We got the Renault trafic 115bhp single turbo model and it goes well. Very quiet. Worth noting the Renault comes with 4 year warranty instead of 3 on many other vans. The single turbo has a bit of lag from very low revs but has a very reassuring kick up the arse.
Just bought myself a 2016 CDTi model to convert to a camper, I agree with all of the things you have pointed out in this review. I must add though, this is a joy to drive, there is so much torque even in the single turbo models, they can almost accelerate as well as BMWs and Audis in 2nd and 3rd - sometimes even 4th - up the steepest of hills. An amazing amount of power from just a 1.6. Regarding your comment about the black dust trap, I think the sportive is aimed more at the conversion / custom market, which wont involve too much in the way of masonry or plaster dust to mess up our shiny black interiors ;) Two problems I have experienced so far are: 1: The front fog bulbs in mine are listed WRONG on practically every database, (including Vauxhalls own) so remove them first and check them if you are thinking of replacing with some xenons or LEDs. Halfords doesn't even stock the correct ones so can't even order them in, their advice was to buy online, but all the ones online are listed as wrong too. 2: The fold out cup holder in the middle of the dashboard would be perfect, if it wasn't slightly too small to hold anything useful. Which means I have to fold the back of the middle seat down, which has the only perfectly sized cup holder in the back of it. What is it with Vauxhall and inconsistent sizes of things? Still, great vehicle and lots of fun.
Nice review. I have a 2015 Vivaro in Black with 55000 miles now as we travel all over the UK. I have had several issues, including the common radio, a clutch sticking issue from new, where the clutch sometimes stuck to the floor. This was a faulty clutch cylinder and fixed under warranty on my last service. Also door handles coming off in your hand due to a really poor design. Sliding door coming off it's rails. (vauxhall said this was also common issue) My business specialises in Restoring Caravans and Motorhomes, and my customers expect to see my van looking perfect. So i've ended up spending a fortune on paintwork, colour coding everything that wasn't painted, but also having the full front end painted due to 100s of stone chips. (My old 2006 Vivaro with 300k when I sold it, had a fraction of the amount of chips) Other than this, I am happy with my Vivaro, and put the faults down to poor designs and the fact vans are maybe not built as good as they used to be.
nice review great to get a real honest one. I am thinking about this model in crew cab format, also checked out Ford Transit Custom Limited which is far more expensive. looking for good reliability and reasonable performance for long distance and everyday driving.
Hi there. They are Stilauto SR1900. The size is 18 x 8 and the tyres are 235/50/18 Nexen N8000 which have been really good. I was dissapointed with the wheels as after only 12 months the clear coat laquer had started to breakdown causing it to bubble. I need to get them refurbed really. Cheers.
Nice van, just bought the 120 Sport Renault Trafic, liking the side rails, not too keen on those wheels. I had an 2005 Trafic for 6 years, never let me down. Fingers crossed for my new one. Comes next week. Nice video.
DrummerOnTwoWheels Cheers mate. Wheels were all that was available when I got the van, and they have since been replaced. Good luck with your van. They are great and mine is nearly 3 years old and I've not had a single problem with it.
DrummerOnTwoWheels Hi mate. I can do but they were for a lwb which I cut down and modified to mount the front mudflaps to. ( as the genuine front mudflaps are a joke ).
No alarm. Theft from vans climbing and they don’t fit a alarm!!! Typical attitude of most manufacturers that don’t care about you after the money changes hands. Great honest review. I’m looking at them now and going from a lwb movano.
Hi Mark. The factory security on most vans now is appalling. This particular van can be got into via the rear door in seconds with a sharpened screwdriver. I got an aftermarket alarm fitted and some secret internal bolts. It's over 6 years old now and has been awesome. No problems and gets about 38mpg. Good luck.👍
Hi there. No !. There was a little too much chrome for me so I put some black wrap on. I left one chrome as it lines up nicely with the chrome detail in the head lamp unit. Cheers.
OH,forgot to mention that since 2011.....I only did oil change,filters and tyres,it has 84.000 km,and all the rest is stock,brakes and pads included......
Hi just waiting for my delivery of the 145 ps the same as yours ! They tried to changed my mind as they had loads of 125ps in stock ! Is the extra ps worth the wait ? Cheers mark
Mark Turner Hi. Its only an extra 18ps so you wont be leaving a 125ps for dead in a drag race !!. Having said that, I drove both before I bought mine and the extra 18ps is the difference between ok acceleration and nippy acceleration. I have had a bluefin remap to 160ps and it makes the van really smooth to drive. Good luck with your new van. 😎
Nice review. Driving mine at night for the first time and noticed that the cruise control and window switches don't light up. Are yours the same. Seems a bit weird .
