Vauxhall Combo road tests and consumer car reviews

Vauxhall Combo 1.7Di 2003

I bought this three years ago with 68K on the clock. It needed a new spill valve on the day I bought it and a new gear linkage at 90K, which cost £10. It’s now got 120K on the clock. It is full of heavy gear all the time and is by far the best investment I have ever made. I’m now looking for a newer one; as much as I need a larger van I’m sticking with a 1.7 Combo.

Vauxhall Combo 1.3 cdti 2004

I’ve never had so many problems with a van in all my life! I bought it 2 years ago with 44k’sh on the clock and as clean as a whistle. The first thing to pack up was the turbo, then the alternator, swiftly followed by the clutch cable snapping, which incorporates the brake master cylinder costing roughly £320 to be supplied and fitted (but I think I was stitched up!) It has a very noisy thrust bearing now after all that and it seems the tensioners have snapped and the chain has skipped a tooth. Whilst on the M1 and 7.30am I had a loss of power with an artic up my proverbial. It now sounds like a bag of nails and won’t start. I have just been told it’s highly likely to be severe engine damage!! I have looked after this van and given it a full service twice a year! The biggest piece of rubbish I have ever owned!

Responses to this review

I agree, a lot of rubbish. Mine was converted to a disabled car, ramp and everything. We have had nothing but trouble since we got it. Just stupid little problems, but so annoying, wished that we had never seen it, or ever heard of Gorings. I had to take it over five years, roll on the next two years. For a disabled person, you have to roll down the windows, terrible even for an able body person, never mind a disabled person - Andrew Young from Scotland

Oh gosh, our Combo of the last 12 years still runs fine, still gets 100 km on 6.7 liters of petrol, but the rust...so we went out and bought another because ours had only routine problems three times in the 12 years. And we never serviced it but every 2 years. This new one is diesel and turbo charged and I hope you all got lemons because I would hate to think we made a mistake! - Linda Gully from Switzerland

Vauxhall Combo 1.7di 2001

Mine had 56,000 on the clock when I bought it and is now on 146,000. I have had it 7 yrs and have found it to be the best all round purchase of car or van I have ever made. I have just bought a 4yr old 1.7cdti and I hope it’s half as good as last van, which has only let me down 3 times in those 7yrs. I would highly recommend the Combo.

Vauxhall Combo 1.3cdti 16v 2004

I researched this model online for size and economy, which are both great. It was an ex-Royal Mail model with a full service history and which hadn’t been kicked to bits, with a mere 44k on the clock. I gave it the usual oil and filter change expecting 12 months of trouble free motoring. The thrust bearing was noisy so I changed the clutch and dual mass flywheel to the tune of £1200. 4 months later I took it in for an MOT and it wouldn’t start. I called out the AA and he diagnosed a problem with the timing belt. A timing belt which was supposed to be changed at 60k? No way! Yes way! Another mechanic changed the timing belt, apparently it took out the camshaft as well to tune of £1000, all within 6 months. Yep, she has had to go to auction. Never again, Vauxhall, you have been warned!

Vauxhall Combo 1.7CDTI 1700 2010

Possibly the worst vehicle I have ever had the pleasure of owning! Bought it with only 2500 miles on the clock and it’s been nothing but trouble starting with jerky throttle response, which no dealer’s garage has been able to rectify, there is not enough leg room for the driver, the turbo was leaking oil so the seals had to be replaced, the seat gives me back ache. Bad enough that someone else has to take over the driving, and now with only 19k on the clock the steering rack knocks whilst working and rattles over bumps. My conclusion is I’ll never buy/touch a Vauxhall again!!!!!

Vauxhall Combo 13cdti 2006

Not impressed with the van, had nothing but trouble with it. First altenator, every lock has failed and now belt chain has broke. My advice? Don’t buy one!

Responses to this review

I agree, I had the alternator go after only six months. I’d say mileage was around 60k. I had no lock problems but one of my side doors refuses to open. Now I’ve had the cam chain go at 86k and putting new engine in for £1,000. I can’t get a repair manual for it from anywhere so doing it blind, it’s a nightmare. I won’t buy another one, I want another VW Caddy, they rock! - Ros Dowdell from Dorset

Vauxhall Combo 1300 2011

I have had this van two weeks now. I’ts the most uncomfortable van I have ever had, no leg room, pedals too close together. The seat is too small and is like sitting on a church bench all day. Awful for storage in the cab. I’ve had Astras, Berlingos and a Kangoo and they were miles better. Those with back problems, my advice is to stay away from this one.

