Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: TheBoy on 30 June 2015, 20:03:24

Title: Zafiras
Post by: TheBoy on 30 June 2015, 20:03:24
I keep seeing posts of people mentioning their Zafiras.  I struggle to see the appeal, despite (or maybe due to!) having one myself. I put them in the shitbox category.

But they are obviously popular...   ...or are they, hence the poll.


But do you like them?
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: Webby the Bear on 30 June 2015, 20:06:50
Hate them. Voted  :y
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: 4x4 on 30 June 2015, 20:13:37
Umm had to buy a 7 seater due to circumstances at the time,then didnt need it,and then found certain people took advantage,i kept it for just over a year and then part exchanged it for a ford puma 1.7 which was more suited to my needs at that time,i hated the bloody thing,slow and leak off pipes became a consumable part every service.
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: the alarming man on 30 June 2015, 20:24:32
I have had 7 as company cars........ get shed loads in the back and as far as a car goes they are ok....thing is put a ladder on the roof they become a liability
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: Toledodude1973 on 30 June 2015, 20:34:17
Had 2 Zaffys the 2.0 diesel was a far better car than the 1.6 updated engine model. They both were very adaptable and pretty reliable have thought about the new model but just seems a bit too bulky!
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: VXL V6 on 30 June 2015, 20:35:12
We looked at the Zafira but at the time a 1.9 model (no way would we look at the 2.0 and 2.2 DTi models) was out of our league, also they aren't particularly big compared to the Sharon / Alhambra which is much better for us when we have the three kids, dog and Mrs VXL V6 and I all in the same car around holiday time!
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: TheBoy on 30 June 2015, 20:35:37
I can't deny you can get a substantial amount of shite in the back, esp with the seats forward.
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: the alarming man on 30 June 2015, 20:50:24
Oh yes loads of space for shite...and tbh the 1.8 auto was the best...didn't like the diesel that much
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: Jimbob on 30 June 2015, 20:51:59
I have a 1.9 (150) cdti Elite

Its what I call my 'enough' car

Its fast enough
Its economical enough
Its big enough
Its practical enough
Its comfy enough
Its reliable enough

never gonna win my heart, or any prizes, but does what it says on the tin.
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: BazaJT on 30 June 2015, 20:58:51
Have voted no.It's not that I don't like them or anything,just that I've never had need of a seven seater.
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: Keith ABS on 01 July 2015, 07:52:35
  I bought mine as I required the ability to carry occasional large loads with my ABS duties after I sold the mig estate. Does everything I ask of it and comfortably but not as comfortable as the mig obviously. I only have the baby 1.6 16v and it is under geared. 3000rpm at 60 mph. I will replace it with a zaf B but that will be a 1.8 sri. I do manage 38 mpg at best from the current one as long as I keep it at 70 mph or below

Keith B
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 01 July 2015, 08:25:45
As you know I have had one for some years and although I don't hugely bond with it, its reliable, economical and practical, just passed the 140K miles mark and climbing.

Having said that, it has enough poke to be able to be entertaining and handling is acceptable.

When the extension is finished I can see a third car being bought to add some fun factor to the driving line up.
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: Nick W on 01 July 2015, 08:46:06
What's to like about a Zafira? Why would you even expect to, as it is just a tool. Consider the alternatives for a budget smallish multi-seater, and tell me what else is better. Scenic or Picasso might be 'better' if you can get them to work for a decent amount of time.Good luck with that!

Expecting to like this sort of car is like getting attached to your tumble drier.
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: Kevin Wood on 01 July 2015, 09:20:27
Expecting to like this sort of car is like getting attached to your tumble drier.

Exactly. We're into the "white goods on wheels" category. :y
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: The Sheriff on 01 July 2015, 10:39:30
What's to like about a Zafira? Why would you even expect to, as it is just a tool. Consider the alternatives for a budget smallish multi-seater, and tell me what else is better. Scenic or Picasso might be 'better' if you can get them to work for a decent amount of time.Good luck with that!