Thanks for the reply. Yeah the cruise control is good in the day light but not so great when your fishing around for it at night. Do you notice a change in heater fan speed when driving? I think it may be something to do with the smart alternator changing the voltage.
Goo video mate. I'm going to pick up a Vivaro Sortive Biturbo in Jan 18 to use as a surf van / motorcycle track transport. What sort of money will they be by then? Say a 2015 with 60,000 on it? Thanks
Horizon Rider Hi. Thats a really difficult question to answer !. I should imagine that a Biturbo model with that sort of milage will be sub £10k but really depends on condition. Most vans have a hard life and there wont be many like around like mine that have been cherished from new. My 07 plate that I had for 8 years from new didn't have a single scratch on it and consequently I got much better money for it when I sold it. Cheers.
hey up mate thanks for the review. do you have the flexi cargo feature? I was hoping to find out if it would fit 3m lengths of trunking, unistrut conduit. pipe etc?
Hi. If you mean the trap door in the bulk head under the passenger seat, then yes, you can 3m in there no problem. To be honest, my van is short wheel base but its about 120mm longer than my old one and I can fit 3m lengths of plastic pipe diagonally in the back.
d2cdl that's awesome I have a Vauxhall combo at present and it's interesting to try and fit galv pipe in to say the least and getting the wholesalers to deliver is a pain. definitely worth a look plus they look so cool
Nice review man. Hopefully buying a new van in January. Really don't know what to go for, VW Transporter or one of the 4 like yours. Have you ever owned/ran a Transporter?
Hey bud !!. I've always had VW Transporters since the mid 90's and found them very good and only a little more expensive than other vans. Unfortunately I had a new T5 back in 2003 and it was an absolute nightmare compared to the previous T4. Constant breakdowns and 22 warranty repairs in first 3 years. Couldn't wait to get shot of it in exchange for an new Vivaro which was FAULTLESS for 8 years. On On the strength of that I bought this one. I did look at going back to VW, but thier prices are now RIDICULOUS !. Got this Vivaro for 12k less than the equivalent Transporter. ( yes they are not built the same ). Fingers crossed this one will do as well as my last Vauxhall. Cheers.
+d2cdl Hey, thanks very much for the reply. Yes the price difference is quite a lot. I have test drove the Renault Trafic ( New Model, same as yours) and have to say they are smooth and quite and powerful. I only need a short wheel base as I'm not a trades man, I'm a musician and honestly unless it was a complete heap of crap, any new van would likely last me a long long time. I would be easy on a van and it would have an easy life, which is why I think the Transporter would be a treat to myself.
It's just turned 8 years old Mark, and it's been absolutely faultless👍Admittedly, I've only done 65k miles, but it carries about 500kg of kit all the time and still returns 36mpg👊 Everything is wearing well, and it's still in cracking condition😎Thanks for your comment bud 👌
I don't understand why manufacturers don't angle the centre console towards to driver like the original Ford Sierra had. They could even make it adjustable so you could select your own position.
Hi there. Only done around 40k so not big miles. I've had no real issues with it, and I haven't read many horror storys either. Not sure about cambelt/chain. Cheers.
Stephen Cowell Hi there. I cant quite remember who I bought them from. I think it was Car Seat Covers Online and they were about £100. I think there is quite more suppliers to choose from now. Cheers.
I have the 2016 traffic plus 120 twin turbo and all the little irritations on your Vauxhall are present on the Renault I think the DNA is very similar if not identical on both vans the driving experience is very good build quality is lacking compared to VW transporter
Hi there. The wheels are Stilauto SR1900 but they corroded within a year so I'd avoid them. The side bars were off a LWB which I cut down and modified to be able to mount front mudflaps to as the genuine front flaps are pathetic.
d2cdl thank for replying, I’ve just bought this van myself, I found some side bars with steps and Vauxhall have given my there mud flaps for free lol have you changed yours? Are you planning to do an update so we can see how your still getting on and also how the van is holding up? I’ve found a spoiler to go on the back for mine
Not a builder but work in the construction industry. It is quite a task trying to keep a van clean and dent free when, as you say, most people treat vans like trash.
very anoying that bluetooth. when stop working just delete connexion. next second will try to pair with your device automatically. It will work again for few days
I own a 2l CDTI from 2011,man your interior looks like shit,did you cover it with some sort of loose fabric????,plus can't believe the arm rest does not'click'to your liking.....!!!!...I installed an on/off power box(167 hp) a torque monster!!!!!on dyno,,, with 17 rims and 215 tyres,and I would not change for the newest models,heard to many probs with electronics,many call backs to the dealers here in France....
