USED Vauxhall Meriva MPV (03 - 10)

My car

This is the worst car we have ever owned - without a doubt. We bought a second hand '04 model in (what we thought was) reasonable condition. We have had it ONE MONTH and so far have had the following issues:

- Mysterious leak resulting in a soaking wet front passenger seat (source yet to be identified)

- CD player stopped working

- Door strap broken in back passenger door

- Power steering failed

The last issue was a known issue that vauxhall agreed to sort for free by replacing the steering column. Car went in and was fixed for free....until it failed again a week after being 'fixed'. On going back into the dealer we were informed that the issue was the power steering pump which is NOT covered by vauxhall - surprise surprise. So we are now faced with a bill of £915.15 plus vat.

About a fortnight ago the sales assistant in Halfords told us that we would be in for 'fun and games' having bought a Meriva - now I know what he means. Steer well away from this car - do not buy!

My car

Firstly, if you're a petrolhead, forget this car. I bought it for two reasons, firstly I have a family so need the space that goes with having young children, and secondly I needed good fuel consumption since I drive at least 70 miles a day. The first requirement pointed to an MPV while the second ruled out most other MPVs.

It's not the most exciting car in the world, but it has admirably served the purposes described above. There's always been adequate space, and I've calculated fuel consumption to be almost exactly the same as Vauxhall's published figures (combined). As an advanced driver I do drive a car sympathetically so apart from a couple of relatively minor (under £100) repairs, I have only had servicing to worry about over the 5 years I've had the car. This is excellent as the service interval is 20,000 miles or a year, so I can pretty well budget for that well in advance and it's not that expensive anyway.

The 1.7 diesel engine isn't the pokiest in the world, but acceleration is far from dull. In fact one of the problems with this car is its image. Everyone else seems to think you're going to be a plodder and is determined to get past you at all costs. So you end up with some herbert pulling out in front of you and then slowing you down.

I agree with some comments regarding visibility due to the front windscreen pillars, however this is something you soon get used to and compensate for, so it isn't the big deal some people have made it out to be.

My car

I was unfortunate to receive this as a hire car today (I was expecting an Astra or equivalent!). 250 miles of discomfort. The driving position is about the worst I've ever experienced - non-adjustable steering wheel and a lumbar support 2 inches too high which also couldn't be adjusted. The gear-change is appalling, and visibility at roundabouts dangerous. Performance was though pretty good, and quieter at Motorway speeds than I expected. This will not be on my shopping list when I next change our small car.

My car

So far so good, and here comes the BUT. Very disappointed with the visibility, trying to negotiate roundabouts one has to drive doing a "windscreen" manoever. I am surprised that Vauxhall have not taken this into account seeing as there have been other complaints. Also whilst I'm on a roll - would be nice to actually have a spare wheel instead of the kit for punctures. But before the designers take to drink, happy enough with the car so far. But next change could be something different. So wake up Vauxhall, take note of the drivers!