Vauxhall Zafira (1999 - 2005) 2.0 DTi Elegance 5d (2001/51) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I am 30 and a Dad of 3. I have to choose practicality over beauty!

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

That I am old before my years. But that for an 11 year old car it has stood up well to the rigours of daily life.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. I would buy something larger to accommodate my children growing so fast.

What are you likely to buy next?

Landrover TDv6.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,000

When did you buy the car?

October 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

I felt like I had a great deal. I bought it from a dealer which specialised in selling higher-end vehicles such as Porsche, Mercedes etc, and they had this vehicle as part of an unwanted trade in. It was cheaper than any other Zafira of similar spec, age and mileage.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I needed a larger car as 3 baby car seats would not fit comfortably within a Ford Focus!

What was the dealer like?

Charming - as all car dealers are. They were committed to cleaning the car to a high standard (due to the more prestige models they dealt with). I felt that there could have been more they could have informed me in terms of the previous history of the car - which I managed to find out after buying it.

What's it like to drive?

Very simple, drives in a similar fashion to previous vehicles I have owned such as a Ford Focus. Can be a bit sluggish up hill with a full load, but it is a diesel so I expect that. Corners nicely.

What's it like to park?

As it is a 'small' MPV it is very easy to park. Good sightlines all around means I have never come close to bumping it yet!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes, first MOT a year later cost nearly £1100. This was due to the car not being driven much for the previous years and it being rusted underneath. Lots needed replacing.

What's most practical about your car?

The most practical element is it's simplicity - it drives like a saloon, very much a point and go kind of vehicle.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Fold down seats are very, very useful. I can transport 3 children and 2 adults with ease. Or I can fold the seats down and use it like a van! Really useful as you can tailor the interior set up to suit your needs.