Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Is £14,000 a good p/x price for a new Vauxhall Meriva, and does it still suffer from power steering problems?
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Is £14,000 a good p/x price for a new Vauxhall Meriva, and does it still suffer from power steering problems?

I have a 2004 Vauxhall Meriva which has just has £1200 spent on it for a new steering column and other steering and gear-related work. I am considering a new Meriva SE 140ps to replace it. I have been quoted £14,000, which includes £3500 for my current Meriva and a discount of £1420 from the on-the-road RRP. I also want approximately £1700 worth of options on top of the price quoted. Does the above £14,000 seem fair or should I seek more of a reduction and should I try for a reduction in option prices?

In your opinion, has the much discussed, and expensive to repair, Meriva problem with electronic power steering failures (which I have had) been overcome in the new Meriva?

Asked on 29 June 2010 by Bonus

Answered by Honest John
The new Meriva has a completely different PAS system. The old Meriva had a system that was vulnerable to drivers holding it on lock, which burned out the electric PAS motor. It's always bad news to hold PAS on lock, but particularly bad in the old Meriva and FIATs like 500s, Pandas and Puntos.
Similar questions
I have a Fiat Panda 4x4 which I bought new in 2010. I have had intermittent power failure on the steering. I remember seeing Watchdog some years ago when this seemed to be a common fault with the car....
My wife's Mazda 6 Tourer has had the power steering fail, which happens after she starts the engine and can only be resolved by restarting the car. Have you heard of other owners with the same problems....
A week ago I asked about my daughter's 2008 Honda Jazz 1.4. You suggested uneven tyre pressure, which there was, or electric power steering motor wearing out. Apparently the car is still heavier turning...
Related models
Stylish and full of character. Really affordable to buy. Low running costs.
Space, comfort and practicality in an engaging, affordable package.
Better than the original Punto in almost every way. Excellent driving environment. Easy to get in and out of. Practical and inexpensive to run.
Practical and easy to get in and out of. Facelifted 2014 models get impressive new 1.6-litre CDTi engine.