Vauxhall 1.3cdti engine-good engine or underpowered

jpb14

Looking at getting a Vauxhall or Opel Combo 1.3cdti van next week.Any downfalls on the 1.3 engine or things that I need to know about these engines?Is it a reliable engine?
Is it too small an engine for the size of van with stuff in the back?
Have read that the Isuzu 1.7 turbo engined Combos are fairly bulletproof and much more powerfull,but are harder to find.
Any advice would be wellcome.

Bpmull

The 1.7 is the better engine. However the 1.3 is a good little engine they don't give any major trouble. I had a 1.3 astra van last year and I liked it. I regret selling it now. I wouldn't of called it underpowered as such. First gear was very undergeared so it made the car feel very slow when taking of. But after that it would have no problem pulling up through the gears. No one is going to call them quick but I don't think there as bad as they are made out to be power wise.

For Forks Sake

Had an Astra with that engine.

It's gutless.

It's not as economical as you'd imagine.

It wouldn't drag you out of the bed in the morning.

jpb14

Bpmull wrote: »

The 1.7 is the better engine. However the 1.3 is a good little engine they don't give any major trouble. I had a 1.3 astra van last year and I liked it. I regret selling it now. I wouldn't of called it underpowered as such. First gear was very undergeared so it made the car feel very slow when taking of. But after that it would have no problem pulling up through the gears. No one is going to call them quick but I don't think there as bad as they are made out to be power wise.

Would the 1.3 be able to pull through the rest of the gears well with a fully loaded van? Also can both the 1.3 and the 1.7 be remapped or chipped to give some more bhp and torque?
Thanks for your input btw.:)

Bpmull

jpb14 wrote: »

Would the 1.3 be able to pull through the rest of the gears well with a fully loaded van? Also can both the 1.3 and the 1.7 be remapped or chipped to give some more bhp and torque?
Thanks for your input btw.:)

It depends on how loaded the van is. The most I ever put in the astra was 1/2 a ton. And I knew it was in it but again it still drive fine once upto speed. If your constantly caring a lot of weight the 1.7 would be the better option. I'm not sure on the whole chipping thing tbh. Since power in general is relative to what you drive ie everyone's definition of an underpowered car is different your best to try test drive a few.

jpb14

For Forks Sake wrote: »

Had an Astra with that engine.

It's gutless.

It's not as economical as you'd imagine.

It wouldn't drag you out of the bed in the morning.

Well Im downsizing from a Nisaan Navara as Im fed up with high service costs and the thing drinking juice.Combo also suits my needs and also the insurance too.
It would have the usual stanley sized toolbox and several rolls of electrical cable in it for work.Nothing majorily heavy in the back though.

jpb14

Bpmull wrote: »

It depends on how loaded the van is. The most I ever put in the astra was 1/2 a ton. And I knew it was in it but again it still drive fine once upto speed. If your constantly caring a lot of weight the 1.7 would be the better option. I'm not sure on the whole chipping thing tbh. Since power in general is relative to what you drive ie everyone's definition of an underpowered car is different your best to try test drive a few.

1/2 ton would be a rarity for me and would be the max I would ever be taking in the back.More my tool box and a few rolls of electrical cable and a few drills.Bag or cement or 2.Usual stuff I suppose.

Bpmull

jpb14 wrote: »

1/2 ton would be a rarity for me and would be the max I would ever be taking in the back.More my tool box and a few rolls of electrical cable and a few drills.Bag or cement or 2.Usual stuff I suppose.

Tbh if your used to driving a navara you will probably find it underpowered. Again I suppose its hard to know if you haven't driven one . They would certainly be have more power than an sdi caddy or 1.9 straight diesel partner or berlingo. I suppose it all depends on much extra a 1.7 would cost. A 1.9tdi caddy is also a lovely van 05 onwards model but they will probably be a good but more expensive.

jpb14

Bpmull wrote: »

Tbh if your used to driving a navara you will probably find it underpowered. Again I suppose its hard to know if you haven't driven one . They would certainly be have more power than an sdi caddy or 1.9 straight diesel partner or berlingo. I suppose it all depends on much extra a 1.7 would cost. A 1.9tdi caddy is also a lovely van 05 onwards model but they will probably be a good but more expensive.

Navara was and is a bit of a pig to drive,dont like it anymore tbh.Mpg was crap and the thing is costing me too much to keep on the road.
A friend of the family has a Combo 2005 model and he is allways talking about how reliable it is.Ive never asked him for a test drive,but I might ask him this weekend.
So Im gonna go for a Combo van,but just cant decide whether it wil be the 1.3 turbo engine or the 1.7 turbo engine.Just want to make sure that the Combo engines are indeed reliable engines and not sacks of unreliable sh!t.

Nono Toure

jpb14 wrote: »

Navara was and is a bit of a pig to drive,dont like it anymore tbh.Mpg was crap and the thing is costing me too much to keep on the road.
A friend of the family has a Combo 2005 model and he is allways talking about how reliable it is.Ive never asked him for a test drive,but I might ask him this weekend.
So Im gonna go for a Combo van,but just cant decide whether it wil be the 1.3 turbo engine or the 1.7 turbo engine.Just want to make sure that the Combo engines are indeed reliable engines and not sacks of unreliable sh!t.

Sorry to drag up an old thread, but did you end up buying the combo? Which engine? Year? I'm thinking of getting one this week.Are you happy with yours?