AVOID AVOID Mine was a piece of 💩 bought it a 2017 model with 40k miles on it still with 6months vauxhall warranty left on it. Vauxhall (Charles hurst) didn't what to know just ran the warranty down then were looking to charge me for fixing a fault they hadn't fixed in 6months and 4 separate visits to them. Engine management light was on longer than it was off never again
Nice looking van, good video it's good to here from actual owners who have used it for some time. You've covered the seats sign of a caring owner😊
Top Review!! Good to see proper real world review
love this van!!! i use it for work! so nippy!
600+ miles per tank too!!!
Thanks for the review. It is useful because I am a builder looking to buy new van.
this came up on autoplay after your reveiw haha
We got the Renault trafic 115bhp single turbo model and it goes well. Very quiet. Worth noting the Renault comes with 4 year warranty instead of 3 on many other vans.
The single turbo has a bit of lag from very low revs but has a very reassuring kick up the arse.
That's not bad
I'll keep you posted !
Mine was ordered today and is expected within 10 weeks
Thanks for you info
Cheers Mark turner
Just bought myself a 2016 CDTi model to convert to a camper, I agree with all of the things you have pointed out in this review. I must add though, this is a joy to drive, there is so much torque even in the single turbo models, they can almost accelerate as well as BMWs and Audis in 2nd and 3rd - sometimes even 4th - up the steepest of hills. An amazing amount of power from just a 1.6.
Regarding your comment about the black dust trap, I think the sportive is aimed more at the conversion / custom market, which wont involve too much in the way of masonry or plaster dust to mess up our shiny black interiors ;)
Two problems I have experienced so far are:
1: The front fog bulbs in mine are listed WRONG on practically every database, (including Vauxhalls own) so remove them first and check them if you are thinking of replacing with some xenons or LEDs. Halfords doesn't even stock the correct ones so can't even order them in, their advice was to buy online, but all the ones online are listed as wrong too.
2: The fold out cup holder in the middle of the dashboard would be perfect, if it wasn't slightly too small to hold anything useful. Which means I have to fold the back of the middle seat down, which has the only perfectly sized cup holder in the back of it. What is it with Vauxhall and inconsistent sizes of things?
Still, great vehicle and lots of fun.
Nice review. I have a 2015 Vivaro in Black with 55000 miles now as we travel all over the UK. I have had several issues, including the common radio, a clutch sticking issue from new, where the clutch sometimes stuck to the floor. This was a faulty clutch cylinder and fixed under warranty on my last service. Also door handles coming off in your hand due to a really poor design. Sliding door coming off it's rails. (vauxhall said this was also common issue) My business specialises in Restoring Caravans and Motorhomes, and my customers expect to see my van looking perfect. So i've ended up spending a fortune on paintwork, colour coding everything that wasn't painted, but also having the full front end painted due to 100s of stone chips. (My old 2006 Vivaro with 300k when I sold it, had a fraction of the amount of chips) Other than this, I am happy with my Vivaro, and put the faults down to poor designs and the fact vans are maybe not built as good as they used to be.
Excellent honest review, thanks Peter from Rushden NN10
nice review great to get a real honest one. I am thinking about this model in crew cab format, also checked out Ford Transit Custom Limited which is far more expensive. looking for good reliability and reasonable performance for long distance and everyday driving.
Hi there. They are Stilauto SR1900.
The size is 18 x 8 and the tyres are 235/50/18 Nexen N8000 which have been really good. I was dissapointed with the wheels as after only 12 months the clear coat laquer had started to breakdown causing it to bubble. I need to get them refurbed really. Cheers.
That's great !
My van is always half loaded with tools etc .
So hopefully the extra 18ps will make the difference
Mark Turner My van is always half loaded and goes great and returns about 35mpg.
Nice van, just bought the 120 Sport Renault Trafic, liking the side rails, not too keen on those wheels. I had an 2005 Trafic for 6 years, never let me down. Fingers crossed for my new one. Comes next week. Nice video.
DrummerOnTwoWheels Cheers mate. Wheels were all that was available when I got the van, and they have since been replaced. Good luck with your van. They are great and mine is nearly 3 years old and I've not had a single problem with it.
d2cdl can you send me a link for those side rails?
