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Opel corsa c. Used Opel Corsa C: lightweight suspension and expensive control units

04.12.2021

In Russia, reviews of the Opel Corsa are not the best. So is the Corsa a bad car? Let's try to figure it out.

The Opel Corsa C replaced the B series in 2000. It's funny, but compared to its predecessor, it has not changed significantly. At least visually. However, it is based on a fundamentally new platform, the wheelbase has increased by 45 mm, the interior has been updated, and the list of equipment has been expanded. True, the trunk has lost 20 liters of volume - its capacity is 260 liters.

Unfortunately, new does not mean attractive. The interior is painfully boring. Even in lavishly equipped instances, the center console is just an old-fashioned heap. The large steering wheel is also not very pretty. The body design was not much different from competitors of that time, although today it still looks quite attractive. However, the Opel Corsa is not without its advantages. For example, good space on the back couch.

Undercarriage

Another plus of the Opel Corsa C is the comfortable suspension settings, which, on the other hand, are poorly suited for high-speed driving. The design of the chassis is not much different from its predecessor. On the front axle - MacPherson struts with stabilizer and wishbones. On the rear axle there is a torsion bar with spaced springs and shock absorbers.

The suspension is solid, unlike the steering rack - one of the model's sore spots. She starts knocking. Fortunately, repairing it is not expensive or difficult.

Almost nothing happens to the suspension, except for natural wear and tear of the components. In the front, you often have to deal with bushings and stabilizer struts, and in the back with shock absorbers. In addition, with age, drives and wheel bearings make themselves felt.

Engines

Opel Corsa S has a wide range of powertrains. All of them are well known from their predecessor. Petrol 1.0-1.4 liters were carried over without changes, while diesel 1.7 DI and 1.7 DTI are deeply modernized Isuzu units - already with direct injection.

The motor palette was completely renewed in 2003-2004. Gasoline engines with a capacity of 1.0 and 1.2 liters acquired Twinport technology, 1.4 liters belongs to the new series, and the 1.7-liter DI and DTI gave way to 1.3 CDTI and 1.7 CDTI - with the Common Rail injection system.

The smallest of the engines is generally not very successful. This is a three-cylinder petrol engine with a working volume of 1.0 liters. The engine is not very comfortable, and its output is only 58 hp. (60 hp). A much better choice is the 1.2-liter 75 hp engine, and even better the 1.4 l / 90 hp.

Opel can offer more powerful engines such as the 1.8L 125 hp. and 1.6 Turbo with 175 hp. - for the OPC version.

Gasoline

The basic "litrushka", in addition to a relatively high fuel consumption, has an insufficiently reliable timing chain drive. In addition, the 1-liter engine is noisy and very weak. The 1.2-liter unit is almost as trouble-free as the 1.4-liter engine. Engines 1.4 l and 1.8 l over time begin to take oil.

Interestingly, the same timing kit fits all 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 Twinport versions. The chain stretch problem affects all of these motors. Aggressive driving style and prolonged oil change intervals contribute to early wear. The old 1.4 has a slightly different timing drive.

Common problems include leaking oil gauge and coolant pump. The latter was further improved, and leaks began to appear much less frequently.

Diesel

It is no secret that under the Opel 1.3 CDTI index hides Fiat technologies called Multijet. This diesel engine made its debut on the market in 2003, and came under the hood of the Opel Corsa only a year later - just after the restyling in 2003. The 1.3-liter turbodiesel was created to reduce the size of the unit and increase efficiency through the common rail injection system and a variable geometry turbocharger. However, the Corsa received a simple 70 hp diesel variant. and 170 Nm of torque, which was appreciated across the entire engine range, with the exception of the sporty OPC.

1.3 CDTI on average consumes 4.5-5 l / 100 km. It is noteworthy that at that time a particulate filter was provided for this engine, but not for the Opel Corsa C. In theory, a turbodiesel should not create serious problems, since its design is generally successful. But only on condition of exploitation in normal conditions and the absence of humiliating torture. 1.3 CDTI is a good alternative for a gasoline engine in the city, but operating a turbocharger requires complex maintenance and, above all, regular oil changes. The manufacturer recommends changing it every 20,000 km, which is too much. Not surprisingly, then most of the engines are simply worn out and absorb a huge amount of oil.