Vauxhall Combo 1.3 cdti 2007

What a pile of rubbish! Had mine a year and I have had nothing but trouble with it; new turbo, new timing chain, and now the garage want to change glow plugs and they have snapped inside head (apperently common probs with these vans.) The only good point is it’s got lots of room in back and the little 1.3 engine is quite pokey. My advice is don’t buy.

Vauxhall Combo 1.7td 2008

There was a terrible van clip on the bit under the bumper which was stupid because if you touched the kerb, it fell off. The doors would lock while you were getting something out the back. The build quality was poor, the seats fall apart and vision was poor. This was the worst vehicle I’ve ever had.

Vauxhall Combo 1.7 cdti 2005

Goes like a rocket and guzzels fuel. It’s faster to 55 mph than my 1.8 16 v Focus! At 80K miles I paid £2.5K three months ago. Fuel guage lies. Roof ladders make a racket. The front is way too low and catches on the slightest bump. The driving position is very low and the windscreen very tall so even though the visors are massive they don’t reach low enough to shield the sun. It takes about 8 miles to warm up from cold. The turning circle is too big and I don’t trust Vauxhall’s, but the paintwork is good, the payload is excellent and I am still drawn to the little begger in a perverse way.

Vauxhall Combo 1.7DI 2004

I had a combo years ago, sold it to a mate when it had 250,000 on the clock! Bought a second hand 04 plate combo some 3yrs back. It has given me 3 days off work in 3yrs. Starter motor (which failed 3mths after fitting!) and road springs. Absolutely brilliant van. You get very unhappy when you can’t get to work or are stuck but then you realise how few times this has occurred in this van and happiness is restored. I’ve put 85k on this van in 3yrs and it is still going strong. Obviously it is a bit small but the up side of this is that it will fit in a garage without a roof rack. The deadlocks are Vauxhall’s best asset; this van is seriously hard to break into! Unlike the vivaro you dont need to buy a gearbox for it after 80k either. The astravan and combo are Vauxhall’s strengths.

Vauxhall Combo 2001

Hi lads and lasses. I own a 2001 (old model) Opel Combo and I have to say it’s a great little workhorse indeed. I bought it back in May ’10 with 158k miles on the clock with a full test and it has ran like a dream ever since. It now has just short of 170k miles on the clock and I plan to spend a few quid on it to keep it tip top. I recently changed the oil and filter and air filter and was delighted to learn that the van had burned no oil whatsoever from it’s last service (of coarse I always keep an eye on the dipstick! :) ) Next I plan to change the fuel filter and glow plugs, one of which seems to have reached it’s sell by date. I have, however, a few issues with this particular van. First off, it seems to be particularly heavy on front tyres. The current set have lasted me just 4k miles :( Second, she seems to overheat at random times for no reason. I have had the radiator and head gasket checked, neither of which are giving trouble. If anyone can advise me on either of these matters I would greatly appreciate it. Other than that I cannot recommend these vans enough. Granted, they are much more basic than the rival Caddy and even Courier, yet brag more loading space and can match the most economical diesel engines mile for mile. They are also a much cheaper second hand buy and will reward you with equal if not better reliability. I plan to keep mine for many more years to come and advise anyone in the market for a small van/economical commuter not to overlook the faithful Combo...

Responses to this review

Check if your fan motor is sticking. It happened with my 1999 Combo, easy fix - Mully Ron from England

Don’t know if you solved your heating problem, but mine was just the thermostat! Dead easy to do and cost peanuts - Patrick Sinclair from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Combo cdti 1.3 2007

Van is leased through work, had 32k when I got it and 3 months later has done 48k. Its a 2007 1.3 cdti, but the first thing that impressed me was the power, really pokey. I travel all over the uk in it and i love it. Cruises at 80 mph all day long and will return 55mpg. Nothing has gone wrong, and i find it comfy and has all the equipment wel except air con that I need. Lots of storage, and very usefull. Only negatives I have is the passenger seat is fixed so is a pain, and not a lot of dash storage. All minor though.

