2005 Holden Barina 1.4 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Expensive to maintain

Faults:

Engine sensor light - cost to repair $745 for a part that most other cars cost $120. Between 55000km and 60000km.

New timing belt fitted and then pulley sheared - cost $1500 at 60 000km.

General Comments:

The car is economical and a pleasure to drive, considering it is a 1.4 litre auto.

Other than the running costs, which are far too high, it's a good vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th September, 2010

2005 Holden Barina XC 1.4 TwinPort from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Small, Efficient, Fun, Safe

Faults:

Now having had the car for over 2 years, I have come across a few little issues. Nothing drastic though.

1. The windows get a bit loose and squeaky, which only needs a bit of under warranty TLC from your Holden dealer and you are right as rain.

2. The suspension squeaks a little bit over big bumps. But there is nothing mechanically wrong with the car, I had this confirmed on two separate occasions.

General Comments:

The car has been sensational. It is a very tight piece of German engineering. That's what you have to remember, it is an Opel sourced little ruddigore, not some Korean junk like the present model. If you have the option of buying the old style XC Barina versus the newer Korean TK, go for the German model. Whilst it looks a little blander in appearance, you will thank yourself endlessly.

Most importantly, the XC Barina (my car) has a 4 star NCAP rating (very good), was Wheels Car of the Year in the light segment, and sits very tight on the road, especially with the nifty sports rims that I slapped on it from Holden. These alloy wheels are the same world round, just with the difference of the badging. Also, heaps of cool little gadgets which you would expect on a higher spec vehicle.

The new TK boasts a petty 2 star NCAP rating, a less bland (but cheaper) looking interior, and a few extra gadgets which all look cheap. To be honest, if not a little biased, the TK is old hat junk. It has an outdated engine, body, and drive. 2006-2007 Holden TK Barina = 2003-2004 Kalos.

If you research both cars you will usually find that a used XC Barina is more expensive than a TK, even though it is older. This is for a very good reason, and if you can afford the extra 550-1000 bucks for the difference, you will pat yourself on the back if you either like cars, or if you end up in an accident, because if you are in the TK you will probably be mortally wounded. If you're in the XC, you'll either laugh and wonder how much harder you can push the little sucker next time, or thank those crafty germans for all their years of mechanical expertise and safety records.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th August, 2007

2005 Holden Barina XC 1.4 EcoTech Twin U-MultiPoint from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Fun. Fast. Cheap. Reliable. Awesome

Faults:

I have only had the vehicle for a little over a month, and so far it has run flawlessly. No problems as of yet.

General Comments:

The economy is outstanding. It does about 600km to a tank (44L - 39L usable). For a small engine it really pushes out some nice grunt.

The new twin-port makes a great difference in power, as it draws more power in lower revs.

If run on Premium, however, as I do, the power goes up substantially, as does the economy again.

The new design for the front looks great and Interior rocks.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th April, 2005