HOLDEN CAPTIVA 2006 – 2012

2006 Holden Captiva Maxx

2006 Holden Captiva Maxx

Holden Captiva is a medium-large SUV that has a lot of Australian input in its design and engineering teams.

Holden Captiva is available in two slightly different body styles, with the MaXX having a sporty look and five seats, while the other body type can be purchased as a five- or seven-seater.

The third row seats are larger than those in many of Captiva’s seven-seat competitors and, while still better suited to children than adults, can carry the grownups in reasonable comfort.

Storage space when all seven seats are in place is severely restricted, hardly unusual in this size of vehicle. The seats can the folded down in a variety of ways and, when all are flat, you have up to 1565 litres of luggage space.

2009 Holden Captiva 5

2009 Holden Captiva 5

There are a number of smaller stowage compartments including a large wet/dry area beneath the load compartment floor. Interior storage is excellent, with seatback pockets; a glovebox cooler; front and rear centre console storage; door bins; drink holders; and an overhead sunglasses holder

When introduced in 2007 the only Captiva powerplant was a 3.2-litre V6 petrol built by Holden. The engine was shipped to the South Korean factory to be installed in Captivas used on many global markets. A 2.0-litre diesel engine was added to the range in March 2007.

Initially all Holden Captiva models used the same part-time 4WD system, with drive normally being to the front wheels and the rear wheels being engaged when extra traction was demanded.

011 Holden Captiva Series II

2011 Holden Captiva Series II

The 4WD system is well engineered and the Holden Captiva can tackle some quite tough off-road areas as it has good approach and departure angles. It’s not a heavy-duty 4WD but can go surprisingly far in the hands of an experienced operator.

A 2WD version, through the front wheels, was introduced in December 2009. Called the Captiva 5 and using the MaXX style body it’s a five-seater powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

A five-speed automatic with tiptronic-style manual override was the only transmission option until the arrival of the Captiva 5, which is offered with a six-speed manual as well as an automatic transmission. The automatics were upgraded to six forward ratios with the introduction of an upgraded Captiva in February 2011.

All Captiva models come with electronic stability control, ABS brakes with brake assist, traction control, active rollover protection and descent control. There are dual front airbags in all models with side curtain airbags optional in the lower cost models and standard on the others.

Holden is very well represented in most areas of Australia and dealers in all regions are likely to carry the more common spare parts for the Captiva. Other components can usually be shipped in within a couple of working days. Prices are lower than average for an imported vehicle in this class.

Parts and servicing costs are reasonable and the relatively simple layout of the Captiva means the good amateur mechanic can do a fair bit of their own work. Safety related items should only be worked on by professionals.

Insurance costs are pretty reasonable and we haven’t seen a big variation between companies. However, it’s always smart to shop around for the best deal making sure that you’re comparing apples with apples when doing so.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Check for rust in the lower area of the body and in a Captiva that may have been used on the beach.

Look over the interior for signs of dirt having been ground into carpets. Similarly, check for damage and/or stains on the seats.

Look for off-road damage to the bumper corners, the door sills and for light scratches in the paintwork on the doors and the front guards.

If the load area has been used to cart heavy gear and/or has been damaged by poor loading and/or fastening there could be severe damage to the carpets. Again, signs of sand may be bad news.

Engines that are slow to start or blow smoke when worked hard may be due for major repairs.

Automatic transmissions that don’t go into Drive quickly when moved from Neutral or Reverse may need servicing.

HOW MUCH?
You can expect to pay from $12,000 to $17,000 for a 2009 Captiva 5 2WD; $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2007 LX AWD; $20,000 to $29,000 for a 2009 LX AWD; $23,000 to $31,000 for a 2010 Captiva 7 LX AWD; $26,000 to $35,000 for a 2011 Captiva 7 LX AWD; and $29,000 to $40,000 for a 2012 Captiva 7 LX AWD.

CAR BUYING TIP
So few SUVs ever get taken off-road that it’s probably worth passing up one that has been used as an SUV. Silly, isn’t it?

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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