1996 Vauxhall Tigra i 1.6 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Outstanding bargain

Faults:

The brakes were a little spongy, and I had problems with the exhaust.

General Comments:

I find the Tigra is very fast for its engine size and it has been the best car I have owned. It attracts everyone with the new air filter I had put on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd October, 2003

1996 Vauxhall Tigra 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Excellent

Faults:

I wonder if anyone can help. The sunroof on my Tigra won't open. The motor is still 'whirring' but won't open the roof. Rather than pay a fortune to have it fixed, can anyone advise what the problem might be and how it can be rectified? Thanks.

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

Review Date: 17th April, 2003

1st Jun 2004, 06:09

Hello mate,

I have the same problem with my wifes tigra. I have had a look at the internals and it seems that the sunroof motor turns 4 coil type things that make the sunroof move. two bolts had come loose in the motor causing it to bend the coils... this stops the sunroof moving, but like you said the motor still works... take a look at the motor which is located at the rear of the roof, underneath the skin.

I've just had a quote on parts and although I'm not sure they have quoted the right piece he told me £489.00 for parts only and that doesn't even include the vat.

Take a look at your sunroof motor. perhaps it is only the case that your motor has worked its way loose and is not in contact with turning coils... looks like an expensive job if you have the same problem as I have had..

Happy motoring.

Dudley.

1996 Vauxhall Tigra 1.4i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A stunning looker, but faulty if you are unlucky

Faults:

Exhaust Gas Re-circulation fault within weeks of buying it from Vauxhall Dealer. Network Q warranty covered this, but took 3 days to repair.

Front brakes and disks needed replacing twice, at 45,000 miles and 64,000 miles.

Hand brake cable went at 64,000 miles.

Rollers and cam belt were recommended to be replaced at service at 55,000 miles. Something to with the Cambelt tensioners.

Rear bearings on both sides caused noise on braking at slow speeds. Needed replacing at 72,000 miles.

Head gasket fault picked up by white smoke emissions from exhaust and now needs replacing at 72,000 miles - just hope the cylinder head is OK or the car is worth less than the repairs!!

Recently, left stalk switch started failing, indicator would bring on full beam.

General Comments:

I am currently driving my first Tigra which is a 1996 P (verde) bought second hand in 1998, simply because I liked the look of it and was fed up with my Vauxhall Astra.

The Tigra is a fantastic car in the way it looks, still turning heads and the way it drives. The performance is not that of a true sports car of course.

I am a hard and fast driver and the Tigra responds well, I find it excellent for both long-haul journeys and short town trips.

I am starting to find the finish of the cabin rather dull and old looking, nice layout and good quality, but not futuristic like you see today in new cars. Headroom may be a problem if you are 6' or over.

The Tigra is a great small car for those who want something that looks and handles better than the rest, but problems are mounting with it and the vauxhall dealers are expensive so I am going elsewhere for a new car soon!

Nice while it lasted!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st October, 2002

3rd Jan 2003, 16:06

Re comment on indicator stalk:

I've had exactly the same problem on my Vectra. Using the left (or sometimes right) indicator with the headlights on switches on full beam when the indicator is cancelled. Very annoying!!!

1996 Vauxhall Tigra 16v 1.6i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good looker but the inside ain't too hot!!

Faults:

Water in head lamps.

Exhaust problems.

Caliper changed 4 times.

Fault with the engine, no-one knows what!

Clutch changed.

Constant overheating.

Very, very sluggish.

General Comments:

For such a lovely looking car, I am disgusted with the performance and running costs. My Tigra is supposed to be a 1.6i 16v and it drives like a 1.1. Unfortunately as I bought the car second hand I never got a warranty and Vauxhall refused to sell me one (now I know why).

I am a single Mum and worked very hard to buy this car, thinking that as it was not too old it would be reliable, but boy was I wrong.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th June, 2000

3rd Dec 2000, 11:19

Any pre "R" registration 1600cc Tigra can suffer from the valve guides being too small and the valves binding in the guides and causing a misfire (as reported on BBC Watchdog).