Vauxhall Meriva (2003 - 2010) 1.6 16V Breeze 5d Easytronic (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I don't know anything about cars. I've reproduced done my biological thing and no I don't have fun anymore and instead of living started breathing. 'Till death do us part' is actually my goal.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Nice and roomy...then we drove a block. Nobody liked it. Suzuki shift I bought was better. My Z3 now is much much much much more comfi to drive (and that is a to the ground sports car). Drove a Lotus Elise, it has the same springs/dampeners.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Never ever will I even set foot in a car like this. It was a company car and I tried breaking it so I could have the replacement car (I think that says it all). It held up surprisingly well.

What are you likely to buy next?

The car I bought next was a Suzuki Swift - much better car, a lot more fun to drive and the suspension isn't that hard as the Meriva (after that I bought a BMW Z3).

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

January 2004

Did you get a good deal and why?

n/a

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

For my company I received an Vauxhall (Opel) Meriva easytronic with comfort pack.

What was the dealer like?

Helpful, bit couldn't solve inherent problems with the easytronic

What's it like to drive?

On the motorway it was acceptable (if the road is good). On normal roads BAD. It is hard and bumpy, no lean in corners thou. Seats are hard and flat. Special made for people of large posture (I slid around from left to right in them). The roll cage obstructs view left and right. The chassis is so weak on the back that it doesn't need dampers there. The back chassis deforms and you can hear the plastic covering in the back moaning about it. And don't get me started about the Easytonic - never ever consider it! Sequential + and - are opposite of any normal (race) sequential shifter. And that is only the beginning. This car sucks - plain and simpel. Only thing going for it is that it's roomy.

What's it like to park?

It's a long car, parking sensors helped. But it was surprisingly easy.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes. Ignition system, front tires needed aligning, Easytronic shifts hard and irregular, luggage compartment grunts and moans (read further), brakes needed adjusting. This all in 1 year.

What's most practical about your car?

it's roomy.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

self dimming internal mirror