2012 Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive panel van SWB 2.0 CDTi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Work or play, this van does it all

Faults:

Usual wear and tear. No major problems, but there is a minor oil leak now.

Gearshift feels stiff sometimes but nothing has failed.

Rear brakes seem to wear out fast, have replaced discs and pads twice recently.

Interior dashboard plastics easily break.

Needed a new alternator, this was its only breakdown a couple of years ago.

General Comments:

This 2012 Vauxhall Vivaro is near identical to our previous 2008 Renault Trafic van, versatile vans for any use.

Bright silver, alloy wheels, not bad looking, it was a works van originally as most were, and we were going to convert it to a motor-home for private use. As such, I haven't done any major work, just small cosmetics here and there, inside and out, to make it a more pleasant private use of a vehicle.

The 2.0 diesel provides good economy (about 34 - 40 mpg) and performance for a larger van, we keep it serviced on time and do any belts as applicable.

It actually cruises quiet and smooth on motorways and is great for long journeys; we thought it would be too noisy and unpleasant, but the van is really good for two people on a day trip with obviously plenty of space in the back for just about anything.

Main dealer was rather short with us and uninterested in service or repair for older vans, so we found a local trusted independent to help out.

Other than that, the van has been a great experience for work or private use, highly recommended - you can get them real cheap right now on the used market. Always go for a van with reasonable mileage and proof of being taken care of.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th May, 2026

2017 Vauxhall Vivaro 2900 Crew Van 1.6 CDTi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good van for work / leisure

Faults:

Oil pump.

Sliding side door a bit reluctant to close.

General Comments:

Comfortable and spacious, I got a good deal on this van. 2017 model still feels very fresh.

Had a lot of miles but has been looked after, rear interior space wood-lined and up front looks hardly used. Seats are in great condition.

Economical for its size but not very fast, but once you get on the motorway it is fine, it is an OK van to drive.

This Vivaro has soo much space and is in such good condition I am thinking about converting it to a motor-home! Be careful when buying these vans at high mileage however - only buy well looked after vehicles, lots out there on the used market that have led hard lives and are very rough.

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

Review Date: 27th March, 2025

2003 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 DTi turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Brilliant

Faults:

Bought the van. Within a few thousand miles, it needed a new gearbox; cost a grand.

Apart from that, it's been great.

Tip for all of you; make sure your gearbox oil is full; I purposely over fill mine, it works great, nice and smooth gear change.

General Comments:

Wonderful van, great to drive.

Nice and smooth.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th October, 2010

29th Dec 2024, 22:54

The gearboxes Vauxhall used at this time were terrible, we had similar vans and they all failed at less than 100K miles. Needing reconditioning with mileage as low as 50K was common. Even the clutch could outlast a gearbox!

Engine, bodywork and electric components were all solid however.