04 February 2012
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The Vauxhall Combo Van is a commercial vehicle with an impressive theme. With additional seating the Vauxhall Combo Van is a combined load-carrying five-seater dual-purpose vehicle.
Vauxhall Combo consumer reviews by year of make: 1997 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2007` 2008 2010 2011
1.3CDTi Easytronic - This Vauxhall Combo 1.3CDTi is fitted with an Easytronic gearbox – for seamless shifts. This minivan comes equipped with common rail diesel technology and these power plants are more frugal now than ever before. Today a 1.3-litre can offer as much power and torque as a 2.0-litre or even a 2.5-litre [...]
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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.
Submitted: 04/01/2012 11:16:16 | ID: 8797
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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
Submitted: 05/12/2011 12:32:12 | ID: 8670
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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.
Submitted: 14/11/2011 18:54:26 | ID: 8565
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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!
Submitted: 30/09/2011 09:43:41 | ID: 8367
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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!!!!!
Submitted: 05/05/2011 09:28:18 | ID: 7660
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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
Submitted: 13/04/2011 16:39:40 | ID: 7561
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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.
Submitted: 02/04/2011 17:58:53 | ID: 7479
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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.
Submitted: 09/03/2011 19:32:50 | ID: 7318
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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.
Submitted: 28/02/2011 11:03:16 | ID: 7237
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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.
Submitted: 13/02/2011 09:45:57 | ID: 7096
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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.
Submitted: 10/02/2011 15:16:19 | ID: 7059
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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
Submitted: 08/02/2011 21:40:48 | ID: 7040
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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.
Submitted: 28/11/2010 14:12:24 | ID: 6574
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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.
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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
Submitted: 04/09/2010 21:54:07 | ID: 6054
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The best van your money can buy, on my second one, 66 thousand miles no trouble john.
Submitted: 21/08/2010 21:24:21 | ID: 5957
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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!
Submitted: 28/07/2010 21:23:26 | ID: 5788
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I’ve had 3 Combo vans now and been up and down the country. Very trustworthy vans.
Submitted: 11/07/2010 22:01:09 | ID: 5633
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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.
Submitted: 22/06/2010 14:48:26 | ID: 5498
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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.
Submitted: 02/03/2010 20:11:08 | ID: 4753
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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
Submitted: 18/02/2010 09:03:40 | ID: 4639
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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.
Submitted: 31/12/2009 13:00:03 | ID: 4201
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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.
Submitted: 26/12/2009 22:54:10 | ID: 4159
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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
Submitted: 16/11/2009 15:21:22 | ID: 3896
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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.
Submitted: 21/10/2009 10:50:26 | ID: 3753
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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!
Submitted: 11/09/2009 11:45:56 | ID: 3554
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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.
Submitted: 05/09/2008 09:15:16 | ID: 1858
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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.
Submitted: 09/04/2008 10:10:42 | ID: 1258
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nice drive space
Submitted: 03/09/2007 09:28:47 | ID: 136
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