Vauxhall Meriva being considered - has anyone got one?

mwddrwg

Hi,

Really need to change our 12 year old Mondeo and was considering this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-56-Vauxhall-Meriva-1-4i-16v-Life-/171049711305?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27d35b76c9

It looks decent and quite low mileage. We do around 150 miles per week and need it to last for another 4 years. Main issue is room in the boot for a kids bike(s) [20 inch frame bikes so not full size]

Does anyone have any experience of owning this model?

Thanks all

oldagetraveller

My daughter had one(2006) and I bought one new (2008). Capable enough for it's intended use.
However, be aware of the electric power steering problems to which model is prone.
There is a torque sensor, embedded in the steering column, that fails. Power steering is lost and a warning light comes up (EPS). Rquires a complete steering column assembly - not cheap.
Mine failed at about 12 months, fixed under warranty. Daughter's failed outside warranty but Vauxhall paid for the fix after the problem being highlighted on Watchdog.
My steering rack also failed at around two years. The paint peeled off the sills at about one month.
Just be aware of this steering problem though.
We both got rid because there was no guarantee that the steering wouldn't pack up again!
That 1.4 engine, similarly the 1.3 Diesel version wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding!
The 1.6 petrol or 1.7 Diesel are much better choices depending on intended use and mileage.

spacey2012

Appears a lot of money for a 7 year old car that only cost £7995 when new, even today 7 years later a brand new one is £9995.
I think for 4 grand you can find a lot more car for your money.

motorguy

mwddrwg wrote: »

Hi,

Really need to change our 12 year old Mondeo and was considering this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-56-Vauxhall-Meriva-1-4i-16v-Life-/171049711305?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27d35b76c9

It looks decent and quite low mileage. We do around 150 miles per week and need it to last for another 4 years. Main issue is room in the boot for a kids bike(s) [20 inch frame bikes so not full size]

Does anyone have any experience of owning this model?

Thanks all

As per the previous poster RE: power steering rack. Its probably their only great weakness, as otherwise they're a decent car.

I've sold quite a few of these and no real issues other than whats been stated.

The diesel 1.3 CDTI has a floating flywheel which will fail at some point is the only other thing that springs to mind.

That car is seriously overpriced though. I'd have thought you should be able to get an 06 one for little over half that if you shop around.

mwddrwg

motorguy wrote: »

As per the previous poster RE: power steering rack. Its probably their only great weakness, as otherwise they're a decent car.

I've sold quite a few of these and no real issues other than whats been stated.

The diesel 1.3 CDTI has a floating flywheel which will fail at some point is the only other thing that springs to mind.

That car is seriously overpriced though. I'd have thought you should be able to get an 06 one for little over half that if you shop around.

Thanks for all the advice people.

What price do you think it should be at?

Thanks

mwddrwg

Another one I've seen is this one:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Mondeo-ST-TDCI-77200miles-/111163537964#ht_888wt_1170

Private sale - fair price? Am I right in thinking that coil springs tend to go on these? All four have gone on my Mondeo over the years lol

spacey2012

Mentions the flywheel has just been done, now these have to be balanced when assembled in the factory with special balanced weight bolts, the whole unit is then fitted as a DMF balanced flywheel set hence why the factory rebuild is £1600 + vat.
The cheaper after market kit just has standard stretch bolts and unless you get lucky, they shake themselves to bits

Also the 55mpg is a bit off, they were lucky to do 40 mpg average.
On the Mondeo the 155 2.2 absolutely shred the flywheel, hence why it has had to be rebuilt at 77.000 and this might not be the first time.
The tdci 130 shreds the flywheel as well, just not as often.
The TDCI 110 for some reason does not shred the dual mass, unless you absolutely drive it like a maniac, most you see still running are the 110 versions.

To be honest this looks like a car someone has got sick of spending on and if the flywheel was not a full balanced re-build, it wont be long before it lets go.
The soft spring issue is also a menace, but this would have heavy duty springs .

mwddrwg

spacey2012 wrote: »

Mentions the flywheel has just been done, now these have to be balanced when assembled in the factory with special balanced weight bolts, the whole unit is then fitted as a DMF balanced flywheel set hence why the factory rebuild is £1600 + vat.
The cheaper after market kit just has standard stretch bolts and unless you get lucky, they shake themselves to bits

Also the 55mpg is a bit off, they were lucky to do 40 mpg average.
On the Mondeo the 155 2.2 absolutely shred the flywheel, hence why it has had to be rebuilt at 77.000 and this might not be the first time.
The tdci 130 shreds the flywheel as well, just not as often.
The TDCI 110 for some reason does not shred the dual mass, unless you absolutely drive it like a maniac, most you see still running are the 110 versions.

To be honest this looks like a car someone has got sick of spending on and if the flywheel was not a full balanced re-build, it wont be long before it lets go.
The soft spring issue is also a menace, but this would have heavy duty springs .

Great answer! Many thanks for your help. Great looking machine though, you have to admit.

oldagetraveller

Yes, re the price. My daughter got around £2500 for her May '06 1.7 Diesel "Design" model earlier this year, private sale. Mileage less than that first eBay example.

motorguy

What about a Vectra?

I've sold a couple recently - 2008 Vectra 1.8i Lifes, both with around 70,000 miles, FSH and long MOT's.

I got around £3000 for each of mine. They're serious value at that price.

jimmo

My wife has a 61 Meriva, the one with the back doors opening the wrong way. As I understand it the 56 Meriva you are looking at is basically a Corsa with a big body but the newer version, like my wife’s, is an Astra.

In the Astra version the middle seat in the back is tiny and, I would think, is only suitable for a young child at best. Looking at the pictures in your eBay advert it looks a lot smaller and potentially useless.

As regards boot space it looks cavernous but you really need to try it for yourself. I really struggle to get a wheelchair in but bikes are a different prospect.

Performance wise the 1.4 Meriva is an absolute shed but it suits our purpose

My son now owns what used to be my 1998 Mondeo and I am far happier driving a 15 year old banger than the Meriva