1999 Vauxhall Corsa LX 1.2

Summary:

The Corsa is not a car I would choose again

Faults:

Major

The rear brakes ceased and needed de-scraping (or something like that).

The brake servo failed and had to be replaced (this was apparently such an unusual fault that the dealer had to get the part from Vauxhall and it was at no cost to my company).

There was a problem with the central locking and the car locked all the doors shut with my baby grand-daughter and keys on the inside. We blamed my daughter at the time but 1-2 days later it failed altogeather on the drivers side apparently due to the mountings failing. Fortunately with no-one inside on that occasion.

Minor

- Rear Wiper blade ripped itself to shreds.

- Stone chip couldn't be repaired and windscreen replaced (probably can't blame Vauxhall for that).

- Metallic paint work not wearing as well as my micra which is four years older.

- I've also recently noticed the rubber seals around the windows are slipping and will need to be put right.

General Comments:

Luckily my company pick up the tab for repairs and replacement cars otherwise I would really be sore!

However - the Corsa is a nice motorway drive with the 1.2 giving just that little extra power to make driving comfortable. I also like the height adjustable seat, and sun roof and central locking. Less nice is the ache in my leg on long journeys because the pedals are too close together.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th June, 2001

1999 Vauxhall Corsa CDX 1.5 turbo diesel

Summary:

Cheap and cheerful comfortable car with near petrol engine performance, shame about the dealer!

Faults:

When I first acquired the vehicle, the washer bottle was leaking.

Since the dealer had it in for it's 10,000 mile service, the rear brake drums are over-heating.

At the time of the service it was also in for a manufacturers recall notice to reinforce the seat rail & seat belt fixings.

I was given an additional charge for the 'brake service' which resulted in incorrect adjustment & the brakes binding.

The car has since been returned to the dealer twice & the fault has not as yet been resolved.

The last time it was in a forgetful 'mechanic' forgot to replace the brake reservoir cap after filling, luckily I checked under the bonnet after the car was returned & spotted the error before too much leaked or the fluid ignited on a hot surface.

It is back in again this week, hopefully the fault will finally get resolved!

General Comments:

The car is very nippy for a diesel thanks to the turbo.

It is extremely economical & cheap to run.

Being a CDX it has all the electrical toys inc. electric windows / mirrors, anti-lock brakes & driver's air bag.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st May, 2001

1999 Vauxhall Corsa SXi 1.2i 16v

Summary:

Definitely one for the boy racers

Faults:

Slight paint erosion on the sun roof, after only a few months of purchasing from new, this also occurred on my mates SXi on the same year of production.

Deadlock central locking on the driver's side has had to be replaced twice. Due to two situations where the lock has seized.

General Comments:

The Corsa SXi, is a very nippy little car in fact although the engine is smaller it seems a little quicker than the Nova 1.4 SR.

It's a nice tidy little car with all the comfort features adding to its presentation, ie. electric heated mirrors, sports bucket seats, six speaker stereo, alloys, spoiler and rev counter as standard.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st March, 2001

1999 Vauxhall Corsa Club 1.0 12v

Summary:

The most economical supermini

Faults:

Central locking - dealer charged £40 to repair.

Catalyst bracket broke, and the cat itself 'cracked' (just on 2 years ownership). Mentioned to the dealer about other comments on this website about Corsa cat brackets, and Vauxhall picked up the cost!

Coolant leak around the thermostat.

General Comments:

Car is incredibly cheap to run. Never less than 40 miles per gallon, despite being used almost exclusively in London. Let down by problems like the Cat bracket, which other visitors to this site have clearly identified as a common fault.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st February, 2001