The Vauxhall Meriva
The Zafira is now 10 years old, it has almost 100,000 miles on the clock (the highest mileage I’ve ever had on a car!), and, so far, it has cost me nothing other than the normal upkeep costs – petrol, oil, tyres (3 sets in 100.000 miles), brake pads (2 renewals in 100.000 miles), one new exhaust system, a new battery etc. So I really cannot complain. It has served me well during the time I have owned it. By the law of averages it is sooner or later going to cost me for something more substantial – maybe a new clutch, gearbox, catalytic converter, suspension, engine, and with the age and mileage it is not worth spending big money on it.
After ten years there are some niggling little problems I have put off sorting out. Rear wiper does not wipe cleanly since having a new rear window fitted. Nearside rear door speaker doesn’t work (probably a broken wire in the wiring harness which passes from the door pillar to the door itself.) The stay on the rear nearside door has broken loose and needs re welding. Offside rear door window has stopped winding (again a broken wire in the wiring harness which passes from the door pillar to the door itself – this is for sure, because if you wiggle the harness the window will work!) The high rear braking light has worked loose from its fitting and I have secured it with Duct tape! I know one of the rear number plate lights is not working and as the screws have rusted into the fitting I have found it impossible to take it off and fit a new bulb.
All the above point to the fact that it is time to say goodbye!
I originally bought the Zafira with the idea that I could transport grandchildren and parents, but this has never really been the case. In fact I think I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times that rear row of seats have been used. They are still in “mint condition”
So the next decision has to be do we downsize? We don’t really need a 7 seater! The obvious choice is a Meriva, which is basically the 5 seater version of the Zafira, but a little smaller. It still has the option to have 5, 4, 3 or 2 seats, as it utilizes the “flexspace seating system” similar to the Zafira.
I originally bought the Zafira with the idea that I could transport grandchildren and parents, but this has never really been the case. In fact I think I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times that rear row of seats have been used. They are still in “mint condition”
So the next decision has to be do we downsize? We don’t really need a 7 seater! The obvious choice is a Meriva, which is basically the 5 seater version of the Zafira, but a little smaller. It still has the option to have 5, 4, 3 or 2 seats, as it utilizes the “flexspace seating system” similar to the Zafira.
FlexSpace Seating System on the Vauxhall Meriva. When the centre arm rest/seat is folded down the seats slide sideways and also move backwards if desired.
Five Seats
Three Seats
Two (front) Seats
I have been looking at a second hand Meriva Active Special Edition.
This is what one of the reviews had to say about them........
The Meriva has been a key protagonist in the development of the supermini-MPV market sector, which insiders believe will really take off over the next few years. Fords Fusion and Fiats Idea have staked their claim too but the Meriva is equally adept with its versatile FlexSpace seating system. If a standard supermini can’t quite cut it space wise, a car like this is a sound alternative. You loose a little in the handling department and the styling won’t be as dynamic but the extra roominess is tangible and the adaptable seating means you can tailor the available space to your needs.
Engine-wise, theres a choice of 1.4i 16v, 1.6i 16v or 1.7CDTi 16v engines. The one I have been loking at is a 1.6 16 valve petrol engine.
Equipment runs to air conditioning, dark tinted Solar Protect glass, 16-inch seven-spoke alloys, a stereo-radio/CD player, steering wheel audio controls, a leather covered steering wheel, FlexSpace rear seating, chrome effect instrument surrounds and Charcoal or Blue Enigma interior trim.
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