Vauxhall Monterey 1994-
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Zero image has seriously driven down prices.

    Costs

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Average 19mpg on steady runs. Ouch. Running costs bearable though, as I didn't have to pay a lot to buy the car in the first place (£5900). Perhaps a good car to convert to LPG?

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Lopes along enthusiastically in the dry, doesn't inspire confidence in the wet. Has all the handling finesse of a tea-trolley, so encourages you to drive slowly and look at the view.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Fairly brisk for a vehicle this size, but drinks like a fish. Will tow anything that I've tried so far with ease.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Changed rear shocks and air-con condenser after 105,000 miles. Otherwise, chage oil every 5k miles and enjoy trouble-free, cut-price 4x4.

    Image

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Not popular for suburban 4x4 school run. Liked by value-conscious buyers that need a good, cheap 4x4 towcar and like the fact that these are cheaper and better-equipped than the identical Isuzu Trooper.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Better ride quality when fully laden.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Alarm and immobiliser fitted as standard. Petrol version at least doesn't seem to be popular with thieves!

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Have found Isuzu dealer more useful than the Vauxhall garage.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Air-con condenser and rear shocks needed changing after 100k miles and 5 years, but this is acceptable - condenser perhaps vulnerable to damage from stones and gravel.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes