1999 Vauxhall Zafira Di review from UK and Ireland

I have a Vauxhall Zafira 2.0 diesel injection (not turbo), and we bought it when they first came out in September 1999.

It was recalled not long after to have a diesel pipe replaced, then we started having thick blue smoke bellowing out of the exhaust, and we were having to top it up with oil every two weeks.

We wrote to Vauxhall, and they told us to take it to our local dealer where they would do some tests on it to see if it was burning oil too fast, but the tests come back positive. Not long after this, we had a new starter motor; this was £400.

We had the burning smell and the heater went in the car, then it just packed in, then we had a new mass air flow meter; this was about £500.

We have been to the garage numerous times with the engine management light, and one time it was just because we had bought a bulb from Halfords, so be warned, for a quid more, go to the Vauxhall garage, it could cost you in the long run when you have to be hooked to that £40 a time computer.

We have just had our latest problem with it; "The fuel pump" £900 reconditioned.

We really have had enough now, and will be selling it in the next few weeks.

Be warned; comfy and spacious, but costly when the problems start occurring.

The car is nearly 10 years old, but we have only done 57000 miles and don't abuse it. Be warned, don't buy one.