Used Opel Antara

What to know before buying: Opel Antara

From 2 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• All five published owner reviews of 2007–2008 2.0 diesels recommend the car to a friend; reported average consumption is 8.7–10.6 l/100 km.[2]one sourceAntara I
• The 2011 update brought a revised cabin, new chassis tuning, two 2.2 CDTI variants, a 2.4 petrol engine and new six-speed transmissions.[1]one sourceAntara I
• The electronically controlled AWD normally drives the front wheels but can distribute torque between the axles up to 50:50 when grip is lost.[1]one sourceAntara I
• Latvian inspection data show 2009–2015 Antaras had below-average first-pass rates for their model years, while 2007–2008 cars were around average.[3]one sourceAntara I

Typical faults

• On city-driven diesels, short trips can prevent DPF regeneration and clog the EGR, leading to increased consumption, power loss and limp mode.[3][4]Antara I

  120 000–230 000 km · 2006–2015 · 2.0 CDTI, 2.2 CDTI

• GM 6T40/6T45 and Aisin AF40 six-speed automatics are reported to suffer harsh shifts and valve-body or solenoid faults, especially without oil changes.[3]one sourceAntara I

  80 000+ km · 2006–2015 · Z24SED 2.4, A24XE 2.4, A30XH 3.0 V6, Z20S1 2.0 CDTI, A20DTH 2.0 CDTI, A22DM 2.2 CDTI

• The 2.0 and 2.2 CDTI diesels are reported to suffer dual-mass flywheel and injector wear, often around 150,000–260,000 km.[4]one sourceAntara I

  150 000–260 000 km · 2006–2015 · 2.0 CDTI, 2.2 CDTI

• An A20DTH 2.0 CDTI oil-pump seal failure can cause loss of oil pressure; EGR, DPF and dual-mass flywheel issues are also listed for this family.[3]one sourceAntara I

  120 000+ km · 2006–2015 · A20DTH 2.0 CDTI

• An ageing 12-volt battery is often responsible for non-starting or erratic electronics, especially in cold weather or after short trips.[4]one sourceAntara I

  2006–2015

Which engine and version to take

• The source identifies the 3.2 V6 as a proven, recommended choice if the buyer accepts its running costs.[4]one sourceAntara I
• The Z24SED and A24XE 2.4 petrol engines are listed as having fewer known risks than the 2.0 CDTI variants.[3]one sourceAntara I

What to avoid

• The A20DTH 2.0 CDTI is the cautious avoid: it carries more listed risks, including oil-pressure loss, EGR, DPF and dual-mass flywheel trouble.[3]one sourceAntara I
• Avoid a diesel mainly used for short urban trips, as that driving pattern promotes DPF and EGR clogging.[4]one sourceAntara I

What to check at the inspection

• Check automatic shifts cold and warm, watching for thumps and faults; identify the exact gearbox and verify its oil-change history.[3]one sourceAntara I
• On a diesel, use diagnostics to check DPF soot load, the number and success of recent regenerations, and EGR faults.[3][4]Antara I
• Check engine-oil level and condition: a rising level may indicate diesel dilution caused by unsuccessful DPF regenerations.[4]one sourceAntara I
• During the test drive, load the engine for longer and watch for limp mode or exhaust smoke under acceleration.[4]one sourceAntara I
• Load-test the battery and check alternator charging at idle and at higher engine speeds.[4]one sourceAntara I
• Test all electrical equipment and the power steering, as the source flags minor electrical trouble and Captiva/Antara steering-assistance faults.[3]one sourceAntara I

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — «Opel Antara» - dinamisks apvidus auto · forum
2. [2]auto.jautajums.lv — Opel Antara 2006 - 2011 - Auto, moto · forum
3. [3]autoradars.lv — Opel Antara ANTARA (2006 - 2015): problēmas un riski · press
4. [4]pitajsonju.rs — Opel Antara - problemi i poznati kvarovi - Pitaj Sonju · press

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