Vauxhall Zafira Review (1999 to 2005)

Quick Summary

The fact that the Zafira sent Ford and Volkswagen, both no duffers when it comes to design, scurrying back to their drawing boards to redesign their offerings should indicate how good the Vauxhall is. Even with newer offerings such as Citroen's Xsara Picasso and Fiat's Multipla to challenge it, the Zafira is still probably the best mini-MPV around. It may not be the most eye-catching but the values which mean most to a used buyer – reliability, practicality and lifetime cost – all weigh in the Vauxhall's favour. Not cheap but a sound used buy.

Overall:

Models Covered:(5dr mini-MPV 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 & 2.2 petrol, 2.0 diesel [Comfort, Expression, Club, Design, Life, Elegance, SRi, GSi, Active, Energy])

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN-SEATER

The Vauxhall Zafira is a wonderful example of clever packaging. With its versatile seating system acting as its Unique Sales Proposition, Vauxhall's mini-MPV has certainly caught the public's imagination. Taking over from the Renault Scenic as the state-of-the-art buy in this market sector, the Zafira has translated that technical superiority into success in the sales charts. As a used buy, the Zafira makes a lot of sense. With a growing reputation for quality products, Vauxhall's fortunes are on the up, and this reflects in the Zafira's residual values. Demand means you'll be hard pushed to unearth a used bargain, but as with all things, you get what you pay for.
Used Vauxhall Zafira for sale

History of the Zafira

The Zafira filled a hole in the Vauxhall range beyond what an Astra estate could hold, and for buyers who weren't prepared to part with their cash for the larger and decidedly unlovely Sintra MPV, it was a godsend. Taking the Renault Megane Scenic as a mould, the Zafira added a few novel touches of its own, most notably seven-seater capability. When it was introduced in May 1999, the range consisted of base and Comfort trim levels with the 1.6-litre 99bhp engine, and Comfort and Elegance with the 113bhp 1.8-litre unit. The 81bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel was offered in base, Comfort and Elegance levels. In early 2000, the 1.6-litre base model was redesignated the Zafira 1.6 .com, and a 1.6 Club model slotted between that and the Comfort. A 2.2-litre petrol model was added for the 2001 model year as was a new 100bhp diesel to replace the existing unit. In late 2001 the stonking 190bhp 2.0-litre GSi Turbo was introduced, opening up a whole new sector for the high performance mini-MPV. By Spring 2004, the trim levels had been overhauled to the extent that they read Expression, Life, Design, Elegance, SRi and GSi. It may also be worth looking out for the value-added Active and Energy special edition models. The Zafira made way for an all new model in the Summer of 2005.
Used Vauxhall Zafira for sale

Vauxhall Zafira Road Test

Much has been made of the Zafira's practicality, but what is it actually like to drive? Unsurprisingly, its not that dissimilar to the Astra with which it shares its underpinnings. Visibility is a minus point, with the sloping windscreen pillars and the high rear window limiting the view out, but otherwise it's reassuringly car-like. This is a charge that can't be levelled at its controversial rival, the Fiat Multipla. Refinement and economy are high points, especially in the diesel, although the oil-burner's performance is relatively unimpressive compared to the sprightly petrol versions. Handling is geared towards comfort rather than sportiness, and due to the fact that the ride height is not excessive, body roll is not too bad during cornering.
Used Vauxhall Zafira for sale

Buying a Vauxhall Zafira

The Zafira is too new for any major problems yet to emerge, and the Astra mechanicals upon which it is based have proven themselves to be ostensibly trouble free. As with any car that is used to transport families around, check for damage wreaked by youngsters, including broken fittings, rips or stains on the upholstery and scratched plastics. Also ensure that all of the seats fold away smoothly, as it's easy for dropped items of food or small toys to jam the runners. Check that the suspension is still in good working order – a regular run transporting a six-a-side football team will drastically shorten the life of a set of dampers. Otherwise check for the service record and look forward to buying a very capable car.
Used Vauxhall Zafira for sale

Vauxhall Zafira Typical Pricing

The Zafira is in high demand and it should come as no surprise to discover that used values are quite strong. If you can find one for under £4,500 you should consider yourself very lucky, and that will be a 1999 T-registered 1.6-litre base model. Another £700 will be required to secure a 1.6 Comfort. The 1.8 models start at around £4,800 for a Comfort or £5,200 for an Elegance, again both on 1999 T plates. Diesel models are approximately £200-£300 more valuable then the equivalent 1.8-litre petrol. Insurance for the Zafira reflects their family-friendly image. The base model is rated at Group 5, with the plusher 1.8-litre models being rated at Group 8. No big premiums here.
Used Vauxhall Zafira for sale

Vauxhall Zafira Parts

(approx based on a 1999 1.8 Comfort) Parts prices for the Zafira are a bit of a mixed bag. Whilst a brand new alternator would retail for around £450, it's more usual to opt for an exchange unit for around £250. The same goes for a starter motor, which would be around £240 new or approximately £130 for an exchange part. A new clutch assembly will see your dealer clutching £170 of your folding, whilst a new exhaust system retails at £500, although expect to knock £150 off for an exchange front pipe. Front brake pads are £45 a pair and rears are £33. A radiator is around £100, whilst one of those pretty headlamps is remarkably inexpensive at under £50.
Used Vauxhall Zafira for sale