THE second-generation Vauxhall Zafira had a massive task on its hands when it arrived in dealerships back in July 2005. Its predecessor had established a template for clever seven-seat mini-MPVs, one which rival manufacturers were scrabbling to emulate and improve upon.
Bigger and better finished than before, the Mk II Zafira moved the car upmarket and onto the shortlists of a whole new group of buyers and as a used vehicle it's well worth a look. Zafiras have always held their value better than most mainstream rivals.
It's probably worth double checking before you travel to view a car that it really is a second-generation model as many of the model names carried over from first- to second-generation versions and there are still many sellers of earlier cars asking fairly unrealistic prices.
The Mk II Zafira has few major problems and the Astra mechanicals upon which it is based have proven themselves to be ostensibly trouble-free.
As with any car that is used to transport families, check for damage wreaked by youngsters, including broken fittings, rips or stains on the upholstery and scratched plastics.
The Zafira rapidly became the benchmark mini-MPV in its original iteration and it remains so today. Other manufacturers offer bigger or sportier people carriers but the brand equity built up by Vauxhall is still reaping big rewards. A CDTi diesel model would be the best pick.
