Holden Barina TK (Hatchback) (2005-2012)

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.

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

I love my car – Economical on fuel, good little zippy car. Mine is a manual. I only gave it 4 stars as I feel sometimes the car doesn’t feel like it’s on the road, a little too light and not sturdy like it’s solidly on the road. Probably because it is so small. I love it though. Easy stereo, not too bad blind spots just the panel at your front right makes it… Read more

hard to see when doing sharp right hand turns but I just sit up and look around more.

It has an excellent turning circle and it’s small so generally it should.

I will buy this same car but in a newer model. I love the Barina!

Can't fault it – Purchased second hand as a daily driver to work due to its fuel efficiency. It is fuel efficient and then some. I would have preferred auto but manuals are cheaper. I was told to keep up to date with services and timing belt changes and I'll never have any issues.  Show details

Brilliant little around town car – I've had my second hand 2010 Barina for quite a while now and it hasn't skipped a beat. I purchased it with 139,000km and all seems well. It has been exceptional on fuel. Whilst it doesn't have the luxury of a Mercedes, it is somewhat nice to drive being quite zippy.  Show details

Worst car in the world – This car is the worst car ever made. First the power door stopped working, then a/c stopped working, coolant reservoir needed replacement, had to replace engine mount, and oil light was on with loud rattling engine noise, mechanic said rocker cover needs some work as there were oil leaking up to the spark plugs so changed all the spark plugs and… Read more

new rocker cover gasket but didn’t fix the problem, after visiting few service centres, mechanics could not fix it so finally had to replace with another 2nd hand engine. The car is still at the mechanics. So buying this car was one of the biggest mistake i ever made in my life. I just want to get rid of it. Already spent around $5000 just on repair so I will not spend anymore after this rather sell it to the scrap. Always reminds me of a dude I met at the traffic stop in Sydney who told me about his worst experience with this barina and he finally gave up and sold it. please do not buy this or even take it for free, it is just a trouble.

Such a waste of money – Bought it second hand and have to pay over $3000 to get it back to managable condition. The lock actuators are bust, the suspention needs replacing and the engine always smells like burning oil. Be warey one buying 2nd hand because its going to cost you. Save yourself time and money and go for a Mazda.  Show details

Great first car – Driving experience: very zippy and easy to drive for a number of reasons. Can accelerate very quickly, narrow size (can park easily into small spaces) and great turning circle. Only downside is lack of cruise control which makes longer drivers more tiring. Interior: dashboard is good aesthetically and the CD player also has aux in capabilities.… Read more

Missing Bluetooth compatibility however due to age of car, expected.

Reliability: Have had this car for just over 6 years, being the second owner, and had not had any major issues. Most recently, the aircon has broken and requires 2 parts to be replaced at a cost of $1200. Apart from this, had some minor issues with the spark plugs but overall great for the age of the car and time I've had it. Running costs are minimal - full tank of petrol is $40 and I usually get about 5-6 hours of driving out of it.

It's a simple car. What more do you expect? – I remember getting myself a nice sporty red manual one a while back, then we sold it as the new wife didn't drive stick. Anyway, a bit more down the line and we bought another one second hand that was automatic. Nothing wrong with the car yet. It runs well, is fuel efficient and gets us from A to B with little fuss. I mean everyone wants a… Read more

bigger engine so they can cruise the highways without revving so high, but it's a small car. What do you expect?

Would I get it again? Maybe a newer model, but at the price point, there's not many other comparable cars of this calibre.

Fold down back seats adds room to the boot.

Problematic now after many years of reliable and economical use – My Barina has been very good to run since buying it in 2008 second hand. 2004 model. No mechanical problems since, but in the last 12 months the indicators and odometer display work intermittently. When they feel like it. The headlights even refused to turn off once. I've taken it to the auto electrician. It has them baffled. Auto electrician says… Read more

they have never seen anything like it. Holden dealership wanted to charge me an unaffordable price just to test it on a computer before telling me the problem would have to be most likely fixed with something like a new computer control module that controls the entire car. Needless to say, I refuse to spend far, far too many dollars that may or may not fix the problem. Have read bad owner reviews about the model prior to mine and they were all dreadful. Terrible costly problems mine never had. Now I'm on tenterhooks waiting for something else to happen like it did to the many others who had problems with their model. Other than that, my Barina has been a "go everywhere " car. All the simple solutions have failed to fix my electrical problems.

