Holden Barina is a small car that has been around in Australia in one form or another since 1985.
Interestingly its name is a local Aussie one, being aboriginal for Summit.
A virtually all-new Barina was introduced in October 2011.
We are covering it in this week’s Used Car Checkout because it’s much more sophisticated than the previous
ones.
It has electronically stability program, as well as infotainment technology that included GM’s MyLink system.
A mild update in November 2016 saw changes to the exterior and interior.
Interestingly, the exterior changes were carried penned in Holden’s design centre in Melbourne.
Barinas tend to be used only for suburban and city running in Australia, but in the European manner they perform well in country running.
You’re probably best not to buy one if you’re doing any dirt road driving.
Most are used by single or couples, but we have seen some working well as small family cars.
Space in the front seats is fine for a car of its size, but rear seat legroom is restricted unless those in the front seats give up some of their space.
The best system is for the smallest person in the rear to sit behind the driver with the front passenger and a taller person in the left side of the car.
Boot space isn’t particular good, after all this is a relatively small car.
The rear-seat backrests can be folded down to increase cargo room.
Sedans have a much larger boot than the hatchbacks because they are quite a bit longer.
Holden Barinas being reviewed here are five-door hatches and four-door sedans.
All are powered by a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels.
Though the engine is relatively small, performance isn’t too bad because of the relatively light weight of the Barina.
Try for yourself if you are likely to be carrying largish loads or driving in hilly conditions.
If you enjoy driving you will like the later model Barinas because there’s quite a bit Aussie engineering in the way the car’s suspension is tuned.
Fit a good set of tyres and you will find yourself in a low-cost machine that’s enjoyable to drive.
Five-speed manual gearboxes are probably the best bet as they have less power loss through the transmission.
But you are going to be doing a lot of heavy-duty commuting you may prefer an automatic.
The six-speed auto is not too bad for its type.
Spare parts prices are generally favourable and there are Holden dealers in virtually all areas of Australia.
Those in remote country areas are unlikely to stock every Barina part, so you may have to wait for parts to be shipped from a major city.
Barinas are reasonably easy for amateur mechanics to service and repair, though the underbonnet area is on the crowded side and work can be frustrating at times.
Buying a workshop manual makes a lot of sense.
Leave anything related to safety to the professionals, though.
The Holden Barina was discontinued in 2018. History tells us this was part of Holden’s plan to eventually pull out of Australia.
Holdens may not be sold new here anymore, which is very sad but one-time dealers continue to provide spare parts and servicing for existing cars. We suggest you contact your local dealer and speak to the service manager for information.
Insurance charges are usually in the lower end of the scale and there doesn’t seem to be a major difference in prices from company to company.
Shop around, but be sure to make accurate comparisons.
We always suggest that having a long record with one insurer may stand you in good stead if there’s some sort of a marginal claim.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
With the engine complete cold remove the radiator cap and check there no oily look in the water.
Check the engine dipstick for oil level. If it’s too low it could be a lack of overall maintenance on the car, or that the engine is burning oil.
The latter could mean an overhaul is due.
Dark colour on the dipstick could mean the oil hasn’t been changed for a long time.
The engine should start reasonably quickly and immediately idle smoothly.
After it has been idling for a minute or so, flatten the accelerator pedal and look for a puff of smoke from the exhaust.
This could indicate serious engine wear.
Make very fast gearchanges on a manual gearbox. If it baulks or crunches, particularly on third-to-second downchanges it may be on the way out.
Automatics that are rough in their changes or which change too frequently, may be due for an overhaul.
Look for and feel for front tyres that are worn unevenly.
This could be caused by something as simple as poor wheel alignment, but it could also mean the body has been twisted in a crash.
HOW MUCH?
Budget on paying from $2000 to $5000 for a 2011 Holden Barina Classic; $4000 to $7000 for a 2013 CDX or a 2015 X; $6000 to $10,000 for a 2015 CD or a 2016 RS; $8000 to $13,000 for a 2017 CDX; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2016 LT; and $10,000 to $15,000 for a 2018 LT.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.
That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.
Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.
Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
If you’re serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.
If they insist on coming that’s understandable, but try to avoid them “selling” the car to you.
Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.
The next owner may suffer as a result.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/