The oil level must be constantly monitored, since the volume of the lubrication system is only 3.2 liters. Even the smallest loss of oil is devastating to the engine. This is why many 1.3 CDTIs to 200,000 km are already heavily worn out. Driving with low oil levels, especially in the city, is a disaster for a chain-driven timing system. The chain wears out and starts to make noise. It is better to pay attention to this in advance and replace the entire timing kit.

Theoretically, the chain is designed for the entire service life, but in fact it has to be changed after 100-150 thousand kilometers. Problems can be created by the EGR valve, which can be shut off without negative consequences for the engine. But this requires a readjustment of the ECU. The injection system is stable, but only up to certain conditions. With high mileage, you will have to restore it. Leaks from the injectors first appear. And because of the glow plugs and the flow meter, there are problems with starting a cold engine and power dips.

During long-term operation (more than 200-250 thousand km), one has to deal with the replacement of a turbocharger, a high-pressure fuel pump and a dual-mass flywheel.

The injection pump is a sensitive element in 1.3 CDTI.

The 1.7-liter turbodiesel is much more reliable than its younger counterpart. Initially, versions were used without Common Rail injection. They were simpler and weaker. Despite the presence of a turbine, the intercooler was not used in the weakest 65-horsepower DI. Among the serious malfunctions, damage to the block head should be highlighted, after the turbine began to throw oil.

Later modifications acquired Common Rail injection. This improved dynamics, but the engine was still noisy. Trouble could have been caused by the controller or the injection pump.

Transmission

All Opel Corsa are front-wheel drive. In a pair of power units, a 5-speed mechanics, a 4-speed automatic or an Easytronic automated transmission were installed. The clutch of the manual transmission is quite gentle. It wears out relatively quickly, especially with a dynamic driving style. This element is comparatively expensive and cannot handle the high flow of power from the Italian turbodiesel. A weak spot in the manual transmission is the delicate gear shift fork.

We do not recommend purchasing an Opel Corsa C with an automated Easytronic transmission, which almost always has software problems. Much safer is the 4-speed classic "automatic".

Typical problems and malfunctions

Of the minor diseases, it is worth noting the wear of the front wiper mechanism. Another common problem is a broken plastic trim at the bottom of the windshield. Owners damage it by trying to remove the battery. They fold back the plastic. This cannot be done. First, you need to unscrew the wipers and remove all the plastic. Then on the left side it will be possible to check the water flow. If it clogs up, water will rush into the cabin.

Failures of an electrician are of a non-systemic nature, so there are no specific complaints. True, sometimes the actuator responsible for the level of the low beam headlights fails, or the central locking starts to play up: not all doors open.

Corrosion of the Opel Corsa is not as widespread as that of its predecessor. As a rule, rust appears only on older cars. In addition, corrosion attacks the elements of the exhaust system.

Conclusion

The Opel Corsa in its third incarnation is a worthwhile car for people who need an inexpensive vehicle. Operation will not require significant financial costs. It is true that the Opel Corsa C is not flawless, but most of the faults can be fixed for ridiculous money.

Specifications Opel Corsa C

Petrol engines

Version

Engine, cylinders, valves

Timing drive

Displacement (cm3)

Power h.p. at rpm

Torque Nm at rpm

Transmission*

Maximum speed, km / h

Acceleration 0-100 km / h, sec

Fuel consumption (l / 100 km)

GSi and diesel engines

Version

1.3 CDTI

1.7 CDTI

Engine, cylinders, valves

turbodiz

turbodiz

turbodiz

turbodiz

Timing drive

Displacement (cm3)

Power h.p. at rpm

Torque Nm at rpm

Transmission*

Maximum speed, km / h

Acceleration 0-100 km / h, sec

Fuel consumption (l / 100 km)

