1996 Vauxhall Calibra V6 review from UK and Ireland
"Fairly good performance, let down by unreliability"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Practically everything that is mega expensive :-
Both front lower arm bushes £145.00 each.
Traction control actuator @ £600.00.
Alternator £250.
Air conditioning compressor £1000.
New alloy wheel???!?! £140.
Air con water leak £350.
Exhaust £300.
Oil Cooler £300.
Expansion tank £35.
Hand brake welding failed £200.
The list goes on and on...
General comments?
Despite this car having relatively good handling, performance and fuel economy, the same cannot be said for reliability.
It seems such a pity that a car with such great looks should be condemned to a reputation of persistent faults and dealers who simply just don't understand the simple mechanics of these vehicles. For example in the case of the air conditioning compressor this is a problem which doesn't appear to affect the Calibra. A colleague of mine has an X reg Vectra which has developed the self same "rattle of death". Needless to say he won't be paying the £1000 bill. To sum up, if you must insist on a Calibra, consider purchasing a third-party warranty!
This will definitely be my last Vauxhall car.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 2/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 36000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 53000 miles |
| Previous car | Vauxhall Astra |
| Date of Entry | 20th January, 2002 |