Vauxhall Calibra 2.0i 16V SE8 3d Auto (1998/S) Owner Review
-
Economy
Value
Loads of car for the money and getting even cheaper.
Costs
New alternator at 65k (£100) otherwise just the usual consumables.
-
On the road
Driving
Ecotec engine not as nice as my previous 8v, pick up not as crisp and occasional stutter under initial hard acceleration. Handling OK for a big car.
Performance
16v needs revving harder than the 8v but flies when the revs are up. Great between 80-90mph on motorway.
-
Living with it
Reliability
I've owned 2 in the last 2 years, alternator failed on my current car but still got me home on battery charge. Otherwise no problems.
Image
I love the shape and car, others can think what they like!
Comfort
Driver and passenger comfort is excellent, bit cramped for adults in the back.
-
Security and Service
Security
Standard deadlocks and alarm/immobiliser pretty good, but not insurance approved which is a pain as it pushes the premiums up.
Service
Never used a Vauxhall dealer, simple design means a competent home mechanic can do most jobs themselves.
-
Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
8v superb, 16v is more revvy and not as crisp. 16v rocker gasket hardens after time and leaks but easy and cheap to replace.
Other
Standard exhausts rust from the inside but replace with stainless steel and forget about it. Front discs wear fairly quickly but again cheap and easy replacement. Cheap tyres can cause front end wobble/judder.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes