USED Vauxhall Frontera 4x4 (98 - 04)

My car

I own a 1999 2.2 RS three-door. I have only had the motor for three months, and am very surprised with how quiet it is on the road. It is comfortable on a journey and a great all-rounder. It has plenty of passenger space, though not a lot of boot space, but that wasn't what I bought it for.

The only fault I have found is the driver's heated mirror is not working, and the airbag warning light keeps coming on. However, a fiddle with the multi-plug under the seat makes it go out. On the whole, I am very happy with it.

My car

I own a Vauxhall Frontera and what a car it is. It is beaufitul, rugged, powerful, comfortable and a great family car all in one - what more can anyone ask for?

The Frontera is a big beast which has no trouble in the fast lanes with its top speed of 119mph and 0.60 in 9.1secs and is a great off-road vehicle. If you are thinking of buying a new car, don't buy a Nissan Patrol or a VW Passat - go for the Frontera and be amazed.

My car

I have owned my Frontera for three years. The car has never ever let me down or cost any money, other than normal serving and MoTs. I get about 28mpg on urban roads, and 34mpg on the motorway. I'm very pleased and will buy another one.

My car

Update to original review left on 12/11/2005. It turned out that the front shocks were faulty. Despite multiple opportunities, Vauxhall failed to test them adequately, pronouncing them fit for purpose. An independent test confirmed that one front shock had only 25% of the damping of the other. Vauxhall HQ considered that it was the owners responsibility to both test and prove the fault: Ginette Pooley stated, "I have reviewed the case notes and must advise you that, as the vehicle has been inspected by technicians at a Vauxhall dealership, and by a Customer Care Support Manager, and no fault has been found, we regret we would not look to carry out any further investigation in respect of the points you have raised, at this time."

Replacement of the suspensions units with Koni 4x4 shox, as well as the unevenly worn tyres (big clue, "Mr Suspension Technician"!), has transformed the handling / steering of the vehicle. The substitution of a K&N filter has unstrangled the engine, and it now quite comfortably sits in the bracket of 'sports 4x4'.

However, not only was this fault potentially lethal, but the entire Vauxhall fault diagnosis procedure appears flawed. Bear this in mind next time you go shopping for a car.