USED Vauxhall Frontera 4x4 (98 - 04)

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.

My car

I owned a Vauxhall Frontera 3.2 V6 Limited - and I thought it was rubbish. I bought it new in 2002 for £19,675 and felt the top speed, and the time taken to get there, was poor.

My advice is: do not buy a Frontera. I now own a Range Rover Sport, which is great.

My car

This is a great-looking, rugged 4x4. It has reasonable economy and performance. Servicing is easy and the cost is not bad. There are loads of dealers but search for good customer service.

My car

I have owned several of these and all have been very good.

It is a much underated car which is capable both on and of road.

I have owned several other 4x4s and am sorry that Vauxhall have stopped making this car.