Vauxhall Sintra 3.0 CDX Auto Review

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Vauxhall Sintra 3.0 CDX Auto
★★★★☆
4.0
63.0% of users recommend this
  • Performance

  • Practicality

  • Reliability

  • Value For Money

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Arnie.'s review of Vauxhall Sintra 3.0 CDX Auto

“Bought my Vauxhall Sintra 3.0 CDX MPV with genuine 20k...”

★★☆☆☆

written by Arnie. on 02/11/2002

Good Points
It's a spacious, powerful MPV with all electric mod cons.

Bad Points
Reliability and build quality.

General Comments
Bought my Vauxhall Sintra 3.0 CDX MPV with genuine 20k miles on the clock (4 years old) and found it a great car - for the first couple of months that is.

Water pump was the first to go at 22k, track rod ends at 25k, rear brake disks needed replacing due to warping even though they were virtually unscored at 20k, front disks followed for the same reason at 35k. Now, at 42k front shock absorbers are beginning to bottom out on bumps and will need replacing soon. Not to mention the battery which takes an hour to swap!

Personally, stay away from it!

  • Performance

  • Practicality

  • Reliability

  • Value For Money

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 18/12/2003

I feel that this user has been unlucky with their car, as I have one with over 80k on it and have had none of the problems mentioned. Perhaps it is the way it was driven, hard etc. As with all cars carefull handling will ensure that all components remain intact as long as possible.
<br>Feel free to read my own review on the car.

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Nelsonriddle's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 26/01/2008

Could someone tell me if the front bushes, rear shock absorbers and braks discs on the 2.2 sintra will fit the 3.0 v6?

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Pg003's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 29/05/2007

I have owned my Sintra 3.0 CDX for over 7 years and have to say that I love the drive, so much power and so comfortable. I have had a few issues with it. Battery failed and was replaced by Vauxhall £360, within 1 year battery failed and replaced under battery warranty, 18 months later battery failed again replaced under warranty. Cambelt tensioners failed at 80k miles and was quoted £4000 but a good friend (ex Vauxhall mechanic) did for £120. Front bushes went needing to replace wishbones to rectify. 1 x rear self leveling suspension failed and replaced. Brake pads at 95K miles. New exhaust at 120K miles cost £560 for complete exhaust (front to back) and last week the steering rack broke away from sub frame, local garage are replacing subframe at a cost of about £500 parts and 8 hours labour. So yes I can see why some people refer to them as money pits, however if I look at this over the time and mileage that I have done in the car it is not bad and as the drive is so nice I can't complain too much. Was not aware of this site till this morning and now that I have seen so many comments I will look to check if there was a recall for my car regarding the Steering Rack and see if Vauxhall will foot the bill.

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 21/12/2005

Well done Black run.....you see people, although we can not get parts off the shelf any more for these cars, with a little thought and inginuity it has to be said........we can get around most problems we come across. Great news to here this side of X mas Black Run. I think that although the SINTRA has a bad name for ' all things mechanical and electrical '....not much left there then, is there???....anyway, if you love the car like we do, a little money spent ' sooner ' than later will keep them on the road for years to come. Here from you ALL in the new year maybe, do keep in touch even if nothing is wrong, it's nice to here other peoples views....cheers.

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Black Run's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 20/12/2005

Hi Sintraman, just to let you know my Sintra failed its MOT as one of the flexi joints that connect the downpipes to the cats was split and blowing. The section is all in one and has to be replaced including the CATS at a cost of around £600. However, my friendly independant tyre and exhaust centre have dismantled the exhaust system and are having a flexi joint welded to the existing v section at a cost of approx £100 saving me £500 ! Happy Christmas to all you Sintra drivers :-)

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 18/12/2005

Hi there all, just to update you all re: battery for Sintra......I have had a new one fitted, 40 mins by local auto electric garage. It was a Bosch and all they had to do was to lengthen the cables to fit the TOP connectors instead of the side ones. This cost £105.00 all in, labour etc. Better than Vauxhall 3hrs and then some, ehh what!!!!! Battery has a three, yes 3 year warranty by Bosch, bless them. Happy xmas and all that. See you in the new year with more news, perhaps.......

