Vauxhall road test reports and car reviews

Vauxhall Antara 2007

I have had my Antara for 10 months. In this time the auto head light adjuster failed costing £600, the sensor in the gear box that releases the key stopped working and locked the key in the ignition costing £250, the engine service light kept coming on costing £120, and if that’s not enough the wife went out to start the car to go to work and suddenly the engine sounded like it was firing on only 2 cylinders and then conked out! We got it to our Vauxhall dealer who found that the can followers had disintegrated and damaged the camshaft filling the engine with metal shavings. We spoke to Vauxhall as advised by the mechanic as there was no reason for this to happen. Vauxhall’s response is that due to the age and mileage there was nothing they could do - the car is only 5 yeas old and has 74000 miles on the clock. So I take it from that, that Vauxhall only expect their cars to run for 4-5 years. The bill to fix is £2500 so I am going to go back to Vauxhall quoting the Sale Of Goods act 1979 and the item that explains that all good sold should be fit for purpose and last in good condition for a satisfactory period of time, I feel 5 years for a nearly £30000 car is not satisfactory.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.8 Design 2006

I have had this car from new and mileage now 54000. The car has been regularly serviced to schedule and we have had just two problems, which have been minor niggles. Firstly the o/s roof fin stuck intermittently. This was rare at once or twice only per year and while the dealership looked at it each time they couldn’t find the cause despite replacing the motor 3 times in 3 years under warranty. Then it was out of warranty and the same fault occurred. I contacted Vauxhall and said there was no way I was paying. Initially the offered to pay 50% but finally agreed to pay in full when I suggested that I would take them to court. That was 3 years ago and no problems since. It seems they fixed it this time. The other fault was a failed ABS/traction control moderator. Vauxhall price for a replacement £1,750.00, I said no way and got it refurbished for just £325.00 by a small outfit in Charlton, London SE. We have been very pleased with this car and it is definitely not for sale.

Vauxhall Insignia 2013 SE cdti 2012

50 miles on this 2013 Insignia. Poor clutch balance at low revs causing jerking. Probably too much torque. Some torque steer. Boat like handling. Switches rattle and bend. Glove box not aligned. Road noise is high. Diesel engine is unrefined and lumpy. Sound system is pity full! Also got a 2013 A3 1.6 d sportback that blows this utter shed out of the water on spec, quality, economy! Shame on you Vauxhall. The Cavalier was built to better standards!

Vauxhall Zafira 2.0DTi

Bought from new with perfect service history, unfortunately I have had to subsequently re-build the car due to poor design and workmanship: New alternator, new radiator, new engine (yes a new engine complete!), new boot switch, new rocker arms and now I am told a new gear box is required. At 39000 a complete joke. This vehicle is not fit for purpose - avoid at all cost.

Vauxhall Insignia 2009

I bought my Insignia CDTDI IN 2009 and it’s been a proverbial pain; tyres wear out on the front in no time, the gas system started to leak at a cost £860 to replace, brake pads and discs need replacing often, the service light came on and stayed on after 4000 miles and it wallows like a settee on the corners. After 5000 miles I couldn’t change gear as the gear box went stiff and this still occurs intermittently, although it won’t do it for the garage. I was warned not to buy Vauxhall, I should have listened as my son had no end of problem with his Astra. I will never have another Vauxhall again!

Vauxhall Corsa 1.7 cdti DIESEL 2009

Bought this car last year and had nothing but problems, problems problems. To start with it kept cutting out when I was driving about even at high speed, which started 3 months after I’d bought it. The rev meter jumps a lot, the heating packed in after 8 months of buying it and now the turbo is leaking. Surely this isn’t normal for only a 5 year old car? My first car was 8 years older and never had half these problems. My second car was only a year older and never had these problems. This one is by far the worse thing I ever bought and Vauxhall have been of no help.

