2006 Vauxhall Meriva 1.8L Petrol · KP56 PWJ

The 1.8-litre petrol Meriva typically returns around 32-37 mpg in mixed driving, which is modest by modern standards but acceptable for a small MPV of this era. Insurance should fall into group 8-10 depending on the variant, and road tax sits in a higher band than post-2017 vehicles because of the pre-CO2-based VED rules still partially applying — budget roughly £200-£300 per year for tax.

Maintenance costs tend to be reasonable thanks to widespread parts availability, though age-related wear on items like suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links and rear brake components will add up. A realistic annual running cost including fuel, tax, insurance and routine servicing for a car of this age and mileage is in the region of £1,400-£1,800, with the caveat that older vehicles often spring unexpected bills.

Start with a thorough look underneath: a 20-year-old Meriva is highly likely to have some corrosion, particularly around wheel arches, sills, rear suspension mounting points and the tailgate. Tap-test the body panels and check for fresh underseal masking rust. On the 1.8 engine, listen for timing chain rattle on cold start, check for mayonnaise on the oil cap (head gasket coolant leak) and inspect the coolant reservoir for discolouration.

Inside the cabin, test every electrical function including the Meriva's party-trick rear-hinged back doors, the FlexRail sliding centre console and the electric windows. The rear doors in particular are known for latch and cable issues. On the test drive, check for clonking from the front suspension over speed humps (common anti-roll bar bush wear), ensure the gearbox selects all gears smoothly and listen for any whining from the differential or wheel bearings. Finally, verify that the mileage shown on the odometer matches the single MOT pass at 105,116 miles and any V5C records.