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 12/10/2005

http://www.exhaust.co.uk - Blackrun, this is where I got mine done, it was too expensive to replace all in new so they re-manufactured the main components for me out of what was there. What they have to do is this, leave the main front pipe and down pipe section alone. Then cut the section just after it splits to the cats so that you get a ' y ' split for the new ' cats ' to weld onto. Cut out the old ' cats ' at the front pipe section. After this is done, you need to then cut the rear section just after the old ' cats ' on the pipe. This then leaves you with the rear ' y ' split for the REAR box section to bolt on to. I have had it all done including the back box section (bought from Bosal) because of the messing about it took to get to this point with the exhaust, I feel much better that all is well underneath now. I hope this has given all you Sintra owners hope that all is not lost with these beasts, with a little thought we can all keep then on the road for many years to come. Total price for labour and fitting was only..........£376.00. Not bad ehh!!!. Considering Vauxhall, bless their cotton socks, wanted £480.00 + VAT for just ordering the front section. This has to come from America no less, no fitting and NO back section, me thinks not Vauxhall, me thinks NOT!!!!!

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Black Run's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 12/10/2005

Sintraman, just out of interest how much did a complete new exhaust system cost? I may need new cats for mine soon... thanks

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 11/10/2005

Thanks for the comments. I have now sorted out the problem, it was due to the CATS being defective. I have had all the exhaust system replaced and now feel more confident with the car as I know that at least that won't fall off now. Keep on motoring.........

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Sailorchic's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 10/10/2005

Thanks for sharing Sharan experiences. Actually, we haven't bought that either! We have decided to stick with our 4 year old Mondeo estate and have 2 extra seats fitted in the boot! We have found a company that specialise in estate conversions. We have had the Mondeo from new and it's still going strong particularly since it has had a new engine and gearbox. Better the devil you know......

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Black Run's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 10/10/2005

I replaced the centre box on my Sintra... my local independant exhaust and tyre service supplied and fitted for £180.... I did have a rattle from the front section... it turned out to be a heat shield which was vibrating against the downpipe where the fastening bolt had come loose... same tyre and exhaust service idetified the cause and rectified it for free by relacing the bolt...

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Sintrasympathizer's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 10/10/2005

Sintraman,
<br>
<br>The only input I can offer is that my exhaust was heat shielded along the underneath of the vehicle. These can rust and work loose, and therefore rattle. My repairer literally just cut them off...rattle solved. I understand that these heat shields are not so common, therefore nothing lost............?

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 07/10/2005

Hi there all. Am I to presume that as of yet, NO ONE has had to replce their exhaust system from the front pipe and the 'CATS' ?? The rattle I mentioned has now turned into a distinct rattle from underneath and I feel that sooner than later the system will need replacing. Has anyone done this, and any prices for me to go by please....

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Black Run's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 07/10/2005

Hi Sailorchic.... one note of caution on the Sharan... if its an automatic watch out for the gearbox. I have one friend and one colleague who both have Sharan's and both have had to have new gearboxes... something goes wrong with the shift between 3rd and 4th and it sticks in 3rd........ good luck with your new motor :-)

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Sintrasympathizer's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 07/10/2005

RE: Sintra internal door mouldings.
<br>
<br>For any of you out there needing a door repair (due to somebody else's bad driving!)- be aware! Do not let your repairer rip the internal moudings of the inside of the doors. If they are intact, get them to remove them with extreme care so that they can be put back on again (even if slightly damaged). Vauxhall has already discontinued these parts and they are impossible to find in the Vauxhall/Opel network including U.S. Fortunately for me, the plastic was only slightly cracked out of view, but because of the repairer's gung ho removal (and presumed new replacement), I had to search the internet and brakers to get the part that they broke! Life is going to get even more difficult to try and keep the Sintra on the road. Anybody's rear shocks leaking yet on the 3.0L?

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Sintrasympathizer's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 07/10/2005

RE: Your Sharan
<br>
<br>Watch out for the aircon unit - I have driven 6 different Galaxys and Sharans over the course of the last 18 months (as taxis). Every one of them had had a broken aircon unit circa £1k+ to fix/replace. Good luck.

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Sailorchic's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 04/10/2005

All this makes interesting reading. We have been offered a 3.0 CDX auto for £2,500 with 12 months MOT. The garage told us it needs a new bush and they will do that but have said they will not change the cambelt although they advised us to have it checked. They said the sale price is too cheap for them to do it. So, I have been doing some research before going ahead with the purchase. Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences as Knowledge is power! We have turned down the offer and are buying a Sharan instead for £4995. We figure the price difference is an economic saving made compared to the potential unknown costs over the next 2 - 3 years. Plus we intend to convert to LPG so we need a sound investment for the 2k cost. Thanks everyone again.