Amazing! – I own the 2012 Holden Barina. Honestly the best car ever! This is my first car but I have had NO PROBLEMS with it! My friends have all bought cars and have had a lot of issues and some that have bought the new 2015 model and have had issues. I would highly recommend the 2012 Holden Barina if you are looking for a great trouble free first car. … Read more

Uses hardly any petrol as well! Great for traveling, easy to clean inside and out. A great inexpensive car!

Handles great and is very comfortable. (I am the second owner and bought with 26,000km, had it 5 months now it's on 46,000) I love driving it.

Check the brand of engine !! – Just following up on my 2012 review of Bluebell, my Holden Barina. At 60,000 I dutifully went to a friend that is a mechanic and asked him to change the timing belt, as per the maintenance manual. He ordered in the parts, I took the car in and was having a nice cup of coffee. He came in after about 10 minutes, grinning, and said "Well, that's… Read more

finished". I asked how and he said "You have a Suzuki engine and it doesn't need changing until at least 100,000 kilometres!" He had talked to Holden in Adelaide and they confirmed that my car was manufactured in a Daiwoo plant in Korea to Holden specifications and had a Suzuki engine!" That's a new kind of hybrid to me.But that explains why I haven't had the motor problems that others have reported I guess. I've now done 75,000 km and am about to put my 3rd set of tyres on as the last 45,000 have been mainly stop/start around town. Oh well, that's not Holden's fault. And, as I said in my last review - I LOVE my Holden Barina !!

Worst Ever – This car is a lie, for starters is not a Holden, it's a Daewoo. I had to put a new motor just after the warranty (3 years). The radiator does not last long, changed twice, the water reserve leaking, breaks failing all the time, very unsafe. I bought it brand new. Bad choice, not recommended, never buy Holden again.  Show details

Another Holden Money Maker – The TK Barina is an carry over component vehicle meaning all parts have been taken from another production vehicle in this case all interior and engine mechanical set up is from the JF Holden Viva a disappointing car. On the case of failure components most cars suffer are shock absorber failure mostly leaking at seal on front and rear at approx.… Read more

50,000km, Radiator transmission tank seal failure causing transmission to drop fluid level, Timing belt is a replacement item at only 60,000km with water pump most pumps are leaking by this time. Lower control are bushes dry out and crack causing a groaning noise in the front end. Drive wise the car has no torque and the auto version is badly calibrated holding some gears far to long on down hill roads. Poor tyres bring out the horrible ride and there is no road feel through the steering. Most Air conditioning units fail at the 5 year mark requiring the replacement of the Compressor and receiver dryer unit at approx. $1000. I'd buy a older Toyota Corolla in place of this vehicle any day its not worth the heart ache as many as my customers have experienced.

Worst most expensive car to own – We had a 2007 no problems written off in January 2008. Replaced with another 2007 model. We have had radiator head gasket breaks rotors head gasket two radiators clutch clutch arm wiring and more. Most not covered by their warranty. It has cost us half the value of the car new to keep it on the road complete joke. Every part is the cheapest they… Read more

could use we have since found. The rotors need replacing every 10 to 20k should last triple that the rotors ware so badly after 5k that the whole car shidders when slowing down. Yet after market rotors which only cost $30 will give you 60k. Total waste of time and money. Holden have lost it and i'll never purchase another one.

Front wheel bearings – 20008TK barina hatchback brought from new now travelled 64000km need to have the front wheel bearings replaced. They were sendinga vibration threw the body of the car which could be felt by all in the vechile. Spoke to Holden customer service in Melbourne and stated the need bearing checked by Holden deakership for replacement cost of parts only. Bearing should last a lot longrr that this. Iwill never buy a barina again  Show details

Much maligned but better than many – Purchased our TK 08 Barina new in 2007 & still have it. Had to have the solenoid switch that allows you to shift gears replaced under warranty as it was sticking, but since then have had no issues in the 7 + years we have owned it. Sure it's a basic small car made on the cheap, but that's exactly what my wife & I were looking for as a town… Read more

runabout. We test drove a Toyota Yaris, a Suzuki Swift, a Mitsubishi Colt & a Mazda 2 before deciding that they weren't really worth the extra money considering that they were often deficient in power, size & convenience to the Barina. Most other makes were more expensive for parts & servicing too. If you aren't looking for anything more than a basic good looking little car, there's nothing wrong with a Barina.

