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[SMD]

After 5 years of Omega owners, the time has come to reluctantly say farewell. Its been a pleasure. But a growing family means it has to be done.

The first gen Zafira is the only replacement that comes to mind, up to 55 plate or whatever 2k can buy. I will be doing as much DIY as possible.  It has to be petrol so which engine is most reliable? What's the 2.2 like? What are the common issues to look for when buying?

Thanks

[humbucker]

I would think twice about having another 2.2 tbh. I had one in my Linea Rossa edition Mk4 Astra Coupe, and while these engines have a huge following (http://www.Z22SE.co.uk is a valuable resource) they seem incredibly underpowered considering their displacement (148bhp in stock form iirc).

There is an issue with earlier engines in the form of a restricted oil feed to the timing chain that has seen a massive number of lumps go pop. It was actually a factory recall, and I think I'm right in saying that a replacement oil feed pipe comes as part of each timing chain kit. Check to see when the chain was last changed. Later engines shouldn't suffer from this problem. The affected engine number range is well documented online. Check it against any potential purchase.

I found the 2.2 to be quite thirsty (the Astra's replacement, a 250bhp turbocharged 2.3-litre Saab Aero estate is way more fuel efficient), but will prove to be reliable if well maintained. Given the options available to you, I would opt for a Zafira GSi or simillar (an MPV with a turbocharged two-litre Z20LET in place). Don't forget, the VXR edition of the Zafira is/was the fastest people carrier in the world - essentially, an Astra VXR on stilts!

Then again, if you're after a forced induction solution and don't mind the Z22SE, you'll be pleased to know that a bolt-on supercharger kit can be found in the form of the 2.4-litre Chevrolet Cobalt Eaton M62 unit from the USA. The engines share the same characteristics and it's a pretty straightforward upgrade. I've written about a number of these conversions for Total Vauxhall magazine.

Of course, loads of people rave about the Z22SE, a fact confirmed by its huge following and a dedicated forum of chuffed Astra, Vectra, VX220, Signum and Zafira owners. That said, you can't help but feel that the Z20LET offers a bit more poke and a lot more fun

[humbucker]

Oh, and the Z22SE has no pedal trick/paperclip test for fault code reading - you have to have access to a diagnostic machine. I've got a genuine Tech 2, so it was no bother, but I know plenty of owners who have found themselves running around in circles chasing a problem without being able to determine what the fault is (without an expensive dose of 'trial and error').

[SMD]

Thanks for replying

The timing chain issue was the first thing that came up when I searched the 2.2. TBH I just want the most reliable engine. It's a FWD people carrier    not expecting it to go like a rocket or handle like a go cart. Just need something until my stepson passes his driving test and then my midlife crisis can begin 

[05omegav6]

Get the 1.8, similar economy to the 2.2, but a whole lot more reliable than the direct injection set up. 1.6 is woefully underpowered, so best avoided, might be cheaper though

[Keith ABS]

1.6 is livley but no motorway car as it is low geared. Handles well and I  get around 38 to the gallon from mine
Keith B

[blackviper90210]

SWMBO had a 1.8 petrol auto on an 03 plate.

Good car tbh, no issues and was easy to change oil and plugs etc. Believe it took all of 5 minutes to change the plugs 

Not bad for someone who is inept at anything mechanical.

She has only recently changed it, but only because she needed more interior space for her business..... She now has coach, lol.

Chrysler Grand Voyager which dwarfs my mig

[SMD]

Any particular issues with these I need to look out for? Common faults etc...

[Marks DTM Calib]

Nothing much wrong with the 2.2 to be honest and the Zaf A never got the direct injection variant, things to check tend to be the normal stuff like drop links knocking, front brake pipes can corrode if not cared for (particularly the OSF).

[05omegav6]

Nothing much wrong with the 2.2 to be honest and the Zaf A never got the direct injection variant, things to check tend to be the normal stuff like drop links knocking, front brake pipes can corrode if not cared for (particularly the OSF).

Be thankful for small mercies

[TheBoy]

Have got a Zaffy-A (somewhere), I think mine is an Elegance model (supposedly top of range I believe), and I'd have to say...


...its a god awful car.

Struggling to think of anything constructive to say. Not particularly roomy, desperately uncomfortable on long runs, poor spec. On the upside, it holds more junk than an LPG'd Omega, and is generally unoffensive. A rather dull, uninspiring drive, but then its not supposed to be exciting, quite the opposite.


(I'm purposely ignoring the performance of mine, as the jury is still out if there is a fault).

[Rods2]

My daughter had one and was glad to get rid. Her's was a 1.8 and very average in every respect, including reliability. Only plus over the Qashqui she now has, is that the Zafira's third row of seats are much better and the boot space is a bit bigger, but the Qashqui is much more refined and better in every other respect.

[05omegav6]

My daughter had one and was glad to get rid. Her's was a 1.8 and very average in every respect, including reliability. Only plus over the Qashqui she now has, is that the Zafira's third row of seats are much better and the boot space is a bit bigger, but the Qashqui is much more refined and better in every other respect.

Chalk and cheese... abit like saying that the Montego is a bit basic compared to a new 5 Series

[Marks DTM Calib]

Indeed plus the cumquat is a design 7 years beyond that of the Zaf A.

As most know, I have a Zaf B and over the last 120K miles its been very good and very reliable!

[05omegav6]

Think the Zafira B sorted/addressed  most of the faults of the Zafira A