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 08/09/2005

Hi there all, how are we all doing? I have now developed an annoying rattle inside the exhaust system near the CAT converter. Any ideas out there???
<br>Has anyone had to change their Vauxhall Sintra exhaust system yet and if so where to get parts please??
<br>Cost would be nice as well, see you around....

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Sintraowner's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 14/06/2005

Hi All,
Just to let you know re my head gasket replacement, (see my April comment) I got an independent garage to replace it and the cam belt etc for just over £700.00. I have done over 3000 miles since it was replaced and all seems well. So if you do not have to use a Vauxhall dealer you can save yourself a fortune! Happy motoring to you all.

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 02/06/2005

Hi Steve, welcome to our page. As you see there are a few problems to be aware of and not the cost as much as the parts to get.I have a 3.0cdx monster as you so politely put it and yes there have been some teething problems as there are in all cars. Our elite club here is that, as they begin to wear out it is becoming harder to find parts for them. That aside I still think, as do most of the other drivers here that the Sintra was and still is, up there with the main runners. Look forward to your comments on your new ' baby ' sintra soon.

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French Connection's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 02/06/2005

Hi Katt, try going on eBay and searching for SINTRA, there is normally a vauxhall supplier advertising spares, all are new and I have bought from him in past, also I have always been able to get spares from any Vauxhall dealer, not so easy now I live in France as they are Opel, and I have only seen 1 Opel Sintra. Good luck

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Katt's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 11/05/2005

Hi sorry not been around for ages. Can I just ask everyone, do you know if the Sintra has the same running gear as an Izuzu as we are really struggling to get parts and we need brake shoes etc for MOT. If this is wrong info does anyone know of anywhere reliable we can obtain parts. Cheers Katt X X

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191988_Steve1001's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 04/05/2005

Hi all ive read through nearly all of your comments ,it seems that most of the problems are with new vehicles , having read through them it appears to be with the 3 litres monsters you own .
<br>I have just bought a 2.2 litre sintra ,looking at it,it looks great and having drove it im surprised as I have a VW sharan at this moment in, if I have any problems I will let you all now ,I supose its handy if you now a vauxhall mechanic as i do so hopefully things shouldn't be to bad if things go wrong, thanks steve

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Sintrasympathizer's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 01/04/2005

Sintraowner,
<br>I can't tell you which gasket was replaced but I can say that I was losing coolant into the engine because it wasn't leaking externally. I was careful to keep the fluid topped up until the car went in for the work. Therefore, the head was in good shape when it came off. Since then (last July) all has been well, so I hope this continues. I'm not conscious of any loss of power or fuel efficiency although I am now up to 131,000. The total bill came to £1,005 and included a new cam belt and tensioners which was perfect timing because I was just coming round to needing a second belt at 120k. The car is currently on a ramp waiting for new discs all round (at least 90k old, so not bad) and pads and a new caliper which is having to come from Spain apparently...........this car has been costing me at least £1,000 per annum in servicing, repairs etc....what a money pit! I have spent so much on it, it's just not worth selling for £2.5K.

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Sintraowner's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 01/04/2005

Hi, I see that "sintrasympathiser" & "J Brunton" have both had head gaskets go. Which gasket went? I have just had the front one go on my sintra 3.0 cdx. Is this a common fault do we feel? Were your garages able to just change the head gasket? Did you use a Vauxhall dealer or other garage. I have just had mine taken to a vauxhall dealership and they have quoted me, wait for it £3600.00. No I have not put the decimal point in the wrong place. Needless to say I am getting quotes from a couple of independent garages for this work. I hope I can get mine done for just over £1000.00. as you two did. The vauxhall dealership say they have to remove the engine and total work time will be 22 hours, when in fact Vauxhalls own service information and labour times say that the engine does not have to be removed and the time for the front head gasket to be replaced is 6 hours. I would be interested to know what was replaced for your £1000 to £1600 respectivley.