Something that the barina owner's manual doesn't tell you. (Holden Barina TK 2007) – Without going into a lengthy explanation here's what I found out about the Dash board Fuse Box information and markings. The 10amp fuse marked as "spare" also controls your electric mirrors. So if you re-deploy that fuse in an emergency situation make sure you replace it ASAP or you won't be able to adjust the side mirrors. I edited my owner's manual to include this info. Hope this helps out. John  Show details

Ok but not great – We bought our tk new in 2009. We have done 106,000 Km in this time. It has been reliable but there are things that need work. At 60,000 km we were told The brake disks need replacing as they are too thin to machine!!! They lasted as long as one set of pads, ridiculous. We also have a newly developed oil leak, and aircon is draining into the… Read more

passenger foot well. I won't be buying another anytime soon. you are also required to change timing belt every 60,000 on this model. Yet they recommend 15k services. We have been doing every 10k as this engine needs all the help it can get. Not a lot of power and not even that fuel efficient.

The perfect small car – Drives well. Handles great. Fuel efficient. Excellent for work or play. Not just a girls car. Well done Holden on another great little car.  Show details

Love my 2006 Barina TK! Only small issues – Have owned my little black manual Barina TK for 2.5 years now and it's at 115,000kms. I bought it cheaper to counterweigh getting the timing belt changed, but since then all i've had to get is a new battery at around 100,000kms, then my last 3 services have been around $200 for the typical fluid changes, etc. My Barina starts first go every time.… Read more

I even had a prang and had to get the bumper and bonnet replaced and I've still had no mechanical issues besides the air conditioner condenser, which is my own fault. It has quite a bit of power, probably being the manual, and it's fun to drive.

The only issues that I have with my Barina is that the previous owners fitted it out with King suspension, which I find makes the front end suspension a bit loud and clunky. The boot latch broke, which I had fixed for $30 which ended up just being something slipped off. Otherwise, have not had any major problems, touch wood!

Best car I've owned – I've had my Holden Barina for over 6 yrs now. Brought her brand new with only 37km on click. I've not had an ounce of trouble and have only just brought a new battery now from purchasing my car in Nov 08. I am looking at upgrading and privately selling her. Car has a few minor scratches with only 67000 on clock.  Show details

Holden barina 2006 tk – The car is a waste of space .... Had some many issues with it .... Bought it with 71k on the clock .. now with 91k ... spent over 4k on repairs .... don't but this Daewoo piece of rubbish ... Buy a Toyota !  Show details

TK Lemon – As we all know Barina is the worst car Holden has produced will never buy a Holden again. My peice of rubbish had several issues idle, going through rotors and pads, struts, wheel bearings, and like everyone else noisy front suspension. Biggest issue I had was the revs increasing and decreasing while your of the accelerator which make the car… Read more

speed up and down. Holden tried to tell me this was normal haha. They tried to fix it and told me because they don't know what us wrong with it t house ey can't fix it. Looks like we all got sucked in.

Do not recommend – I bought my 2008 MY09 automatic 3 door Barina brand new in 2009 and after 5 years I'm pleased to be getting rid of it. The first issue I had was the transmission pin jamming and not letting me out of park (great fun that!) so that was replaced and has since been replaced twice more! The second problem I had was an issue that never was completely… Read more

resolved. I'd be driving along, I'd hear a 'clunk' and then the next thing it's driving at high revs, and is sluggish (almost like it's dropped back to 1st gear when it should at least be in second) and the "power" indicator light on the dash is flashing shortly followed by the engine light! The only thing that seemed to temporarily fix this problem was a thorough clean of the fuel injectors. I have now recently had an issue where sometimes (most of the time it seems) my car is again revving higher than normal, mostly while I'm still in park! I'll be super pleased when it's gone! looks horrible car all round

