1996 Vauxhall Calibra 16V Ecotec 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Not one of Vauxhall's best
Faults:
Central deadlocking failed after approx 6 months, but fixed under warranty.
Problems with stalling at idle (especially when engine warmed up). Idle control valve cleaned and then modified before being replaced under warranty.
Repeated stalling problems so idle valve adjusted, I believe.
Brake wear indicator problems, fixed under warranty.
Excessive oil consumption.
Alarm faulty and untrustworthy.
Most recent service 61000 miles including:
New cam belt and rollers.
Replacement of rear brake pads.
Front suspension bushes? (Total beginner when it comes to these kind of things).
All in all a two page list totaling nearly £750.
Return of the stalling problem I had earlier.
And also various minor and wear and tear problems.
General Comments:
The car is not as quick as I first imagined and the performance does not match it's stunning looks.
Numerous garage visits in the 3 years I have owned it, but I was highly impressed with the after sales service.
All in all it is a pity the car has not met the quality of the dealer I purchased it from and I regret buying it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th April, 2004
22nd Sep 2004, 08:44
Hi, the 97 16 valve Calibra that I own seemed to be a bit breathless above 5000rpm. Unlike the old red top engine, the Ecotec produces more low down torque, but less wallop. I found it makes a lot of difference by doing the following mods.
Full Janspeed exhaust.
K/N filter with a good large dose of ram air.
Shell Optimax fuel.
I now have more whack and wallop through the rev range up to 6000rpm; enough to diss V6 Calibras, Cavs and Vectras, and it will find the rev limiter in top gear. All this cost under 400 quid.
So get on with it.
Regards Calman.
19th Sep 2004, 08:34
Hi there.
I have a calibra 2.0 16v 1997 model and I bought it for £2.000 pounds, so far no problems apart from alarm that was not working when I got it from the garage, they told me that it could be a fault code in the ECU or Engine Manigment system.
Anyway I know that it is running fine as I have just been to skegness and opened it up a bit on the M180, I'm pleased with this car I can say, if you know why this alarm may not be working please could you help me try and fix the problem thanks for reading this, TO FINNISH, CALIBRAS ARE FANTASTIC CARS THAT IS WHEN THEY DRIVE OK.