Faults:
Headlight glass fell off.
Rear disk warped. Had to be replaced.
Front wheel bearing very noisy - had to be replaced.
Drive belt pulley noisy. Had to be replaced.
Central locking a bit unreliable.
Starter motor went. Replaced it myself. Difficult!
Leads and coil pack needed replacing (wear and tear).
Makes slight clonking noise when turning corners. Two garages have had it to bits. Neither can find a reason! One changed a drive shaft, but noise was still there!
A mechanic friend says it may be a bearing at the top of the shock absorber. Doesn't seem to cause any bother, though.
General Comments:
Very good for its purpose.
Carries 7 adults and a bit of luggage in comfort.
Powerful and economical (30 mpg. 100 mph+ if you are brave enough!)
Pulls like a diesel due to the injection.
Very cheap on the second hand market.
Engine is stock Vauxhall 2.2 engine, so parts available.
Body parts and some spares are a nightmare to find, and some have to be ordered from the main dealers at great expense.
Some pattern parts are available, wheel bearings etc. Need to shop around.
Brought out to compete with the Chrysler Voyager. Failed! Only 3000 sold, so Vauxhall brought out the smaller, less versatile Zafira and later stopped supporting the vehicle.
Spares are available from the USA where the Sintra is still sold as the Chevrolet Venturer.
7th Jan 2024, 16:20
Wow a positive review of a Sintra. This was one of the most unreliable and unsafe cars in the UK in modern times. Surprised you like it and surprised there are any other positive reviews here at all!