Holden Barina

work and back..everyday and just short roadtrips it's been serviced on most due dates.. and I haven't asked mechanic about 12v socket outlet located.. I have asked about if I can turn the traction control off.. and he doesn't know if it's possible either.. Show details

Not bad – You get what you pay for there an alright car if you have a bit of mechanical knowledge and youtube common problems. when I brought my tk barina it had an iratic idle done a Google search and you need to replace the idle control and throttle position sensor (dont ring holden) it'll cost 50-100 dollars on ebay for both parts. holden will try… Read more

replace the whole throttle body which is not needed. It does leak a little oil but not much Suspect the rear main will change when clutch goes one day. the rocker cover needed replacement as was leaking an hour job just look it up on YouTube. There an alright car for what you pay and if you don't have mechanical knowledge get the part numbers and get them yourself much cheaper its literally a Daewoo ebay gets probably better parts at fraction of price and get an local mechanic to do the work dealerships always rip you off.

Bad crap – Don’t buy one of these, got 123000 out of first engine, overheated and destroyed engine. Bought 2nd hand engine for $2600 with 51200 km on it put new heavy duty radiator and all new hoses and bottle, because I was ripped off when I bought it at 52000 km. Was cooked before I bought it and filled with some kind of stop leak and settled in bottom of… Read more

all hoses and now with 73000 km on replacement Eng been overheated and fan won’t turn on unless I use a/c or disconnect from 4th thermostat and switch I’ve fitted. Used to be a mechanic so I can understand what it costs to repair these cars. You don’t know what it takes to replace an engine or even water pump in this crap. Vectra the same avoid opel motor in Holden I’ve got a vz ss which is spot on, 4 cylinder crap

TM Holden Barina 1.6L Manual – I’ve purchased this car as a cheap run around I’ve been lucky enough to buy this car and have everything done to it I’ve been running around in it for the past month now and I’m very surprised with who nice it drives and how well the a/c keeps up on these hot days! I’ve got the 1.6L EcoTec engine connected to the 5 speed manual gearbox- I’m… Read more

shocked with how good it handles and how fun it is to drive it’s got 140,000kms on the clock and feels new

The seats seem to be very comfortable even with long distances also I’m very surprised with the standard features in the TM barina like ESP, Cruise control electric mirrors and windows also I’ll say again I am wrapped with the performance of the A/c it gets so cold in the cabin

The only benefit with myself is that I knew what I was buying so in saying that I know the issues these cars have but I’m quite mechanically minded and have since purchased parts to have spares ready when something happens but until then I’m very happy with my purchase and am enjoy this little last Australian engineered Barina- looks much more aggressive then the previous Barinas

Beware the plastic thermostat housing – I purchased this car new in 2015, wanting a reliable, fuel-efficient car for a 30 minute commute to work, and for occasional trips to nearby beaches. All seemed well for a while, but despite never missing a service, and my own regular oil and water checks, one day the car overheated on a short trip into town. When I opened the bonnet, the… Read more

radiator was completely empty. A month later, the car wouldn't start at all. My mechanic traced the problem to a plastic thermostat housing which breaks and leaks water - a common problem with this model, apparently. This resulted in a cracked cylinder head. It was strange how the vehicle had been recalled to replace a faulty air-bag, but despite this other known design flaw, it was not recalled to have the thermostat housing replaced. I guess Holden were more concerned about safety than they were about cars' engines being totally destroyed after just a few years' use. I do not think that a car should just give up and die completely after only eight years.

It's a shame, because the car was very economical on fuel, and quite easy to drive apart from one other major design flaw: the huge blind-spots at all four corners of the vehicle, which I really should have noticed on the test drive, but which only really became apparent after a few weeks of driving. The struts are so broad that an approaching car can be completely obscured by them, and reversing is a nightmare. This problem cancels out the other no doubt excellent safety features.

If you're still set on buying a second hand Barina after reading this, make sure the thermostat housing has already been changed, or take it straight in to your mechanic and get it done. Otherwise, your engine can end up cooked in an instant, no matter how conscientious you are. Oh, and there won't be any warning lights to tell you that your engine is overheating. Your car will just conk out in the middle of the road.

Absolutely stellar second-hand car, some minor issues – I bought this car just over a month ago, and I love it to absolute bits. There's so many good things about it, which I will go into detail about, but first, there are a couple of minor issues I've found. First and probably most worryingly, the cars anti-theft alarm isn't up to par. Someone was able to break the left rear-quarter window, pop the… Read more

boot release, get into the boot, push down the back seats, and unlock the car from the inside without setting off the alarm. The immobiliser works perfectly, and the thief got away with no valuables, but an after-market alarm would be a consideration.

