• Summary

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What does this car say about you?

    1. He has kids. 2. He doesn't wash his car. 3. There are lots of faeculent seagulls where he lives. 4. Kerbstones hate him and jump out to scratch his rims when he is parked near to them.

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

    They've more interesting things to think about.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    No, becaue my kids will be at uni when the car reaches the end of its life and I won't need a 7 seater.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Caterham.

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £0

    When did you buy the car?

    January 2006

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Don't know.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Needed 7 seats for shared school run, dealer within walking distance, good reviews.

    What was the dealer like?

    Fine

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Better than expected - some understeer but good grip, fairly flat cornering, good torque, especially when "sport" button is pressed, though fuel consumption will be poor. Good brakes. Bad points: Large "A" pillar blind spot, squidgy handbrake, which also prevents use of the 12V socket for conventional 'phone chargers.

    What's it like to park?

    For a male, easy.

  • Living with it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Under warranty - inlet manifold sensor, door handle not working. Currently glove box catch failure. Most importantly a 1109 fault (Google it). A swirl actuator / mechanism problem - a design issue with the 150hp 1.9l diesel, fitted to Vxs of various types, some Saabs, and others. £840 to fix, but, though out of warranty (4.5yrs old) the 31k mileage, full VSH [and design fault] meant that Vx paid half of the cost.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Small wheelprint, reasonably good performance, but carries 7 for short distances.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Silly, but useful in the heat, or when someone has left a window open and I notice from inside the house, the ability to open or close all the windows just using the plip.