summary:

Think very seriously before buying one

Faults:

Engine Management System replaced twice ($800) requiring full tow.

About to be towed for the 3rd time due to 1st and 2nd gear not working at all.

Oil cap comes loose every week resulting in oil spraying over engine.

Non-colour coded bumpers faded within 6 months.

Numerous minor electrical faults.

General Comments:

Handles well and has good fuel economy.

That's about it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th March, 2006

2001 Holden Barina xc 1.4

Summary:

With all the problems so far, I can only say that this car is a lemon and not "car of the year"

Faults:

Coil pack failed at 40,000kms.

Rear speaker vibrating - worse with bass.

Timing belt replaced at 50,000kms instead of the usual 100,000kms as with most cars.

Triple information display (dash clock etc.) illumination only lights up half the display.

Gear linkages worn out at 65,000kms.1st and 2nd gear hard to select.

Air conditioning system failed at 68,800kms. (not a fuse, still to be fixed.

Front spoiler (rubber) too low. This was ripped off in the first couple of months because it would bottom out on driveways.

Intermittent high idle speed (hot or cold).This occurred around the 40,000km mark with an idle speed of 2,500 rpm and happened about a dozen times then disappeared.

General Comments:

This car gives a good solid ride with great handling, comfort and excellent braking.

Economical at 7.5 L/100kms.

Very small boot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd January, 2006

25th Feb 2011, 13:50

"With all the problems so far, I can only say that this car is a lemon and not "car of the year"

Agree 100%.

The same things have failed with my car?

Coil pack failed at 40,000kms. **Same.

Rear speaker vibrating - worse with bass. **Same.

Timing belt replaced at 50,000kms instead of the usual 100,000kms as with most cars. **Same.

Triple information display (dash clock etc.) illumination only lights up half the display. **Same. Give the pod a big whack!

Gear linkages worn out at 65,000kms.1st and 2nd gear hard to select. **Same. On the 3rd set now. Improved metal (NOT PLASTIC) linkage.

Air conditioning system failed at 68,800kms. (not a fuse, still to be fixed. ** Same but @50,000kms. Common problem. $800 fix. I wind down the window. Much cheaper.

Front spoiler (rubber) too low. This was ripped off in the first couple of months because it would bottom out on driveways. **Same.

Intermittent high idle speed (hot or cold). This occurred around the 40,000km mark with an idle speed of 2,500 rpm and happened about a dozen times then disappeared. **Similar problems and much more bad behaviour.

General comments?

This car gives a good solid ride with great handling, comfort and excellent braking. **Agree.

Economical at 7.5 L/100kms. **Same.

Very small boot. **Agree.

**Parts replaced;

Coil-pack @ 40,000kms.

Throttle body @ 70,000kms.

Gear linkage twice.

Computer @ 70,000kms.

Throttle positioning sensor @ 70,000kms.

All rotors twice. Went to after-market. (softer, cheaper & better)

It now needs EGR valve & catalytic converter.

The car is "space green", but should be bright YELLOW!

Genuine parts are way too expensive, & GMH should be ashamed due to the fact these cars have many of the same issues, & yet GMH's only help is to take your money.

No more Holdens in this family, EVER!

26th May 2011, 05:34

Faced all listed problems with my Barina XC 2002. Bought $22000.00. Maintenance $18600.00.