Vauxhall Vivaro (2001 – 2014) Review

Vauxhall Vivaro (2001 – 2014) At A Glance

3/5

+Vauxhall version of the Renault Trafic, reliable and well built, comfortable ride and a good all-rounder.

-Getting long in the tooth and starting to show its age now, gear linkage problems are common.

It may be getting old now but the Vauxhall Vivaro - the sister van to the Renault Trafic - continues to prove popular thanks to proven mechanicals, a comfortable cabin and a wide range of versions. It's been through plenty of updates too with improvements along the way to keep it up to date. The most significant came in 2006 when the range was thoroughly revised with a new look and better engines.

These upgrades included new cabin upholstery and fabrics, along with alloy detailing on the gear lever and interior door handles of Sportive models. Vauxhall also introduced an improved range of infotainment systems including the option of colour sat nav for the first time.

The Vauxhall offers much the same space, equipment, reliability and driving fun of its big rival, the Ford Transit. It's also cheap to run thanks to Vauxhall’s Ecoflex models. These give means emissions as low as 174g/km and economy as strong as 42.7mpg. Neither of these figures is to be sneezed at, regardless of the Vivaro now moving well into its twilight years.

The Vivaro is available in a wide range of combinations with long and short wheelbases and standard and high roofs. There are dropside versions, a nine-seat Combi and a 12-seat minibus, along with a long-wheelbase nine-seat Vivaro Combi. This offers all the space and comfort of a standard nine-seat Combi, but with the added benefit of improved luggage space.

Most Vivaro models come with the impressive 2.0-litre CDTi engine with either 90PS or 115PS and plenty of torque too with 240Nm and 260Nm respectively. A big boost to high mileage users is that the engines use a service-free free cam chain, rather than a rubber belt, reducing the cost of maintenance and minimising the amount of time the van must spend off the road.

Used Buying Guide - Vauxhall Vivaro

The Griffin-badged Vivaro has lots to offer with low fuel costs and big carrying capacity, but what should you look out for when buying used?

Read the buying guide here >>

Vauxhall -vivaro -1_530x 379

Ask Honest John

Vauxhall Vivaro glow plug light stuck on

"I own a Vauxhall Viviro 1.9 CTDi (2005 model). Can you tell me why the glow plug light is stuck on and the van is losing power?"
It usually also serves as a warning that there is a problem with the EGR valve.
Answered by Honest John

How much should I expect to pay for a high mileage van?

"I'm thinking of buying a 2006 - 2008 Vauxhall Vivaro van with 100,000 miles at auction. How much should I expect to pay?"
Will very much depend on the condition of the van. If it’s in good condition, with a full history, clean interior and tidy bodywork, I’d expect prices for a 2008 Vivaro to range from £2500 - £3500. For scruffy examples, with poor bodywork, you could pay as little as £1500. For the latest auction buying advice, see: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-buy-and-sell/how-to-buy-a-van-at-auction/
Answered by Dan Powell

What's causing the awful handling on my Vauxhall Vivaro?

"I have recently bought a 2008 Vauxhall Vivaro but the handling is awful. It drifts from left to right and feels like driving on snow. It has new alloys but these are commercial and for the Vivaro. I had the underside checked out and there are no mechanical issues. The only thing is the front axle has two different speed rating T & R. All four tyres are different brands and tread The alignment is off but only very slightly according to the mechanic and not enough to cause such severe drifting."
This reads like a tyre problem. It could be a serious alignment issue or it could be that the van simply has the wrong wheels and tyres fitted. It isn't uncommon for some people to get confused and fit car alloys and tyres to a van, which results in problems when it comes to handling and tyre wear. First things first, take it back to the dealer. Ask them to fix the problem or refund your money. Remember, the dealer is liable for any faults that develop within the first six months from the date of sale, so don't let them fob you off with any excuses. Personally, I’d ask them to replace the tyres to ensure they all have matching load and speed ratings. For your consumer rights, see: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Answered by Dan Powell

I'm having trouble changing gears in my 2007 Vauxhall Vivaro - what is the issue?

"I've been driving our recently purchased 2007 Vauxhall Vivaro and, after doing approximately 800 miles, the gears now have to be "forced" into place. Even at standstill. It had 80,000 miles on the clock but the gears were lovely at first. They started off being hard to select first, but now I have to push all the gears in. Any advice will be greatly appreciated."
Could be the clutch. Or could be the signs of a transmission problem. Did you buy the van from a trader or dealer? If so, I’d suggest taking it back as they will be liable for any fault that develops within the first six months from the date of sale. For your consumer rights, see: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Vauxhall Vivaro (2001 – 2014) cost?