New to this.

[voodoocars]

Hi, I have just joined this forum in the hope of getting some info on Fronteras. I'm looking for an auto model - preferably a V6 for work. As late a model as I can get at a good price. Are these vehicles ok as far as reliability goes? I already have a V6 Vectra (98) and I'm a fan of VX. I keep hearing things about dash problems... Can anyone point me in the right direction of which model is the best and where to find one as I dont seem to see many about. It has to be the 5 door and I would stretch to a diesel if I had to but I defo want an auto.Thanks

[spookyman60]

ive got a V6 and there not bad, reliabilty is good i did have a V6 omega which is the same block as the vectra but the frontera V6 is an isuzu lump so is pretty good, but as with everything you wither get a good or a bad one,
also to my understanding is the most powerful, i have also heard of the v6 and auto not being good for offroad as the auto boxes are weak not sure how true this is but im sure someone with more info would be able to comment, they are a bit thirsty around town dont be surprised to see mid to high teens on mpg and ive had around 35 on a run but normally get 23 combined thats 40% town and 60% motorway back roads
drove a few diesel fronteras and not enjoyed them as much, i have had alot of problems with my V6 in the past 2 years but i think it was mistreated and unloved but im slowing getting it back to former glory,
iirc my frontera has had 3 dashes fitted aparently it is dry joints on the pcb so if your that way inclined its an easy fix

[voodoocars]

Thanks for that. I went to see a 2.2 petrol (52) for £2495 at a dealer today. Seemed ok as its the 1st I've looked at... Still searching. They certainly are big vehicles. Mine will not go off-road unless I crash so an auto it is. I really like V6 motors as well...

[Drift]

They are quite capable off road with a few modifications, but rather pleasing on road at 210bhp standard

[fogman]

hi mate, ive got a 2.2i and to be honest after my experiences id go for a v6, with 2.2s you do seem to get a good one or a bad one wheres with a v6 they all seem to be gooduns i dont think the mpg would be too much different between the 2 either but youd probably have to pay more for the road tax
ive been searching for a newer diesel model locally for a few months now & ive noticed the prices for frontys seem to have been rising since Christmas which i wouldnt really of expected but im wondering if thats because of all the snow weve had recently ?

[SPEEDBIRD 202]

Hi there

don't rule out a 2.2 DTI - its not the fastest of the bunch but they are Speed Camera friendly

Had my one over a year now, so far Ive not been disappointed with it, they are definitely worth a look ....


Regards

[voodoocars]

I've looked a load of trucks and the frontera seems to come top for space in the back and I need it for work (plasterer)- and to get the kids in. I'm not too bothered about what motor is in it but I really do want an auto. Didnt one of them have an isuzu motor? Road tax cant be any worse than my vectra as it only changed in 2006. What was the last year fronteras were made?
The one I saw yesterday had rust in the bodywork seam when the rear door was open in the sill - is rust a problem? It wasnt bad but for an 8/9 yr old car?

[Sir-Doris]

Production ended in 2004.
B series are prone to some rust around the rear bumper bits but nothing serious.
2.2DTi returns between 30 to 40mpg in manual form. Auto box slightly less.
V6 Averages between 16 to 24mpg I think.
Instrument cluster is a fairly common problem. Relatively simple fix involving some soldering in 90% of cases.
Minor electrical niggles, usually solved by pushing a connector back together and a cable tie to hold it together.
Vacuum hoses are prone to splitting at the ends. Cheap fix and a bargaining point if its hesitant to engage 4wd.

Beware if buying an automatic diesel though, the autobox will drop in and out of the turbo range and generally have a rubbish feel to it. This applies to most TD automatics. You accelerate, get a good head of speed up and then it will drop a gear and you are out of the turbo range then it will shift back again to maintain speed.

Im sure there is more but a B series owner will be along to add their opinions.