Buying a used Vauxhall Viva

Buying a used Vauxhall Viva

The Viva was first produced by Vauxhall in 1963 as a small family car until 1979. In 2015, the Viva reappeared as a rebadged version of the Chevrolet Spark until production halted in 2019. Although new versions of the Viva aren’t on the market, there are still plenty of second-hand models which have proved to be a popular city car much like the Volkswagen Up or Peugeot 108. If you’re looking for a used Vauxhall Viva, read our guide on the models available, which we recommend and what you should look out for when buying one.

What models are available?

The small size of the 2015-2019 Viva makes it the perfect car for town or city driving. The model scores highly on safety as it comes with a lot of helpful features and equipment as standard. It may not have the quality or space of some of its pricier rivals but it’s practical, nippy enough and most importantly, affordable to buy and run. The engine choices are limited to just one option:

• 1.0L Petrol: The three-cylinder petrol engine gives drivers 72hp and is either automatic or has a five-speed manual gearbox.

The Vauxhall Viva has two main trims: SE and SL. However, within those two options, there are additional levels to help further enhance driver comfort and experience:

• Vauxhall Viva SE: The entry level Vauxhall Viva comes with standard features like tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control, front fog lights, electric front windows and steering wheel controls.
• Vauxhall Viva SE Air Con: The only update with this trim level is air conditioning.
• Vauxhall Viva SE ecoFlex: The SE ecoFlex is designed as a more planet-friendly trim level. The main benefit is lower CO2 emissions (sub-100g/km) to reduce tax thanks to low-rolling resistance tyres, front and rear bumpers.
• Vauxhall Viva SL: The most expensive trim has climate control, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, a six-speaker stereo, tinted rear windows and 15” alloy wheels. Drivers could buy additional packs which included heated front seats and steering wheel, parking sensors and an electric sunroof.

Vauxhall Viva Rocks

In 2018, Vauxhall launched the Viva Rocks which was a compact SUV alternative. With the same engine and suspension, the main mechanical difference was an 18mm increase in the driver height. As the priciest Viva you could buy, it also had a new look with distinctive front and rear bumpers, 15” alloys, black plastic wheel arches and a bespoke interior.

Which Vauxhall Viva should you choose?

With only one engine type to choose from, whichever Vauxhall Viva you go for, it’s guaranteed to be an affordable car that’s compact enough to manoeuvre with ease. The SE ecoFlex is an ideal choice for planet-conscious buyers, while the SL offers additional features and tech, a touch of luxury and added comfort. The Viva Rocks makes a great family car, with more space than the standard model, and improved visibility thanks to the increased rider height.

What should you look out for in a used Vauxhall Viva?

The Vauxhall Viva has had very few reliability issues. Between the release in 2015 and when production ended in 2019, the car has only had one recall:

• Driveshaft: In 2015, 63 vehicles were affected by a driveshaft failure. Insufficient coating caused it to corrode and fracture which affects drive (but not steering or breaking). If the used car you’re viewing is from 2015, check it has been fixed before buying.
• Oil: Some drivers felt their Viva was consuming oil quickly. Check the dipstick before purchasing and request to view service history.

SPOTiCAR part exchange programme

Do you have an existing vehicle that you need to sell? At SPOTiCAR, we offer a part exchange service. Fill in some details and use our handy online tool to get a free estimate in just a few clicks. If you’re happy with the price, all you need to do is make an appointment at a retailer near you where our experts will advise you, give you a firm offer, provide you finance options for your Vauxhall Viva and take care of all the paperwork. Find a retailer here.