Vauxhall Meriva (2010 - 2017) 1.7 CDTi 16V (130bhp) Exclusiv 5d (2011/11) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Don't care, but probably not much!.

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

Intrigued by rear doors at first, but otherwise, just a run of the mill family car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Didn't buy it, but I wouldn't buy one, and certainly wouldn't choose another through motability. Vauxhall should have spent more time designing the car better and making it more refined than on gimmicks like the rear doors and the idiotic sliding centre armrest whose rails impede the rear floor space to such an extent it renders the centre rear seat unusable except for short journeys.

What are you likely to buy next?

If we go for another motability car, we will wait and see what deals are available for the next quarter, we will find this out in January. But i have persuaded my wife that an automatic would be better suited to her needs, preferably with cruise control. But i have been thinking that we might buy a car next and just take the money, if so, it will be something cheap, under £2k, as I am a firm believer in 'bangernomics'!.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

March 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not applicable, motability.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It is a motability car for my wife, the dealer was relatively close, and she liked it.

What was the dealer like?

Fine, although had I known that the dealership was about to close, we would have chosen something else.

What's it like to drive?

Gearing far too long, this combined with narrow power band makes it a poor choice for town or low speed driving, though choosing the auto (which we should have) would solve this. The car is happier on higher speed roads, but far too much road noise hampers its suitability for longer journeys. Comfy seats, but overall, not that great to drive.

What's it like to park?

Standard parking sensors front and rear means it is pretty easy to park. Without them I think it would be a bit tricky with that front end that slopes away out of sight (like most modern cars), and poor rear visibility.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No

What's most practical about your car?

Big boot, with large extra compartment under floor, especially if no spare wheel like ours. 'Suicide' rear doors are good in some ways, but not so good in others, overall, for a car like this, sliding rear doors best.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise control.