Used Vauxhall Zafira MPV 1999 - 2005 review

What's the used Vauxhall Zafira like?

Before the Zafira came along, the MPV market wasn't exactly full of bright sparks. Vauxhall's Flex-7 seating really changed things. Each of the rear pair of seats quickly folds away into the floor, while the bench in the middle reclines, slides and tumbles.

The whole system is easy to use, and now much copied by the likes of the latest Toyota Verso. It makes the Zafira's cabin more flexible than rivals of the day such as the Renault Scenic or Citroen Xsara Picasso.

Overview

Reliable and flexible family transport

Pros

• Clever seating for seven in a relatively small package, and good to drive

Cons

• It needs more safety kit, and the cabin is short of cubbyholes

Used cars available now

In partnership with

Vauxhall Zafira

1.6 16V Design Euro 5 5dr (SNav)

£495

Vauxhall Zafira

1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX Exclusiv Euro 5 5dr (SNav)

£500

Vauxhall Zafira

1.8 16V Exclusiv Euro 5 5dr

£789

Vauxhall Zafira

1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX Elite Euro 4 5dr

£850

Vauxhall Zafira

1.8 16V Energy Euro 5 5dr

£950

Vauxhall Zafira

1.6 16V Club Euro 4 5dr

£950

Vauxhall Zafira

1.8 16V Energy Euro 5 5dr

£975

Vauxhall Zafira

1.8 16V Design Euro 4 5dr

£989

Vauxhall Zafira

1.8 16V Energy Euro 4 5dr

£990

See all available cars

We wouldn't recommend sticking a pair of adults in the rear seats for a long journey, however - and if you're expecting to carry seven people and all of their luggage for a week's holiday, you'll also be sorely disappointed.

Still, it's comfortable on the motorways and if you head for those hills and country back roads you'll find it surprisingly good fun to drive as well.

Our recommendations

Which used Vauxhall Zafira should I buy?

The range started out small in 1999, but by 2005 there was a wide range of models available, including a fast 200bhp GSi version.

Thankfully, our favourite engine, the 1.8 petrol, was available from the beginning, so there should be plenty around. Versions from 2000 and later were 10bhp more powerful, but both have a good balance of economy and performance.

Most other engines are fine, but avoid the cheapest diesel or entry-level 1.6 petrol - they're very slow.

Whichever model you pick, it will have a decent amount of equipment, but we'd suggest looking for Elegance models. They'll only be a little more expensive than entry-level cars, but have a CD player, better seat fabric and alloy wheels to the Comfort's air-con, electric windows and remote locking.

Vauxhall's Network Q garages have the best stock, but you could save plenty at a car supermarket.