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Dapinky's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 18/02/2005

Hi all,
<br>Since my last bit, I've got hold of a battery. It took 24 hours for delivery (and still only cost £61-68 all in).
<br>Just a word of warning, if you go to most places for a battery they'll try and sell you the one in their listing book (type 068) WHICH WILL NOT FIT. The ratings for that one are the same as the proper one, the dimensions are identical, but the terminals are in the wrong places. It needs a bit of a major re-wiring in the engine bay, relocating the fuse box etc etc (which may be possible on a 2.2, but there is no room in the 3.0!!
<br>Having searched the net, I found that the 'proper' one has a part number of 78-6YR (USA General Motors part no.), but it is x-referenced into an English equivalent (if the staff are as helpful to you as they were for me - Well Done to MSW at Weston-super-Mare {free advertising - but it was a job well done).

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Katt's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 17/02/2005

Hi all sorry been gone a while computer playing up more than me car lol. Anyway have decided for all it's little niggles the sintra is the car for me. Just got new style wheelchair for daughter and it fits in the boot lovely. Am now thinking may get this one adapted for ramps etc

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Twyclip's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 07/02/2005

Hi Alistair, I've owned a 2.2 for the past 6 years and it has served me very well. Much depends on how the car has been treated by previous owners. It's a big and heavy vehicle, great for long journeys and cruising on motorways but does not respond well to fast driving on narrow, twisting roads. I suspect that many of the problems highlighted on this review are down to mis-use. you need to find out as much as you can about its previous history.
<br>Good Luck! Twyclip

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Alistair's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 05/02/2005

Need advice urgent, have read all the comments on the Sintra, is it all that bad... A local garage to me is selling a Sintra 2.2 16v 1997/8 (P Plate) for £4995.00, with 54K on the clock, in excellent condition, green. Should I go for it, or is this a non starter, have driven it, all seems well, but very worried about all the bad press, is fuel, steering, suspension a major problem??? please comments ASAP. Thanks

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Dapinky's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 03/02/2005

I'm new at this, but must be doing something wrong with my Sintra!
<br>I've had it over 18 months, having bought it at auction for under £5K. I fitted a tow bar and gave it an oil change (62K on the clock - nothing for a 3.0 lump).
<br>Then when I couldn't find a workshop manual, I bought one for an Omega and a Ventura, between them they cover most of the car.
<br>I love the car, parts are a bit of a begger to get, but brake pads were availlable off the shelf locally.
<br>Like others, I have a problem with the fan only working on full blast, (resisters in the switch to reduce fan speed blown up!).
<br>I'm currently trying to obtain a new battery locally, no-one seems to list it in their parts book.
<br>It has flown through 2 MOT's since I've had it, no problems. I've changed the cam belt (3 hours work, parts cost £20) but other than service items (oil, filters, brake pads, tyres) no other expense yet!!!
<br>I LOVE THE CAR, and wouldn't hesitate to get another one - I love the drive, power, comfort and size - and I even manage to get 26 to the gallon!

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Wycombe's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 21/01/2005

btw, on the lookout for a replacement drivers seat - the previous owner was a fat man and it didn't hold up too well.

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Wycombe's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 21/01/2005

I have found that cleaning the contacts on the rear door stops the alarm going off at will.

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Black Run's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 08/12/2004

I found this string of comments whilst looking online for someone who can supply a new rear shock absorber for my Sintra, which failed its MOT for the first time today ! Sintrasympathizer, I see in an earlier missive that you sourced new shockers at £170ish each... would you let me know the supplier details please? The garage that did the MOT test quoted me £322 for one shocker and with a 7-10 day lead time !
<br>
<br>Having read all the comments above, I must say (touching wood) that in the three years I have had my '97 3.0 CDX I have had no major problems. The alarm drives me nuts and I have vowed to have it ripped out and replaced with something user friendly. The only other fault is an intermittent one with the heating fan, which sometimes turns itself off when set to position 5 (still touching wood). Having 4 kids meant we had to go for something big and the Sintra seemed to have more space than most other MPV's.... and of course the price was right..... now I know why.
<br>
<br>I'll keep y'all posted on the re-test, assuming I can source a rear shocker at a reasonable price!

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French Connection's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 24/11/2004

Hello there. We have a Vauxhall Sintra 2.2CD, bought it in March 2004, when we lived in Essex. We had a full service, including cambelt change and MOT, at 55K, by a local mechanic. Total price including parts £180. We have now moved to Limoux in S.W. France and drove here from Essex towing a very laden caravan. Have just had a French CT (more stringent than English MOT, but lasts for 2 years, and is done by a proper test centre, not a garage) done on the Sintra and only problems which came to light were that the headlights needed changing for LHD and there is slight wear on o/s track rod end. OK lights were expensive (700 Euros including fitting and aligning) but I now have a new 2 year MOT. I do have a slight problem however, the battery seems to need replacing and I cannot find one the same as the Vauxhall one which is fitted. There are no end of Batteries available for the Sintra here, albeit an Opel Sintra, ranging from 40Euros to 90Euros, but they all have different terminals, any ideas please.

