1995 Vauxhall Calibra 8v SE4 review from UK and Ireland

No problems at all.

I had always wanted a Calibra and when I eventually purchased one I wasn't disappointed.

The 8v engine is the least powerful of the range statistically, but it's by no means a "slow" car, the torque is all low down in the revs resulting in effortless driving and not having to thrash the nuts off it all the time.

Reliability has been fantastic. People say the 8v engine is bulletproof and it really is. It just keeps going, and I can see it going for many years to come, even though it's already on 130,000.

Fuel consumption is pretty good, with about 34mpg mixed.

Cream leather is wearing on the drivers seat, but not too badly.

One big complaint shared by a number of Calibra owners... the headlights. Very poor indeed. It's down to a wiring limitation and the voltage drops quite a bit when measured at the battery and then at the bulbs themselves. Consequently, "higher power" bulbs don't really do much.

I've been let down and very disappointed with the main dealer. So much so that all the servicing I now do myself so I at least know it's being done. I wouldn't trust them at all. This can't be said for all Vauxhall main dealers though, there's bound to be some decent ones out there! :)

All in all though, the Calibra is now very reasonably priced and well worth a look in.