1998 Vauxhall Tigra review from UK and Ireland

Cambelt tensioner failed at 44,000 miles, resultant mis-timing lead to serious damage to the engine. This was a known Vauxhall problem in early models and they replaced the engine under warranty.

I am currently driving my second Tigra which is a 1998 R (polar sea blue) bought second hand last year, simply because I could not get a new one - I would have bought a new one if Vauxhall still made them. My first Tigra I bought from new in 1995.

The early models suffered from well-known cambelt tensioner failure, in all cases Vauxhall replaced them or fixed any damage under warranty. The previous owner of the one I have now had this problem, Vauxhall put a new engine in at 44,000 miles!

The Tigra is a fantastic car in the way it looks and the way it drives. The performance is not that of a true sports car of course, but I have had the ECU remapped and this has made a tremendous improvement to smooth out the flat spots. Shame they didn't make a 2-litre plus version...

I am a hard and fast driver and the Tigra responds well, I find it excellent for both long-haul journeys and short burns through the country lanes alike!

I like the finish of the cabin, nice layout and good quality. Headroom may be a problem if you are 6" or over.

A couple of years ago I sold my first Tigra in part exchange for a 1999 Lotus Elise, but when I had to sell the Elise the only car I would consider buying was another Tigra - even after test driving about 25 different new cars.

The Tigra is a great small car for those who want something that looks and handles better than the rest!

The bad points of owning a Tigra are:

1) Vauxhall dealerships in 2002 are no match for the way they were 5 years ago. The excellent Vauxhall garage I used to go to has been closed down, the new place has very poor customer service and is very expensive - still from what others say in the UK this does not appear to be just a Vauxhall trend.

2) Most people love the way the Tigra looks, but don't rate the car much. I have to say that if you haven't tried it you don't know what you're talking about. As for those who reckon the Puma is better - come on who are you kidding! I test drove the Puma twice and it really sucks!

If you are looking for a second hand Tigra, check the service history carefully. Make sure that if it's 1995-1999 that the cambelt tensioners have been replaced. Also check for evidence of burnt-on liquid on the top of the cylinder head cover. If so the head gasket has failed at one time or another so check that it has been replaced.

Finally, consider going to someone like SuperChips to get the ECU remapped if you like a sporty drive!