1995 Opel Tigra XE 1.4 petrol

Summary:

A sleek little head turner

Faults:

Power locks failed, speedometer went dead, oil pump gasket blew, airbag problem, engine would switch off (even while driving!) due to fuel injection relay, recalled twice to change cam-belts and tensioner. all this in the first year and all covered by warranty. after that nothing for 2 years then secondary air injection blew, ripped it out no need for it. then all OK for another 4 years. this year (2004) cooling system problems, lines had to be replaced and the radiator cost 250 euro. vibrating brake pedal and steering column while braking changed front disk brakes and pads, but problem still insisted took it back to the dealer and got corrected (don't know how) cost 300 euro. leaks in tailgate when it rains hard. exhaust has been changed 3 times in all these years, have noticed a ticking sound lately coming from somewhere inside the dash board, but not very annoying.

General Comments:

The car is great, it still turns heads after all these years. road handling is very good suspension is a little tight, room in cabin is satisfactory. no noise from cabin, interior quality is very good. I have been very sentimentally attached to my tigra, even if I got a new car I would think twice about giving it away. I read about all the problems the tigra's have, but mine did not have that many, I have no sunroof or ABS or air conditioning.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2004

30th Jul 2017, 07:15

I recently got a Tigra A 1995 and it was alright; pretty fast, and good until summer came and I can't exactly turn my head around what is making my car heat up. The fan is working and turning on when it goes up to 90 degrees, and the radiator was opened and didn't have any blockage, thermostat and coolant replaced, and then finally changed the water pump hoping it was the problem, which made the car take a bit longer for the temperature to go up. But after it hits 90 and the fan turns on, it keeps going up till almost 95 and plays between 93 and 95. I'd like to ask for help; maybe you can tell me what causes the problem!? It would be very helpful and appreciated.

In reply to 30th Jul 2017, 07:15

10th Jan 2018, 10:22

I have also had a Tigra since 1995. What I did was to replace the radiator for the A/C radiator model, which is bigger.

Your radiator is old and is maybe somehow blocked, so it's better to replace it.

I also run a cooler thermostat (begins to open at 82 degrees instead of 92). Now only when it is 35 degrees outside and with me driving like mad does it go above 90 degrees. Mine has 130bhp and can rev to 7500 RPM, so the engine produces a lot more heat.

1999 Opel Tigra 1.6

Faults:

Nothing so far... :-)

General Comments:

Opel Tigra is one of the most spectacular cars that are currently being sold in the Greek market. Its superior design and outstanding performance for its category (0-100 in 9.8 sec) makes it a perfect choice for all sport car enthusiasts. Strictly not for people over 35 years old!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th October, 1999

25th Jan 2001, 07:57

I personally think the Tigra is "out of this world", but disagree with the "over 35 years old" statement.

5th Aug 2001, 02:33

I now own a Opel Calibra... I borrowed a Tigra from a friend of mine.. and it drives really smooth and comfortable... I think I'll buy one too.. due to the high fuel prices.

30th May 2002, 03:41

I own a tigra 1.6 since 1996, not so bad except... 2 engines broken due distribution malfunction.

And... I totally disagree with who said "strictly forbidden for over 35", better to say : if you like a funny car... then tigra is the one for u.

17th Dec 2004, 03:06

I have a 1999 Opel Tigra 1.6 engine. I seldom use this even up to now 2004, my kilometer reading is just below 35,000 km. Nice looker and speed. However, before my 30k km reading, I have to replace the timing belt and now before 35k km, I have to replace busted hose for power steering. May be this car is not suited for the tropics.