GSi (not Vec, but Zafira)

[AntSSSS]

So - thinking about changing the missus's car..

Currently have a V reg VW Passat 1.8 20V Turbo Sport (estate) with tiptronic, climate, etc etc etc

Its done 100k and never misses a beat (touch wood) and still drives like a dream.. but thinking about changing for something a little newer and lower milage.

So - what do people think about the Zafira GSI.. Looking around an 04 / 05 with low milage...?

Good engines? Same as the Vec Turbo? what other cars have they been in (i guess far to new to be the same engine as the cav / calibra turbo?)

What else do you think is a good choice... Looking for 04/05 car - low milage (no more than 60K ish), sporty, and need space as have a dog and two kids.

Cheers A

[vanquis1979]

engines are z20let same as mk4 astra turbo 192 bhp ive just sold my o2 plate loverly very well spec'd but very very bad on fuel 22mpg ave.... look great go fantastic (mine was mapped 240bhp)

[AntSSSS]

Nice mate - fuel consumption puts me off tho... thats one reason I am looking at selling the passat.

Searching about - you can get an 05 / 06 / 07 CDTI Sri for good money now.... hmmmmmm

[vanquis1979]

and some more get an 04 up as the eariler ones dont have 3 proper belts in the back and as for faults n/s drive shafts (£450) and turbo's most people fit the vxr as there stronger try and get all the extras like dvd screen, sat nav, twin sunroofs (you wont get dvd if its got sunroofs) rear parking sensors full leather instead of half

but i drove mine hard hence the fuel and a remap books states 26 - 28 mpg but i would have another!!

[gibbon7000]

Get a signum, you know it makes sense

[AntSSSS]

Get a signum, you know it makes sense

Very good point I guess - hmmmmmmmmmmmm (again)

[ditchp]

andy.l had one and very nice it was, he can fill you in with all you will need to know...

[Maverick]

I had two Zafira GSi's both from new and they were brilliant. First was an 02 plate, 192PS (189bhp) and the second was a an 03 plate (200PS).

The 192PS models were near on 200 in real terms anyway but all models from 2003MY were the 200PS version.

Engine wise, they were fitted with the Z20 LET as found in the Astra SRi Turbo, GSi and Coupe. Bullet proof engine as long as you keep an eye on the cam belt etc.

Turbo's can get tired at about 60,000 miles but are not expensive or hard to replace.

Nothing really to report reliability wise. My second GSi had Courtenay Stage 3 (275bhp) and it went like really well, we had the second one for nearly 4 years and did not have any real problems with it.

The engine is pretty much the same as fitted to the Astra/Zafira VXR, but the VXR having different pistons and oil spray bars which were needed to get the engine past durability at 240bhp. The Zafira GSi engine is still used today in the Astra Twintop Turbo and Zafira SRi Turbo, but now they call it the Z20LER, same 200PS but the torque is 195lb/ft rather than the Z20 LET's 184lb/ft.

Mrs Maverick used to get an average of 28mpg out of ours.
It's all Astra MK4 underneath so servicing and parts are not expensive.

[PORKBALLS29]

Go with the Signum buddy. Great looks, plenty of space and great performance. I get anywhere between 26-42 MPG out of my 2.0T a truly great car.

[AntSSSS]

Go with the Signum buddy. Great looks, plenty of space and great performance. I get anywhere between 26-42 MPG out of my 2.0T a truly great car.

So whats the pro's and conn's of a Vectra estate v a Signum?

Cheers fella's - all very helpful