Vauxhall Corsa 1.3cdti sxi easytronic 2005

Bought 12 months ago (April 2012) with just over 36,000 on clock now has 44,500. The worst Corsa I’ve owned. Suffers from intermittent "clutch" slip syndrome. Visited Vauxhall agents and they want almost £90 just to do diagnostic check. Don’t find it that economical about 45mpg. Serviced to schedules etc.

Vauxhall Insignia 130bhp 2010

I have been loyal to Toyota for 16yrs. Fancied a change, so got a Chevrolet Captiva. Poor fuel consumption, and poor fit and finish. So part ex’d it for my Insignia. What a breath of fresh air. Cruise control, electric seats, climate controls. All work perfectly. The car is quiet, comfortable, and handles well in all conditions. Excellent miles per gallon. My car has a mid range specification. It’s a car for both a local journey and the marathon. For such a long car, it’s agile and feels good to drive. The dealership is competent and I’ve never felt ripped off after the routine servicing. Build wise , I think Vauxhall have at last got it right. Yes, it’s a brand I will buy again.

Vauxhall Antara Exclusiv 2.2 4x4 2012

We took receipt of our Antara beginning of January 2013. At the moment we are getting around 35 mpg in town and 43mpg on longer journeys which is pretty good for journeying round the hills of mid Wales. The heated seats were a welcome luxury this winter as was the AWD start/stop feature. I have had no problem driving on hilly farm tracks and the ride is very comfortable. For the money this is a very capable car and it is unfair to compare it to off roaders like Land Rover (I learned to drive in a Land Rover and although it was more capable off road, it did not have the comfort of the Antara). All in all the Antara value for money vehicle is a capable vehicle if driven correctly.

Vauxhall Astra Estate 2004

We bought our Vauxhall Astra 1.7 Diesel in 2004, with 12000 miles on the clock. We have had a starter motor, new battery, cambelt fitted at 98k. These are the only expenses we have had to date, however, the central locking has now decided to give up the ghost so that will have to be sorted out. This is one of the best cars we have owned. We have done over 90k miles.

Vauxhall Vectra 3.2 vxr hatch 2008

Mine is a 3.2 vxr hatch. No problems. A great all round motor vehicle.

Vauxhall Vivaro SWB Sportive 2005

I cannot fault my van. I’ve had it since Sept 2005 and have done 212,000 in it. Ironically it broke down today, that’s why I’m on this forum. It seems to be a starter motor, which I can accept. I actually also took delivery of my brand new 13 plate Vivaro today, so the irony is massive! Seriously though, I cannot fault this, it’s had a clutch and regular servicing and the ball joints and other small bits and pieces, but it’s a van, it works hard and these things happen. I’ll never sell it now as the resale will be tiny, plus it’s grown on me and I’m sure it has a soul!

Responses to this review

Enjoy the best looking and driving van out there. These vans get right up the noses of VW/ Transit fans – Jim Bray from Derbyshire

Hi, if you are here doing research prior to buying a Vivaro the best place to get honest opinions on ownership is at the VWT5 Forum, look for "why would you buy a Renault Trafic (same as Vivara) - Darren Jones from Berkshire

Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 dualfuel (LPG) 2003

Bought from new; now 110k miles. LPG is good and still only £0.71/litre. Generally the car is strong, reliable and comfortable, so reasonable value for money, but there have been a number of issues. At 100 miles the steering wheel trim disintegrated, but was fixed under warranty. Immediately after it’s 3 year service the cylinder head failed, but again this was fixed under warranty. At 40k miles the starter failed to engage, so I took it off and lubricated and it has been ok ever since. The windscreen wiper drive mechanism failed, which was fixed under warranty. There was inadequate paint preparation during factory conversion to LPG allowing rust to appear on the rear wing, which was fixed under warranty. The petrol pump failed due to contamination in fuel (as its an LPG car petrol is rarely filled so no idea of when/why/where this occurred?); it needed both the pump and tank replacing, which was not cheap. Various brake pipes replaced as deemed corroded. Front and rear springs replaced as deemed broken. Disks lasted to 100k before needing replacements, but the clutch is still original. Only on the second battery. The paintwork is good despite my daughter putting the car through a barbed wire fence.

