Opel Meriva - a good buy?

belfastbelle · 02-01-2013 1:01pm #1

hi there, any opinions welcome.

I'm in the market for a 'new' second hand car for the family and saw this one:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Meriva/CLUB-1.4/31413504901275300/advert?channel=CARS

I need a car that will suit us - we've a 20 month old plus another one on the way so plenty of space is a must. We'll drive mostly in Dublin but with the occassional longer trip to Belfast\Sligo.

Any opinions on the number of owners and what this might mean? 2 owners in 4 years seems like a lot.

Any other comments would be really helpful.

Thanks.

For Forks Sake · 02-01-2013 2:02pm

belfastbelle wrote: »

plenty of space is a must. We'll drive mostly in Dublin but with the occassional longer trip to Belfast\Sligo.

Had one as a replacement for a few weeks when car was in for repair. They're based on the Corsa so they're not that big at all..

Mr Benevolent · 02-01-2013 2:11pm

They're ok cars, and yes they are based on the Corsa, but they do have a reasonable amount of space and are fairly economical and reliable. They also have a high driving position and have a small enough footprint. In terms of driving, they're grand for a family car.

What's your budget?

belfastbelle · 02-01-2013 2:23pm

Confab wrote: »

They're ok cars, and yes they are based on the Corsa, but they do have a reasonable amount of space and are fairly economical and reliable. They also have a high driving position and have a small enough footprint. In terms of driving, they're grand for a family car.

What's your budget?

Thanks Confab - budget between 5-7k - want to get the best deal re cost of car, tax, running costs and insurance for the lifespan of any 'new' car (not too much to ask;)

Any ideas?

bazz26 · 02-01-2013 2:43pm

I would consider 2 owners in 5 years to be normal. As said it is mainly made up of parts from the Corsa and Astra.

Marcusm · 02-01-2013 3:09pm

I have never driven one but havesat in the back seat of them loads of times as taxis (Brazil) in better comfort than other saloon taxis. I am 6'5" and about 28 stone; make of that what you will. It's not about the size, in this case it's how usable it is. I would have though the higher position and wider door openings make it easier to get in and out for big lummoxes or to lift babies!

Aka Ishur · 02-01-2013 3:11pm

Isnt the Meriva a car that has to go to the garage if you blow a headlamp bulb? That would rule it out for me straight away.

Mr Benevolent · 02-01-2013 4:07pm

Aka Ishur wrote: »

Isnt the Meriva a car that has to go to the garage if you blow a headlamp bulb? That would rule it out for me straight away.

No, I've changed headlight bulbs on a Meriva with no issues.

MrO · 03-01-2013 11:25am

Had a rental one in France last year - I thought it was one of the worst drives I've ever had.

Mr Benevolent · 03-01-2013 11:52am

MrO wrote: »

Had a rental one in France last year - I thought it was one of the worst drives I've ever had.

It's not a dynamic handler, it's just an A-B box with wheels. What did you expect?

Barry Barry · 03-01-2013 2:27pm

Ford C-Max,
2006,
1.6 petrol,
33,000 miles,
NCT until 3/14 and tax until 4/13,

belfastbelle · 04-01-2013 10:48pm

Barry Barry wrote: »

Ford C-Max,
2006,
1.6 petrol,
33,000 miles,
NCT until 3/14 and tax until 4/13,

Looks good. 3 owners though, should i be concerned?
Heres a link to Car on dealers site.

Supergurrier · 04-01-2013 10:52pm

Honda Jazz would be a much better alternative, very clever little cars

goz83 · 04-01-2013 11:23pm

Aesthetically speaking: it's one of the ugliest cars out there.

belfastbelle · 04-01-2013 11:46pm

Supergurrier wrote: »

Honda Jazz would be a much better alternative, very clever little cars

Something like this:?

Supergurrier · 04-01-2013 11:47pm

Yup

ba_barabus · 05-01-2013 3:13am

My elderly mother rejected one as it wasn't nice to drive, this coming from a woman who thinks a 1.6 2007 new model Mondeo is a fire cracker

belfastbelle · 05-01-2013 10:47am

Just read that some people were dissapointed with the C-max's fuel economy. Possibly a contribution toward the high amount of owners.

belfastbelle · 05-01-2013 6:38pm

Just an update.

Tried the merviva for a drive. Very nice. The c max is a non runner. No warranty and an overly pushy salesman put paid to it.

Heres another meriva

Its a 2006 and is two years older but only 12,000 more on the clock at 78,000 and 2 grand cheaper at just under 4 than the other meriva. Dont know if theres a warranty with this one.

Is this better value i wonder, or does the freshness, age of the newer car Tip things in its favour?

Another consideration is that the 2008 dealer is local and just down the road.

Appreciate all feedback thus far.

Opel Meriva - a good buy?

Comments