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 22/11/2004

KATT, do let us know your problem and perhaps we have already been there and fixed it. I am sure that your problems will be some that we have had already so there may be an easier way to get it fixed, let your hubby have a look then report back here for an update if you like.....

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Katt's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 19/11/2004

The Sintra had a couple of faults that the garage were supposed to sort out but they refused to stand by the warranty which they would only give me verbally. The owner was away and the sales guy gave us £600 for the mondeo I traded in and the gearbox fell out of it the next day...OOPS. The owner gave me the choice of going back for my cash and mondeo or fixing the sintra ourselves only he wasnt that polite so hubby will look at the little niggles for me lol There was no way I was taking the sintra back and I got it at a bargain price.

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 16/11/2004

Great to have your comments, yes I think KATT has us all ' beat' there with the record of the fastest problem arising after purchase. Hope they are fixed soon and you and your other half begin to enjoy it. As a family man my self I have had many hours of joy from the car and will hate to see it go. Don't know about the exhaust though, will keep my eyes peeled for the tell tale signs.

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Twyclip's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 15/11/2004

Hi Katt, I recently had a similar fault with the exhaust manifold. One of the studs had worked loose from the engine mounting and fallen out. The Vauxhall guys thought that the engine would have to come out and that it would be expensive! I went to the local AA Service Centre and had the studs, nuts and gaskets replaced for £235.47 including Vat. By the way, I live near Dover, Kent. Best wishes.............Twyclip.

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Sintrasympathizer's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 15/11/2004

Katt,
<br>
<br>yours must be a world (...well group then) record for this family.......didn't you write on 30.10.04 that you had only just purchased your Sintra 2 weeks previous..."sold as seen" or was it from a dealer?? By the way, I bought a Haynes manual from ebay for a Chevrolet Venture (the U.S. name for our vehicle). Whilst the engine is different, many other aspects are the same..P.S. need to put in a search where the items are 'available to the UK'. Hope this helps. RB (Essex)

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Katt's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 12/11/2004

Hi all it's Katt. Just to let you know I'm in York, North Yorks. Am still loving my Sintra but my exhaust is blowing near the manifold and the steering power fluid jobby is leaking so hubby gotta few jobs to take care of this weekend hope it doesn't rain hee hee...Anyway will be driving to Cornwall next year in the car for our holidays thought I'd start saving now for the petrol ha ha. Hope this finds you all well. XX Katt

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 10/11/2004

Katt, great to see you in a more possitive mood now. If you could let, in fact if we could ALL let, us know the city we live in then perhaps we could also give the garages we go to some welcome maintainance work. I live in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
<br>Should you not wish to comment then thats fine also, but as a little ' family ' appears to be growing here it may be a good idea.
<br>
<br>Do let me know, cheers.....Sintraman

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Katt's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 05/11/2004

Dear Sintraman
<br>
<br>Thanks for that. I just found out you cannot even get a haynes manuel for it so it will defo go to local garage. In between times hubby says he'll do his best to keep on top of things with it for me. I just love the car so much. I have a disabled daughter and two sons and her wheelchair plus everything for the other two fits in nicely. It is the most comfortable car to drive that I have ever had. Been converted from Zafira lol. Will let you know how I get on and in the meantime i'll keep looking on here for all those lovely tips everyone keeps mentioning. Kat

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 04/11/2004

These comments were by J BRUNTON with reference to the RACK PROBLEM , I to have contacted Vauxhall and they did a search for me via the number plate and it appears that I was one of the lucky ones. Please read my earlier comment on this subject.
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>Unlucky! Huh!! Worse car I've ever owned! I've got a 97 Sintra 3.0 CDX auto, bought in 01 with 40K on clock. First 12 mths ok, no major problems, HOWEVER, since then it's financially drained me! It's currently in the garage having it's third steering rack fitted since Sept 02! The first time it broke when we were driving it in the South of France. The second time was due to a recall by Vauxhall in Apr 03 - then this weekend the bearings broke on the steering rack again and the whole thing is being replaced again - the only saving grace is that Vauxhall are paying for it! This is just one example - I could list more but I'd run out of space. My local garage know me on first name terms ! My recommendation - don't even think about buying a Sintra!

