We've had a 2006 Zafira 2.2 auto for 2.5 years now. We've done 43k miles in that time, on top of the 10k it came with.
It's been brilliant family transport. We use it purely in 5 seat mode, taking advantage of that huge boot at the back in that configuration.
We've took it on several family holidays and it always performs brilliantly. Very few problems with it.
Likes:
Huge boot in 5 seat mode
Average 30mpg, not bad for a big car with a 2.2 petrol engine and 4 speed autobox
High seating position makes it easy to slide in and out of the car, good on the back!
Big door apertures make it easy to strap baby seats and small kids in
Relatively short and narrow vehicle considering the interior space. Easier to park than a large estate car.
Mostly good reliability, only small issues
Long 20k service interval. Although I do an interim oil and filter change between that.
Reasonably refined and relaxing enough on long journeys.
Pretty good on fast B-roads for a big tall family shifter.
Projector style headlamps give good beam for standard halogen bulbs.
Kids give it a big thumbs up for the commanding views from the back seats.
Dislikes:
Autobox has only 4 speeds, feels like 1 short sometimes
Thick A-pillar can block view dangerously
Not enough cup holders or general storage, seriously
Aircraft style handbrake is hard work to release
Pedal angle is not ideal, although not so much of an issue on this automatic version
Kit level is not that great, despite being the (then) top-of-the-range Design, with most options boxes ticked.
Low towing limit and roof box load limit.
Climate control is only single zone. OK, I'm being fussy now!
Tyres are quite expensive with the 17" rims.
We'd buy another.
Edit: however, as a 7 seater it's not so hot. Access to the rear seats is poor, and boot space with all 7 seats in use is small. The rear most seats are too close to the rear of the car for my liking too.
Edited by TheOilBurner on 02/11/2009 at 14:26
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We have had two Tourans. A 1.9TDi manual (S spec), 04 plate purchased brand new, followed by a replacement 2.0TDi DSG (SE spec), again purchased brand new last November. We still have the latter.
We traded in the old one at just over 50k miles, as it had started to develop faults which were proving expensive to fix, such as a clonk from the front suspension which cost several hundred pounds to put right. I also was a bit choked paying over 400 quid when it was time to do the cambelt. It was starting to spend a bit more time off the road than we were comfortable with, as we needed it every day for the school runs and commuting. Routine servicing at the main dealer was quite expensive, and I'm a bit circumspect about giving PD engines to indies to service due to the need for the correct oil spec in these engines.
The new one with the more powerful (140ps) engine and the DSG box is a better car, however I still don't much care for its ride, we find it a bit too bouncy and I'm blaming it at least in part for my daughter's continuing car sickness, which puts us off doing longer trips to be frank. Also, I'm increasingly frustrated with the issue of slight "lag" when pulling away from junctions which the DSG box seems to cause. I do, however, like the car's punch on the motorways. But seeing as it's used mostly around town, the issue is a bit trying.
Servicing costs aren't an issue with the new one (yet) as we got a three year servicing package thrown in for free on top of the discount we got from list when we bought it, so my plan is to keep the car for another two years until we've used up the free servicing, then I want to trade it in for a petrol engined automatic Mazda 5. I'm especially looking forward to having sliding rear doors and being free of the characteristics of the diesel/DSG combination in town driving. I'd consider a 1.4TSi petrol Touran if it weren't for the ride, and the potential for costly after warranty faults with the car, specifically the gearbox. I see the Mazda 5 petrol as far better long tem bet and would look to keep one of those for at least 6 years. And with the 2.0 petrol unit there ain?t a cambelt to worry about??..
Edited by Alanovich on 02/11/2009 at 14:41
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And with the 2.0 petrol unit there ain?t a cambelt to worry about??..
Chain cam on our Zafira. Sadly, it's a little noisy, so it makes me nervous. I'd be happier with a cambelt equipped car myself! :)
Funny how the ride on the Touran doesn't sound so great. The Zafira is the polar opposite, almost too hard at times. Not had any problems with travel sickness...yet...
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Yes, the Touran handles beautifully, but the ride ain't great. Wrong way round for a people carrier, surely.
It sits on our driveway next to my Mazda 6, and here's the acid test: when I need to pop out on my own, I nearly always grab the Mazda keys, even though the diesel in the Touran is paid for by my wife's company, and the petrol in the Mazda is paid for out of my own pocket.
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Clonks from the front suspension on VAG cars, 80% of the time, is due to a worn arb drop link. Very common. Should cost between £35(indy) - £60(dealer) to fix. Its easy to diy (<30 mins, decent socket set,spanners and some muscle reqd) and the part costs £12(after market) to around £25(dealer OEM). Note OEM parts usually last up to 3 times longer than aftermarket parts. Expect to change every 20k(aftermarket) to 60k (OEM).
If you're worried about the wrong oil being used, just buy the oil and give it the indy/dealer with instructions to use. You will probably end up with the bill being discounted more than you paid for the oil.
Edited by brum on 02/11/2009 at 19:21
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