1995 Vauxhall Frontera Estate review from UK and Ireland

Clutch required replacement at 88,000 miles.

Steering idler pivot requires replacement at 108,000 miles (probably due to excessive off-road use)

Front wheel bearing required replacing (again, probably due to excessive off-road use and fording)

The Vauxhall Frontera is a very underrated and extremely competent on and off road vehicle. My 2.8 Estate has covered a lot of miles off road either for leisure driving on "green lanes" and as a safety marshal vehicle for motorsport events (including the British Off Road Championship).

A friend with a Landrover has commented that the off road passenger comfort in the Frontera is luxurious compared to that of a Landrover 90 over the same terrain.

On road, the 2.8TDI will easily cruise at the legal speed limit and while there would be a little additional road noise (probably down to tyre choice) a normal conversation can be had by all five occupants.

For a big heavy car, the Frontera estate handles itself reasonably well on the commuter run and can keep up with traffic (and can be quite surprising at the traffic lights if you are so inclined).

Maintenance costs are surprisingly low, with most service items being available from the high street motorist stores or the side street motor factors. Most of my maintenance has been carried out on the drive with limited tools.

As with may 4x4 vehicle owners, there is an array of accessories available from specialist suppliers with many parts shared from the Isuzu brand.

A practical every day transport that regularly returns between 28-34 mpg, helped in some way by being a 2-wheel drive vehicle on tarmac, with 4-wheel drive being selectable in either high or low ratio.

For further information on Frontera ownership, feel free to visit www.FronteraOwners.co.uk.