Vauxhall Combo 1.3 CDTi 2005

Awfully uncomfortable, rust bucket, under powerd, unreliable with an interior that is made from recycled plastic cups. Map light stays on permanently (resolved by removing the bulbs) power steering pump failed, diesel pump failed and failed its MOT on emissions. Brakes don’t do anything, passingers door won’t unlock (Vauxhall say its fine) only done 69,000 miles. All in all if you are thinking of one don’t, buy anything else. On the plus side the glove box is roomy. And the little door handles on the inside are really good for putting your phone in. That is about it.

Responses to this review

You really have bought a pile of s**t. Mine has been fine and my third one tells its own story. Did the garage have big windows? Ian Heggie from Fife and Kinross Shires

Vauxhall Combo 2006

The best van your money can buy, on my second one, 66 thousand miles no trouble john.

Vauxhall Combo 1.7CDTI 2000Kg 2005

My 4th Combo now in last 14years. No major problems with any of them, just run of the mill servicing and ware and tear. Every Combo has been an improvement on the last. I keep them 3 years or 80K then change them. The latest 1.7cdti unit takes some beating 100bhp very quick, excellent road holding, superb brakes (discs all round with ABS and EBD.) Especially with a good load in the back. This van does around 35 mpg around town & 48mpg on a run. Never any starting problems or had to call AA out for this van or all the others. I have yet to find any other make of small van to get close to the combos all round reliability and comfort, or yet to find any small van to beat me away from a Green light in this van. I have to give the Combo top marks and just waiting for a new model to come out!

Vauxhall Combo 2001

I’ve had 3 Combo vans now and been up and down the country. Very trustworthy vans.

Vauxhall Combo 1.7 Diesel 2000

I got this van a while ago, the 1.7 diesel. It struggles up hills and won’t go faster than 65 mph on the motorway unless there is a slight incline but... very reliable and decent average fuel economy.

Vauxhall Combo 1.7 diesel 1997

I bought the van second hand showing 85,000, within 12 months I have replaced the alternator £85, starter motor £120, gear linkage £140 (Vauxhall only, 3 bits of metal with plastic ball joints!) brake servo £40 (scrapyard), handbrake cable £20 and last but not least clutch £75...not mentioning the usuals, tyres brake pads etc., all of these replacements done by myself; thank God I didn’t need to take it to a garage, the bill would have gone quantum! The ONLY thing going for this heap of tripe is the mpg, 55 average soooo many common problems as indicated by a web search. The starter failed because the alternator failed, put too much amperage through the starter, blew the armature and brushes, the alternator fails because the oil pump is attached to the back of it, restricting airflow resulting in over heating, this causes the relay to blow also; no one really knows for definite where they are located, not even main dealer, apparently they moved them around a lot, usefull! When the alternator fails it causes allsorts of electrical troubles because it produces waaay too many amps and volts, burns a lot of things out, handy thing to happen when its a common problem :/ The clutch was a nightmare to change, practically had to dismantle everything, it took 5 days dodging weather, was NOT impressed! The pressure plate showed little wear but was seriously cracked on removal the gear change mechanism is also a common fault, I have read reports of them failing as low as 20,000 miles but Vauxhall, God love them, will sell you a part to rectify the junk they fit as standard. Overall my impression is this vehicle was designed and assembled by a octodextrous retarded squid, constructed from the cheapest materials resulting some how in extraordinarily expensive replacement parts. If you have loads of money and want your local garage to do a roaring trade, buy one of these. I know for sure I wont touch any Vauxhall with anybody elses barge pole ever again :) lesson learned.

Vauxhall Combo 2008

I’ve had my Combo 7 years, still averages 55 mpg. The steering rack went at 20000 but warranty covered this, oil pump went at 140000, alternator at 210000, starter motor at 340000, now the gear linkage/selector cup has worn through at 392000, yes 3920000. Yes I am satisfied with mine and am now going to look for another one as I think at this mileage she is now finally wearing out. I keep her serviced, cam belts changed, oil and water checked daily and also does 1400 miles a week. I’ve got no problems with a combo.