Expecting to like this sort of car is like getting attached to your tumble drier.
Aha, Nick. Now some people might understand why I talk about my astra estate the way I do. It does exactly what I need it to.
I'll have time for something I actually like when the lad finishes his A levels and the dog kicks the bucket.
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 01 July 2015, 11:33:57
What's to like about a Zafira? Why would you even expect to, as it is just a tool. Consider the alternatives for a budget smallish multi-seater, and tell me what else is better. Scenic or Picasso might be 'better' if you can get them to work for a decent amount of time.Good luck with that!

Expecting to like this sort of car is like getting attached to your tumble drier.
Aha, Nick. Now some people might understand why I talk about my astra estate the way I do. It does exactly what I need it to.
I'll have time for something I actually like when the lad finishes his A levels and the dog kicks the bucket.

Yep. I agree. A purely functional tool much like a washing machine.

The Signum is much the same, being practical and dull. Only the nippy V6 engine takes away the tedium.
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: EMD on 01 July 2015, 12:52:18
What's to like about a Zafira? Why would you even expect to, as it is just a tool. Consider the alternatives for a budget smallish multi-seater, and tell me what else is better. Scenic or Picasso might be 'better' if you can get them to work for a decent amount of time.Good luck with that!

Expecting to like this sort of car is like getting attached to your tumble drier.
Aha, Nick. Now some people might understand why I talk about my astra estate the way I do. It does exactly what I need it to.
I'll have time for something I actually like when the lad finishes his A levels and the dog kicks the bucket.

Yep. I agree. A purely functional tool much like a washing machine.

The Signum is much the same, being practical and dull. Only the nippy V6 engine takes away the tedium.

Cant see you having that long Mr  ::)

Had a diesel Zaffy a while back and was quite handy for the tip run and general load lugging , gutless but practical  :)
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: chrisgixer on 01 July 2015, 15:56:16
Voted no. Which covers it afaiac.

Just oppsin....   no!
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: 05omegav6 on 01 July 2015, 16:26:36
For a cheap four seat estate Taxi perfect... But for a seven seater, no... Better off buying a transit bus and removing seats to suit your licence/luggage requirements :y
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: mka306 on 01 July 2015, 17:14:57
I have the new f/l and it has the 1.4 turbo petrol engine, I have to say for a big bus it's very smooth and easy to drive also extremely comfy and that's great for longer journeys, I have no regrets buying it and I'll no doubt keep it for many years to come.
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: 05omegav6 on 01 July 2015, 17:15:50
I have the new f/l and it has the 1.4 turbo petrol engine, I have to say for a big bus it's very smooth and easy to drive also extremely comfy and that's great for longer journeys, I have no regrets buying it and I'll no doubt keep it for many years to come.
Except it's not big... ::)
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: mka306 on 01 July 2015, 17:23:19
I have the new f/l and it has the 1.4 turbo petrol engine, I have to say for a big bus it's very smooth and easy to drive also extremely comfy and that's great for longer journeys, I have no regrets buying it and I'll no doubt keep it for many years to come.
Except it's not big... ::)

May be to you it's not butI think it's plenty big enough and does the job for me and my family very well so it gets top marks from me!!
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: TheBoy on 01 July 2015, 19:38:54
As you know I have had one for some years and although I don't hugely bond with it, its reliable, economical and practical, just passed the 140K miles mark and climbing.

Having said that, it has enough poke to be able to be entertaining and handling is acceptable.

When the extension is finished I can see a third car being bought to add some fun factor to the driving line up.
Apart from an old Nova, have you ever bonded with any of your cars though?


This bonding with cars is interesting, as I certainly bonded with my poor, clapped out MV6 from day 1, and the tractor for that matter. But the Elite I haven't.  Why not, they are all nice cars, quick enough (except tractor), handles better than expected, comfortable mile cruncher.  So my the difference?  Weird.
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: chrisgixer on 01 July 2015, 19:46:09
As you know I have had one for some years and although I don't hugely bond with it, its reliable, economical and practical, just passed the 140K miles mark and climbing.

Having said that, it has enough poke to be able to be entertaining and handling is acceptable.

When the extension is finished I can see a third car being bought to add some fun factor to the driving line up.
Apart from an old Nova, have you ever bonded with any of your cars though?


This bonding with cars is interesting, as I certainly bonded with my poor, clapped out MV6 from day 1, and the tractor for that matter. But the Elite I haven't.  Why not, they are all nice cars, quick enough (except tractor), handles better than expected, comfortable mile cruncher.  So my the difference?  Weird.

