Used Opel Tigra

What to know before buying: Opel Tigra

From 3 forum threads and 1 press test · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The Tigra B is a two-seat convertible based on the Corsa, with a power-operated TwinTop folding roof.[1]one sourceOpel Tigra B TIGRA-B
• The Tigra B offers 250 litres of boot space with the roof down and almost 440 litres with it raised, plus a 70-litre compartment behind the seats.[1]one sourceOpel Tigra B TIGRA-B
• Owners of the older Tigra praise its sharp steering, low body roll, agility and secure handling, but its short-travel suspension rides firmly.[3]one source
• The older Tigra is effectively a two-seater: the front is comfortable, but adults lack rear headroom and longer trips are uncomfortable.[3]one source

Typical faults

• The Tigra B's Easytronic automated manual is reported to suffer clutch-actuator faults, with the risk becoming relevant from about 80,000 km.[4]one sourceOpel Tigra B TIGRA-B

  80 000+ km · Z14XEP 1.4 Twinport, Z18XE 1.8

• The Tigra B's Z14-family engine can suffer timing-chain stretch; the source flags the risk from roughly 80,000 km.[4]one sourceOpel Tigra B TIGRA-B

  80 000+ km · Z14XEP 1.4 Twinport

• The Tigra B's 1.4–1.8 petrol engine families are reported to suffer cracked thermostat housings, oil-cooler seal leaks into coolant and rattling cam phasers.[4]one sourceOpel Tigra B TIGRA-B

  80 000+ km · Z14XEP 1.4 Twinport, Z18XE 1.8

• On one 1995 1.4 Tigra, detached rear drain tubes let water into the cabin for years, damaging a wheel arch and the floor badly enough to require welding.[3]one source

  1995–1995 · 1.4

• Several forum contributors associate the older Tigra's 109 hp 1.6 with cylinder-head problems, while reports on the 90 hp 1.4 were more favourable.[2]one source

  1.6 109 hp

Which engine and version to take

• For the older Tigra, several forum contributors favour the 90 hp 1.4, describing it as more agile and a better choice than the 1.6.[2]one source
• In the Tigra B comparison, the 92 kW/125 hp Z18XE 1.8 has two listed risks versus three for the 66 kW/90 hp Z14XEP 1.4, favouring the 1.8.[4]one sourceOpel Tigra B TIGRA-B

What to avoid

• The older Tigra's 109 hp 1.6 is the cautious avoid: forum contributors report cylinder-head trouble and favour the 90 hp 1.4 instead.[2]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Test a Tigra B with Easytronic both cold and warm: check shifts, jolts and fault codes, and confirm the exact transmission type.[4]one sourceOpel Tigra B TIGRA-B
• On a Z14-engined Tigra B, listen for timing-chain rattle at cold start; whistling near the cam cover can indicate a PCV problem.[4]one sourceOpel Tigra B TIGRA-B
• Check the Tigra B's expansion tank for oil traces, inspect the thermostat housing for leaks and ask for a timing-belt replacement record.[4]one sourceOpel Tigra B TIGRA-B
• On an older Tigra, inspect the rear drains, cabin beneath the trim, wheel arches, floor and floor-plug seals, as water ingress can conceal corrosion damage.[3]one source
• On an older Tigra, check wheel play, track-rod ends, lower ball joints and rear tapered bearings; one owner's car had play at every wheel.[3]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — Ne ko pielikt, ne ko atņemt – «Opel Tigra» · forum
2. [2]clubhondaspirit.com — Opel Tigra (modelo antiguo) para la novia · forum
3. [3]forum.opel-club.ru — Вопрос по покупке тигры - Tigra · forum
4. [4]autoradars.lv — Opel Tigra B TIGRA-B (2004 - 2009): problēmas un riski · press

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