2002 Vauxhall Zafira Elegance 1.8 16v from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Bad experience... would not have another!
Faults:
When delivered - loose interior trim - missing screw.
Engine lacks immediate response to accelerator - There is a delay of approx 1 sec between pressing the accelerator, and the engine revs increasing. Similarly, there is often a delay of nearly 2 seconds when lifting off of the accelerator, and the engine revs reducing.
150 miles - Key Remote Cental Locking would set the alarm, but would not disarm it, nor would it lock/unlock the doors. Worked again after 55 mile drive.
300 miles - Engine failed to start until 5th turn of the key - engine Management Light was lit in instrument panel.
Brake light bulb not working.
350 miles - Engine "surging" while driving. Engine revs fluctuating between 1000rpm and 2000rpm when it was supposed to be idling. Problem only stopped when engine switched off and re-started.
1700 miles approx - Taken to Dealer (Toomey of Basildon, Essex) to "fix" problems.
Brake lamp fixed.
Trim was not tightened.
Throttle Body cleaned (allegedly).
ECU reprogrammed (allegedly).
Delay still in the accelerator/revs response.
1800 miles - Engine revs fluctuating between 1000rpm and 2000rpm when it was supposed to be idling. Problem only stopped when engine switched off and re-started.
Booked into dealer again to "have another look".
General Comments:
Other than apparent Engine Management problems a good overall vehicle.
Impossible to see bonnet from driving seat, makes judging the front corners difficult while parking.
Lacks any real image and as such, is rather bland.
The kids like it!
Worrying "disclaimer" note in Handbook goes something like - "...if you experience problems with the Engine Management system switch off and then restart the engine... the problem sometimes disappears..."
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 4th April, 2002
13th Mar 2011, 03:40
I had exactly the same problem with the engine idle varying from 1000-2000 revs. Oddly, I noticed this only happened when the car was on an incline e.g. it only ever happened when I was waiting at a particular set of traffic lights on a steep hill. Very strange!