Vauxhall Meriva- anyone got or had one?

[DCLane]

SWMBO's Honda Jazz is going to need a new clutch in the next few months. It's a 2009 model, all the toys, but is battered including a sill dent when she reversed over a wall. It passed the MOT in January and had two new tyres next week but is scraped / re-painted on every panel. Some of that is her, some because she parks at the hospital where she works and it seems to get dented/scratched/door dings.

So ... we have a budget of under £6k as a replacement will suffer the same way. The aim is to keep it at least until she retires in 4-5 years time.

Requirements are small, petrol, new-ish, 5 seats, high seating position, a big boot, panoramic roof (she likes hers), sat-nav, low mileage. A lot to ask for...

I've seen a Vauxhall Meriva that fits the bill. Have any CC'ers got or had one and your thoughts are appreciated.

 

[biggs682]

Tried one when we bought our Nissan note and absolutely hated it .
It just felt really cheap and nasty and nothing to really inspire me to get in and drive anywhere.
But your swmbo might love it

 

[Drago]

My Mum had one but I don't remember much about it. Im with Biggs, a note is probably a better vehicle in most areas.

 

[cyberknight]

I had one in the past and it was the worst car we ever had
Dodgy electrics so the windows sometimes wouldnt work, power steering would cut out and the sunroof leaked . after around 40,000 miles there was a constant tick noise from the engine too .
Underpowered for a 1.6 that would struggle on hills .
When the kids were diddy it was ok from the point of view that the high roof meant it was good for car seats but otherwise it was crap .

 

[Jameshow]

Renault modus same car as the note.
A small Suzuki many in my walking group have them. Splash or Ignis.

 

[cyberknight]

pity you need a pano roof and sat nav as we are about to sell our 64 plate dacia stepway , few dents but mechanically sound and nowhere near the 6k your willing to spend 49k on the clock and fitted with reversing sensor .

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Renault modus same car as the note.
A small Suzuki many in my walking group have them. Splash or Ignis.

Yes, for a small petrol, a very good call. Or an SX4 - excellent little engine and terrific reliability.

 

[13 rider]

Big sis had a meriva for about 3 years . Didn't do massive mileage in it but it did holidays to trips to Cornwall . She got rid of it when the water pump starting leaking badly which according to our local mechanic is a known failure point . Had to have the breakdown people out to once on holiday when she was struggling to change gear the mechanic fixed it with WD40 on a plastic grommet near the pedal 🤣. My elderly mother and her sister loved it when my sister ran them about as they found getting in and out easy due to the height and the rear doors .

 

[Sharky]

I had a zafira for almost 22 yrs. Very pleased with it and was very reliable until the last couple of years when parts started wearing out.

But during those years, I had a couple of test rides in a Meriva, but always found the driving position a bit weird. My left leg seemed to be obstructed by the gear housing wall and the pedals seemed a little off set. Otherwise the car was ok.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Or SX4 S-Cross?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-de...-Cross&postcode=OX279BN&price-to=6000&fromsra

 

[Smokin Joe]

Having owned five Vauxhalls over the years I haven't got a good word to say about them, the Mk 1 Cavalier from a long time ago excepted. I found the build quality to be crap and I'd never touch another one.

 

[Jameshow]

Yes, for a small petrol, a very good call. Or an SX4 - excellent little engine and terrific reliability.

I did think of them but aren't they a bit larger? Based on Vitara?

 

[DCLane]

Thanks all - I'm trying to keep it as a small car.

Views here on the Meriva aren't positive, which is helpful. As this is a very late model I'd like to think the niggles/issues had been ironed out, but that's definitely not guaranteed.

@Jameshow - I've got my mum's old car which is the same as a Suzuki Splash (Vauxhall Agila) but it's too small and basic apparently. I use it as a run-a-bout.

@Bonefish Blues - an SX4 is a possibility. I'll raise it with SWMBO.

@Drago & @biggs682 - the Note would fit size-wise, but not a panoramic roof and probably not high up enough.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I did think of them but aren't they a bit larger? Based on Vitara?

The SX4 S-Cross (the newer, more modern one I posted) is 12mm longer, 27mm narrower, and 30mm lower than a Meriva. the SX4 is significantly smaller than a Meriva.

https://www.automobiledimension.com/car-comparison.php