Because... Again! YOU HAVENT SET IT UP THE SAME AS THE MV6. Dbw aside, it's not ever going to be the same with the current suspension set up. And is unfair to compare the two.
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: TheBoy on 01 July 2015, 19:52:49
As you know I have had one for some years and although I don't hugely bond with it, its reliable, economical and practical, just passed the 140K miles mark and climbing.

Having said that, it has enough poke to be able to be entertaining and handling is acceptable.

When the extension is finished I can see a third car being bought to add some fun factor to the driving line up.
Apart from an old Nova, have you ever bonded with any of your cars though?


This bonding with cars is interesting, as I certainly bonded with my poor, clapped out MV6 from day 1, and the tractor for that matter. But the Elite I haven't.  Why not, they are all nice cars, quick enough (except tractor), handles better than expected, comfortable mile cruncher.  So my the difference?  Weird.

Because... Again! YOU HAVENT SET IT UP THE SAME AS THE MV6. Dbw aside, it's not ever going to be the same with the current suspension set up. And is unfair to compare the two.
It handles well enough (or did before something went wrong), tyres aside.  Its more than that. Its not just because its slower and less economical (due to the inferior 3.2). I just haven't bonded with it. That's the point, what makes us bond with a motor?
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: BazaJT on 01 July 2015, 20:44:12
I know exactly what you mean re bonding.I haven't been able to do so with the Omega,whereas with the Senator I did.Unfortunately that was written off in an accident[not my fault]and I couldn't find a replacement within budget,hence the Omega.Really can't see it staying much longer.
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: 05omegav6 on 01 July 2015, 22:59:03
Mine has seen me safe through a handful of accidents and also when you get a good road just right, it's just perfect.

Given recent events, I would rather break my white one than sell it :-X
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: chrisgixer on 01 July 2015, 23:48:42
As you know I have had one for some years and although I don't hugely bond with it, its reliable, economical and practical, just passed the 140K miles mark and climbing.

Having said that, it has enough poke to be able to be entertaining and handling is acceptable.

When the extension is finished I can see a third car being bought to add some fun factor to the driving line up.
Apart from an old Nova, have you ever bonded with any of your cars though?


This bonding with cars is interesting, as I certainly bonded with my poor, clapped out MV6 from day 1, and the tractor for that matter. But the Elite I haven't.  Why not, they are all nice cars, quick enough (except tractor), handles better than expected, comfortable mile cruncher.  So my the difference?  Weird.

Because... Again! YOU HAVENT SET IT UP THE SAME AS THE MV6. Dbw aside, it's not ever going to be the same with the current suspension set up. And is unfair to compare the two.
It handles well enough (or did before something went wrong), tyres aside.  Its more than that. Its not just because its slower and less economical (due to the inferior 3.2). I just haven't bonded with it. That's the point, what makes us bond with a motor?
Given the gigantic leap forward you had in set up from the Elite suspension it came with, I don't understand why you haven't taken the time to get it set the same. Surely that's understandable? It clearly still needs work.

Iirc on the mv6 you have standard rear springs, mv6 rear shocks poly donuts. Front lsc shocks and Irmscher springs, poly front bushes...?

Yet on the rear of the superior Elite the rear is 20mm lower on Irmscher rear shocks and springs.

Different ride height. Something you once posted had been worked on extensively on the mv6 by Wim to get the turn in better?

You prefer a pointy car, with better turn in, yet the prefers set up from the mv6 has not been replicated to the superior Elite. Why?

The inference is that the higher rear end on the mv6 gives a slightly steaper castor and loads the front a bit better, as I recall.

Yet somehow, it's the cars fault ;D

Come on, get it sorted. Ffs it's still got the wrong size jets in the LPG. :o ::)
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 02 July 2015, 11:29:36
What's to like about a Zafira? Why would you even expect to, as it is just a tool. Consider the alternatives for a budget smallish multi-seater, and tell me what else is better. Scenic or Picasso might be 'better' if you can get them to work for a decent amount of time.Good luck with that!