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 02/11/2004

Dear KATT
<br>
<br>Please dont worry so. As you can see there are more of us around than you might think and as you will see from my experience with this beast, if you have it serviced twice a year as opposed to the one you may well find that it will behave for you. I take mine to a local garage now as I have said earlier Vauxhall are 'crash bang wallop' merchants when it comes to the Sintra. As they were only around for a few years and therefore by a process of logic, the mechanics cannot have had much to do with them you see.
<br>If you have had it for a few weeks then you should be thinking about the miles it has done, above 60000 you MUST get the Cam belt done ASAP as a new engine would leave you a few quid short of £6000.
<br>££££ saved there then, get it fully serviced brakes and all, then you can begin to enjoy it as we do. It will behave if you treat it right, gentle turns when you are parking and the steering ball joints etc will be ok for years.

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Bellyv83500's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 02/11/2004

I to have just purchased an 's' reg 3.0 cdx. Very comfortable and big enough for the family. I called vauxhall re the steering rack and they stated there was never a recall on these vehicles. Can anyone clarify this? The previous keeper of my car has had it regularly serviced at vauxhall dealership but who knows what can go wrong. Hope it doesn't decide to drain the bank account.
<br>Will keep you posted as to it's condition....

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Katt's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 30/10/2004

Oh My God I wish I'd read this page of comments by you all a few weeks ago. I have owned my 3.0 cdx Sintra for only two weeks to ferry my three kids about. I hope they grow up to be mechanics as I feel I may be visiting a garage more than the seaside...My husband has gone to bed as he cannot face anymore comments about draining bank balances.

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 19/09/2004

To CROSSWIRE...........
<br>I would not advise you to get a Sintra because you are an apparent ' virgn' to these money pits. They are great dont get me wrong, but as you can see once you have one to own there is not much else you can do but throw your entire bank account at it each month and hope that it leaves you something to spend on the kids and the missus. Whilst I have the 3.0 CDX all singing and dancing one there would be somthing to be said for a diesel variety. As at the moment they are about £2000.00 more than a petrol one need I say more. If I were you Crosswire, I would get a FORD galaxy 2.3 DTi. Much better at towing than your Zafira, and bigger. Please feel free to comment back as you can see we now have quite a following here on our little page of moans and groans...HA, HA!!!

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Sintrasympathizer's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 15/09/2004

Personally, knowing now what I didn't know then, I would avoid the Sintra. Don't take this as gospel, but apparently there were only around 250 2.2 diesels brought into the UK between March 1999 and June 1999 when the Sintra was discontinued - with such rarity, you WILL pay through the nose for parts and where will you obtain independent expertise. My Sintra 3.0L is averaging 26 mpg (I have gone through the 'fun' stage and I am now seeking fuel economy at today's prices)- obviously if you are towing, you will see a drop in fuel economy....P.S. just had some latest 'trade' parts prices from my dealership for your interest. Headlamps £153 each plus VAT (just picked up 2 brand new elsewhere for £75 each + vat) Electric mirrors £105 each + vat (just picked up for £60 each elsewhere) Self levelling shock absorbers £127 each plus vat - still searching for a deal on these as no-one wants to touch them). Good luck & keep the faith.

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Crosswire's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 14/09/2004

Hi All, interesting reading.
<br>I am for my sins a Zafira owner (leased) that needs to change vehicles soon as the Zafira has an appalling towing weight (1050kg) So I need another car, and liking gadgets and gizmo's i'm looking at all sorts of cars etc, incl. the Sintra. Now I know its discontinued, but I can pick one up fairly cheapish.
<br>I need to know a few specs, as the Vauxhall dealership had no clue
<br>Diesel 2.2 CDX, what is the BHP or the power/ drivability of this vehicle like?
<br>Is it worth going for the 3.0CDX AUTO, but am put off by a possible heavy guzzler.
<br>
<br>Any comment's appreciated.

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 08/09/2004

To you ALL.....
<br>
<br>RE: My steering rack.
<br>
<br>I sent the letter to them and it was ignored as I thought, so I decided to phone them direct . This did the trick, most helpful with a number plate search of their system, and found that all was put right by someone else and that MY vehicle has no ' outstanding recall' events against it. PHEW!!!
<br>So I sit here waiting for the next review and your progress with this never ending bottomless pit called SINTRA.

