2003 Vauxhall Corsa SXi 1.2 16v petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great car for a great price

Faults:

Should have got my car for 1st March but got it on the 4th.

After washing my Corsa a week after I noticed many surface scratches and a couple of chips on the bodywork (pearlescent black sapphire paint). Took it back to dealer and they said the scratches would polish out - they didn't.

Rear screen needed replacing after a mark on the inside appeared underneath the black surrounding. Replaced under warranty 3 weeks later.

Was told I could have a courtesy car when the car was booked in, but on the day I was told I couldn't as I am only 17 and their insurance didn't cover me!

Also chips were touched up at same time - came back no different.

Eventually had chips resprayed when it went in for its 4 week service.

After the service, car came back with flat spot - v dangerous when pulling out of junctions!! and poorer fuel economy - about 30mpg.

Dealer didn't want to know after delivery.

General Comments:

Very pleased apart from the above.

Great looking sporty car and interior - not bad for a 17yr old. Couldn't have got any better for the money and insurance group - too young for free insurance, but got £500 back from Vauxhall off the £1800 it cost me.

Great acceleration for a 1.2 16v.

Very roomy - enough for 5 and luggage.

Good CD player, but could do with MP3 compatibility and CD changer.

Loads of equipment.

Good fuel economy on longer journeys.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2003

2003 Vauxhall Corsa Club 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Poor performing and not practical with few redeeming features

Faults:

Nothing major short term owner.

General Comments:

Appalling steering, light for easy parking, but then dead with no feel whatsoever at 15 mph and above. Gloomy cabin in back (3 door) with limited visibility due to design on rear. Boot space non existent, smallest in class (well maybe the Ka is as bad). Poor fuel consumption from 1.2 engine and no power - OK this is still early days for the car and it should get better, but a very poor start.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st May, 2003

27th Nov 2003, 09:27

I am a little surprised that you can complain about a lot of the things you mentioned in your review - surely many of these would've been apparent in any test drive that (I assume) you took prior to purchase???

27th Nov 2003, 17:01

I can hardly believe that this is the same Corsa of which I own one. Mine has excellent visibility, a bigger boot than either a Polo, a Yaris or a Micra to name, but three.

What registration was this one?

30th Jun 2005, 03:06

I Have A Corsa 1.0 litre and have always managed whether it be on the motorway or a car park, the handling is fine, boot space is sufficient when I go shopping and generally the car is as good if not better than others in its class.

24th Sep 2005, 23:44

My wife and I live in Australia and run a 2002 Holden Barina Equipe (Australian Opel Corsa) 5 Door, 1.4litre auto as our town runabout. (We use our 2003 Holden Statesman 3.8 Supercharged sedan for long runs.) We have found the Barina (Corsa) to be an absolute delight after 22,000 km and superior to any of the previous 30 odd small cars we have owned over the past 50 years or so. The solid on road feel I am sure is due to the cars comparative high weight and the automatic transmission is very responsive. The motor is smooth and willing even with the Australian modified high output air con operating. There have been no faults at all in our 3 1/2 years of ownership.