2001 Vauxhall Agila 1.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Perfect for day to day use

Faults:

Front brake pads and discs at 28000.

General Comments:

I bought the Agila over a year ago with 22000 miles on the clock. Had no problems at all.

Just recently failed its MOT on brake pads and discs (my fault) - lack of money.

I find this car comfortable, economical, and great for day to day use.

Honestly, the car was a god send after being made redundant.

Fuel consumption is good.

Large size boot, and even more space when the rear seats are down.

This is the best car I've ever had, and I've owned 15 cars.

If I had to describe this vehicle in one word, I'd say Elysium.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2013

1st Oct 2013, 18:28

I have a 2006 Agila from new, absolutely a brilliant car. It's almost like a small van when the back seats are down. This wee car has done some amount of house moving for the family over the years. Great car altogether, has never let us down once from we got it.

2001 Vauxhall Agila 1.0 12V from UK and Ireland

Summary:

I adore it - it's steady, reliable and cute

Faults:

The handbrake wouldn't release from the wheels if left unused for several days. This occurred on three occasions in the first couple of years. 2 garages were flummoxed and had to dismantle the brakes in order to move the car, but never discovered the underlying cause. I overcome this problem now by parking in-gear.

Oil leak at 9 years (51,000 miles) due to a design fault of the oil pressure switch, I've been told by both the AA and the RAC. The oil pressure switch has now had to be replaced 4 times in the 20 months since...

At 73,000 the electronics light came on yesterday during a 65 mile drive, and stayed on. That's gone out today and is replaced by the red emissions light. The car is now booked into the garage to be checked out. Probably time to change... :-(

General Comments:

This is my first car, and I absolutely love it.

I've had it 11 years from new.

Best of all, I love the high seating, drive position and clear all round view.

It's brilliant for getting older people in and out of, or people with mobility problems.

I love the space inside, and the back seats dropping down completely flat without hassle to create a massive boot, sufficient for two adult bikes and holiday luggage with ease.

I do not wish to change it, given this model of car is no longer made - I just want the same again!

Sadly, having had several oil leaks and red warning lights recurring in recent weeks, I'm starting to realise the need for a reliable vehicle.

This car was so reliable for the first 9-10 years - I write in praise of it, but now it's just starting to have niggles and problems, leaving one feeling a tad vulnerable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2012

30th May 2015, 21:32

I have to say 10 years of reliable motoring is not to be sniffed at... given that even now most manufacturers offer 5 years warranty and Hyundai are alone at offering 7 years, then 10 years is good going. I know Vauxhall offer a "lifetime" guarantee, but the stipulations you have to comply with mean it can't really be compared with a standard warranty, so no your Agila was a top performer in the reliability stakes.

2001 Vauxhall Agila 1.0L from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Small, cheap, reliable, low powered, big inside carrier

Faults:

Bought with existing fault, engine emissions light was permanently on. Required two new rear/brake lights in and a front interior light blew. Total bulb costs, plus fitting in 2000 miles, £2.37.

Has also failed to start once. My fault, too many VERY short journeys combined with a VERY cold night (minus 8°C) caused damp in the distributor cap. Next day, started first turn of the key.

General Comments:

Ran lumpy and sluggish when bought, due to existing fault (cost a song to buy), took to a dealership, wanted nearly £1300 to fix (new ECU for fault, and a new timing chain and tensioner, because it was 'noisy and liable to break/snap'), garage very helpfully offered to sell me a new vehicle.

Local garage fixed (so it seems) for under £215, quoted for different fault (lambda sensor). Seems to have fixed it, if not tough luck to the car. Warning light off, running smooth, increased the power, I can't find fault. Good enough for me.

I can't fault the car, not overly impressed with dealer service though, they didn't explain the faults mentioned to my satisfaction. My local garage did and provided me with the removed part. I'll stick to my local garage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th January, 2009

26th Apr 2009, 15:56

Update: Several months and several thousand miles after new lambda sensor fitted, still no problems. Running perfectly. Still no sign of my timing CHAIN snapping! I would definitely recommend this car.