1996 Vauxhall Tigra Reviews - Page 3 of 3

Car rewired.

Engine rebuilt twice.

Cam belt snapped.

Central locking and alarm problems.

Rear windscreen falling out.

ECU replaced.

Broken down about 20 times, (at least).

Peeling paintwork.

Vauxhall very happy to sell you a car, then couldn't care less what happens to it once sold - every step is a fight to even acknowledge, let alone sort out the problems. This is my second Tigra - first one even worse! Was returned to Vauxhalls after a year. Wouldn't advise anyone to buy a Tigra, unless they enjoy the inside of their local garage!

Tapits went at 17,000 miles.

Engine fault light appears occasionally. Vauxhall still trying to locate problem.

I drive it fast, handles fairly well, the steering is a bit funny but you get used to it.

Very comfortable in the front, the back is very uncomfortable for tall people.

Overall a nice car for 2 people not any more though.

Cam belt replacement.

Gear linkage adjusted.

Blown gasket on the oil filter.

The car drives very well and hugs the corners. The grip from the front tyres is poor in the wet when accelerating hard from a stand still. To get the best from the car you need to work the gears keeping the revs bubbling at around 4,000. The dealer service has been excellent and although I have had some issue with the car on the whole I am very pleased with its performance and the service I have had from Vauxhall. I wonder if other Tigra owners have problems with notchy gears? I have thoroughly enjoyed owning this car and face a difficult task when selecting a replacement as choice in this sector of the market is very limited.

A great site, thanks.

I bought my Tigra 10 months ago and it has been back to the garage 6 times. Basically they don't know what is wrong with it, first it was the valves, then it was the electrics and then it was some wiring. I drove my Tigra back to the garage on Monday and left them the keys and told them I didn't want it anymore.. test driving some other cars!

Whilst they have been unable to find the exact problem all I can say is that the Tigra broke down every 6 weeks, it is extremely unreliable, although a fantastic car to drive.. when it goes!!!

Problems with poor paintwork after delivery. Parts of bodywork resprayed under warranty.

Problem with moisture inside the headlamp (supposedly a sealed unit). Headlamp replaced under warranty.

Problems with Cam "gear wearing" (dealers description). This was fixed F.O.C. by Vauxhall dealer despite the car being out of warranty.

Oil pump gasket failed and sprayed engine bay with oil. Nice! Fixed F.O.C. by Vauxhall dealer despite the car being out of warranty.

Radiator leaks at the fan switch. Was leaving nasty patches on my driveway. Oddly enough, Fixed F.O.C. by Vauxhall dealer despite being out of warranty!!

Now, the whole thing squeaks and rattles likes crazy when I'm driving along. This car is only 18 months old!

I get a little suspicious when dealers fix things for nothing. So far, the Tigra's been in to a dealer about five times, but I only paid once (and that was for it's 12,000 mile service). I reckon they know there are a lot of faults and that's why they fix them free - to keep the customers quiet!

In particular, the problems in the "Cam area" seem to be mentioned quite a lot by others.

Seeing as the Frontera gets a regular grilling and I've not had much joy with my Tigra, I've decided never to buy any Vauxhall ever again.

And as for Ford, don't start me on them ....

Cam belt broke but Vauxhall repaired, at their own expense including the cost of towing off the motorway, next day towing to the local dealer from my home and the rental of a car whilst mine was off the road for about a week, all of which totalled £3,500.

Although the above took several if not numerous phone calls to Vauxhall's Customer Services Department it was, see above, worth it.

Electric Windows Failed.

Camshaft Lifters Broke.

Knock Sensor cut-in eroneously.

Trim lifted from rear tailgate.

Wing Mirrors/Petrol cap colour faded.

Gear shift lever came adrift.

Engine Electric Man' Unit failed.

Dashboard control knobs fallen off.

Repeated engine electric faults.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve failed.

De-misters not effective.

Several 'general' electric faults.

etc...

etc...

etc

Now have had THREE legal actions against Vauxhall.

Over 20 recoveries from new by the AA.

DON'T BUY A TIGRA.