Secondly, the horn is a bit timid to say the least, and finally the rear windscreen has no wiper, so it is easily obscured in heavy rain.

Other than those issues, this is a great car. It is economical, and has enough power to make overtaking manoeuvrers an easy breeze, the handling and manoeuvrability is excellent for getting into and out of tight spaces, and the parking sensors make reversing a breeze.

The stereo is excellent, and the media controls on the steering wheels are responsive and easy to navigate, and the cruise control functionality makes motorway driving very pleasant. While I haven't been able to figure out the "tiptronic" gearbox, it does seem easy to use for someone who knows how, and of course the 6-speed automatic gearbox makes it zippy in town and on the motorway.

If you're looking for a great second-hand car, and you see one of these on offer, don't hesitate to snap it up, as I absolutely love mine, despite the few issues, which are easily solved with a few after-market modifications. Couldn't give it a 4.5/5, but that would be my rating if I could give it.

Fantastic first car/learner car, pretty average in general – 2014 Barina CD TM automatic sedan. Urban commuting. Daily driver. Servicing up to date. Overall, just an ok car that runs. Mine has had no major issues, 3rd owner. Fuel efficiency is only slightly better than average, the car is generally weak in power but more than sufficient for general urban/suburban driving. Interior is ok, the two gloveboxes… Read more

is cool. The radio fascia and dashboard is okay, a bit dated but clean and simplistic. The car is not too noisy but sounds gnarly at high rpm. Also, deceptively large boot.

Honestly it's fine. Just fine. Probably ideal for a learner or fresh p plater just wanting something tame and economic.

Love my car – Bought for 3,850 in mid 2021, 160,00kms. when bought no issues from pervious owners. now sitting at 206,5000 kms, affordable to fixed, no unexpected issues. spacious sedan car with nice and clean interior, was easy to learn to drive in whilst on my L's and P's. Show details

Deceptively Good Car! – Official reviews of this car are IMHO wrong in ways that could/would turn off prospective buyers! Yes there were design issues that resulted in recalls but all these aspects are easy to "catch" in an inspection! For what the car is intended to be, the features it had (and did not have) + the price point it was offered at (when new) it was a good… Read more

buy! Make sure the service records are "correctly up to date" ~ Services not exceeding the stated kms OR timing interval. Owners of Used/Out of warranty period Barinas may well have skipped services or aspects of services to keep their costs down but a professional inspection before purchase should catch most "gremlins". (8/10) City Driving and (5/10) Highway Driving. I've driven a few other small cars that perfom this role more enjoyably. Good luck with your decision to/not to purchase a BARINA. Happy Motoring!

Bad barinas – Everybody on here have had close to the same problem and I have 2017 barina with the same problems and 2017 u can't even find on the holden site or is it really not 2017 its 2016 they lie but I have had my battery changed 4 times in 6 yrs and its had lot of problems and yes holden or car yard don't car brought brand new 6 yrs ago and maybe 6… Read more

months it was fine then problems occurred and hasn t stopped im now up for new battery new starter motor new radiator and it just got new water pump new spark plugs and coil kit wen does it stop the mechanic say after them 3 done there's 2 more things that have to somthing to do with the oil and motor and cooling bottle and hoses $$$$$$$$$ don't buy barina

LOOKING AT CLASS ACTION REGARDING FAULTS & SAFETY – Purchased one and it was replaced due to multiple issues, the replacement has been just as bad. Have had so many issues with this vehicle and what’s worse is that they are almost all KNOWN ISSUES. Multiple Transmission Faults including; gears sticking, grinding, spinning, not changing, unable to accelerate etc. Multiple Failed Coil Packs - cars… Read more

shook violently, chugging and shuddering, having to be towed repeatedly. Engine Mount Cracks, constant vibration and replacements Transmission Mount Cracks, constant vibration and replacements Coolant tank and hose issues, constant leaks Ongoing ambient temp sensor issues, preventing heating and aircon from operating. Holden Customer Care try to ignore and dismiss claims, or simply refuse to take calls. Need to make VCAT applications to get a response.

I have spoken with a lawyer and I need 6 additional plaintiffs to commence a class action with regards to this vehicle. Anyone interested please comment.