Expecting to like this sort of car is like getting attached to your tumble drier.
Aha, Nick. Now some people might understand why I talk about my astra estate the way I do. It does exactly what I need it to.
I'll have time for something I actually like when the lad finishes his A levels and the dog kicks the bucket.

Yep. I agree. A purely functional tool much like a washing machine.

The Signum is much the same, being practical and dull. Only the nippy V6 engine takes away the tedium.

Cant see you having that long Mr  ::)

Had a diesel Zaffy a while back and was quite handy for the tip run and general load lugging , gutless but practical  :)

It's growing on me a little. It's 'ugly ducking' looks are are slowly winning me over.

It is quicker than the MV6 and effortless with it.

It should sound better than it does though.... Vauxhall missed a trick there. :-\

Trip computer shows 24.8 MPG over the last 1000 miles. :y

Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: EMD on 02 July 2015, 13:15:51
What's to like about a Zafira? Why would you even expect to, as it is just a tool. Consider the alternatives for a budget smallish multi-seater, and tell me what else is better. Scenic or Picasso might be 'better' if you can get them to work for a decent amount of time.Good luck with that!

Expecting to like this sort of car is like getting attached to your tumble drier.
Aha, Nick. Now some people might understand why I talk about my astra estate the way I do. It does exactly what I need it to.
I'll have time for something I actually like when the lad finishes his A levels and the dog kicks the bucket.

Yep. I agree. A purely functional tool much like a washing machine.

The Signum is much the same, being practical and dull. Only the nippy V6 engine takes away the tedium.

Cant see you having that long Mr  ::)

Had a diesel Zaffy a while back and was quite handy for the tip run and general load lugging , gutless but practical  :)

It's growing on me a little. It's 'ugly ducking' looks are are slowly winning me over.

It is quicker than the MV6 and effortless with it.

It should sound better than it does though.... Vauxhall missed a trick there. :-\

Trip computer shows 24.8 MPG over the last 1000 miles. :y

 :o

I get double that in the 2.6 auto  :P

Really at home in the Omega's especially this my first fl 2.6 , its comfy and does everything effortless and the tyres last for years the way i drive  ;D
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: henryd on 02 July 2015, 15:28:44
What's to like about a Zafira? Why would you even expect to, as it is just a tool. Consider the alternatives for a budget smallish multi-seater, and tell me what else is better. Scenic or Picasso might be 'better' if you can get them to work for a decent amount of time.Good luck with that!

Expecting to like this sort of car is like getting attached to your tumble drier.
Aha, Nick. Now some people might understand why I talk about my astra estate the way I do. It does exactly what I need it to.
I'll have time for something I actually like when the lad finishes his A levels and the dog kicks the bucket.

Yep. I agree. A purely functional tool much like a washing machine.

The Signum is much the same, being practical and dull. Only the nippy V6 engine takes away the tedium.

Cant see you having that long Mr  ::)

Had a diesel Zaffy a while back and was quite handy for the tip run and general load lugging , gutless but practical  :)

It's growing on me a little. It's 'ugly ducking' looks are are slowly winning me over.

It is quicker than the MV6 and effortless with it.

It should sound better than it does though.... Vauxhall missed a trick there. :-\

Trip computer shows 24.8 MPG over the last 1000 miles. :y

 :o

I get double that in the 2.6 auto  :P

Really at home in the Omega's especially this my first fl 2.6 , its comfy and does everything effortless and the tyres last for years the way i drive  ;D

That I somehow doubt ::) ;)
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: The Sheriff on 02 July 2015, 16:38:18
50mpg from a 2.6 V6...... Yes please. ;D
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: EMD on 02 July 2015, 19:27:52
50mpg from a 2.6 V6...... Yes please. ;D