Vauxhall Vivaro 2005

Hi! The Vivaro I bought new in 2005 was honestly the cheapest and best van I have ever sat in. I also had it remapped and it was a racing car. Sold it to my mate 4 years later and it gave him some problems, but am going to have another one shortly.

Vauxhall Insignia sri 160 diesel 2009

Don’t buy an Insignia, they have so many issues. Clutch/flywheels need to be replaced from as little as 3000k and cost £1450. There are coolant leaks, power steering and ABS sensor faults; these cars are very bad with many experiencing these issues so steer clear. They’re Vauxhall’s biggest failure. The dealers and the manufacturer blame the customer for many, if not all issues and will bill you even in warranty!

Vauxhall Astravan 1.7 sportive 2008

First new van I’ve bought for my business and what a mistake! It has been nothing but trouble. Within 6 months a knocking from the front end, so new bushes fitted. Just after a year it started jumping out of third gear, so the gear box was rebuilt. At 18 months the paint on back door blistered from underneath the paint, Walkers of Worksop service manager said this was due to "stone chips mate"! Yeah right, not a blemish on the front of the van - back door stone chips?! Just outside of the warranty the gear box had to be rebuilt again, then the alternator packed up last year. There has been loads of other minor stuff and Vauxhall customer service is probably one of the worst. Not great as a van and not very comfy if you’re tall. On the plus side it looks good,but I’d rather have a reliable vehicle. I Won’t be buying another one that’s for sure!

Vauxhall Corsa 1.0 12v twinport 2010

Bought my little Corsa 2 years ago and in that time I’ve done 20,000 miles on some of the worst roads possible; bumps, hills and twisting sharp bends, as my commute to work is a 98 mile round trip over the Pennines. I must admit I sometimes tense up when I’m about to hit a pot hole the size of a drain grate, but it soaks it up and keeps going. The engine is not the greatest, but I’ve never had a problem and I’m getting returns of up to 49 mpg. I fitted it with snow tyres in winter and it never gets stuck. Overall it is a very cheap to run, reliable and economical little car. I also fitted some alloys from a old BMW I had. I can’t believe how it sticks to the road. The only problem is the wife doesn’t like Corsas, she says they’re the worst car in the world, but I’ve forced her to drive it and from then on she has kept quiet.

Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 life a/c 2009

I will never buy a Vauxhall again, what a pile of scrap. I bought mine 3 years ago and it’s had problems...and more problems. It has never run smoothly, despite being many times on the computer. At 80,000 miles the head gasket blew, the heater gave up, brakes give up, stereo gave up,radiator had to be replaced, exhaust sensor gave up, all the usuals. I knew I should not have bought it, so it’s my own fault really. I just want other people to know to stay away from these cars unless you have a fetish for losing cash and walking everywhere! How dare this manufacturer put out rubbish like this. I am sure the model T Ford was a more reliable motor than this, circa 1910! My previous car was a Citroen, which I found to be a wonderfully well built machine and I will be going back to them ASAP.

Vauxhall Zafira 2008

I have owned a VW Touran TDi and it was a good car, I put a chip into it and it went a little better. I recently got a TDi Zafira and WOW what a great car. The ride is superb, interior engine noise is good and the power is great. I drove at 180kms per hour and it still easily accelerated to 200. The handling is superb and my wife didn’t even bat an eyelid. It is so smooth. Yes I’m sure the maintenance is probably going to be high, but it is worth it for the comfort and not to forget the panaramic roof. I am a VW and Audi fan, but I will definitely keep this one for a safe family wagon. And the consumption is very good at 15kms per litre average for a big vehicle actually for any vehicle that is great. Sorry for all of the other people with problems, but mine is great!

Vauxhall Astravan Sportive 2005

I bought this only to find out it needed a new clutch, flywheel timing belt kit, waterpump heater motor, discs and pads and a few other bits. Make sure you take someone with you who knows a good bit about cars before buying!

