New Zafira 1.9 Auto - do you recommend it?

wazza

I am looking into getting a new Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 diesel (120bhp) automatic.

What are your views?

I know it is heavy on fuel compared to manual version but just fancy an automatic and this is within my price range.

Thanks in advance for any replies

Keeping_Positive

I have an 08 manual version and love it. I do a mix on town and motorway miles and get 39 mpg.

daveyjp

The previous Vectra 1.9 diesel auto received some terrible reviews.

My only advice is drive it and see - not a trip round the block, at least half a day - if it hasn't enough torque and turbo lag it may be sluggish from a standing start.

I had a new Mondeo 2.0d auto for a few weeks and it was terrible, taking an age to start moving.

wazza

daveyjp wrote: »

..

My only advice is drive it and see - not a trip round the block, at least half a day - if it hasn't enough torque and turbo lag it may be sluggish from a standing start.

...

Have been looking at autotrader and phoning local dealers Zafira auto are not that common. I assumed that it being popular with disabled people there may be plenty of autos available. Did manage to find a used sri 150bhp auto and could only take it around the block. It seemed okay.

harveybobbles

The 120's have less problems than the 150. Even though people on here will probably say "its the same engine just tuned differently".

The auto box with that engine is quite nice and smooth. However its not that good on fuel. I've known people to get early 30's from them as autos... Which is pointless as the petrol will do late 30's and wont breakdown...

vikingaero

harveybobbles wrote: »

The auto box with that engine is quite nice and smooth. However its not that good on fuel. I've known people to get early 30's from them as autos... Which is pointless as the petrol will do late 30's and wont breakdown...

The petrol will be fine if you travel 2 or 4 up. If you travel 7 up then the petrol will be so sluggish compared to a torquey diesel.

littlemissfrugal

Read up on the DPF issues I am having a nightmare with mine 1.9cdti 150bhp it has cost me nearly £ 1500 since May and its still not right I am looking to get rid asap Check out Honest John

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/vauxhall/zafira-b-2005/


I love the car when it working but can honestly say in 22 years of driving I have never had a more temperamental car and I have driven some sheds in my time

harveybobbles

Welcome to the world of modern diesels...!

bigjl

The London Ambulance Service has bought around 300 or these, 120bhp, 6 speed auto with tiptronic, serviced every 2/3000 miles, some on a 55plate, some 56 plate and some 57 plate.

They are without a doubt the biggest pig that we have ever had, crap on fuel, even when poodling around, they have a habit of blowing up engines, turbos going pop, gearboxes being very jerky when in sport mode, they have poor throttle respnse, such as when pulling out of a junction into traffic.

They have electrical gremlins, have a habit of going into limp mode, engine management lights coming on for no reason.

They don't have a temperature guage, the handling is, erm, interesting.

The seats on the 55 plates are more comfortable than the 56's and 57's.

If you really must go for the 150bhp model.

They "crash well", we have had no serious injuries, even when car was totalled, they are also able to be fully reshelled by the bodyshop in Essex that we use in less than a fortnight.

There is a massive blond spot caused by the A pillars.

I would recommend a VW Touran if I wanted something that size with a diesel autobox and seven seats.

I have been driving these for almost 2 1/2 years day in and day out, if the service hadn't bought them and got them painted RAL yellow we would have got rid years ago, the most unreliable, fragile vehicle we have ever had.

My advice, don't do it, it just isn't worth the risk.

wazza

Been for a drive in a zafira 120bhp automatic. It was nice but not as responsive as i hoped. Kept an eye on the fuel consumption around town and dual carriageway, it was in the high 20s low 30s.

As it has been said the car is a gear lower than you would have in a manual box while accelerating but when you ease off the accelerator it goes up a gear.

I feel it may be best to assume i would get the same fuel consumption figures as a manual petrol car.

harveybobbles

In a Vectra this box stays in 3rd gear until you get to about 38mph, which is just odd. Also they chuff out more CO2 and have higher tax band than the manual one.

The manual box will do late 40's or into the 50's depending on driving style. but to be honest, the money you save by getting 50mpg will be spent on putting the thing right when it breaks...