2005 Chevrolet Tacuma reviews

Chevrolet Tacuma 1.6 SX 2005

I wanted an MPV for a family of five on a budget. The Tacuma was a cracking bargain at least £2k less than the equivalent Renault Megane which is a good comparison. Okay, so there is no diesel option, the emissions are not brilliant, and the 2.0 litre version will get hit hard when the new higher vehicle tax band are introduced in 2010 (so avoid it!). The 1.6 engine will do the job but it is a little noisy when worked hard and only averages 35mpg, but there are no known faults with the unit and if driven like a family car, it’s fine. Good points are interior space, three proper seat belts in the back for the kids (i.e. no lap straps) good sized boot and unbelievable value for money. It’s comfortable, there are lots of cubby holes for bits and bobs inside and the styling is a bit quirky, which I quite like in an odd sort of way. I have seen Tacumas’ with only 10 miles on the clock in dealers for £1800 under new price. The deprecation is vicious on newer models and a genuine 3 year old car can easily be had for £3k with about 20-30,000 miles on the clock - that is real VFM, which every family will appreciate. It won’t set the world on fire but as a people transporter for not much money it is hard to beat.