I wouldn’t recommend 2009 barina , was a complete lemon – In and out of mechanics and auto electricians and still couldn’t be fixed , idling at 2000-3000 rpms. Has 129 000 km’s. I always get my services on time and only drove it to and from work 10mins each way because I couldn’t rely on it going any further. Body and inside immaculate…… just a absolute lemon . Don’t do it. Show details

Disappointing all round & ridiculously expensive to maintain – See above. At 81000/11 years it cost $2200 in repairs to engine for pink slip. Show details

I love it – If You service You're vehicle You will have more positive reviews ,it is obvious , it really is that simple ,everyone knows they are a great little car . Can't wait to service it as I got it today . Very Very happy

Simple, stylish, economical and very reliable – With 120,000km my 2012 TM Holden Barina hatch has never missed a beat. Parts are super cheap and the engine is very fuel efficient. A great zippy vehicle for around town trips yet roomy enough for weekend getaways with luggage. Show details

Few little issues but overall a good car – Bought it at 44,000kms, very clean and tidy, manual transmission, after about a year I had to replace the coil pack , tried to put a new stereo system and it cost me$500 to do so as apparently the barina is the only car that needs a $350 steering wheel control when other cars cost around $30-$50.. sometimes it crunches to get in reverse though… Read more

something its only just started doing recently and now i have a water sound under my bonnet like water is caught somewhere but no one can find out where or what it actually is not besides that, I can't fault it. I think any used car you're going to have some issues with it .. I'm happy.

Don’t buy this car!!!! – Bought this car in 2017, 84000km on the odometer. First service at 940000km, replaced 2 engine mounts, cracked water pump, cv driveshaft. @98000km, the thermostat housing cracked on the way to work. The problem is with these cars, everything comes as a “pack” so had to replace whole thermostat and housing @ $850AUD, not to mention the 3 hoses that… Read more

blew at the same time, all parts being predominantly plastic as well and unable to handle the warm climate I live in. 101000km, the ignition throttle cable blew, another $200. Now at 107km the engine seal is wearing down and brittle and was leaking oil. Do yourself a favour and get an i20 instead, have driven comparatively and is much more reliable and powerful, don’t be sucked in by CDX leather seats and sunroof, at the end of the day what you want is something more reliable under the bonnet. For reference, it was driven around 350km per week, serviced always on time. Now it sits in my carport as a local run around.

Stay away at all cost! (Because it’ll “cost” you) – My wife own a 2013 Holden Barina CD Hatchback and there have been so many problems with it. I don’t think I’ve heard of so many problems in such a small timeframe. So the car was purchased brand new straight from a Holden dealership. At first, the car seemed very straightforward. It’s a zippy little vehicle but as the years went on, problems… Read more

started occurring more often than it should.

The transmission is an automatic. The button that you use to push down to change the gears got so sticky, there were times when it just wouldn’t pop out as it should so driving in D but with the button still stuck could easily get knocked into neutral or even worse, reverse.

Then things under the hood started playing up. All the hoses were newly replaced but that was just the beginning. Coolant started leaking, but the thing was road side assist couldn’t find the exact spot where the leakage was. Because the car was already out of warranty, we took it to our local Auto Tune. I’m sure we are their regulars now.

The mechanics couldn’t find the problem either so they replaced the hoses and tightened them more.

A few days later, the dash lit up saying there engine is getting too hot and found that the coolant has once ran out.

It seems that the car has problems whenever the weather gets too hot. Right now as I’m writing this review, the car is broken down, sitting in the car park waiting to be towed.

The problem lies within the coil pack. Yes, you’ve heard right, a “pack”. RAA road side diagnosed the problem as one of the coils is misfiring therefore, it’s running on 3 and power is lost.

Sure it’s drivable, but running on 3 is not my kind of convincing. The car shakes violently and the engine light starts flickering.

So if one coil breaks, you’ll have to replace the whole thing because it’s a “pack”. Not like some cars where you can replace them individually.

Better sell this while we still can.

A little car with lots and lots of problems – Bought new from dealer 5 years ago, 50 k odometer I find the car dangerously underpowered, always had issues when accelerating, frequent misfires. Raised this issue with the Holden mechanics who fobbed me off and advised it was the electronic fuel transmission settings for low emissions and high fuel efficiency. This was not true, the whole… Read more

engine is stuffed, now costing $1,600 to fix ( had a few quotes) and all the shocks leaks. I think the car is poorly engineered - best to sell if you have this model

Breaks my heart and my bank – Brought this car brand new from a dealer in 2014. She was only driven for small trips to and from work initially with a few holiday drives in between. Ran great, smooth, a little slow (due to the economy) but great none the less. Loved to drive her and still do, but within the past 3 years she has been nothing short of a nightmare to my bank… Read more

account. Battery completely died 3 years in, coolant tube issues, wipers deteriorated, issues with the radiator, transmission issues and now she's back in to Holden for another fault! (Yet to be determined but the engine is rattling like a leaf). The worst bit is each issue has set me back an enormous amount of money days on end of not having a car and she's only done less than 80,000kms! Not sure if that's ment to be a lot for "new" cars these days. But all I know is my Corolla was on 300,000 kms and ran beautiful with no issues soo?? Very disappointed love the car just wish she was reliable. Devastated.