* M - manual transmission, ET - Easytronic robot, A - automatic

Opel Corsa C, 2002

I have been driving an Opel Corsa C for the third year, a car with a 1.2-liter 75 hp engine, a "robot", a car in the Comfort configuration, at the time of purchase the car has already traveled 51 thousand kilometers, the condition is quite good. For the most part, it was based on how much money I have in my wallet. In general, I am glad that I bought this car, because it really correlates the cost with the quality quite well. The car is economical and reliable. Throughout this entire period, how much I drive a car, then at additional costs, a "trifle" came out altogether, well, I do not take into account the usual "consumables", I only replaced the stabilizer struts, and regular replacement of bulbs was also required. The Opel Corsa C has a robotic gearbox, so quite peculiar, of course, with dips and jerks when you switch, as for me, it's not the best thing, but you can also use the manual mode, with it the car becomes more dynamic. A car with a light steering wheel, comfortable electric booster, good handling. The suspension of the Opel Corsa C is not soft, but at the same time not very stiff, a car with good stability, but this only applies to the speed range up to 130 km / h, and if it is higher, then it starts to swing in full.

Dignity : assembly, transformation of the cabin, informative steering wheel, stability.

Flaws : spacious interior and trunk, but the car itself is not big.

Konstantin, Moscow

Opel Corsa C, 2003

I bought an Opel in the auto market from a reseller, and I liked it for the price and for its economy, and of course for its appearance. Before that there was a "ten", I traveled on it decently too - somewhere 260,000 km, and it began to "crumble". First impressions of the Opel Corsa C - accelerates very well for its liter engine, holds the road and takes turns at high speed without any problems. During the operation of the Opel Corsa C, I realized how inconvenient the 2-door option is, now I probably would not have taken it. I drove 200,000 by car and there were no serious breakdowns, there are, of course, drawbacks in this car, first of all, the oil sensor had to be changed five times, I also changed the wings on the gear lever, I recently turned on the air conditioner, but it does not work , it turned out, broke through the radiator and all the freon left, went to the workshop and they say refueling is 2500 rubles, I will wait for spring and will need to refuel. But in general, for its class, the car is not even very much, at least I liked it!

Dignity : appearance. Comfort. Reliability.

Flaws : oil gauge.

Dmitry, Labinsk

Opel Corsa C, 2003

About the car: the chain motor, accordingly, does not tear anything, the valve does not bend in comparison with the belt drive. Small size - in urban conditions, narrow roads and lack of parking space, this is very important. 4 doors - a full-fledged 5-seater car, although the three of them are cramped behind. Euro 4 - accordingly, the budget savings are quite high. Opel Corsa C is quite playful for acceleration and in the city it allows you to quickly leave the traffic light and behaves quite decently on the highway, I drive at least 160 km / h. The speedometer is lined up to 220, but did not check. There are heated mirrors, headlight range control, air conditioning - also nice little things. The Opel Corsa C box allows you to switch both in manual mode and surrender to the will of the machine. The manual mode is convenient on the highway when overtaking, but I used it once, in the city I also drove the manual mode at first, but quickly got tired of it. Spare parts have everything, they cost like a "Japanese", something is even cheaper. The box also offers a winter mode, which I did not use, because there was really no snow this winter. Plant even at -40 without problems. The ABS and the stability control system do not allow skidding on a slippery road. Controlling the radio on the steering wheel is a trifle, but nice. For the entire time of ownership of the Opel Corsa C, I only changed the oil in the engine, brake pads, spark plugs, filters (cabin, air, fuel, oil).

Dignity : good compact and reliable car.

Flaws : clearance.

Inna, Saint Petersburg

Tuning Opel Corsa C allows you to give a modern look to your car at the best prices in the Russian Federation. This Opel model was produced from 2000 to 2006, but to this day it is quite popular among fans of this brand. The body of the Opel Corsa C was produced in a three-door and five-door version. Upgrading your car will allow you to become the owner of a modern, functional and reliable car.

