CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.1 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 110
Average Price: Around £3,160

Vauxhall Zafira (2005-2014) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Lots of car for not much money	Reliability is a serious concern
Performance models are surprisingly good fun	Disappointing interior quality
Space for up to seven with clever and flexible seating	The Zafira Tourer is a better car, if you can stretch your budget

Quick Summary

The Vauxhall Zafira (2005-2014), the second generation, is an affordable seven-seater compact MPV based on the Astra platform. Stretched upwards and outwards with an extra row of seats, it offers impressive space for passengers, particularly in the middle row. The clever Flex7 independent seven-seat system allows flexible customisation, with the third row best suited for children. Boot space is tight with all seats up at 140 litres, but expands to 645 litres with the third row folded and a generous 1,820 litres with all rear seats flat. A 2008 facelift brought minor visual tweaks and enhanced safety features.

The Zafira prioritises comfort over driving excitement, offering a firm but adequate ride suitable for long motorway journeys. Engine options include 1.6, 1.8, 2.0-litre turbo, and 2.2-litre petrols, plus 1.9-litre and later 1.7-litre CDTi diesels. The post-2007 1.6-litre petrol is recommended for its balance of efficiency and practicality. The sporty VXR variant provides an exciting alternative. Running costs are low, with affordable purchase prices and cheap parts, though reliability concerns require careful pre-purchase inspection. Regular maintenance includes water pump and belt replacement every 40,000 miles and cambelt changes every six years or 100,000 miles.

Best for: Budget-conscious families needing seven-seat practicality, those seeking flexible seating arrangements, and buyers interested in the fun VXR performance variant.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising interior quality, drivers concerned about reliability without professional inspection, or those seeking a more refined alternative like the Zafira Tourer.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Zafira if: You need seven-seat practicality on a tight budget, value flexible seating arrangements, or want an affordable performance option with the VXR variant.

Consider alternatives if: Interior quality is important, you're concerned about reliability without professional inspection, or you can stretch your budget for the superior Zafira Tourer.

Competitive Position: The Vauxhall Zafira (2005-2014) offers exceptional value as a seven-seater, delivering impressive space and clever seating flexibility at an affordable price. However, reliability concerns and disappointing interior quality place it below rivals like the Ford S-Max and newer alternatives. Its low purchase price and cheap running costs make it attractive for budget-conscious families, but thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential. The fun VXR variant provides an unusual performance option, whilst the Zafira Tourer represents a superior alternative if budget allows.

Read our full Vauxhall Zafira Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.