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 01/09/2004

Tyclip, I am surprised to find that Top Gear were so against this car. I am still looking for the original web site where I can see the actual results from the JD POWER top gear survey, has anyone any links out there?
<br>
<br>RE: The ' letter' to Vauxhall.
<br> I have sent it to them last week and await their reply, am not holding my breath though, as I think the first letter always gets ignored. I have another one lined up and this time I will send a COPY to Director note with it, that usually does the trick.

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Twyclip's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 30/08/2004

I look forward to Vauxhall's response to Sintraman's enquiry re the steering rack problem. It is worth noting that the Sintra is U.S. built by General Motors and is marketed there as the Chevrolet Venture. The American market has taken to this vehicle and the 2005 version is now available! It was in the States that I first encountered the vehicle and the benefits of MPVs. I had hired the V6 version on holiday and was smitten with it. On my return to the UK I hired various other makes of MPV over long weekends but did not find anything to match the comfort and versatility of the GM vehicle. The fuel consumption was my only concern which was why I chose the 2.2.16V, not as luxurious and powerful but still very versatile and I average 30 mpg.
<br>
<br>I believe that the Sintra is a great car let down by it's late entry into the European market. Other makes of MPV were already well established when it was introduced and GM had probably decided that the smaller, soon to launched, Zafira would serve them better in Europe. Little wonder that Vauxhall did not make too much of a fuss about "Top Gear's" infamous review of the Sintra, they had already decided to dump it. The losers were those of us that bought the car before the programme was shown. I bought my car in Feb 99 and had considered waiting till June for the diesel version. There was no mention that vehicle was about to be discontinued, no wonder I was offered a good deal!
<br>
<br>I had done a lot of research into MPVs before making my choice, It is very disheartening that a TV progamme which seems to concentrate most of it's efforts into praising cars which few of us can afford, driven at reckless speeds, should have such a devastating effect on the ordinary motorist. The programme knocked thousands of pounds off the re-sale value of my car overnight and tarnished its image forever. Fortunately I love the car and intend to keep it.

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 26/08/2004

Yes I will keep the faith, if I get any joy from my dealership re: steering rack I will post details. The car is basically great, just these niggles that seem to be always expensive ones. I think that if it was made for more than it's three years total, maybe, just maybe the dealerships would have more idea about them and how to fix it. I would not like to be a mechanic faced with one of these when ' the car is not in a good mood ' and throwing a wobbler.

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Sintrasympathizer's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 26/08/2004

Further to my previous postings, my possible head gasket problem became actual (their second complete failure in two consecutive weeks according to my dealership). However, the timing couldn't have been better (if there is such a thing). I needed a cambelt change at 120K and a major service. So, I got it all done together for the very reasonable £1,005 (yes they did charge me the £5 including the cost for 20 screws) but in a perverse kind of way I am feeling pleased because if the timing had been different, the two other jobs would have cost me an additional £500+.......J Brunton's price of £1600 must have hurt. But, just to take the wind out of my sails, I will soon now apparently need rear shocks (expensive with a self levelling suspension). In addition, my offside headlamp lens is now misting up as well as the nearside, but in a masochistic kind of way, I am looking foward to the day that they apparently fall out (see previous posts). I do everything in my power to treat my car well, yet in continues to diss me. For all you Sintra drivers out there.........keep the faith.

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 25/08/2004

Twyclip, I am worried about this steering problem and having looked at all these problems mounting up for me in the future I am going to write personally to the Customer Service Department at Vauxhall explaining these problems and see what they say. I for one, will NOT pay for an obvious design fault and will want it done sooner than later....Sintraman

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Twyclip's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 24/08/2004

These coments make interesting reading. I have owned a 2.2 for over 5 years now, bought as a demonstrator 6 months old. Apart from changing the rear discs at 40k there have been no major problems. The car is serviced annually by a local garage, after a few bad experiences I avoid Vauxhall dealers.

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 05/08/2004

I feel for you I really do. What a car, it seems that Vauxhall don't wish to know about this car any more because it was only made for a few years, their mechanics don't know it inside out like they should. Give them a NOVA any day, mind you most of them I wouldn't trust to push my pram to market, as I have seen them on what they call a MASTERFIT weekend. They seem to rush around doing bits here and there and try to get through as much ' CARS ' as possible to get their bonus. Not good for us at the sharp end of the bill though. I had the cambelt done by a local mechanic, took 20 minutes, so where Vauxhall get £500.--+++ from is a mystery. See, they dont want to know do they. Head lamps steam up now and then but with dip beam on, as I go to the MOT station they dry out, so dont worry to much. Steering rack Ok so far , mind you I dont do hairpin turns in it after all, it is a ' wee bit big ' for that. Thanks for the info everyone, and keep writing in. go here for my review of my car so far...... http://www.carsurvey.org/review_30270.html SINTRAMAN.

