Why is the Zafira such a bargain?

[Leicesterdave]

... especially compared to an S max.

Sure they're MPV's and not very exciting but for the family bus I am very tempted by the latest Zafira. They're literally half the price of an S max when 3 years old!

What's the reason???

[Jag_NE]

Used Vauxhall’s have been cracking value for years.

[carlove]

I think mainly because it’s Vauxhall, they depreciate quicker than fords. I chose an Astra as it was cheaper, better equipped, more refined and comfortable (if less fun) than a focus. Never regretted that decision, in three years and 60k miles it’s never cost more than routine maintenance.

I’d try them both, i don’t have experience with people carriers but personally I don’t regret choosing Vauxhall over Ford at all.

[Countdown]

The difference between a Zafira and an SMAx is chalk and cheese in terms of driving. Im a fan of the Zafira as (IMO) it's reasonable good value motoring but the SMax is a different class. It's bigger, nicer looking, a better drive.....

[Fastpedeller]

Didn't a lot of them catch fire?

[Leicesterdave]

Fastpedeller said:

Didn't a lot of them catch fire?

The old model did.

A 17 plate with under 20,000 miles can be had for £8,000! Don't wish to sounds like a salesman but that is incredibly cheap for family transport!

I fully admit that the S-Max looks nicer, drives better (but really in an MPV does it really matter) and perhaps has better interior plastics but is it worth twice the price for the same age and mileage? Definitely not!

[castex]

Daddy, Daddy Cool.

[ZX10R NIN]

They're a very good MPV but the Vauxhall badge hurts these so that's why they're good value.

[jimmytheone]

Leicesterdave said:

Fastpedeller said:

Didn't a lot of them catch fire?

The old model did.

A 17 plate with under 20,000 miles can be had for £8,000! Don't wish to sounds like a salesman but that is incredibly cheap for family transport!

I fully admit that the S-Max looks nicer, drives better (but really in an MPV does it really matter) and perhaps has better interior plastics but is it worth twice the price for the same age and mileage? Definitely not!

"but really in an MPV does it really matter"
Yes - if you're going to be stuck driving a bus it might as well be a (vaguely interesting) bus.
If all it will ever do is the school run/shopping/tip then fair enough but if you ever have to drive anywhere further then might as well get a decent drive out of it (price notwithstanding)

[Tim330]

I hired a 2019 zafira tourer in Lanzarote last year and I was quite impressed by its luggage capacity (had our six month old at the time daughter with us and all associated kit)and general driving. It was the 1.4 turbo petrol which went up and down the hills fine.

[MrGTI6]

Used Zafira Tourers are fantastic value, probably due to a combination of the lack of badge status and the fact that MPVs are out of fashion. Not my cup of tea, but very good and extremely underrated cars.

[anonymous-user]

Chav / scummy image, wrong badge.

Any low income areas have a multitude of barried Zafiras strewn across the pavement / road.

Why would you do it to yourself? Frequently driven by angry failed at life Dads.

[Welshbeef]

Well it’s compared to an S Max when it’s a notably smaller car width height and length.

It should be compared vs the B/C max.

[fflump]

If you need 7 seats (i.e. need the Zafira Tourer) they are a cheap (if depressing) mode of transport.

[Welshbeef]

fflump said:

If you need 7 seats (i.e. need the Zafira Tourer) they are a cheap (if depressing) mode of transport.

Sorry if you need a 7 seater - we do abs have done for 4 years.

An S max does the job. A galaxy even better.

A Zafira is a notably smaller car less cubby holes

[fflump]

Welshbeef said:

Sorry if you need a 7 seater - we do abs have done for 4 years.

An S max does the job. A galaxy even better.

A Zafira is a notably smaller car less cubby holes

Sure they do the job but as the OP said they are a lot more expensive.
No MPV is worth buying if you like driving and have under 4 kids/dependents to ship round on a regular basis.

[Welshbeef]

fflump said:

Sure they do the job but as the OP said they are a lot more expensive.
No MPV is worth buying if you like driving and have under 4 kids/dependents to ship round on a regular basis.

Not true the S Max is actually a very good steer - which is what on launch the motoring jurnos picked up on.


I don’t get your second point. If you have a big family you have to have an MPV they don’t fit in anything less so it is worth buying as otherwise you’d not be able to transport. Daft point trying to be made really

[fflump]

Welshbeef said:

fflump said:

Sure they do the job but as the OP said they are a lot more expensive.
No MPV is worth buying if you like driving and have under 4 kids/dependents to ship round on a regular basis.

Not true the S Max is actually a very good steer - which is what on launch the motoring jurnos picked up on.


I don’t get your second point. If you have a big family you have to have an MPV they don’t fit in anything less so it is worth buying as otherwise you’d not be able to transport. Daft point trying to be made really

Maybe I can explain it in simpler terms. If you have under 4 kids/dependents (under 4 means 3 or less by the way) then an MPV is pointless if you like driving. I'm struggling to make it any simpler. If you have 4 kids and like driving then a 7 seater estate like an E-Class will be a better drive. The S Max may well be better to drive than other MPVs, but that is damning with faint praise. And as for citing motoring journos opinions-firstly they are not the font of all knowledge, secondly they are likely to be comparing to cars in the same class (i.e MPVs) and thirdly those that cite said opinions usually own the car in question. You own an S-max?

[littlebasher]

Bit of a reputation for being 'council', possibly well earned

And as already mentioned, smaller than a S-Max and infinitely less comfortable

[Leicesterdave]

littlebasher said:

Bit of a reputation for being 'council', possibly well earned

And as already mentioned, smaller than a S-Max and infinitely less comfortable

They definitely are more than a bit 'council'. But I really couldn't ignore that price, it really is down to that, as said previously the S-Max isn't twice the car.

The reviews also seem to confirm this- there is no doubt that the S-Max is the better car, but pound for pound the Zafira is hard to beat. And if we look a bit council in it well so be it, I'd like to think people would judge me on more than the car I drive.

The other car we have is a MK3 TT- which is another can of worms image-wise! I say just sod it!!!!!