Faults:

Clutch.

Oil leak.

Exhaust starting to corrode.

Brakes + suspension required a lot of work at last service/MOT. Acceptable at the age and miles.

General Comments:

A smart looking MPV in metallic black, the Zafira is nothing to get excited about, but it is one of the better cars in this class.

Very roomy interior, excellent visibility and a safe feeling being in this car. Design model is near top of range and has half leather and all electrics. Handbrake is weird looking/feeling but you get used to it.

1.8 petrol does around 36 mpg with mixed driving. Performance is OK. Gearbox shifts OK but sometimes reverse is difficult to engage.

Not bad to drive, very good on motorways. It has been reliable and practical, which is why you buy this type of car. At 15 years old and the miles are getting on, I am still confident to keep it another year, it has never let me down. Service them on time and you can trust them. These generation cars are much better than older Zafira's which had lots of electrical problems.

Faults:

Mostly wear and tear parts replaced as the years and miles went on. No serious problems or issues. Had the famous heater transistor fixed under warranty when we bought it.

Last year it was scrapped due to needing a new clutch, and the car was generally rough and older and high mileage, so it was not worth doing.

General Comments:

Zafira was an excellent family car I had for ten years.

Very comfortable interior, good visibility all round. Design model is near top of the range, plenty of equipment.

Decent to drive, 1.8 petrol is probably the best all round engine, fast enough and did 36 - 40 mpg. 1.6 is weaker and not much better on fuel, and I have heard the 1.9 diesel is not very reliable.

Overall a decent car. Considered a Vauxhall Insignia next, as I like Vauxhall's, but have since moved on to a Ford Mondeo which so far is excellent.

Faults:

Mostly consumables - exhaust, renewed brake discs and pads all round, etc.

Belts and oil changes as required.

Interior trim pretty rough, rear cover broke, vents in passenger area disintegrated, 12v socket in rear won't work, etc.

Outside bodywork surprisingly unmarked for age and mileage, looks almost as good as new, I do keep it cleaned and garaged though.

General Comments:

The Zafira is a very comfortable car to drive and be in; visibility is also excellent, for such a large vehicle it is easy to drive.

Interior is well equipped even on this basic "Active" specification. Though I would recommend Design or Elite models, you get so much more. Seats are very comfortable. Dash is clean and clear, easy to use. Handbrake is rather odd shape.

The 1.9 CDTi is a very common engine, fast enough for daily driving. A bit noisy, but you can get around 45 - 50 mpg. Servicing and repairs have been cheap enough.

This Zafira has actually has been more reliable than my old VW Sharan. Basically they are a good all round family MPV that you can get now for little cash on the used market. Buy a looked after one and you have a good economical family vehicle.