Vauxhall Meriva (2003 - 2010) 1.8 16V Design 5d (AC) (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I have a family.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Sensible and obvious step to take considering my domestic situation. Plus it's a Vauxhall so no ugly surprises.

Would you buy this car again and why?

We did! Bought a newer, smaller engined Meriva for my partner.

What are you likely to buy next?

A Corsa as it just needs to be for me to get back and forth to work. We have a new Meriva for the family. This is my first Vauxhall and can't help be impressed by the quality.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,300

When did you buy the car?

September 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was advertised for £2300 which I paid in full but negotiated 13 months MOT and 6 months tax in with that price. The advertised price was about right at the time.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Needed a family car for ease of use for my partner and ease of access for me as I was suffering from a bad back at the time.

What was the dealer like?

Quite reasonable and accommodating for a second hand car salesman.

What's it like to drive?

Like any other 5 door hatch but the driving position is higher, you step across into the car not up or down. Couple this with the excellent head room and this helps my bad back no end.

What's it like to park?

Just a tiny bit wider than a small hatch. Easy.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Water pump needed replacing, cost me less than a hundred quid all in. The wheel alignment was drastically out which cost me £25 but also meant that my two front tyres needed replacing a little early.

What's most practical about your car?

It practically turns into a van when needed, I got my father's tool box (about the size and shape of a washing machine) in the back without any trouble at all. Yet it's just as easy to drive and park as a normal family hatchback.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The rear seats have loads of positions which is great for lugging stuff around. Air-con is now an essential.