Used Vauxhall Corsa review: 2014-2019 (Mk4): owner reviews
"Roomy, comfortable and economical, the popular Vauxhall supermini makes an excellent used car choice"
by Brett Fraser
1 Apr 2022
Carbuyer Rating
2.6 out of 5
Owners Rating
2.9 out of 5
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Reviews
Owner Reviews
- 5 out of 5
- 4 out of 5
- 3 out of 5
- 2 out of 5
- 1 out of 5
50%of people would recommend this car to a friendCommon Problems
- Electrics, Engine (2 cases)
- Other (3 cases)
- Engine, Other (1 case)
- Brakes, Electrics, Engine, Suspension, Other (1 case)
- Engine, Gearbox / clutch, Suspension (1 case)
- Electrics, Engine, Gearbox / clutch (1 case)
- Brakes, Other (1 case)
Review 1 of 16
1 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.4 SE PETROL
Year
2015
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
3 - 5 years
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
45
Tell us what you think about your car?
Very disappointed. Mine proved to be unreliable after 24,000 miles. It needed a coil pack and an air sensor, Vauxhall Customer Care and the dealer were a waste of time.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No 
1 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.0
Year
14
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
1 - 2 years
Bought Car
Used
Tell us what you think about your car?
I have bought my Corsa new and had nothing but trouble with it. I've had to have a new seat frame because it wouldn't go back to original position. The engine needed a new timing chain sprockets and tensioner at 12000 miles and then, when it broke down on me I found out that water had corroded my spark plugs and coil pack so I had that replaced at 20000 miles.
Then at the 2nd service had yet another timing chain and tensioner and sprockets and a camshaft sensor at 26000 miles and now at 33000 my horn has stopped working and my windows keep going down on their own and Vauxhall want to charger me £108 just to diagnose the fault
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No
1 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.2 Design
Year
2015
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
35
Tell us what you think about your car?
Utter rubbish! 3 of my seat springs broke with in 2 months... Wipers don't clean screen! Rear seats feel very cheap not very comfortable for longs journeys but will do for shorts journeys. The car weights so much for a small car and with the soft suspension the car wobbles alot above 50mph. Stay away for the car go spend more money on better car...
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.2 SRI
Year
2016
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
1 - 2 years
Bought Car
New
Tell us what you think about your car?
The Corsa E is a victim of badge snobbery and is, I feel, often overlooked. The car is quite literally fantastic. Compared to its rivals it is more than a match. It looks fantastic on the outside. The inside is not cheap and nasty as it actually has a lot of nice soft touch materials and nice red stitching on the wheel and seats.
The car is punchy. My 1.2-litre can overtake with ease on the motorway and on change of speed roads. There is a massive amount of room for passengers and the boot is more than sufficient. I am on a 4 mile commute and the odd trip back home which takes an hour and a half. I'm getting 40mpg combined.
The standard tech is fantastic as well. Why this gets such an average review I'll never know as it is not an average car. Punches well above its weight. I had a Corsa D and now an E and it's never let me down with reliability and I always have a smile when I take it a drive.
Please ignore the badge snobs and go have a look yourself. It's better than most reviews give it credit for.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
1 out of 5
Car Details
Model
Cdti
Year
2015
Avg annual mileage
More than 20,000
Owned
1 - 2 years
Bought Car
New
Tell us what you think about your car?
Mine has broken down twice in the space of 10 months. Vauxhall warranty would not cover repair on two technicalities –the first service carried out by Vauxhall themselves was three months overdue, and the second service carried out in the booklet used non-Vauxhall recommended oil. The customer service I have received from Vauxhall has been very poor and the engine in this car seems very weak and unreliable.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No
4 out of 5
Car Details
Model
3dr Excite 1.2 Petrol
Year
2014
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
41
Tell us what you think about your car?
My Corsa is the slightly updated 2014 'D' model. Please note that some other reviews shown here discuss pre-2006 'C' models.
I don't know what other people expect, but a little Corsa really isn't the car to buy for long distance or lengthy commuting. Around town, mine has been quiet, reliable and easy to manouevre. Parking is a cinch.