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J Brunton's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 05/08/2004

Further to my comments back in January I have now got rid of my Sintra – best move ever made – I now have money in my pocket! Re yr steering rack issue, take it up with Vauxhall – after the third steering rack replacement, I was recommended to write to Vauxhall – contacted the Head of Customer Services and got a very apologetic letter back together with refund of initial cost of replacing 1st steering rack - £800 – without any arguments whatsoever – this steering rack problem is obviously a very major issue with the Sintra! What drove me to finally sell the car was the icing on the cake – the head gasket blew, total cost of repairs £1600. I don’t think I ever had a full month without some kind of problem and because of the size of the car, everything was twice as expensive and twice as complicated (even changing the battery was a major operation!). What I do miss is the comfort factor – when it was working it was a lovely drive, but I just couldn’t carry on with it not knowing when the next problem would arise!!!

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Simon4Sintra's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 03/08/2004

I've just bought a sintra 2.2 cdr reg and i have experianced everything that can go wrong, new steering rack 580.00, all new bushes in the front, new discs and pads all round, headlight fallen out, rear wiper pack up, heater fan switch only works on no5, central locking keeps going on and off on its own, spare wheel carrier fallen off, apart from this it seems all ok now its practacly a new car. If anyone can give me any clues as to the alarm and c/l as im still having a problem. also i have a deep drouning noise from the front ,aparantly by the air filter intake box, noisy when you put your foot down hard. ie to overtake?????? any help please
<br>thanx simon

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Sintrasympathizer's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 05/07/2004

sintraman,
<br>
<br>don't get me wrong, I still like my car, and generally, it's still OK. Do you get yours serviced with Vauxhall? If so, they should have written to you about the bearing(??)last spring. Inevitably, it turned out to be a bigger problem (apparently)- worth following up. Also, have you had a cambelt change yet - if not, start saving. I tried getting a few other quotes, but no-one wanted to know because of the V6 and the transverse position.........good luck.

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 02/07/2004

I am getting concerned that these problems have not yet shown there face to me at the moment, should I be afraid, very afraid yet?. Once again, I am sorry to here that you are having such a bad time of it, what is this you say about the recall for steering 2003?

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Sintrasympathizer's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 01/07/2004

I own a 1997 3.0l Sintra. Just like the other contributors, my garage knows me by my first name also. I now have 118K on it, and it has been serviced regularly. Cambelt change at 80K over £300 (Vauxhall now suggest every 40K), steering rack recall 2003, heater matrix 2004, headlamp condensation ingress from 2001, electric sunroof failure 2001 (sourced 2ndhand motor & fitted elsewhere for £300 less than Vauxhall quote). Now currently investigating possible head gasket problem. Otherwise, still generally pleased with the drive, but i's draining me financially.

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Sintraman's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 29/01/2004

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO sorry to here your tale of wooooo...!!!!!! I am most surprised to here that you have been having problems like that, it must have been a ' FRIDAY ' car perhaps.
<br>You know its FRIDAY so sod it , bang it all together and get off home.
<br>I have been happy so far and with 85000 done so far so good. Mind you if the steering goes at least I know where to take it, YOUR GARAGE as they will know these inside out by then.
<br>Sorry once again, Sintra

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J Brunton's Response to 47858_Arnie.'s Review

Written on: 29/01/2004

Unlucky! Huh!! Worse car I've ever owned! I've got a 97 Sintra 3.0 CDX auto, bought in 01 with 40K on clock. First 12 mths ok, no major problems, HOWEVER, since then it's financially drained me! It's currently in the garage having it's third steering rack fitted since Sept 02! The first time it broke when we were driving it in the South of France. The second time was due to a recall by Vauxhall in Apr 03 - then this weekend the bearings broke on the steering rack again and the whole thing is being replaced again - the only saving grace is that Vauxhall are paying for it! This is just one example - I could list more but I'd run out of space. My local garage know me on first name terms ! My recommendation - don't even think about buying a Sintra!

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