Vauxhall Zafira (1999 - 2005) 2.0 DTi Design 5d (2003/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says I have kids and as a result I'm skint. Therefore, I need a car that does practical things without costing the earth to run. So far, it sort of does the job... ish.

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

They like it but they don't have to live with it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. It's cheap and plasticy. I also play in a band and use it for gigs at weekends. It's not as big as I would like (if only about 4 inches wider) and the interior plastic is easily scratched. I guess the kids will add to the scratches too, as will their equipment etc.

What are you likely to buy next?

Something bigger with 7 seats and built like a Volvo. Volvo's are great but they don't make anything like the Zafira - they should!!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,500

When did you buy the car?

November 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think so. I got £750 trade in for my old Volvo (Parker's valued it at £310 - trade in). I also got a full service and 6 months instead of 3 months warranty.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Traded in 2.0litre Volvo 850 for 2 extra seats, lower insurance and fuel economy.

What was the dealer like?

I bought the Volvo off him, so obviously happy to see another sale come his way. 'Accommodating' would be the right word.

What's it like to drive?

Very quick. It's fun to drive but I need to watch the fuel consumption - the point is to reduce fuel consumption with a diesel. Making it nippy creates bad acceloration habits = less fuel economy.

What's it like to park?

The steering lock is poor. My much longer old Volvo 850 had a FANTASTIC steering lock so I really notice the difference. It's not a big car so it's still easy to park.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Service light not reset but they've agreed to do this. The engine is noisy even for a diesel with a whistling sound (like an old fan belt but not quite gone yet). Sounds laboured when starting... ?

What's most practical about your car?

It's more frugal than a 2.0 volvo estate. It's tall for loading. It has a sixth and seventh seat although no boot when they're used. Beware of annoying folding middle row seats if you have baby seats - everything has to be taken off middle row seats and out of boot to use seats 6 & 7. So the 'practical' flex 7 seating isn't as practical as I would like.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The arm rest in the driving position. I do like an arm rest when driving. : ) The instrument display is good.