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Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

TIGRA

A coupe-cabriolet for those on a budget

Used Vauxhall Tigra 2004 - 2009

The Tigra is based on a Corsa, so it isn't difficult to service and will cost about the same as the equivalent version of the hatchback.

Insurance isn't unreasonable, either, but it's noticeably cheaper on the lower-spec 1.4 and diesel car, which are in groups 9 and 8. The 1.8-litre is in group 12.

Fuel economy is another reason to opt for the 1.4-litre, with an average fuel consumption of 46mpg. The diesel beats this with 61mpg and the 1.8 returns 37mpg.

The Tigra holds on to its value well compared with other models in the Vauxhall family and rivals like the Peugeot 206 and Colt CZC. However it can't compare in any way with the Mini convertible, with its excellent residuals and lower maintenance costs.

The entry 1.4 is the best all-round buy as it keeps insurance and fuel costs down. It has only 89bhp and you might be tempted to opt for the 1.8-litre car with 122bhp, but in reality the larger engine doesn't feel much faster.

There's also a smooth 1.3 CDTi diesel (even slower than the 1.4 and very hard to find on the used market) and an auto option available on the 1.4 (which doesn't add anything to the driving experience), but neither are really worth bothering with.

Don't bother with anything more than a base model, either, as these are fairly well equipped. However, air-con was a £500 option when new, and it's worth finding a car with it fitted.

CD players with steering wheel-mounted controls and alloy wheels are standard on all models, while Sport trim adds an alloy wheel upgrade, some improved cabin trim and an MP3 player connection - but don't pay over the odds for them. Finally, the top-spec Exclusive gets leather and an electronic stability programme and air-con as standard.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

The Tigra is not unreliable, but there are a few issues. The door seals can leak, so check the interior and seals for evidence of moisture. You should also spend some time checking the complex folding metal and glass roof. There have been instances where it has stopped halfway through folding back, but sometimes it's nothing more than a blown fuse.

With the roof up, rear visibility is a little restricted, so have a quick look for reversing damage on the bumpers caused by careless owners, and check the larger alloy wheels on Sport versions for signs of kerbing.

There have been two recalls on the Tigra, one concerning the passenger airbag, and the other, more alarmingly, covers the fact that water can get into the anti-lock brakes and create a short circuit, and possibly a fire. Get a dealer to check that both have been done.

By the time this second, all-new, Tigra arrived in 2004, things had changed. Just being a cute coupe was no longer good enough, so Vauxhall went hi-tech with a folding metal roof to compete with cars like the Peugeot 206 CC, Ford StreetKa and Mini convertible.

And, very good it is, too. The electric roof stows quickly and easily, and boot space is reasonable when it's down. Protection from buffeting is good and, with the roof up, it feels like a genuine coupe.

Like the previous Tigra, this model is still based on a Corsa, but it doesn't try to pretend it's a four-seater, and instead provides adequate space for just two occupants.

Unfortunately, its origins mean it's never going to be that sporty - it's nowhere near the Mini Convertible for driver enjoyment, for example. But, at least the Tigra's rigid body resists vibrations from poor road surfaces, copes well with bumps and has a supple ride in town.

Used Vauxhall Tigra 2004 - 2009 reliability

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Used Vauxhall Tigra 2004 - 2009 review

The Tigra is not unreliable, but there are a few issues. The door seals can leak, so check the interior and seals for evidence of moisture. You should also spend some time checking the complex folding metal and glass roof. There have been instances where it has stopped halfway through folding back, but sometimes it's nothing more than a blown fuse.,With the roof up, rear visibility is a little restricted, so have a quick look for reversing damage on the bumpers caused by careless owners, and check the larger alloy wheels on Sport versions for signs of kerbing.,There have been two recalls on the Tigra, one concerning the passenger airbag, and the other, more alarmingly, covers the fact that water can get into the anti-lock brakes and create a short circuit, and possibly a fire. Get a dealer to check that both have been done.

What to look for when buying a Vauxhall Tigra 2004 - 2009, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Vauxhall Tigra 2004 - 2009 reliability

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