Used Opel Meriva

What to know before buying: Opel Meriva

From 4 video reviews · updated 26/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The Meriva A is surprisingly roomy: its three-section rear seat can slide, recline, or convert into two more comfortable seats.[3][4]
• The Meriva A cabin is simple but well made: materials, fittings, switches and seats age well, while wear is more evident on the carpet, climate buttons, steering wheel and gear lever.[2]one source
• The Meriva B's six-speed AF40 automatic, an Aisin TF-80SC, is described as much more dependable than the manuals, although occasional shift jolts are reported.[1]one source
• The Meriva A has simple, durable suspension: the sources note front struts, a rear beam and long component life unless the car is regularly overloaded or abused on rough roads.[2][4]

Typical faults

• Meriva B petrol engines run hot; the source links this to shorter seal, gasket and plastic-part life and recurring coolant or oil leaks.[1]one source

  1.4 petrol

• On petrol Meriva B models, the ignition module may fail after 100,000–150,000 km; the source also reports purge-valve trouble, fluctuating idle and a lean-mixture error.[1]one source

  100 000–150 000 km · 1.4 petrol

• Meriva B M32 and F13 manual gearboxes may develop premature bearing wear and noise after 100,000–150,000 km.[1]one source

  100 000–150 000 km

• Meriva A engine-bay wiring insulation becomes brittle with age, while heat and vibration can damage the ECU. The risk is associated especially with the Z16XE and early Z14XEP.[2]one source

  1.6 Z16XE, early 1.4 Z14XEP

• The source reports cam-phaser failures on 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol Meriva A models; a diesel-like clatter is the warning sign.[3]one source

  1.6 petrol, 1.8 petrol

• The Meriva A Easytronic needs regular clutch bite-point adaptation; the sources also report actuator and control-unit failures and poor operating logic.[2][3]
• Road chemicals can damage the Meriva A's ABS sensors; the source notes that the sensor is integrated with the wheel hub.[3]one source

Which engine and version to take

• The Meriva A's 105 hp 1.6 with a manual is described as reliable and torquey; the newer Z16XEP is also largely free of the early Z16XE ECU problem.[2][4]
• The Meriva B's 1.7-litre turbodiesel is described as notably stronger and more durable than the 1.3 diesel and is based on an Isuzu engine.[1]one source

What to avoid

• The Meriva B's 1.3 diesel is underpowered and therefore often heavily loaded, accelerating wear; its EGR valve is also identified as vulnerable.[1]one source
• The source warns that the Meriva B's 1.4 turbo can require an expensive rebuild after piston-ring or ring-land damage linked to detonation, poor fuel or oil entering the cylinders.[1]one source

What to check at the inspection

• On a Meriva A, inspect paint defects and chips on the bonnet and windscreen frame. Surface rust on doors, wings and arches is reported mainly on the oldest, neglected cars.[2]one source
• Have a Meriva A manual checked on a workshop lift: metal swarf on the level-plug magnet or gearbox whine after spinning the wheels indicates an impending repair.[2]one source
• On a petrol Meriva B, look for coolant or oil leakage around the expansion tank, thermostat housing, heat exchanger, cam cover and front crankshaft seal.[1]one source
• During a Meriva B test drive, listen for manual-gearbox noise and check for vibration, which may come from an inner CV joint or corroded splines between the intermediate shaft and right driveshaft.[1]one source
• Before buying a Meriva A with Easytronic, have it diagnosed by a specialist workshop equipped for this transmission.[3]one source
• On an older Meriva A, inspect the steel brake lines, rear calipers and handbrake cables; the source reports line corrosion, seized calipers and cables freezing in winter.[2]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]Слабые места — Опель Мерива Б слабые места | Недостатки и болячки б/у Opel Meriva B · ▶ video
2. [2]ТопАвто — ТОП проблем Опель Мерива А | Самые частые неисправности и недостатки Opel Meriva A · ▶ video
3. [3]Слабые места — Опель Мерива А слабые места | Недостатки и болячки б/у Opel Meriva A · ▶ video
4. [4]На колесах 42 — A reliable family car for 250 thousand. Full review of the Opel Meriva 1st generation · ▶ video

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