Opel Meriva A

The first generation Opel Meriva debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2002. The car was designed to fill the gap between the tiny Agila and the big Zafira.

Review

The first generation Opel Meriva debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2002. The car was designed to fill the gap between the tiny Agila and the big Zafira. The Corsa C platform was based on the platform, and the bait for customers was to be the Flex Space cabin transformation system.

In 2006, the subcompact van underwent facelift. First of all, the changes affected the grille, front bumper, taillights and trunk cover (a new handle and an elegant chrome bar). At the same time, there was a 180-horsepower sports version of the Meriva OPC, which, in addition to a powerful 180-horsepower engine, received a denser suspension, effective brakes and a stylish body kit.

The car was produced until 2010. The assembly was carried out in Spain and Brazil. But in the United States, the compact car under the name Chevrolet Meriva was sold until 2012.

Engines

The engine set for such a small car is really significant. A suitable motor is found both for calm and economical drivers, and for fans to push the gas pedal harder. This is not a joke. The top sports version of the ORS with a 180-horsepower engine reaches the first hundred in 8.2 seconds. The price for excellent dynamics is a large fuel consumption (about 13 liters in the city) and possible problems with the turbine. But the pseudo-sports version is of interest to few. Most people prefer conventional cars. When choosing a van, you should know that engines with a working volume of 1.6 liters (87 hp) and 1.8 liters (125 hp) consume a large amount of engine oil. 1.4-liter 90-horsepower unit rarely fails and is quite economical (about 7.5 liters in traffic jams). Equally reliable 1.6 l recoil 105 l. with. But, unfortunately, a car with such an engine will consume about 9 liters of fuel per 100 km. In all gasoline units, the water pump, starter, generator and fan do not differ in durability. The first years of production had an unreliable fuel pump. Among diesel engines, the minimum of problems is delivered by a 75-horsepower 1. 7 DTI (Isuzu design) and a slightly more modern 1. 3 CDTI (Fiat). However, they are not without shortcomings. For a 1.7-liter turbodiesel, it is a TNVD (repair of about $ 150). The reason is the failure of the pump controller. Mechanics suggest that the defect is caused by overheating of the unit, which is one with the pump and lies on the engine.

Design features

The front wheel drive and the transverse engine are a typical scheme for small cars. The minivan was equipped with three types of transmissions: 5 or 6-speed manual and 5-speed robotic Easytronic (also used in Alfa Romeo cars under the name Selespeed). Suspension? McPherson in front and a twisting beam in the back. Security? In the crash tests EuroNCAP car showed a decent result – 4 stars.

Typical malfunctions

What to beware of when buying, so as not to get caught on a time mine? First of all, copies equipped with a robotic box Easytronic. She's slow. In addition, there are often problems with switching, the control module fails and the clutch wears out quite quickly. For the replacement of the last two elements will have to pay about $ 500. In cars with a manual box sometimes the gear selection mechanism fails. But repairing it won’t be a big problem. Another weakness is the steering rack, which starts knocking. In cars after 2007, the cause of knocking was often knocked out steering thrusts. The electric power steering can also fail - the steering wheel "jumps out" of the hands. The cost of repairs is up to $ 1000. The electric booster is very sensitive to voltage drops. When inspecting the Meriva engine, it is necessary to check the cooling system for leaks. Sometimes there are instances with a damaged gasket under the head. One of the common problems of Opel is oil leakage not only from the engine, but also from the gearbox. Oil leaks from the engine and transmission are quite common. In the front suspension, the sleeves and stabilizer racks wear out quite quickly. Fortunately, these elements cost a penny. The simple design of the rear suspension means complete absence of defects. Rust? Although the car is well protected from corrosion, with age, the first foci are found on the rear fenders, trunk doors, lower edges of doors and sills. Rust does not spare the exhaust system.

Engines

• The price for excellent dynamics is a large fuel consumption (about 13 liters in the city) and possible problems with the turbine.
• When choosing a van, you should know that the engines with a working volume of 1.6 liters (87 hp) and 1.8 liters (125 hp).
• 1.4-liter 90-horsepower unit rarely fails and is quite economical (about 7.5 liters in traffic jams). Equally reliable 1.6 l recoil 105 l. with.
• Among diesel engines, the minimum of problems is delivered by a 75-horsepower 1.
• For a 1.7-liter turbodiesel, it is a TNVD (repair of about $ 150).
• 3 CDTIs occur episodes of premature wear of the timing system chain.
• The cost of repair is low – about $ 300.
• In February 2007, the engine software was modified due to regular problems with the regeneration of the particulate filter.
• It should be borne in mind that diesel versions, in comparison with gasoline, are more likely to suffer from problems with attachments, especially cars with a particulate filter, operated mainly in the city.

Typical malfunctions

• In addition, there are often problems with switching, the control module fails and the clutch wears out quite quickly.
• In cars with a manual box sometimes the gear selection mechanism fails.
• But repairing it won’t be a big problem.
• In cars after 2007, the cause of knocking was often knocked out steering thrusts.
• The electric power steering can also fail - the steering wheel "jumps out" of the hands. The cost of repairs is up to $ 1000.
• When inspecting the Meriva engine, it is necessary to check the cooling system for leaks.
• One of the common problems of Opel is oil leakage not only from the engine, but also from the gearbox.
• Although the car is well protected from corrosion, with age, the first foci are found on the rear fenders, trunk doors, lower edges of doors and sills. Rust does not spare the exhaust system.

Opel Meriva I is a city minivan that looks little different from the gray mass of familiar cars. However, it offers a wide range of engines, low operating costs (some engines are still expensive to repair), low failure rates, and a roomy 350-litre trunk (within the segment).

The disadvantages include an overly conservative exterior style and interior design, mediocre dynamics of most versions, low reliability of the automated transmission, as well as ubiquitous leaks of technical fluids. Copies imported from abroad should be avoided. Most of them are already very worn out, so had large runs at the time of importation.

• The first generation Opel Meriva debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2002.
• Engines: The price for excellent dynamics is high fuel consumption (about 13 liters in the city) and possible problems with the turbine.
• Design features: The front wheel drive and the transverse engine are typical for small cars.
• Typical faults: In addition, there are often problems with switching, the control module fails and the clutch wears out quite quickly.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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