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

 

I got this car in 2008 and we have had nothing but hassle with it. The roof is broken, the clutch went twice, the alternator went and the ERG valve needs fixed now. It leaks constantly when it’s raining and it also makes creaking noises. I wouldn’t recommend this car to anyone. I have spent too much money on getting it fixed. Also, the headlight and brake lights constantly need to be replaced.

 

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 Exclusiv Automatic 2011

 

Purchased to replace 2005 Astra Estate Life 1.8 Automatic. Be aware of the depreciation if buying new, I paid £9000 at 22 months old, under 4000 miles. Improvements: Screen washer now a mist spray and the intermittent wiper has adjustable speed; the rear wiper has intermittent or permanently on; water temp gauge and digital speed display is especially useful when setting Cruise Control, which is now standard; de-misting vents for front door windows in door pillar; electronic handbrake works well with the auto gearbox, which I believe has been discontinued in 2013; cup holders and armrest with a small storage box between front seats; two reading lamps Luggage cover can be raised up or retracted; solid concertina luggage floor with storage above the spare wheel; two quality handles inside the tailgate. Negative points: Six inches longer bonnet is not now self supporting; 1.6 Automated manual lacks pulling power of 1.8 Torque Converter automatic and it requires a cambelt change at 40000 miles/4 yrs - the 1.8 was 60000 miles/6 yrs; fuel consumption no better; steel wheels now 16 inches and tyre noise seems louder; wipers no longer automatically switch of when ignition is turned off, the screen is already scratched where the previous keeper forgot; DAB Radio not standard; dashboard no longer shows gears as D1, D2 etc. just D. Have to select manual to display actual gear; glove box and door pockets are smaller; still no courtesy lighting for rear passengers; rear wiper does not fully lift up from the window, which is annoying when cleaning; pointless reintroduction of internal door lock buttons.

 

Vauxhall Zafira 2.0dti 2008

When buying a Vauxhall Zafira 2.0dti check for oil leaks from the turbo. Then the dreaded egr valve, which puts the car into limp mode; this I find is dangerous when driving on fast A roads or motorway! Glow plugs can also seize in the cylinder head, which can be very expensive. Could be a excellent car if not for under the bonnet problems.

Vauxhall Astra 5-Door Hatch 1.6L Club Auto Petrol 2012

Bought approx. one year ago. A nice car to drive, but the blue metallic paint scratches easily, hence the 4Star rating.

Vauxhall Antara 2008

Two new cluch kits needed so far at only 26,000miles!

Vauxhall Zafira SRi 165 BHP s/s 2012

The Vauxhall Zafira tourer is the best in the range. It’s a bit expensive unless you get a pre-reg one that will save you £5-£6K. The only thing that the warranty won’t cover is the DPF. I’ve got the SRI 165 BHP s/s; the ride is great and the sport seats are very comfy, it also holds the road and corners really well. The back two seats are better than the last two Zafiras. Try one and like me, after a test drive you might find you have to get one. I could go on all night saying good things about it. I’ve had many 7 seat cars and this is a 5 star.

Vauxhall Meriva Design 1600 5dr a/c 2005

I have had my Meriva since it had 5000 miles on the clock and was less than one year old. It has now done 48500 miles. All in it has been a good car. It has its faults although mostly minor, that is up to last week when the EPS light came on and the steering went heavy. I rang Vauxhall customer care and I asked if there had been a recall for this fault and they said not, nothing on their computer. I stuck at them and they then said that they would contact my nearest Vauxhall agent, which they did and within a few minutes the agent (which is JTC) made arrangements for me to take the car in for a check, which is free. The outcome is that the car needs a new steering column, which they will supply and fit free of charge and if after that they find the pump needs changing they will also do it for free. So if your Meriva needs fixing then stick at Vauxhall to do the job because it is a manufacturing fault in the first place.

Vauxhall Meriva 1600 ENERGY 2007

We brought our car from new in March ’07. We have done nearly 30000 miles, which have been almost trouble free; the seats are a bit uncomfortable, but other than that a good car.