Help - '93-'95 Vauxhall Corsa Questions

Bexbox2

Hiya

I am currently looking at buying myself a Vauxhall Corsa, I would really like an SXI model either 1.2 or 1.4 engine.

Can anyone offer me any information as to the MPG I could expect, either petrol or diesel. Also are there any common faults with them, I currently have a 51 plate Vectra and have experienced the cam chain snapping (supposed to last the life of the engine! Very expensive).

Any information would be useful to me.

Thanks :j

vikingaero

Cam chains can fail if the oil is dirty. The extended 20k service intervals suit fleets but is bad for an engine.

1.2 is a cam chain engine. 1.4 is a cambelt and prone to snapping. You buy a cambelt kit which includes the plastic pulleys and tensioners. If you're doing things correctly you also need to replace the water pump at the same time so it can be pricey. The 1.4 needs a new cambelt every 40k.

The 1.4 auto I had did about 36mpg - not bad for an auto, so you should do better with a manual.

Bexbox2

Great thanks for the advice. I was tempted to getting the 1.4 and its good to know the costs it could incur in the future especially as the ones I can afford are going to be about 30k on the clock.

36mpg isn't bad either, I was hoping for a little more but like you say yours was auto so juicer.

custardy

was that the 2.2l vectra engine? known issue on the chain oil jet

Bexbox2

Hi, yes it was. Wish we'd known before we bought it, also the steering rack went, another common fault I'm told. That's why I'm asking around about Corsa's before I let myself in for some more Vauxhall expense!

Bexbox2

Bought myself a 1.4i Corsa Exclusiv last night, as I say above I wanted an SXI but this has so much more its a limited edition with full lether seats and climate control, 16" alloys and bodykit its gorgeous!

Hope I don't have any problems!

Thanks for the above help anyway.

harveybobbles

Bexbox2 wrote: »

Hi, yes it was. Wish we'd known before we bought it, also the steering rack went, another common fault I'm told. That's why I'm asking around about Corsa's before I let myself in for some more Vauxhall expense!

Erm, Corsa's have steering rack problems too...

also if you get an SXi make sure the base of both front seats feel firm, as they are quite weak and you end up with the metal frame pinching you every time you get in/out of the car!

Bexbox2

No no no!!! After writing this post last year guess whats happened! The cam chain is about to go on my nice Corsa!!!

When I bought it it had already been recalled and had it replaced...now its about to go again!!! Its only done 43K....

Poxy Vauxhalls

Think I might be able to get them to pay for some of the repair? The quote is £450...

kitchpoo

So thats 8 months!!!

Make a tentative call to the garage asking how long they guarentee work the garage does (and they should say 12 months) - then explain the reason for the call.

I think the recall was to fit a modified oil feed - as the premature wear was caused by lack of lubrication. Are you sure they changed the belt?

Bexbox2

No sorry it was recalled before I bought it about three years ago I think...still thats rubbish for it to go wrong in three years.

Oh I don't know, that's what I was told, I'll check it out.

Thanks for the info...

Bexbox2

The garage just confirmed it was the chain that was replaced as apparantly the links were stretching...