I love my Barina! – I have a 2008 Barina hatch and I love it to bits!! I've had my Barina for three years now and it's only had a little sensor problem but that was easy to fix. I got it first to learn on and it was the best decision!!!! I can't live without it.  Show details

Poor service – Purchased a 2008 tk barina brand new only issue I really have is the pathetic after sale service ( there is none) a radio that died for no reason the dealership I purchased it from basically lied and cheated me the cost of the service kept going up despite the time and requirements being the same I purchased an extended warranty which was not honoured and being told it will cost 250.00 to check why my radio died Comfortable roomy  Show details

2007 Barina Hatchback – I am a teenager and my parents bought me a second-hand 2007 manual Barina Hatchback for my first car last year. I love my car! It's economic, cheap to fill, comfy, aesthetically pleasing, small enough to park anywhere and big enough to squish four friends in! There are a few (in my opinion) minor downfalls to the Barina: the interior plastics… Read more

fade and wear, the stock windscreen wipers were terribly squeaky and patchy and finally, it has no guts - overtaking is a well planned manoeuvre and don't even try to take it up a mountain road if you want to go over 20ks! And a few more little things not worth mentioning.

But overall, I do really enjoy driving it, and I definitely recommend the Barina as a first car! :) Reliable, economic, small, comfortable, air conditioning, auxiliary player, snappy clutch, great steering Cheap plastic, ugly hubcaps, poor high-beams, little power, windscreen wipers, seat adjustments

Dont Buy a TK barina there Death Traps !!! – where do i start brought 2007 tk 2door hatch brand new nothing but trouble from the start 3 solinoids in the transmission breaks failing yes brakes just not working !! after a ABS module new rotors new master cyclinder ended up being ABS wheel speed sensor ( only holden could fix )... cam angle sensor, throddle position sensor, crank angle… Read more

sensor, tapped cover gaskets, creaks when going over speed bumps, always wearing out front passenger tyre no matter how many wheel alignments blinkers just turn on when they want n wont go off, just a down right lemon finally sold 6 months ago with just 65000km on the clock

would not recommend this model barina to any one just a nightmare and forever costing big $$$$ Very Good Air Con Everything to do with cars computer / Brakes / Transmission / Motor

Love it – Purchased new in 2010, now done 45000 kms and have never had a problem. Only just needing new tyres now and is quite good on fuel consumption. Is a manual and I feel the gears are as new. Audio is also quite good and is reasonably roomy if you fold down the back seats etc. Reliable/Fuel consumption Hard to vacuum in small spaces Show details

The opal versions were much better – We had a 2005 Barina from new and loved it. It was imported from Europe so it had lots of options not found in the current line up. The 2005 engine was a zippy 1.4lt that easily got 5lt/100 (we once got 720km to a tank). We traded it in on a new 2011 Barina. We paid $18500 from a Holden dealer for the 4 door auto fully optioned. Immediately I… Read more

noticed the power was less than the 1.4lt model even though the engine it bigger. It also chews through fuel!

We only get 400 - 450km to a tank which is a hassle on long trips. It doesn't have Bluetooth, cruise control or a smooth auto as you'd expect for $18500. In the first month the windscreen cracked while parked in out drive way. Then the door trim peeled away. Finally the coil pack failed. Sorry Holden, never again! Easy to park Cheap design. No power. Heavy on fuel. No options. Way overpriced.

Holden 2007 tk barina sedan – Never again... I bought the barina jan 2008 with only 700km, in the last three years I've had nothing but dramas with it, firstly I spent approx $300 on new brakes, I've had the soleinoid switch removed as I couldn't get the t-bar into gear. The engine light on my dash kept appearing, took it to my mechanic as the car was no longer under warranty,… Read more

had to replace the timing belt & water pump $680. After one week of having that done the engine light was back on, so I took it back & forth couldn't diagnose the problem until now.. need a cam belt as they looked deeper into the problem I've shot the pistons & only running on 3 cylinders. I'm devastated that, for a 5 year old car thats done 59000 km ,I've spent so much money

on getting repairs. The cam belt is getting done as I speak I'm looking at $1500 - 2500 for repairs, happy new year to me. Good on petrol