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I have a Holden Commodore 1998. It wouldn't start so I took it to a mechanic who said the vehicle had some sort of sensor problem. It cost me $1200 including towing and 5 hours of labour.

Less than six weeks later, the car broke down again and the mechanic said this time wiring issues caused more sensor failures and charged me $700 including towing - he did not specify what the wiring issues were.

Four weeks after that, the car broke down again and the symptoms are exactly the same as the recent two break downs.

I tried working with the MTA mediator but he has been very slow in responding to my calls. I do not want to take my car back to the same mechanic because he will suggest that other wiring issues caused the failures.

Do sensor issues cost so much?

Shall I take my car elsewhere?

Yanni

From the "Ask Jack" archive - 11 July 2008

It is not unusual for Holden Commodores to have sensor related problems but what your are describing sounds way over the top.

I believe you need to get the vehicle into a Holden dealer or somebody who knows the product better than your current mechanic and get the problem sorted properly.

You need to make contact with the MTA again to try and discuss what has gone on previously and endeavour to find a way forward. Try to make contact with a more senior person within the MTA and explain your frustration.

You need to start keeping some written documentation of phones calls made, who you spoke to etc also, in case this ends up in a small claims court or similar.

If you take the vehicle elsewhere without the approval or acknowledgement of the MTA or the garage concerned you may lose any rights you may have for a refund on previous repairs.