1.9cdti (150) sri

I'm in much the same situation except my warranty run out november! and the problems keep coming, hoped to get 5 years at least out of this car but its going to be an expensive struggle hope vx scrappage scheme is still going as thats all its for!!

seems the zaff is being bought for the same reasons by everyone, got mine as having a 3rd

I know I am replying to a post that was made a while ago, but you might want to think about what potential problems you will get with an S-Max or indeed any other car, before deciding against keeping or buying a Zafira.

I see hundreds if not thousands of people complaining about every make and model of car that has ever existed, just do a google search and you will know that Vauxhall are no different to any other car maker and have issues.  The trick is to find a car you like that has the least issues or where you can clearly see the issues are related to misuse or poor maintenance.

Common issues with the S-Max just after warranty expires:

ABS Pump fails with risk of fire
Turbo blows
Alarm System going off at any time for no reason
Windscreen Wiper electrics fail

Just to name a few. How shocking is that?

We all get extended warranties on our mobile phones, washing machines and our laptops, yet we complain when an alternator goes at 50K when we did not take out an extended warranty, why?

I know some people are genuinely unlucky with their Zafira, but most of the issues listed on this forum are on older cars, some older than 10 years. Ive had my 2.0 DTI for 10 years and it has never failed an MOT or had anything replaced other than brakes or tyres. The only issue I have with it is failing to start on cold mornings, which is no big deal.

Also a lot of problems are down to driving style. Ive lost count of how many Zafira owners have needed new gearboxes and clutches, but maybe you want to take a look at the way you are changing gear and engaging the clutch?

Problems on the newer models are mainly around the DPF and EGR valves.  This happens because the owner did not take the time to research the car before they purchased it and did not take the time to look up what a Euro 4 or 5 car involves.  If you look after your car and give it the attention it needs then you wont have a problem.

There are too many people who rush into the dealer, purchase the car, drive it away and believe they will get years of problem free motoring by only changing the oil and water when they need to. For most of you this will be the second biggest investment you will make every 5 to 10 years, so why are people so slap happy about it?

Taking it into a garage and expecting the muppets in there to know what to do is also a big mistake, especially main dealers. They are generally ignorant to most problems and only want your money, so forget it. Either seek advice from forums like this or take out a decent warranty.

The Zafira is a great car, very reliable when looked after, comfortable and fun and I would rather buy one than any Ford, VW, Peugeot/Citroen or similar rubbish.

Also be aware that the CDTI engines are a joint Fiat/Alfa/GM venture, so all GM cars including SAAB will have the same issues, but if you do your research, look after your car and get the right warranty then you wont have a problem.

Regards

Stuart