After two weeks of ownership

[Swordfishcoupe]

Hi all,

Well, I have had my Monaro for exactly two weeks today and have a few issues re build quality.

1) This is a biggie, I have just washing my car for the first time (too wet last weekend) and have noticed that the wheels are only 2/3rds painted !! It that normal, I started cleaning them and thought, wow really mucky at the back, got the good old toothbrush out and noticed the rear 3rd is just untreated metal - it just amazes me and surely thats not right (I mean a £6K car comes with fully painted wheels these days). As a side effect should I just ignore the rusty/mucky 1/3 or can I do something with it ??

2) I have a rattle on the passenger seat. On taking a quick look, I noticed that the bars (moves seats forward) are rusty and the gearing at the rear (where the back rest moves) is also all rusty. Bearing in mind the manufacture date is March 2005, has anyone else had this issue ?? Still undesided whether to take back to Slater's for this or clean it up myself (plus fix rattle).

3) Rear of drivers side skirt panel does not fit and pops out of its socket all the time (its the L shaped piece next to the wheel and could just be broken). Just a minor issue which again needs fixing.

4) Pontiac badge on the drivers stainless steel kick plate (hopefully getting new Vauxhall one soon).

Anyway, sorry about whinge there - other than that I love the beast, it's a real wolf in sheeps clothing and just so much fun.

Any comments welcome (even to stop complaining - lol).

Cheers
Steven

[V6 JDT]

Hi Steve,

My wheels are exactly the same and are a dissapointment for such an otherwise great car. My side skirt too is a bit loose on the rear drivers side and I thought it was maybe a clip or something missing - but maybe not. No rust on the seat runners though!

Jeff

[Swordfishcoupe]

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the info on the wheels - sounds like Vauxhall/Holden just need a good kicking for that (means a load of extra work for me in June for the Modified Nationals Coupe stand). Must save them on paint though !!

Cheers
Steven

[booster]

Wheels are a MASSIVE disappointment. Just wait till you get within 1/2 inch of a kerb at snail's pace. You'll scratch 'em up real good. But OMG what a car!

[sjc]

Get on to Slaters and make them bloody sort it, thats what a warranty is for. I know they are 100 miles away from you, but that should be their bloody problem not yours.!

[BigNige]

Yup, the wheels are rubbish.
Really poor quality.

[ringram]

Dont forget that the "Holden" Astra's and Vectra's are bought down under for their superior build quality in comparison to the Commodore.
It represents power and size, not really build quality.

[Swordfishcoupe]

Thanks chaps,

Was beginning to think I had bought a lemon - lol. Spent all day pretty much, as nice weather, waxing it (using Klass sealant) and generally checking out the paint (which is pants also as full of overspray) - end result is one nice and shiny Monaro !!

If it is nice weather tomorrow I will break out the clay bar and take some of the overspray off and see how it goes. Then for a nice drive and get it all mucky again, and I can't wait !!

Cheers
Steven

[GSI_Daz]

Got to agree about the wheels, I am very disappointed with them. I just got my car back from being repaired and asked them about my wheels and what the situation is with the warranty. Here is an example of what they are getting like:

http://us.a1.yahoofs.com/users/41c442

Now the thing is, he says in his opinion the wheels have been refurbished and I should go back to the original dealer. I didn't buy it new (9 months old) so it is possible. After reading this thread I am beginning to wonder though, maybe it is just poor quality wheels.

Couple of questions for you guys (and girls!):

1. How can I tell if they have been refurbished?
2. Any idea about the situation on the warranty?
3. As I effectively bought my car through Network Q and bought it "as is" have I got any comeback on the original garage?

[PCV8]

Same problem with the wheels.

Rear third Black now after 27K Miles. I thought it was because the rear third of the wheel was not laquered.

Iritating because i bought a brush long enough to clean the wheels to the rear but it obviously has no effect!

[rob_78]

Swordfishcoupe

I'm going to get in contact with Vauxhall about the wheels.
I had one of their guys down to inspect them..... He said he wont do anything about them so Ive taken it a little further....
Next will be a letter to Vauxhall

I'm working on this

Rob

[Swordfishcoupe]

Cheers Rob,

I hate complaining about stuff. I have pretty much sorted the rattle on the seat and the clay bar did wonders on the overspray (there is no laquor on some of the car - so I waxed and sealed the heck out of it).

Let me know how it goes, if need be I am sure some other people can write to them and complain also.

Many Thanks
Steven