2008 Vauxhall Corsa Breeze 1.3 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Poor quality buy, lovely to drive, shame

Faults:

I have had the car from new for about 9 months now, and have only done 3886 miles.

The problems are incredible, where shall I start?

After about 150 miles or 2 weeks, the window wipers lost their sequence, so I took it back to Vauxhall; they adjusted them, but when I went down the motorway, they banged into the column on the right of my windscreen. Took back again, they adjusted the wipers again, and still they banged into the pillar.

The car also kept stalling, then I had to go back to dealer as I bought the car with first aid kit and triangle, but they were not in the car when I bought it.

I then had this strange problem with the seat going down on its own. Vauxhall didn't understand what was wrong, so the problem is still there now.

Then after about 3 months, I got a recall for the head gasket to be replaced as Vauxhall had fitted the incorrect one. I mentioned the stalling problem and they told me it was probably the head gasket; it was still there afterwards even worse, so I was off to the Vauxhall dealer again. Turns out to be the throttle position sensor switch faulty.

I took the car back to a different dealer and they replaced the wiper motor and linkage, complete cost about £260, thank god it's under the warranty.

Now after 9 months, the window wipers have gone again for the second time. Really getting fed up with the car and will never buy a Vauxhall again, ever. Shame as I have had second hand Vauxhalls all my life.

One good thing I can say about the dealers is that they repair the problems without too much agro. But not too sure if they will fix the wipers again.

The quality is very very poor, don't buy one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd February, 2009

22nd Dec 2012, 18:34

I have to completely disagree. I've bought one and it's the best car I've ever had. I think you may have been unlucky and had one from a bad batch

2008 Vauxhall Corsa Club 3 Door A/C 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

It's a massive step forward for Vauxhall, but now needs refinement to make it perfect

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

A very competent car in its class. The cabin exudes quality, and is silent and vibration free at tick over.

The switchgear, once sussed, is logically set out, and relatively easy to use. One minus point is the location of the main lighting switch and cluster, which is unsighted and quite dangerous if you have to lose direct concentration in order to establish which switch is appropriate for the front / rear fog lamps.

The vehicle was specified with the Plus Pack and air conditioning. I find the A/C is a bonus on wet windy days when demisting is greatly helped. There appears to be a marked 'step' between 1st and 2nd speeds on the ventilation fan. 1st is almost silent, whilst 2nd is too noisy for comfort.

The alloys are stylish, but prove very difficult to keep clean in the narrow slots between each of the five double main spokes. It is not possible to get your fingers / toothbrush / or cloth inside without difficulty.

MPG is highly acceptable; it hasn't dropped below 41.9 mpg since ownership commenced, and returned 58.7mpg on a recent motorway drive according to the on board computer.

Handling is a relative mix between sharp handling and comfort.

There is bad reflection in the main windscreen, however it is something I don't really notice now I have become used to it.

Fit and finish is of a high standard. There are no creaks, groans, rattles etc, which is credit to the manufacture and design process.

There have been no malfunctions at all, and the cruise control is very simple and accurate to use in this age of speed related observation by the authorities.

I added the Vauxhall carpets, which simply plug into place and have been comfortable and so far durable.

I don't like the windscreen wash to the front. Both jets are directly behind the wiper arms, which deflects the spray at initial use. It quite often requires another cycle in order to get the screen as clean as one needs.

The boot space is good, the dual load panel being slightly awkward in the first couple of uses, especially if it is raining and you require the extra depth afforded by its use, otherwise, it is a handy area for separating or concealing items.

The front seat storage tray is very useful, as there isn't a massive amount of storage space in the glovebox.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 2008