Faults:

Exhaust, coolant leak, suspension rattle, and the A/C is dead. All acceptable at this age and miles. Got them fixed for cheap.

General Comments:

A sharp looking small MPV from Vauxhall, the Meriva is nothing special. But if you just want a car that is modern enough and cheap to run, they make a decent used buy.

Tech Line model has nice alloy wheels. Interior features are about the same as any mid range car from this time period - electric windows, mirrors, and so on.

Spacious and comfortable, actually nice to drive as well. The 1.4 petrol engine is simple and reliable enough, if a little underpowered. It can manage around 40 mpg though, good for petrol. I wouldn't bother with the more complex diesel engines as I have heard they are unreliable at this age and mileage, better off with petrol.

As a lot of people say - avoid main dealers for service or repair at this age, you need to find a good independent mechanic to keep costs down, dealers will rip you off or be uninterested in helping you because the car is over a decade old.

Very cheap to buy, insure, service and repair. Annual tax is a little higher than I would have liked, but there is nothing you can do about it - that is a government mandated and highly debatable subject on how a car like this should be taxed.

Overall, just basic transport, nothing special, they have low value as well so do not pay too much for one. Buy it, run it for a couple of years, then scrap it!

Faults:

Exhaust rear section. Suspension at the front.

Engine check light illuminated briefly months ago, but has not come on since after a service.

That and the usual consumables and wear and tear, brake pads, tyres, etc.

General Comments:

The Meriva is a typical small modern MPV. Nothing exciting, but gets you where you need to go.

Not special to drive, not that fast either. Fuel consumption is OK for petrol, but obviously not as good as my old diesel Audi A2.

Exclusiv is a pretty basic trim, but the seats are comfy enough and the car has electric windows and climate control; good enough for me.

Had it ten years with no major issues, cannot say fairer than that.

Faults:

To be honest, I really was surprised that nothing has gone wrong with this car. There is a blind spot on right side, should be changed in future.

General Comments:

This car is reliable, a very good performer and economic on fuel. To drive it is a big pleasure, and it's very comfortable. The cabin is very big, and it looks like you are driving a big massive car, loads of room and loads of space for your baggage. Very quiet on motorways.