The British magazine Auto Express announced the results of a survey of satisfaction with the use of specific car models some time ago. The British stated that the Vauxhall Corsa C is one of the worst models.
It came in 139 out of 150. In several countries, opinions about Vauxhall are also not the best. Is Vauxhall Corsa C a bad car? Today we will get to know such a car with the 1.3 CDTI engine.
The Vauxhall Corsa C made its debut in 2000 as the successor to the Corsa B. The problem is that the car has not changed significantly compared to its predecessor. At least visually, because it’s practically a new car.
A completely new floor pan with a 45 mm longer wheelbase has been used, the interior has been redesigned, equipment has been added, but the luggage compartment, for example, lost 20 liters of capacity. Its capacity is 260 liters.
Unfortunately, new did not mean anything attractive. The cockpit is painfully boring, and even the richly equipped examples simply have an old-fashioned wall engine on the center console. The big steering wheel is also not very pretty.
The design of the car did not differ from the competition of that time and from today’s point of view it seems timeless, but unfortunately it does not differ from the previous Corsa.
However, the Corsa C is not without advantages. One of them is a nice spaciousness, even in the back seat. Another advantage is the comfortable tuning of the chassis, which, on the other hand, is not suitable for high-speed driving.
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Vauxhall Corsa C 1.3 CDTI Construction
Vauxhall Corsa C, despite numerous changes compared to its predecessor, still remains a simple design. The front suspension rests on an uncomplicated MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar and a triangular wishbone, and the rear has a straight torsion beam separated by mounted shock absorbers and springs.
Vauxhall Corsa C 1.3 CDTI Engine
The Corsa is equipped with a wide range of powertrains. The smallest engine is the not very successful 1.0 L engine from the beginning of the downsizing period.
This three-cylinder engine does not sin with a working culture and gives only 58 HP. A 1.2-liter 75 HP engine will be a much better choice, and a 1.4-liter 90 HP engine is even better.
Diesel enthusiasts could choose between the modern and modest 1.3 CDTI engine, which is the subject of this article, and the larger engine jointly developed with the Isuzu 1.7 DTI or CDTI. The difference between these engines is that C in the name means Common Rail injection.
Vauxhall also offered more powerful engines such as 1.8 l with 125 HP and in the OPC 1.6 turbo version with 175 HP.
What’s Most Common Faults On Vauxhall Corsa C 1.3 CDTI?
- We will start with the engine, because it is the only component in the car that can cause more (read more expensive) problems. It is no secret that under the Vauxhall label CDTI there is a Fiat technique called Multijet. This engine made its market debut in 2003, so it did not hit the Corsa’s bonnet until a year after its 2003 facelift. It is an engine already built according to the downsizing concept, with Common Rail injection and, in some versions, with a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.
- However, Vauxhall got a simple 70-horsepower version, generating 170 Nm of torque, which was the highest value in the entire engine range, apart from the OPC.
- The 1.3 CDTI engine delivers average fuel consumption of 4.5-5 l / 100 km, which is quite easy to achieve. Interestingly, at the time, the diesel particulate filter was an option for this engine, but not available on the Vauxhall Corsa. Theoretically, the engine should not cause major problems and is indeed a very successful design, provided that the engine is not worn out and has not been tortured.
- The 1.3 CDTI is a good alternative to a petrol engine for the city, but with such operation, the turbocharger requires a bit of care and, above all, regular oil changes. The manufacturer assumed a change every 20,000. km, which is a bit too much mileage. No wonder then that a lot of engines just wear out and consume more oil. You have to control its level.
- Unfortunately, the lubrication system has a capacity of only 3.2 liters, and its design means that even small losses can be fatal. That is why many engines with a mileage of approx. 200,000 km may already be quite worn out.
- Driving with low oil levels, especially in the city, is also a nightmare for the chain-driven timing system, which can get pulled out and make noise. It is better to react to it in advance by replacing the whole set. Theoretically, the chain should last the entire life of the car, but it can actually be replaced at 100,000-150,000. km mileage.
- The clutch is also delicate, as it does not work with the mass flywheel in this case. And perhaps that is why it can wear out quickly when driving mishandled, especially more dynamically. Interestingly, the component is quite expensive and does not withstand more power than the manufacturer gave.
- Problems can be caused by the EGR valve, which has often been plugged without adversely affecting engine performance. You need to tune the ECU. The injection system is durable, but only up to certain limits.
- With high mileage, it will need to be regenerated. The injector leaks first. There are also cold start problems and power drops, but this is most often the fault of the glow plugs or the flow meter.
- Apart from the engines, the Corsa C is a trouble-free car. Electricity troubles are sporadic and you cannot complain about it. Corrosion is not as much of a problem as in previous generations, but older, longer standing outdoors, as well as collisions may show signs of rust.
- The suspension is durable, unfortunately the steering gear is not. May require regeneration before 100,000 km mileage. Virtually nothing happens to the running gear except normal wear and tear.
Vauxhall Corsa C 1.3 CDTI Operating costs
Considering the fact that the engine burns a small amount of fuel, and is also very small, the operating costs are low. However, they will be influenced by the technical condition of the engine.
High mileage or intensive use in the city by the previous owner may mean that the engine will have to be rescued many times.
So it’s best to buy this version with low mileage, even if you have to pay extra $450 to $675 or much cheaper with a damaged engine, with the intention of replacing it.
At the same time, the cheapest cars should be avoided, as they are usually neglected or have hidden defects.
Vauxhall Corsa C 1.3 CDTI Parts prices and availability
The parts for the 1.3 CDTI engine will of course be quite expensive compared to the petrol engines, but there is no disaster. The only thing that can cost dearly is the regeneration of the injectors and the turbocharger, but there is no tragedy here either.
Repair of the running gear and braking system will be cheap. The beam remains virtually maintenance-free, and even if it is necessary to replace shock absorbers or springs, the costs will not be large. The front is also cheap.
In the swingarm, each bushing and pin can be replaced separately. Also, the regeneration of the steering gear will amount to $225. A Corsa C, even with a 1.3 CDTI engine, will therefore be cheap to run, provided that the engine is in good condition.
There is no shortage of spare parts, sometimes it is worth visiting a Fiat Dealership in search of more unusual elements. There are also cars imported from England for parts.
Vauxhall Corsa C 1.3 CDTI Market situation
The Vauxhall Corsa C is one of the many cars on the aftermarket. We will find both cars for $1124 and model from the end of production for $3300 to $3600.
The 3-door versions dominate, although they are not practical, they look a bit better. Diesel engines account for around 1/3 of all offers, with 1.3 CDTI engine accounting for around half.
Due to the fact that they debuted in 2004, cars equipped with this engine are not the cheapest. For passenger versions – because there is no shortage of fleet vans on the market – you have to pay a minimum of about $1575, but I suggest looking for nicer model from the end of production, which cost no less than $2250 to $2700.
Is it worth To Buying Vauxhall Corsa C 1.3 CDTI?
The Vauxhall Corsa C is a successful car from the point of view of exploitation, and the 1.3 CDTI version is a proposal for people who do not require dynamics, but are economical.
A well-kept Fiat engine will easily serve more than 200,000. km and although it requires caution, it pays for the low cost of potential repairs. Of course compared to other cars equipped with a diesel engine.
The driveline, suspension and brakes are very cheap to operate. Corrosion may be the only problem, so a thorough visual inspection of the bodywork is the most important part of the buying process.
So is it worth it? Of course it is, and this especially applies to end-of-production cars.