I drive it tunnie style  ;) Not like driving a Subaru fleeing a bank raid  :P
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: hercules on 02 July 2015, 20:15:40
got one as a stop gap and hated it to death in fact I couldn't get out of it with out slamming the door,couldnt get comfy in it,was a pain in the arse to  get in and out of the back seats,if the road was wet the wheels spun for fun and the difference in insurance for the same engine car but with a different spec name was incredible one quote iirc was say £300 and the same care but called say club was £580.glad to get rid of the bitch and am happy with my voyager the proper engine one :y
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: The Sheriff on 02 July 2015, 20:19:12
got one as a stop gap and hated it to death in fact I couldn't get out of it with out slamming the door,couldnt get comfy in it,was a pain in the arse to  get in and out of the back seats,if the road was wet the wheels spun for fun and the difference in insurance for the same engine car but with a different spec name was incredible one quote iirc was say £300 and the same care but called say club was £580.glad to get rid of the bitch and am happy with my voyager the proper engine one :y
Thought you had a big horn. Sorry, a bighorn. ;D
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: hercules on 02 July 2015, 21:03:06
got one as a stop gap and hated it to death in fact I couldn't get out of it with out slamming the door,couldnt get comfy in it,was a pain in the arse to  get in and out of the back seats,if the road was wet the wheels spun for fun and the difference in insurance for the same engine car but with a different spec name was incredible one quote iirc was say £300 and the same care but called say club was £580.glad to get rid of the bitch and am happy with my voyager the proper engine one :y
Thought you had a big horn. Sorry, a bighorn. ;D
ooh steve you said you wouldn't tell  :-* ;D
went from that to the zaffy and what a come down
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: Rods2 on 04 July 2015, 01:31:14
My daughter had a 1.8 petrol, until she blew the gearbox up. ::) ::) ::) It was black, so obviously very fast. ::) ::) ::) But, I don't think she understood the concept of servicing, dipsticks, oil filters and oil changes. :D :D :D

It was ideal ish where she has 3 young children and when carrying the children, herself, her partner and mother, they could all fit in. Basic, but it did the job. ??? ??? ???

She has now replaced it with a Nissan Qashqai, which is much, much, better all round, including the very useful Nissan reversing camera and screen, unless you don't look at the screen as you are revering backwards towards your brothers van. :o :o :o

I sure Doctor Opti, will offer some suitable advice? ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: BazaJT on 04 July 2015, 19:09:18
Many cars with such systems warn you on the screen that for safeties sake you should always lokk around when reversing-which kind of makes a nonsense of having a screen in front of you!
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 07 July 2015, 08:12:24
My daughter had a 1.8 petrol, until she blew the gearbox up. ::) ::) ::) It was black, so obviously very fast. ::) ::) ::) But, I don't think she understood the concept of servicing, dipsticks, oil filters and oil changes. :D :D :D

It was ideal ish where she has 3 young children and when carrying the children, herself, her partner and mother, they could all fit in. Basic, but it did the job. ??? ??? ???

She has now replaced it with a Nissan Qashqai, which is much, much, better all round, including the very useful Nissan reversing camera and screen, unless you don't look at the screen as you are revering backwards towards your brothers van. :o :o :o

I sure Doctor Opti, will offer some suitable advice? ::) ::) ::)

Good luck, there currently one of the least reliable and poorly screwed together vehicles out there at the moment based on the faults I keep seeing, plus they have the crap Renault diesel engines sadly.
Title: Re: Zafiras
Post by: mka306 on 07 July 2015, 08:28:04
My daughter had a 1.8 petrol, until she blew the gearbox up. ::) ::) ::) It was black, so obviously very fast. ::) ::) ::) But, I don't think she understood the concept of servicing, dipsticks, oil filters and oil changes. :D :D :D

It was ideal ish where she has 3 young children and when carrying the children, herself, her partner and mother, they could all fit in. Basic, but it did the job. ??? ??? ???

She has now replaced it with a Nissan Qashqai, which is much, much, better all round, including the very useful Nissan reversing camera and screen, unless you don't look at the screen as you are revering backwards towards your brothers van. :o :o :o

I sure Doctor Opti, will offer some suitable advice? ::) ::) ::)

Good luck, there currently one of the least reliable and poorly screwed together vehicles out there at the moment based on the faults I keep seeing, plus they have the crap Renault diesel engines sadly.

I should think myself very lucky then, my 1.4 turbo petrol engine is smooth, quiet and economical along with a solid build without any rattles or squeaks, in fact it has been the perfect motor from the day it rolled off the delivery truck ::)

Simply put if you don't like them don't buy one but if your considering one then you could do a lot worse and not much better really, this is based on the petrol engine though as I don't know anything about the diesel.