2001 Vauxhall Zafira Comfort Special from UK and Ireland - Comments

None.

After a long research on all types of estates, which is the type of car we need at this stage, the Zafira captured all our wants and more. So far it has behaved impeccably. moreover the dealers 'Welch of Newport' in South Wales are quite superb in their service, nothing was too much trouble.

The performance of this vehicle was very much up to my expectations, the 1.8 was definitely the right choice. I felt the 1.6 would be hard pressed to cope with a full load ie. 2 adults, 3 teenagers and a labrador!.

Although still 'running in', I'm averaging 35mpg of mixed motoring, this is a great improvement over the Senator's 23mpg. Having said that it was beginning to show its 10 years of age, but it was a super car all the same!

I feel now that 2 months of ownership and 1500 miles have passed, I should bring you an update.

This car is still 99.99% good. What is the 00.01% bad? The glove box!

One evening just before getting out of the vehicle a little glimmer of light caught my eye from the left hand fresh air vent. Although the glovebox lid was closed it had not engaged the courtesy button. On closer inspection the left lip of the lid hadn't quite latched home. There doesn't appear to be an adjustment so an extra push to the left side to engage it is all that's needed (trivial I know).

This car is slowly loosening up engine wise, now returning an average of 36.4mpg of mixed driving, and its manners are still impeccable. Well done Vauxhall!

My recommendation still stands! 10/10.

There were two problems with our Zafira: first, the fuel level sensor was indicating that the tank was 100% full all the time, and second -- more serious -- the oil pump in the servo wheel mechanism started to leak -- it was replaced under warranty.

By the way, I'm looking for people with corn yellow Zafiras. I believe they're are very rare.

Matjaz

Slovenia.

matjaz.straus@arnes.si

I have recently purchased a second hand Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 Club (W-reg). This was a private transaction.

After driving the vehicle home I noticed that there was a tinny whining noise coming from the engine bay! The whining noise remained all the time the engine was running. On turning the engine off, the whinning noise did not stop suddenly, but took a couple of seconds to slow down and stop (after the engine was turned off). The noise seems to be coming from the back (top) of the engine around the area where the petrol pump/carb/fuel injection system is located.

Has anyone experienced this problem and do they know what it might be??

Besides this annoying problem, it does seem great. But I have found the 1.6 to be slightly sluggish and underpowered - compared to my Vectra 1.8 LS. The 1.8 Zafira would most definitely be the wiser choice.

I have a 1.8i (from new). Generally pretty pleased, but had to have the rear brake callipers done after 13 months. Carried out by the dealer free of charge. The only other nagging problem is that the glove box sometimes likes to drop open.

In the main, a good car.

In response to the W registration 1.6 Zafira dated 5.9.01 the noise sound very much like the hydro electric steering pump. Although normally inaudible during driving it can be heard winding down when the engine is switched off. If you think it unduly loud just get your dealer to have a listen.

On most Vauxhalls I have driven this is a norm and loudness depends on levels of sound insulations. I hope this helps. One other thing I would agree on is the size of engine. The 1.8 is definitely the one to go for with no real sacrifice in fuel consumption.

I am looking at getting the Zafira diesel, has anyone had any real problems with it, what's it like on acceleration? Will it fit two large dogs in the back?? Does anyone have sat nav for this car as I am looking at getting it?

My Zafira has a constant droning sound which reduces when the brakes are applied - or the handbrake is pulled up slightly. My garage have been unable to fix it - is it a design fault? The noise is tiring when going on a long journey.

Does anyone have any problems with the Zafira diesel burning oil excessively?

Mine has gone through 2 sump fulls before it's first service. The local dealer considers this acceptable?

I do not. What is your experience?

I have owned my (ex-demonstrator) Zafira since September 1999. On several occasions I have experienced complete loss of engine power during long motorway journeys. Engine power loss lasts for only 10 or 20 seconds, before the engine stutters back into life. There have been no problems on extended urban trips. The vehicle has been back to the dealers three times. Dealer has "re-set the weak mixture flag (twice) " and "re-burnt the ECU software" and "cleaned the throttle body", but the issue persists. Immediately after experiencing the engine power loss, I have noticed a very significant inrush of air into the fuel tank, as the filler cap is released - suggesting a large vacuum being formed in the fuel tank. Is it possible that the tank is not being properly vented?? I would love to hear from anybody with similar experiences.

Our Zafira Comfort 1.8 Auto is now just over 18 months old and has given us excellent service, economy and comfort. It has just had its first fault - the radio/temp/clock display has gone off completely. The dealer needs 3 hours just to assess the problem as he has to remove all the clocks, dash, etc.

The roof antenna is too long to go under a garage door, so it now resides in the glove box.

The tailgate is too big. A better solution would be to have a lower section as well, then the shopping wouldn't fall out.

The heater demister seems poor and doesn't clear the screen quickly.

Wing mirrors which fold in by a switch would be useful.

Otherwise very pleased with it.

I just bought a new zafira 1.8 A from a dealer in north of Malaysia. Before signing the D.O. I make an inspection on the new car. I found the left side front body frame dented deeply. Definitely this car undergo an accident. I show to the dealer and he/she were very surprised. I was quite upset to receive a new accident car!!! (which I never touch yet).The dealer repair the car at the local paint shop and I have to accept it (signing the D.O.) because the car has just being registered at the road transport department. Can you imagine, I bought a new car and received an accident car.

At present, technically the car was perfect except two things that I faced. One is the glove box always open by itself and the second I need to be careful during washing the car otherwise it will short circuit the sensor underneath or beside all four tyres and resulting auto malfunction of fuel throttling system.

My Zafira started to develop a "rattle" on its first birthday. The noise is coming from the dash area around the glove box.

I bought a second hand 1.8l elegance in March this year, with 6 months warranty, which is now over. Firstly I'd like to say that the car itself I'm really pleased with, it's great for all purposes and I have managed 600+kms on one tank. The only thing I don't like is the cost of repairs, as I found out yesterday, after I heard a whining noise coming from the engine bay, when I took it to the garage, I was told that there was a leak in the steering pump, and that the alternator needs changed. A total of some 2000+€ which I found very steep, however the dealer is looking into doing it under warranty... watch this space...

I purchased a Vauxhall Zafira Comfort 2.0Dti in December 2001 it has just recorded 10,000 miles and since new has in my oppinion been using excessive amounts of engine oil.

The last consumption test and Top up carried out by the Vauxhall dealer, I purchased the car from, required 0.85 Litres of oil after covering 972miles. The previous amount was 1Litre of oil after travelling 652miles. In total the car has used some 7.5Litres of emgine oil. I am currently exchangeing correspondence with Vauxhalls customer care? centre, but I feel I am just getting set pieces of response. My plan is to get as much information from others experiencing Excessive Oil Burning, as I consider this is an Engine design Fault and Vauxhall Motors need to stand up to their responsibilities and give suitable recompense. Their latest suggestion is to use Running In oil, my limited knowledge of Engines and running in oil would suggest, you Do Not use it on an Engine of 10,000 miles. I would appreciate others passing on their experiences.

Reg T 1999, I purchased my Zafira in June 2002 and had to have the rear brake callipers done after 5 months. Possible catalytic converter too.