Motorway driving, though comfortable and relaxed, offers some road noise from the tyres; this doesn't bother me but if you're on them daily this will probably become an issue for you quite quickly. Reducing tyre pressure can alleviate this somewhat but at the expense of fuel economy (tyre pressure information covers 'economy' and 'comfort' settings) so you take your choice.
The interior is roomy for a small car; my six-foot and quite wide frame is easily accomodated with head- and leg-room to spare. The seats are comfortable yet supportive (heated seats and wheel are delightful on cold mornings) and adjustable vertically and horizontally, while the steering wheel is similarly equipped; this makes finding a comfortable driving position easy for almost anyone.
The entertainment system varies in specification - mine has MP3 & USB but not DAB - and its display shares with the onboard Bluetooth (if fitted, like mine) and onboard computer. Its sound is exceptional for an OEM unit (mine made by Blaupunkt for GM) and indeed, sounds better than the Kenwood DAB unit I replaced it with.
The integrated Bluetooth phone facility works very well with my voice coming over very clearly by all accounts; phonebook import and voice activation are useful standard features.
Switchgear is well made and helps make the general build of the interior feel substantial. The indicator switch doesn't stay in position once activated, but springs back from either of two (three-flash [overtake] or continuous-flash) positions, so feels slightly odd at first but natural after a week or so.
There is a 'hidden menu' (that's what it gets called on the internet - Google it - but is actually documented in the owner's handbook) that allows you to turn off the overtaking indicator mode as well as make 6 other personal settings (linked to your personal ignition key) such as volume of indicator 'click', headlights on when unlocking, unlock just driver's door or all on single push of remote unlock.
All in all the Corsa D is very nice and easy to drive either straight out-of-the-showroom or after changing settings for personal preference.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.0t limited edition
Year
65
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
36
Tell us what you think about your car?
I love the little thing it's really quick and has plenty of power. The new engine easly outruns a 1.6 golf. Really easy to drive. The steering is lighter than the older corsa's and makes parking and manoeuvring at low speeds easy. The boot and inside the cabin had plenty of room. Seats are very comfy. The touch screen radio is easy to use keeps my girlfriend amused on long journeys, speakers are pretty good when set up right, the car is very grippy however extremely fun when you have the guts to play and have it understeering the traction control is so responsive, heater is very good however i have developed a ticking noise (need to get it looked at) for stop start mileage (journeys of maximum 4 miles at a time) the continental tyres fitted are no use. mine lasted 11,000 miles (3 months) the gearbox is smooth, ride is smooth. The only downfall i have found with the car is it is higher than the older corsa so it could do with being lower. And it could do with few more extras to keep up with the competitors... However i would still choose the new corsa over a new fiesta it drive and feels so much better
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.4t SRI
Year
2017
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
43
Tell us what you think about your car?
Great little car for the money. Engine is strong and it gets great economy with the 6 speed box. You get lots of kit and the cabin looks alright for the price point. It has enough power to get up to speed and overtake if needed. Not sure I'd go for a non turbo engine.
Used it a few times on longer journeys and it's been quiet and comfortable. It has plenty of grip through the corners and feels nice and balanced.
A good car
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.4t (100) SRI VX-Line
Year
2017
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
42
Tell us what you think about your car?
My wife bought a Corsa SRI VX-Line to use for commuting. We've had several Vauxhalls in the past and never had any major issues with them.
The Corsa VX-Line is a great little car and is much bigger than we thought. My wife drops our son off at nursery on her way to work and even in 3 door form it's easy to get him in and out. You can fit four adults into it with no issues at all, there is plenty of leg room.
The interior is far better than the old Corsa D and comes with everything you could want. Her car has parking sensors, rear cam as well as DAB and cruise, it even has a heated screen.
The VX-Line looks great with 17" wheels and the VX styling which suites the Corsa. The 1.4t engine is fast enough for her and is quick off the mark when pulling out but it does run out of steam as you go up the revs. We didn't buy it for that (we have a Golf R Estate as the main family car). It seems to get great fuel economy and is very comfortable for a small car. I'm not keen on the driving position as I feel sat on the car and not in it but I've got used to it. My wife doesn't mind it though.
If you need a cheapish car (we looked at the Polo, Fiesta, Ibiza but for a 2017 they cost more and came with less kit) to zip around town or the odd long journey the Corsa 1.4t VX-line isn't a bad car at all.
