Faults:

Engine management light came on but went away on its own.

ABS sensor.

Wouldn't start one morning - no big deal, just needed a new battery.

Needed new rear discs at last service + MOT.

Shocks a little rattly up front, will get it seen to soon.

Load cover broke.

Air con weak, but still works.

General Comments:

Had this bright red Zafira for a few years now, it has been pretty reliable and cheap to run.

Excite spec is lower range, but the car has electrics, nice alloy wheels and air con. Seats are very comfortable and the car's space is exemplary.

1.6 petrol engine is OK, not fast at all but it can get 40 mpg or a little more, making it well worth considering over the diesels. The car drives very well for an MPV, smooth and quiet on motorways and long journeys.

Not worth much at this age and mileage, but I want to hang onto this car for as long as possible, it has been economical to run. Mechanic said if that the engine check light ever came back on it would most likely just be a sensor and be cheap to fix.

If you are after a cheap family vehicle, the Zafira from this time period is a decent choice.

Faults:

A lot of preventative maintenance, every oil change and cambelt done.

Usual mechanical at MOT time - usually brakes or suspension needing attention.

Engine check light came on, mechanic cleared it with diagnostics, didn't find a fault so did not charge me anything, fair enough.

Interior has serious wear as expected for family daily use and abuse. Exterior still looks good for 12 years old now.

General Comments:

A reliable enough MPV, the Zafira has plenty of space and is pleasant to drive.

Exclusiv is a boring basic spec - not many features. Interior is still a nice place to be though - very large and comfortable. Visibility is excellent. Quiet smooth and quiet.

1.6 petrol is economical enough (slightly more than 40 mpg on a good day) but not very fast. 1.8 petrol or 1.9 diesels are probably better.

Just a good overall family vehicle, hard to say much more about it.

Faults:

Brake calipers, discs and pads. Timing belt, and oil changes. Wear and tear at the mileage.

Rear luggage cover plastic tabs broke, armrest is also worse for wear. Air con is useless, probably needs a re-gas.

Had the famous blowing transistor fixed under warranty, can now safely turn the heater up to fan speed 3 or 4 without fear of a fire! Do check this has been done if buying a Zafira from this time period.

Engine a little noisier now; ticking noise (tappets?), but no major problems. Reverse gear is sometimes difficult to engage.

General Comments:

Never liked Multi-Purpose-Vehicles (MPV), but due to needing more space I had to get one. Saw this Zafira in dark blue with tinted windows, and being the top Elite spec it had leather, electric everything and I was impressed with this car inside and out, nice alloy wheels as well, smart looking conservative styling unlike most crazy MPV's. I got a good used deal, these are now very cheap to buy. I'd look to independents for servicing and repairs, Vauxhall dealers are not interested in cars over 8 years old it seems, and will likely be expensive for anything.

1.8 petrol gives average performance while doing 38 miles per gallon; you will get 40 on a good day. I've heard this is the engine to go for as the diesel's are not as reliable, although obviously more frugal.

Interior is where this car shines, I can see the appeal of this type of car now - soo much more space than in your average saloon/hatchback car. Storage areas are well thought out and vision all round is superb. "7 seater" is a bit of a gimmick - 4 adults and 3 children at the most maybe, finding comfort when fully loaded is obviously harder.

Overall it will never be a car to get excited about, but if you want a hassle free family car that is easy to live with and that you won't be too embarrassed to be seen in, take a look at these.