Vauxhall Frontera 2.5 TDS 5d (1998/R) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
I had the car just less than 4 months and the depreciation was quick. When I came to sell the vehicle I realised how much.
Costs
Due to having a 2.5TD, common sense tells you to drive sensible otherwise it will get thirsty. Having said this it still felt like I was pushing £20 notes into the fuel tank every other day.
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On the road
Driving
Nice car feel when driving even though it is a 4x4. With having large tyres, any motorway ruts that may be encounted will cause vehicle to sway, sometimes alarmingly!
Performance
Nice meaty pick-up due to engine size. No problems holding its own on motorway, this wagon is a very good move considering the body weight it has to pull.
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Living with it
Reliability
Engine management system light seemed to be winking at me every two minutes on the dash board. It covers a mutitude of sins under the bonnet. Luckily only had to call the RAC out once to bump start me! Vauxhall are the only ones who can plug in/diagnose.
Image
Big black LWB with alloys, red brake calipers and big running boards made this a good wagon to drive around in!
Comfort
My kids love the back seats - they reckon it's the only car that has a settee in the back! Driver and passenger seats are really comfy as well, I had the added bonus of heated ones.
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Security and Service
Security
Good factory-fitted alarm and deadlocks / immobiliser. However, one set of keys had an amnesia problem, re-programmed it every 24hrs using a method I discovered, not a long term solution but it saves paying Vauxhall all your hard earned money.
Service
Carried out all servicing myself, however I dread to think what the costs would have been if I had kept the vehicle any longer?
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Was informed after buying vehicle that the engine was of Isuzu origin, which I was more or less happy with.
Other
Propellor shaft had too much play, however it wasn't noticable when driving. I didn't realise until a 'Land Rover' mate pointed it out! If I buy another 4x4 it will be a Jap model, the Frontera is nice to look at but can turn into a right can of worms!
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes