USED Vauxhall Zafira MPV (05 - )

My car

After having several larger engined prestige cars I wanted a car that was just that: a car. Not a status symbol, not a racing machine, just a practical family car. Step up this basic trim 1.6i Life Zafira... It's comfy, compliant and the kids love it! They love the extra seats, the extra space and being able to have their friends in it. I love the fact it's easy to drive, simple to use and gimmick free. It is good around town, on the school run and even does longer journeys perfectly well. It's no outside lane monster - leave that to others. It's a great simple car and I for one would recommend to anyone looking for a decent, value for money car that they seek out this model. No paying for needless extras. Just a good car. Simples!

My car

Bought this here in Spain in Dec 2005 (badged as Opel) as a family car to do longer journeys and more miles and in the beginning it was fantastic. A pleasure to drive, solid feel, plenty or torque and generally nice feel with plenty of space for luggage assuming the 7 seats arent all up. Three years into it and out of guarantee and the problems started. First the alternator went (and the battery with it). Apparently a common fault in these, with the "toy" alternator they used to use. Later after a long journey the EGR went. The car with any fault like this uses reduced power as if the turbo wasnt working. Got that fixed and then the turbo went. After the turbo it was the aircon compressor´s turn. Then the clutch went (2000 euros here). And now soemthing else has gone on it. I have been trying to sell it for 2 years but everytime someone is interested soemthing else goes wrong and I miss the sale. Will try soemthing else next time I think, a lot of these problems are recurring on Zafiras, I wonder though whether the petrol engines fair better?

My car

Bought a 1 year 1.8vvt design for £9200-so dont buy new!

Comfy & handles well, cabin feels nicely screwed together but even though it 2nd top of the range it hasnt much kit-no cruise control, blu tooth or ipod connection (if the manual is to be believed).

I bought it as a large estate rather than full time 7 seater and when there are extra kids they fit in the back no problem.

Performance is what i expected (average) but why no 6th gear?? 80mph is 4000rpm!!!!! to make matters worse the shift between 1 & 2 is notchey.

If you can afford it go for the 150bhp diesel, more torque & that 6 speed.

However still a cracking car for the money.

My car

had this car for nearly 6 months now, and it's been fantastic. it replaced our old shaped Zafira 2.0d which we'd had for nearly 5 years and clocked up 250,000 miles on! The new car is quieter, more economical, more refined, more spacious (which seems to be due to thinner seats) and with the glass roof option, plenty of storage space with the row of drop down cubby holes in the roof. MPG is much higher than the other car, more advanced engine and 6 speed gearbox helps I guess. the ride is softer which I prefer, but not too soft. Holds the road well and on long journeys of which we do a lot, it's a joy. Love the 7 seat option and the space when the seats are down. I've read all the reports about EGRs, DPFs ALTs Turbos etc. So far no problems. A common problem on these cars is the emission pipe from the DPF breaks at the bottom of the bulkhead where the metal pipe joins a plastic pipe. This will cause the engine warning light to illuminate. Easy fix with a length of pipe and two hose clips. I work as a mechanic so an easy fix for me. Only other gripes are the engine is a bit rough and noisy on idle and around town, but once cruising it's fine. Would love proper cup holders in the front also. Haven't had less than 44mpg. We are driving to the UK from southern Spain in a few weeks so will be interested to see what mpg we get then. First car I've ever had with cruise control, it's a joy and no longer get the dead right leg after long journeys!