2002 Holden Zafira Standard 2.2 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Poor engineering quality

Faults:

Dealer tried to charge for brake pad and disc replacement at 2 year service (approx 25,000km), however these had not been replaced. When this was identified, the dealer initially argued that it was standard for these to need replacing around this time. Then when it was clearly identified that the work was not done, the dealer apologized and said it was a 'billing error'. Result: loss of trust in dealer, and subsequent servicing done elsewhere, despite servicing cost included in purchase price.

Coils needed replacing at 60,000 kms - out of warranty, but half the cost met by Holden.

Timing chain broke at 79,000km, significantly damaging valves and requiring engine an rebuild or replacement. I'm still deciding what to do, with quotes ranging from $7,000 (engine replacement specialist using new Holden engine) to $10,000 by a Holden service centre.

General Comments:

Car is good to drive and comfortable, and meets our family needs, but its reliability is poor.

This car is likely to work out expensive in the short to medium term, because of engine failures.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th January, 2008

10th Jan 2010, 20:20

I completely agree with this review... As I have a pretty much identical story. Love the car, but it broke the timing chain, TWICE IN THREE YEARS! Please do yourself a favor and never ever buy a used Zafira unless it's had a modification to the oil release valve to the timing chain. Even then I would be cautious. I'm now selling my one for scrap for $900. I'm not replacing the engine for a second time. :(

30th Apr 2015, 01:28

I agree that the car is comfortable and great to drive, however I own a Holden Zafira 2003 that I bought with 106,000 km, and at 110,000 km the timing chain broke. It cost around AUD$5000 to replace the engine, which is almost the same as I paid for the car.

Please don't buy this car, it seems that the engine quality is poor.

In reply to 30th Apr 2015, 01:28

30th Apr 2015, 19:45

The car had just done over 100K km - I bought a Galant and an Audi previously, which were either at or just over that mark, and the first thing I did was change the timing belt, tensioner and rollers, plus the water pump and thermostat, routinely. Many cars were said to need the timing belts changed at 120K km, but often that was too long.

In reply to 10th Jan 2010, 20:20

10th Sep 2017, 14:25

We had a 2002 Zafira. Great handling vehicle and enjoyable driving, but the Holden dealer was unable to diagnose a melted catalytic convertor that effectively blocked the exhaust system, resulting in a huge power drop. An old school mechanic diagnosed and fixed it. At 220,000 km, I sold it for $600 as the engine was barely working.

2001 Holden Zafira 2.2 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

This is one of the best cars we have ever owned

Faults:

New coil pack about 50,000 km.

Ignition locked about 80,000 km.

Both fixed under warranty.

General Comments:

This car surprised us from the day we got it; small engine, small in size, not the best looking car.

But once behind the wheel, this car did everything asked of it.

We go from 2 passengers to 7, then tow trailers, sealed roads, dirt roads, it takes anything you throw at it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th August, 2007

2001 Holden Zafira 2.2 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Love the car, but hate the surprises

Faults:

Timing chain snapped at 52400km, causing considerable damage to the valves and cylinder head.

General Comments:

This seems to be a common problem with the Zafira, even the Vauxhall and Opel versions in other countries.

GM should look into this as it should last considerably longer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd April, 2007