Should we replace 52 reg Zafira

[mancmum]

We know nothing about cars. We have a 52 reg Zafira now on 40,000 miles, which we bought second hand at 30,000 miles. We do about 7K miles a year. We basically take it into a main dealer and pay for whatever it needs. Service is combined with MOT. It had one bearing go which was covered by a warranty but it will shortly go out of warranty. Quite like being up high when driving but other than that don't have any desires about cars - they are basically boxes on wheels to go places. The question is does a point come in a car's life when it is cheaper to get rid of it than to pay for it to be kept going. It has a few light scratches to paintwork but no bodywork damage - we live in central manchester and could easily be a victim of keying or such like. Fortunately the high number of flash cars in our area give it a bit of cover.

[Lorian]

You don't say what engine, but in my experience of 3 Vauxhalls the point where you start to wonder if it's worth the cost to keep it going is at about 7-8 years old. Of course if you should be unlucky to get a major problem it could be sooner.

There is always a nasty shock when the timing chains need replacing, but this must not be overlooked on the Ecotec engines.

As for servicing, when it's out of warranty you can save a lot using an independant, if you can find a reliable mechainic. Ask around for personal recommendations.

In my experience VX can charge a lot for jobs. For example a crank shaft sensor replacement on a 4 cyclinder petrol is £120-£150, where the part in about £15 new on ebay, and takes an hour or so to fit.

[vansboy]

Zafira proving to be a pretty good , reliable car.

No reason to think it'll be letting you down & CERTAINLY isn't a Monesaving thing to do, to sell n update it.

You'll be on a reasonably expensive service next time - is there a good independent, that you could perhaps find, instead of main dealer? You might find a Vauxhall speacialist, using genuine parts, as Vauxhall have an excellent discount schema, that lets garages buy the same as main dealer would use at way below 'list' prices. They call it Trade Club, so no need to think of buying lesser quality components.

Another couple of years, will be no problem for the car & it'll still have a good value, to sell on.

VB