why are holden captivas so cheap Page 5

Because used-car buyers can smell a headache like a wet dog, and the Holden Captiva’s perfume is, shall we say, robust.

Prices dive thanks to reputation, strong competition, and the small matter of the brand bowing out of Australia.

• Patchy reliability record (timing chain stretch, auto gearbox woes, sensors and electrics) dents confidence.
• Heavy depreciation from past fleet and drive-away deals leaves today’s values looking like a clearance bin.
• Thirsty petrols and so-so driving manners mean you pay later at the bowser and the workshop.
• Holden’s exit spooks buyers about long-term support, even though parts are still available via independents.

Find one with meticulous service history and evidence of fixes, and it can be cheap motoring—just budget for surprises and get a pre-purchase inspection.