DrummerOnTwoWheels Hi mate. I can do but they were for a lwb which I cut down and modified to mount the front mudflaps to. ( as the genuine front mudflaps are a joke ).
Agree about the arm rest...mine slopes downward so it isn't particularly comfortable
No alarm. Theft from vans climbing and they don’t fit a alarm!!! Typical attitude of most manufacturers that don’t care about you after the money changes hands.
Great honest review. I’m looking at them now and going from a lwb movano.
Hi Mark. The factory security on most vans now is appalling. This particular van can be got into via the rear door in seconds with a sharpened screwdriver. I got an aftermarket alarm fitted and some secret internal bolts. It's over 6 years old now and has been awesome. No problems and gets about 38mpg. Good luck.👍
dude i had a 2007 sportive for 7 years, its never let me down, just upgraded to the same model 2016
Thats cool !. As I said in the review I hope this one serves me as well as my old one did.
Cheers.
I just had a shrimp paste sandwich.
Shippams?
I have this same issue on my radio some time but is not bad i just turn of and on Bluetooth and is work fine for me
Totally agree with all the niggles especially the arm rest not adjusting but thanks for the video
Nice Video ! nice Wheels, what is the brandt?
Side panels deserve a custom paint job :D
Hi there where you get yours seat cover I have this same model are you have nice review
Nice van, I'm picking one up next month. Is the front grille standard with just the chrome removed or is that the way it came. Cheers
Hi there. No !. There was a little too much chrome for me so I put some black wrap on. I left one chrome as it lines up nicely with the chrome detail in the head lamp unit. Cheers.
OH,forgot to mention that since 2011.....I only did oil change,filters and tyres,it has 84.000 km,and all the rest is stock,brakes and pads included......
Hi just waiting for my delivery of the 145 ps the same as yours !
They tried to changed my mind as they had loads of 125ps in stock !
Is the extra ps worth the wait ?
Cheers mark
Mark Turner Hi. Its only an extra 18ps so you wont be leaving a 125ps for dead in a drag race !!. Having said that, I drove both before I bought mine and the extra 18ps is the difference between ok acceleration and nippy acceleration. I have had a bluefin remap to 160ps and it makes the van really smooth to drive. Good luck with your new van. 😎
Nice review. Driving mine at night for the first time and noticed that the cruise control and window switches don't light up. Are yours the same. Seems a bit weird
.
Fin 032 Yeah, same here. No illumination on those switches. Cruise is great otherwise. Cheers.
Thanks for the reply. Yeah the cruise control is good in the day light but not so great when your fishing around for it at night. Do you notice a change in heater fan speed when driving? I think it may be something to do with the smart alternator changing the voltage.
Fin 032 Yes I do notice the fan speed changing. Probably the smart charging system as you say.
Goo video mate. I'm going to pick up a Vivaro Sortive Biturbo in Jan 18 to use as a surf van / motorcycle track transport. What sort of money will they be by then? Say a 2015 with 60,000 on it? Thanks
Horizon Rider Hi. Thats a really difficult question to answer !. I should imagine that a Biturbo model with that sort of milage will be sub £10k but really depends on condition. Most vans have a hard life and there wont be many like around like mine that have been cherished from new. My 07 plate that I had for 8 years from new didn't have a single scratch on it and consequently I got much better money for it when I sold it. Cheers.
hey up mate thanks for the review. do you have the flexi cargo feature? I was hoping to find out if it would fit 3m lengths of trunking, unistrut conduit. pipe etc?
Hi. If you mean the trap door in the bulk head under the passenger seat, then yes, you can 3m in there no problem. To be honest, my van is short wheel base but its about 120mm longer than my old one and I can fit 3m lengths of plastic pipe diagonally in the back.
d2cdl that's awesome I have a Vauxhall combo at present and it's interesting to try and fit galv pipe in to say the least and getting the wholesalers to deliver is a pain. definitely worth a look plus they look so cool
Have you still got this van I’d love to buy it please
Nice review man.
Hopefully buying a new van in January.
Really don't know what to go for, VW Transporter or one of the 4 like yours.
Have you ever owned/ran a Transporter?
Hey bud !!.