I wish I could give it negative stars. So many warranty issues and Holden Customer Care has been no help to me at all – Only used to drive me to work and home. Fully serviced. Is on its second fuse box windscreen wipers rusted exterior paint chipping away. No aircon for months. Holden Customer Care really don't care. Show details

This car is a P.O.S light a match and put it in the tank – New timing belt water pump and pulleys front and rear crank and cam seals new clutch rocker seal sump seal gear box seals just to stop it from leaking worst car iv ever brought gonna get rid of it to the next poor joker Show details

2018 holden barina tm update model – purchased brand new i test drove the top spec model which is dearer than the base model trax and astra definitely not worth the money where as the base model is a far nicer car to drive and to live with day to day purchase price was $15 990 that included metallic paint and premium warranty (definitely worth money ) and a few accessories only… Read more

problems / issues are every 9 months it has to be serviced despite The kilometres and the factory fitted continental tyres only lasted 7300 kilometres

A good little car – No hassle, cheap to run. No major problems yet, just normal servicing. Yes the battery only lasted 4 years, I noticed people have give poor reviews and this is a complaint. Both my Toyota and Ford have needed new battery’s at 4 years too, battery’s only last that long these days, get used to it. Show details

Excellent Car Make – Absolutely love this car make, such an easy car to drive and very affordable to keep running. Have never had any problems with it. Will definitely buy another Holden car. Show details

Excellent for a used car – Bought my manual 2010/my11 hatch 4 years ago for $6000. With regular oil/filter services and general maintenance this car has been a great daily driver for me. Only just about to do the timing belt and water pump and it's at 206600km. Have never had a more reliable car, cheap on fuel $48 to fill tank ulp. It's not huge on grunt but for it's size it can go pretty fast Show details

unsatifactory – Two years ago I bought a holden Barina I have travelled 8360 Kms the car has been housed in a garage in a mild environment (Wollongong). I have had to replace the Battery I would expect the battery to last longer than that. The car has been fully serviced Show details

Total piece of crap! – garbage.. lemon.. rubbish.. run away from it.. it'll cost you thousands to fix just to keep it going! burn the crap! i bought one .. timing belt.. wheels.. electronics do crap knows what's going on.. central locking works on its own.. engine lite in.. i hate this red p.o.s! Show details

Problem after problem – "A Holden servicing department manager said this and I quote".. Car manufacturers often build lemons and I'm sorry to say this, you've bought one here! Previously was a executives car at holden This car has been a disaster.. 150000 km full serviced history . replaced head due to over heading, this happened after a service. 2 starter coils… Read more

fitted, broken support engine bracket, completely snapped. O2 sensors replaced, but still can't clear the computer codes, constant knocking from the front end ever since I bought it at 12000k, Holden can not find the problem, trust me the list goes on.

Wonderful car, purchased in Ulladulla NSW and have had it serviced regularly at Alan May Holden Ulla – Our Barina auto is and has been fantastic serviced as required by Alan May Holden Ulladulla whom are lovely people also very helpful to my wife and I can’t say enough about them and the Barina is very fuel frugal 6 litres per 100 ks easy to drive and comfortable on long trips what more could you want other than a bonnet badge a Mercedes couldn’t perform better.  Show details

No Issues – I purchased A Holden Barina TK MY11. I use this daily to get to work 15kms each way. Car runs smooth and reliable. I did a trip from Canberra to Melbourne to Adelaide and back. So roughly 2400kms. Before I left I had it serviced and it drove absolutely fantastically. This car has no guts - so not particularly zippy. But would recommend highly as a first car.  Show details

Reliable car no problems at all – We bought this 3 doors Barina 4 years ago second hand (it s from 2005 so it s now almost 14 years old) and we have never never had any trouble with it. It was probably well looked after before we bought it and we did the same since then. Great car and consumption extremely cheap. Absolutely worth it !  Show details