We have a large list of accessories for tuning the Opel Corsa C:

  • Modern body kit;
  • Various options for front and rear bumpers;
  • Various suspension variations;
  • Advanced shock absorbers and springs kits;
  • Modern spoilers and linings;
At a low cost in our online store, you will find not only parts to improve the exterior of the car, but also to increase the power and stability of the car at high speed. High-quality German spare parts come to our warehouse directly from the manufacturer's factory in Germany. You can place an order and make a purchase directly from the catalog. If you have any questions, you can contact our support service by phone numbers listed on the site.

At the end of summer 2003, sales of a restyled version of Opel Corsa cars of the third generation started on the European and American markets.

Compared to the base model, the 2003 Opel Corsa has changed both externally and technically. In the case of Opel Corsa C, restyling affected not only the exterior of the car and the proposed range of engines. The body of the 2003 Opel Corsa has become even safer. In the design of the small car, the so-called hard protective cocoon of the passenger compartment is used. As a result, the torsional stiffness index of the main elements increased by one third. In addition, the body of the Opel Corsa C has a 12-year manufacturer's warranty against perforating corrosion. Largely due to these qualities, Corsa C cars are in good demand to this day. For Opel Corsa 2003, the price in the domestic secondary market reaches about $ 7,000.

The external appearances of the restyling of the Opel Corsa 2004 were changes in the front and rear bumpers, radiator grill and optics. The grille has received more decorative chrome. The front optics have acquired three round reflectors, the taillights are hidden under a one-color element. The bumpers have become more "outstanding", and in front, in addition, there is a branded "smile" of a false radiator.

Salon Opel Corsa 2004, compared with the pre-styling version, has not changed much. The main distinguishing feature is the appearance in the list of optional equipment of convenient multimedia from Siemens, which includes a CD changer, a tuner, a telephone and a navigator with voice prompts. The device is also equipped with a large multifunctional display. The display is located on top of the center console. Safety belts with pretensioners (optional), air-bags and active head restraints on the front seats, which are unique for a B-class car, are responsible for the active safety of the driver and passenger.

The chassis of the Opel Corsa 2005 has remained practically the same. Also, as in pre-styling models, in all modifications of the 2005 Opel Corsa there is an electric power steering and ABC, supplemented by an electronic brake force distribution system. The front suspension (MacPherson struts) and the engine are based on a closed subframe. The rear suspension is a semi-dependent beam. The main innovation is the improved Dynamic Safety (DSA) chassis. The car has become somewhat softer on the move and more manageable. Especially in high-speed mode.

In contrast to the chassis, the range of Opel Corsa C engines changed quite radically after 2003. In the gasoline range of the originally proposed units, only one survived - a 125-horsepower 1.8-liter engine for the GSi version. The rest of the gasoline internal combustion engines were replaced with more economical and powerful engines with Twinport technology. Namely: three-cylinder 1-liter 60-horsepower Z10XE and two four-cylinder - 80-horsepower Z12XE and 95-horsepower Z14XE.

The diesel line has become more laconic. After restyling, only two turbodiesels remained in it: a 70-horsepower 1.3 CDTI and 1.7 CDTI with a power of 101 horsepower. The Z13DTJ (CDTI) engine was designed by a joint team of Fiat and General Motors specialists. In 2004, it was the world's smallest turbocharged diesel engine built using Common Rail technology.

Since 2003, the choice of possible transmissions for the Opel Corsa S has for the first time been replenished with a 5-position robotic transmission Easytronic. Today this type of transmission continues to be used in the new generation of the Korsa family. In the secondary auto market in Russia and the CIS, the Opel Corsa 2005 price ranges from $ 6,500 to $ 8,200 (data from 2013).

The release of the third generation Opel Corsa at the main production sites (Zaragoza, Spain and Eisenach, Germany) was completed in 2006. However, Opel Corsa 2006 (generation C) continues to be manufactured to this day at some GM plants. For example, in South Africa, this car is produced and sold in a version of a light commercial pickup truck under the Chevrolet Montana badge. In addition, the car is produced for the needs of the local market in some Latin American countries. For Opel Corsa 2006, the price can reach up to $ 12,000.

Reading 4 min. Views 166 Published 27 December 2016

The answer to how to choose a pre-owned Opel Corsa C can be found in this article.

