Vauxhall Sintra 2.2i Review

Good Points
This is an ideal MPV for someone who needs to transport seven adults and a couple of cases in comfort. Also has roof storage capabilities. It is fast, powerful, economical to run (30mpg) and has very good road holding. Also has excellent tight turning circle - better than many cars!
The 2.2i Vauxhall engine is a very reliable lump and any parts for it are easy to get . Also most garages and engineers who are familiar with other Vauxhall models can deal with servicing and engine problems.

Bad Points
It has some very unusual inherent faults that are more of a nuisance than a problem - except if you need to pay someone to get them fixed!
Front of headlight falls off due to poor glue! Engine revs and falls on idle, Interior light covers break off. Minor electrical faults can affect C/L and Alarm.
Also the main dealers (Vauxhall) have "disowned" this vehicle due to poor sales (only 3000 sold in theUK!) and some spares are hard to find, expensive and need to be oredered.

General Comments
The Vauxhall Sintra is essentially a rebadged Chevrolet Venturer, brought out to compete with the Chrysler Voyager. Dropped by Vauxhall in favour of the smaller and less versatile, Zafira. After over two years of ownership I have now got my 2.2L running okay Initially I had lots of aggro, including front of headlight falling off, faulty coil pack, duff leads, dodgy wipers, noisy wheel bearing, noisy drive belt pulley, C/L problems etc, All fairly minor and some possibly due to wear and tear, but all annoying, and the Vauxhall headlamp costs about £140! Luckily I got one from a breaker for £70. The wheel bearing is also very expensive (about £300) from the main dealers, but I managed to get a pattern one from Lea Valley Motors. I am now having real problems trying to find someone who can supply an exhaust! All High Street suppliers (Kwikfit. F1, Uncle Toms etc) do not even list it! Tried Blackrun's suggested exhaust.co.uk but this just goes to a general list of adverts for UK exhaust suppliers. I'm now getting a bit worried! as I might have to scrap the car if it fails its MOT on the exhaust!