1997 Vauxhall Tigra 1.6 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Heed this warning, steer clear of the ecotec engine, you will pay for it in one way or another

Faults:

Where to start?

Air con packed up within two months of purchasing the car, needed the whole unit replacing, which would have cost about £1000, so didn't have it done, most bulbs in dash blew in the space of a week!

The exhaust cat needed replacing, had replaced and have subsequently been seeing the dealership on a weekly basis as a joint keeps blowing!!!

Engine now eats water and oil after only having the head gasket replaced last year, head is definitely not cracked and been checked, so now I have oil seeping into the spark plugs.

As you would expect, the engine running erratically!

Brakes are almost non existent after pads and discs were replaced in 2007.

The list goes on!!!

General Comments:

I loved my previous Tigra so much I decided to go for another one, this one had been a one owner car from new, all receipts and documents present showing how well looked after this car was.

The body work is pristine, not a blemish or rust bubble in sight, but it's the "eco wreck" sorry ecotec engine that woefully lets this car down.

I have had 4 1.6 16valve engined Vauxhalls in the past that have all done over 150,000 miles without a glitch, but this one is awful.

I have decided that this car is at the end of its life, and now the only place this little monster is going is the scrappy.

The next Vauxhall to get will be the new Astra with the diesel engine, no more Tigras! With such good deals on new ones it's time to sign the dotted line.

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

Review Date: 11th March, 2009

1997 Vauxhall Tigra 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fabulous, loved owning it

Faults:

My timing belt went at 95,000 miles.

My head gasket has just gone at 105,000.

My front brakes just been done, costing me 35.00 to buy them, and my son fitted them.

General Comments:

I love my Tigra, it is a stunning car to look at.

This is my last repair; in twelve months I will retire her gracefully.

The rear seats are very uncomfortable; glad I don't use them.

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

Review Date: 22nd January, 2009

1997 Vauxhall Tigra 1.6 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Brilliant little hair dressers car ha ha

Faults:

Only major problem to date with the car is the annoying rattle and clonking of the exhaust as you go over speed bumps or pot holes in the road. Also seems to get worse when the kids get in the back. Think it must just need re securing.

Other than that, no problems.

General Comments:

I absolutely love my little Tigra; what a pleasure to drive, I'm over 6ft and have no problem getting comfortable in the car.

As everyone seems to keep moaning about the rear passenger room, what do you expect, you can see how small the rear is, so why buy the car if what you need is a proper 5 seater?

I was quite lucky and managed to find my Tigra with the all important air con, which I have to admit I cannot live without now. As always with nearly every air con car I buy, the refrigerant gas did need topping up, so £30 and the guy came and done it with in an hour.

Have owned many Vauxhalls in the 7 years I have been driving, and this one by far is the best, it's a little pocket rocket! Insurance is nice and cheap; I'm 24 and the monthly premium is £17 comprehensive with protected no claims and breakdown cover.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th May, 2008

1997 Vauxhall Tigra Marine 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Excellent unique design car, fun to drive, 'sexy' little car

Faults:

Minor problem with electric sunroof when I bought the car, which recently resulted in it not being able to open. Have now sorted the problem by fitting a replacement motor.

General Comments:

Excellent car, absolutely love it. Previously had 2006 'Tigra Blue', which I replaced with a year old Corsa. But missed the Tigra so much that I replaced the Corsa with my current 10 year old 'Tigra Marine'. I didn't realise how good to drive and what a fun car the Tigra was until I got rid of the blue one almost 3 years ago.

Generally the Tigra is a fun to drive, reliable and cheap to run car, with bags of personality. The current one I have is low mileage at 10 years old, and has been well cared for by the previous only other owner. I intend to look after and cherish this car, and have no intention of changing it.

Well done Vauxhall, the Tigra was a really good creation.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th August, 2007