14th Nov 2024, 21:29
"Expensive bits" are in all cars now, bar none. The Corolla is a fine choice for overall reliability worldwide, but just be aware that all modern Japanese cars also have those things that fail - and they are not cheap when they do go. Sensors, coils, even clutches, all go in time, and original parts cost a lot. And access to them will cost in labour, even if the part is cheap. No escape from expense with modern cars.
14th Nov 2024, 18:35
I don't think Vauxhall will be around for much longer, considering the dire situation that Stellantis is currently in. Two things will happen: Stellantis will close Opel, which consequently means the end of Vauxhall or... The Vauxhall name will cease to exist in favour of Opel, which is a German brand and to the younger Astra audience, "Gebaut in Rüsselsheim" sounds posher than "Built in Ellesmere Port".
Truth is that Vauxhall doesn't even build cars in the UK anymore. With the exception of the Vivaro built in Luton and the Combo built in Ellesmere Port, every other "Vauxhall" is an Opel imported from France, Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Spain.