In-depth reviews

Vauxhall Agila owner reviews

“The Vauxhall Agila was an easy-to-drive supermini that offered a cheap route into motoring. Its funky looks weren’t matched by its interior quality, though.”

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by Richard Ingram

24 Feb 2016

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Carbuyer Rating

2.7 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.2 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

78%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Other (2 cases)
Brakes (2 cases)
Brakes, Gearbox / clutch (1 case)
Gearbox / clutch, Other (1 case)

Review 1 of 36

Tell us what you think about your car?

Car was bought replacing a Suzuki Ignis which had not failed in 13 years. Finding a replacement was not easy, as nothing seemed to match the original car's roominess and practicality, without entering into the "people carrier" market. The Agila easily meets that criteria and more, whilst still fundamentally hanging onto its Suzuki heritage (otherwise known as a Suzuki Splash). The raised seating position, which suddenly gives you a much better view of the world, is extremely comfortable and you kind of slide in and out, rather than collapse into your seat - great if you're not 29 any more and your bones aren't what they were. Overall, the car is a joy to drive, not the fastest, but who cares - it is what it is ! A very well engineered little hatchback with a hugely spacious interior. It's nippy, keeping up with traffic without a fuss and its 3 cylinder engine is eager and economical in the hands of experience. My only moan is the lack of a proper spare wheel, but I am going to investigate the possibility of removing the storage tray beneath the boot hatch, (which apparently few owners use) which should then provide enough depth to house a full size wheel and 185 x 60 x 15 tyre. With proper full size spare, I would have easily given this car full marks.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I own the sister model, Opel Agila, due to my location in Norway. I bought it mainly because it is small, nippy and have a raised seat position which suits my painful back very well. I just go straight in and out of the car and don't have to slide down or up. I have had no problems with the car whatsoever. Only regular service due to the 5 year warranty. This car drive surprisingly well even on twisty country roads in reasonable high speed and the seats are much better than expected from a such small car. But you have to use high revs to accelerate fast on a motorway due to the low maximum torque, which is usual with a small engine. From 60 Km/h - 80 Km/h (37 - 50 MPH) in the 2nd gear it's really fast. All in all, the car suits my needs for commuting and a trip over the mountains without any problems.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Since "ownership" vehicle has been used for various tasks including errands of mercy. Having a reliable vehicle has been great.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

I have not ahd any issues with the car since I bought it

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

no problems whatever

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Have had no problems yet

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent car for our needs

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

No problems so far

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Sometimes rough starting from cold, other than that its reliable.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

no problems since i've bought it - excellent reliability

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

IN THE 30MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR I HAVE HAD NEVER HAD ANY REASON TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERS IT HAS BEEN PERFECT

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I have never had any problems with it.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent value for money

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent performance & economy. good all round car

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

The car is cheap and cheerful and overall offers good value at this price point. The handbrake is weak - I have been in situations where it couldn't hold the car even as the single occupant - I weigh under 12 stone. On country roads sharp braking can result in extremely sketchy behaviour from the brakes to the point it sounds like the car is bottoming out. The gearbox can be difficult frequently refusing to enter gear, reverse is particularly problematic, but 3rd also refuses quite often. Performance wise the engine is willing, but only if kept at high revs where all the power is in this car. The car has an extremely small turning circle, and a light wheel, however at around 70mph the car requires constant attention to steer, and crosswinds affect this car very badly. As a result, at motorway speeds this is a tiring car to drive. The fatigue is increased by poor soundproofing both in terms of wind and engine noise. The car is quite aggressive on the outside edges of it's front tyres. Driving position is flexible and there is plenty of headroom even for tall passengers. Legroom is good considering the size of the car. The car is physically comfortable even on longer journeys. The boot is tiny - in any serious application rear seats will need to be sacrificed which is worth considering if you plan to holiday in this car. Equipment levels are crude with very few bells and whistles. The ICE is ten years behind the curve, not even featuring an audio line in, let alone sat nav or Bluetooth. Air con is present although crudely designed. Plastics are cheap throughout the car, and little attention seems to have been giving to 'feel' anywhere. Switches feel fragile, the gears feel like they are made out of cardboard, doors make me cringe when they are shut. The rev counter is ridiculous. That said the car remains a pleasant if unremarkable place to be in. The car has been reliable but I am not filled with confidence as it feels flimsy. The engine has recently developed a tapping noise under acceleration so we shall see. I have developed no emotional attachment to this car at all, unlike others. This may seem an overly negative review of the car - it isn't, it's a reality check on what can be expected from an extremely cheap car.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Just bought for the wife's journeys to and from school, impressed with the space and the high seating position to suit a short driver. Garage agreed to add a spare wheel, lift the tray out under the boot mat and there is a wheel well with a polystyrene block, take that out and hey presto a proper wheel well waiting! We had to ask having found out about the issue on a forum. Impressed by the reviews so bought it after a short test drive; thanks to all the reviewers.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

NEVER HAD TO TAKE TO DEALERS IN TIME I HAVE OWNED IT,ALSO NEVER LET ME DOWN AT ALL.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

No problems as yet

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent for what i wanted at the time in a car ie a small family car that would take 4 - 5 adults and a wheelchair. I love the low road tax - £30 this year. Not bad on petrol and handling is ok too

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

since owning this vehicle no problems

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Nothing has gone wrong

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

no problems

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

No problems since I purchased it

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

A little too new to be certain, but it performs very well to date, well up to expectations .I Like the lifetime 100.k warranty and slaters (franchised dealer) is very good too

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Bitterly disappointed. Bought the car 3 years old. Had to get a new gearbox with only 39k on the clock, a complete new exhaust system and the heat shield fell off because all the bolts underneath were rusted. Worst car I have ever had. Looking forward to getting a new car in June.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

very reliable and excellent, because of good size wheels and tyres, during recent snow falls

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

No problems so far

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Starts up and motors well even in the severest frost.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Fantastic,practical,agile,good on motorways,an all round winner

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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