Responses to this review

David Bosworth said that he has had his Vauxhall Combo 2008 for 7 years. That’s not possible is it? We are in 2011, minus 7, would make it a 2004. "quote" I’ve had my Combo 7 years, still averages 55 mpg. The steering rack went at 20,000 but the warranty covered this, oil pump went at 140,000, alternator at 210000, starter motor at 340,000, now the gear linkage/selector cup has worn through at 392,000, yes 392,000. I am satisfied with mine and am now going to look for another one as I think at this mileage she is now finally wearing out. I keep her serviced, cam belts changed, oil and water checked daily and also does 1,400 miles a week. I’ve got no problems with a combo. "quote" - John Marks from Essex

Vauxhall Combo 2005

I have had a combo for quite a number of years and had very little trouble with the engine.Done about 75000 miles over the last two years this van has been excellent value owes me nought. The combo has been a right work horse and usually got around the 50miles to a litre of diesil out of it around town. In my oppinion this van has been the best small van I have ever had. I have been looking for a bigger van just lately and after reading some of the oppinons on some bigger vans has had me thinking not to change from the combo due to it being so reliable over the years i have been driving it. Its a shame other bigger vauxhall vans aren’t as good as this little bute as I would buy one tommorow.

Vauxhall Combo 2002

I’ve had my van for five years now and only just started having the odd problems, but i do, do around 100 miles a day.

Vauxhall Combo 1.3 CDTi 2007`

The most uncomfortable vehicle I have ever driven. The drive is so hard, at first I thought the suspension was broken, but no. The Vauxhall garage confirmed that it’s supposed to be like this and they cannot do anything about it. The cup holder spills your drink behind the seats when you accelerate, the map light will only come on when you open the door and it is impossible to stretch your legs fully out, even with the seat all the way back (I’m not a giant either, 5’9"). On the plus side, the Combo van does corner well. If you’re considering this vehicle, DON’T. Get a Citroen Berlingo instead.

Responses to this review

The map reading light should come on when you push the light switch in. Someone pointed that out to me thank God - Alan Clarke from Middlesex

I have had nothing but problems with my 2004 1.7Di piece of junk too. So far the problems include 1. Needed new gear linkage 2. Interior light doesn’t work and water pours onto me through it. 3. Said water comes from condensation caused because water is pouring in through the dash somewhere. Trying to find the hole as we speak. 4. Yesterday the battery went flat. No warning lights. Replaced the battery and now the battery light won’t go out. Probably need a new alternator, but not certain whether it’s worse than that yet 5. At first the oil pressure warning light wouldn’t go out for ages after I started the van, now it doesn’t come on at all. 6. I had to replace the coil springs on the front and I drive like a wimp and carry nothing heavier than mountain bikes. Overall, apart from fuel consumption I hate the piece of junk and wish I’d bought a Berlingo instead - James Jeffferies from Devon

Vauxhall Combo Combo 1.7d 2004

Well, I have to say what a great little van. This is my 2nd one now and it’s done nearly 109,000 miles with no problems whatsoever. My only concern now is that it’s getting a bit small for my work needs but, if your just starting out on your own then I couldn’t recommend one highly enough.

Vauxhall Combo 1.7 DI 2002

Bought the van from vanmonster which was fine initially and then the problems started with power steering and the steering rack. The steering was pulling off and juddering. Vauxhall could not find the fault with it... it cost me £1700 replacing various parts and still not sorted. AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE!

Vauxhall Combo 1.7 di 2002

What a great little van - 500 miles to one tank of diesel - fast, reliable, has only needed the oil and water topped up twice in 8 months. Cheap to insure, more than enough space in load area + spare parts are cheap and readily available. Would definitely buy gain.

Vauxhall Combo 1.3 2005

The 2005 Combo is a significant improvement on its 1997 predecessor. It features increased payloads and load volumes and is now a better alternative to the Berlingo and Kangoo than before. The diesel engines are now far more economic to drive and give improved power and performance. A good van, now on a par with similar vans from the other manufacturers - the 1.3 engine offers more than the older 1.7.

Vauxhall Combo

nice drive space