Vauxhall Monterey 3.2i V6 Diamond 5d Auto (1998/S) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Zero image has seriously driven down prices.
Costs
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?
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On the road
Driving
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
Fairly brisk for a vehicle this size, but drinks like a fish. Will tow anything that I've tried so far with ease.
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Living with it
Reliability
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
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
Better ride quality when fully laden.
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Security and Service
Security
Alarm and immobiliser fitted as standard. Petrol version at least doesn't seem to be popular with thieves!
Service
Have found Isuzu dealer more useful than the Vauxhall garage.
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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