I've always had VW Transporters since the mid 90's and found them very good and only a little more expensive than other vans. Unfortunately I had a new T5 back in 2003 and it was an absolute nightmare compared to the previous T4. Constant breakdowns and 22 warranty repairs in first 3 years. Couldn't wait to get shot of it in exchange for an new Vivaro which was FAULTLESS for 8 years. On On the strength of that I bought this one. I did look at going back to VW, but thier prices are now RIDICULOUS !. Got this Vivaro for 12k less than the equivalent Transporter. ( yes they are not built the same ). Fingers crossed this one will do as well as my last Vauxhall. Cheers.
+d2cdl Hey, thanks very much for the reply.
Yes the price difference is quite a lot.
I have test drove the Renault Trafic ( New Model, same as yours) and have to say they are smooth and quite and powerful.
I only need a short wheel base as I'm not a trades man, I'm a musician and honestly unless it was a complete heap of crap, any new van would likely last me a long long time. I would be easy on a van and it would have an easy life, which is why I think the Transporter would be a treat to myself.
Love the video
How did you get on with the van many problems ?🤔
Very smart looking van by the way 🔥
It's just turned 8 years old Mark, and it's been absolutely faultless👍Admittedly, I've only done 65k miles, but it carries about 500kg of kit all the time and still returns 36mpg👊 Everything is wearing well, and it's still in cracking condition😎Thanks for your comment bud 👌
I don't understand why manufacturers don't angle the centre console towards to driver like the original Ford Sierra had. They could even make it adjustable so you could select your own position.
🤘😎🤘
Cheers Wayne👊
What mileage you on now mate,do these have chain or belts on the cam,is there any known issues with these,looking at getting a van soon
Hi there. Only done around 40k so not big miles. I've had no real issues with it, and I haven't read many horror storys either. Not sure about cambelt/chain. Cheers.
Think there's a little thumb turn underneath to alter height on armrest
Alas Gary, there is no way of adjusting it on my van😬
This guy sounds like the Tall carpenter
hi
can you tell me where you got the seat covers with the arm rest cover from
cheers
Stephen Cowell
Hi there. I cant quite remember who I bought them from. I think it was Car Seat Covers Online and they were about £100. I think there is quite more suppliers to choose from now. Cheers.
thanks
I have the 2016 traffic plus 120 twin turbo and all the little irritations on your Vauxhall are present on the Renault I think the DNA is very similar if not identical on both vans the driving experience is very good build quality is lacking compared to VW transporter
Where did you get those wheels and side bars.?
Hi there. The wheels are Stilauto SR1900 but they corroded within a year so I'd avoid them. The side bars were off a LWB which I cut down and modified to be able to mount front mudflaps to as the genuine front flaps are pathetic.
d2cdl thank for replying, I’ve just bought this van myself, I found some side bars with steps and Vauxhall have given my there mud flaps for free lol have you changed yours? Are you planning to do an update so we can see how your still getting on and also how the van is holding up? I’ve found a spoiler to go on the back for mine
Man Stuff
Hi what size alloys and tires have you on it?
Thinking of getting some on mine aswell
Cheers
Hi mate just wondering if you still have the van and are still happy with it. I. Looking at maybe getting 1 thanks 👍
Hi there. Yes I still have the van, and I am very happy with it. Had no issues with it and the mpg seems to be getting better and better. (38mpg).
Thanks mate for the fast response. That's great to hear about the van, 👍
what size and brand are those alloys as they look great....
What size and make of alloys are they
Hi there. I have put that a bit further down the comments. Cheers.
I'm a plasterer and i have this van
Fascinating information. I'll make sure I inform everyone in my street.
You are a builder...most builders vans I have seen are like skips on wheels.
Not a builder but work in the construction industry. It is quite a task trying to keep a van clean and dent free when, as you say, most people treat vans like trash.
very anoying that bluetooth. when stop working just delete connexion. next second will try to pair with your device automatically. It will work again for few days
I don't know what to say.
I own a 2l CDTI from 2011,man your interior looks like shit,did you cover it with some sort of loose fabric????,plus can't believe the arm rest does not'click'to your liking.....!!!!...I installed an on/off power box(167 hp) a torque monster!!!!!on dyno,,, with 17 rims and 215 tyres,and I would not change for the newest models,heard to many probs with electronics,many call backs to the dealers here in France....
Watsap
AVOID AVOID Mine was a piece of 💩 bought it a 2017 model with 40k miles on it still with 6months vauxhall warranty left on it. Vauxhall (Charles hurst) didn't what to know just ran the warranty down then were looking to charge me for fixing a fault they hadn't fixed in 6months and 4 separate visits to them. Engine management light was on longer than it was off never again