It's not as nice inside as our 2018 Golf but it cost a fraction of the price of it, as a year old used car they are great value as they seem to take a massive hit in the first year or so. I wouldln't buy new or at list price though.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
1 out of 5
Car Details
Model
5dr
Year
2016
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
38
Tell us what you think about your car?
Everything. I have no idea why this car gets high ratings in reviews. It's terrible! Seats are extremely uncomfortable, Ride is poor, corners are scary as reaction is hardly predictable (and changes with three people on board vs driver only!). Engines are underpowered and noisy. You can hear tyres and wind noise more than in older competitors cars. Interior is cheap, plasticky and cramped. Seats wear off quickly. Brakes feel weak too. Ride is uncomfortable, gear shifts are relatively short but not precise. Dashboard is terrible. Lights are hard to switch on. Driving position is poor and visibility is close to none! It's easier to park a LandCruiser - which is unbelievable in such a small car.
On top of that reliability sucks. Everything constantly fails - electrics, locks, engines. Few hundred miles and things start to squeak and leak. Because of poor reliability this car is NOT cheap to run. Residual values are terrible too. My best advice - avoid at all cost. Read user reviews - not critics reviews. Oh, and fuel consumption is twice that claimed....
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
Limited Edition
Year
2016
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
39
Tell us what you think about your car?
Very quiet car, all you hear is the road. Smooth acceleration and well equipped. Turning circle can be a bit wide but it can be done. Changing from the older model, the improvement is the engine and the plastic has been taken away.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
4 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.0t Sting
Year
2015
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
43.8
Tell us what you think about your car?
A surprising package. The new engine is a treat and along with the slick gearbox it is very easy to rapidly move through towns and across motorways alike. The cabin is a nice place to be, although the temperature controls are a bit low rent. Ride soft, slightly bouncy at speed, but it does not wallow. Grip on the quite wide tyres is very good. Only niggle is a slight coolant leak from a poor fitting coolant clip fixed under warranty. 5K miles completed since 1 Mar 15.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
1 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.4-litre
Year
2018
Avg annual mileage
0 – 4,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
New
Tell us what you think about your car?
The Corsa feels like more of a go-kart than a car. Surprisingly bad ride, going over bumps is very, very uncomfortable. The gearbox is one of the worst I've ever experienced. It's jerky and feels like it's always in the wrong gear. Tiring to drive even short trips.
Infotainment system is great.
Brakes are severe, but good.
Space inside is ok, but seats are hard and uncomfortable.
Cornering is downright dangerous.
If you are considering buying this car you must, I repeat must, test drive it for at least a week. Trust me.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No
1 out of 5
Car Details
Model
Corsa
Year
2012
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
2 - 3 years
Bought Car
New
Tell us what you think about your car?
My car died on Saturday night. 5 years old only. The head gasket has gone. I was told it would be between £1200-1500 to fix it, but clutch had been giving me problems and I had only just had the coil pack replaced. Utterly disgusted. I paid £6k 2 years ago for it from a Vauxhall dealership. And the CD unit/air conditioning always overheating.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.4 5dr auto SE
Year
2016
Avg annual mileage
0 – 4,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
New
Tell us what you think about your car?
A good car with nice interior. You get a lot more for your money compared with other makes such as Hyundai, VW, or Ford including front and rear parking aid, Sat Nav enabled entertainment system, an APP, on board communication system, excellent Bluetooth, all for around £10K for a nearly new model (less than 6 months old). Excellent choice of used cars thanks to good supply chains and lots of local dealerships, so a great entry model for people who can not travel the breadth and width of the UK to get a decent car.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
2 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.2 sting
Year
2016
Avg annual mileage
0 – 4,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
49
Tell us what you think about your car?
Utter rubbish.Car needed new brake shoes within 3 months,no explination as why?Now car has developed major water leak inside,3rd time to garage,firstly they did the hose pipe check,nothing found,second time was told the interior was needing stripped out.Nothing found,i have now been informed the dashboard needs to come out,to see if its leaking from there?8 months old and nothing but problems.The car absoloutley stinks as the carpet is ruined.So if your thinking of buying one,check under the carpet on the drivers side,where the vin number is to make sure its dry
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No
