USED Vauxhall Frontera 4x4 (98 - 04)

My car

My partner has owned two of these vehicles over the last 4 or 5 years. Both vehicles have been purchased from new.

The latest vehicle was purchased in March 2004 from the main dealership here in Northern Ireland. She had no problems worth recording for the first year, in October 2005, the car developed a major lack of acceleration and loss of power.

We took it to the dealership, we were informed the engine software was needing upgraded. The car was collected that evening and within 5miles of the garage, we became aware that the fault was not rectified. We returned the vehicle the next day and were now informed that the turbo was needing replaced.

As the mileage was slightly over the recommended average, we were informed we would have to pay for it. After several phone calls, vauxhall agreed to pay half. Guess what, a few days later.....the problem returned.The car has been back on 5 seperate dates since then and still the fault persists. Can anyone out there suggest what we can do, other than burn it. bobbymilligan@ireland.com

My car

I just love this car. Nice chunky feel,power steering is superb and easy to park.My first experience of a 4x4 and wouldn't change it.Lovely big boot on the estate model as I have three dogs and they love it too.It's a very comfortable drive with fully adjustable seats. Airbag light always on but will fiddle with wires under seat as advised by other reviewers!Nice view when driving as high up and can see whats ahead of you.

My car

I can honestly say I have had no problems whatsoever with my Frontera, apart from the usual running costs of servicing and so on.

It pulls a caravan with no problem with three kids in the back and the dog in the rear.

I've yet to take it off-road, although I did have to pull my neighbour's sports car home in the snow recently!

It's no X5, but at a fraction of the price, it absolutely represents value for money in my book.

My car

I have owned the 2.2 RS three-door for eight months now, and I am very impressed.

I have been a mechanic for almost ten years now, and over the time I had heard some bad feedback of the early editions, but never about the late models.

I put the vehicle to its limits on- and off-road, and it response just the way you would expect a 4x4 to. All the power is there when you need it, with a nice touch of comfort and style to go with it.

The only two problems I have had is the air bag light (a simple repair - just wiggle the wires under the seat) and the vacuum pipes on the gearbox stopped me from selecting four-wheel-drive, which turned out to be a pilot error!

My overall opinion? When or if I break this one, I'll be on the look out for another. Vauxhall should continue production of it - I would not change it in a million years.