In a new article, we will show you how to choose the right used C hatchback compact. It will be a good option for people looking for an inexpensive car with few flaws. However, we will also tell you about those that exist in it.

History of the Opel Corsa C

It is no secret that the most popular model from the German manufacturer is the Opel Astra, belonging to the middle class - the European C-class. Opel Corsa belongs to the European B-class. And by the way, in Europe, the Opel Corsa is more popular than the Opel Astra. Perhaps due to the fact that in their small towns the streets are still narrower. Opel Corsa C is a development of the late nineties of the last century. Then the B-class standards were completely different and, accordingly, the cars were smaller. The Opel Corsa C is built on the same platform as its predecessor, the Opel Corsa B. It has a slightly different body design. Here the motor range has received decent powerful units. The 1.4-liter gasoline engine had about 100 horsepower. The most powerful version of the Opel Corsa was equipped with a 1.8-liter engine.

Problems with the body of the Opel Corsa C

As we know, the German car manufacturer Opel at the beginning of the 2000s significantly improved the quality of the anti-corrosion treatment of the bodies of its models. This also applies to the Opel Corsa C, which was produced from 2000 to 2006. The Opel Corsa C generation featured improved paintwork and better metal. On the Opel Corsa C, you can find pits of corrosion in the underbody area and next to stressed elements. Nowadays, almost all copies of the Opel Corsa C will have corrosion under the windshield next to the pillars, next to the suspension attachment points. So it is known - dirt and leaves accumulate under the windshield, which lead to decay processes. If you operate the Opel Corsa with a worn shock absorber, corrosion will begin at the attachment point. It is almost impossible to remove corrosion by welding; you only have to replace part of the body. If there are foci of corrosion on the rear tailgate, then it is worth looking for its traces in the side niches of the rear of the body. This corrosion is usually caused by wear of the rubber seals.

The problem areas of the Opel Corsa C body include the poor quality of the plastic panels. The headlights wear out very quickly. That is why almost any copy of the Opel Corsa C can already have new headlights. Seizures on the windshield also quickly appear. On the front bumper, the mount and clips break off rather quickly. The front bumper skirt is a consumable item. An original new bumper for painting costs an average of 20,000-25,000 rubles in Russia. Wheel arch liners are also plastic. On 15-year-olds of the Opel Corsa C, these lockers can be completely broken off.


Opel Corsa C - side view.

Problems with the interior of the Opel Corsa C

The interior of the budget Opel Corsa C hatchback is quite simple. Some automotive experts even call it austere. At the same time, the designers selected a fairly strong plastic, albeit hard. A plastic steering wheel will last much longer on such a car than leather steering wheels on more expensive car models. You can find out the exact age of the car by looking at the condition of the pedals and car mats. The control buttons for various vehicle systems on the center console do not push through, do not break or overwrite. However, the illumination of some buttons may break. At the same time, it is almost impossible to replace the backlight lamps. Power windows on the Opel Corsa C were used only on the front doors. They are pretty reliable. Also, there can be few problems with the climate unit and the heater fan. The heater fan motor has a resource of 200,000 kilometers. However, in this case, it is necessary to regularly change the cabin filter.

Problems with the chassis of the Opel Corsa C

Although the braking system on the Opel Corsa C compact hatchback is weak, it is also quite reliable. As with all Opel, here it will be necessary to bother to remove the creak of the pads. There are Opel Corsa Cs without ABS in the Russian used car market. We recommend buying copies with ABS only. Therefore, when choosing a car, it will be necessary to clarify this detail. Usually, Opel Corsa C owners replace the front brakes with the largest ones from models such as the Opel Astra or Opel Vectra.

The front and rear suspension of the Opel Corsa C is pretty simple. Nevertheless, a low resource of 50 thousand kilometers is inherent in the silent blocks of the front lever and the support of the front pillar. Shock absorbers on C usually serve no more than 100 thousand kilometers. The thing is that there are practically no anthers on them. With regular loading of the Opel Corsa C, the springs can break off to failure.