Chevrolet Captiva Used Car Guide: Reliability & Buying Tips

Introduction

In the secondary market, Chevrolet vehicles don't stay long - Cobalt, Aveo, Cruze, and even the older Lacetti quickly find their new owners. However, when choosing a crossover, many somehow forget that this brand also had its own SUV - the Captiva model. Today we will thoroughly examine this underrated vehicle, its features, advantages, and nuances that should be considered when purchasing on the secondary market.

The Chevrolet Captiva appeared on the market in summer 2006. In 2011 and 2013, two facelifts took place consecutively, with the first one being quite impressive. In March 2015, the Chevrolet brand kept only premium models in the market, so the youngest Captiva specimens are now about 10 years old. It's the perfect time to appreciate this model in the secondary market.

Body and Exterior

Choosing a suitable crossover won't be difficult, as there are plenty of options available in the market. We should note separately that the Chevrolet Captiva offers a very wide range of modifications.

Speaking about the body, it's worth noting that with age, dulled chrome and faded paint are common for this model. When choosing a vehicle, pay attention to the condition of the trunk lid and all parts covered with plastic overlays, as well as the hood cover and the edge above the windshield.

Interior

The Captiva's interior stands out for its good durability in its price category. The only issue might be the silver-painted plastic, which gets scratched over time. When you want to restore the lost beauty, you can wrap the scratched parts with film or repaint them - it's not a problem nowadays.

Overall, the Captiva's interior looks pleasant and relatively modern even years later. The ergonomics are excellent - all controls are in intuitively understandable places, and the quality of materials corresponds to the price segment of the vehicle.

Electrical System

Unfortunately, electronics is not the strongest point of the Captiva. The fan motor and the climate control flap actuators are not highly reliable. With the age of the vehicle, electrical connection contacts may oxidize, causing various warnings to appear on the dashboard.

For diesel specimens manufactured before 2014, pay attention to the wiring harness connecting the battery, starter, and generator. The contacts on the starter tend to loosen, after which they begin to oxidize.

Therefore, it is recommended to show a potential crossover to an auto electrical specialist before purchase, who can assess the condition of the wiring and electronic components.

Engine Range

Diesel Engines

The Chevrolet Captiva offered a rich selection of modifications, including several diesel engines. The most successful variant is the 2.0-liter version, but finding one on the secondary market is quite difficult.

For facelifted vehicles, a 2.2-liter turbodiesel was offered. At the time of its debut, it was an absolutely new unit. Its main features are a sixteen-valve cylinder head, variable geometry turbocharger, and a particulate filter. Only the most powerful 184-horsepower versions of this engine were sold in the market.

This engine has several characteristic features that are worth paying attention to:

• The crankshaft pulley with a rubber torsional vibration damper may fail. If this happens, the dynamics will deteriorate, fuel consumption will increase, and a loud knock will be heard from the engine.
• The particulate filter can become clogged with constant city driving, so regular high-speed trips on highways are extremely useful for diesel engines.
• It is necessary to periodically clean the EGR system.
• The engine may have small oil leaks from under the upper pan and front cover.

Gasoline Engines

Chevrolet's gasoline engines are simpler and more reliable. For pre-facelift cars, the base was a 136-horsepower 2.4-liter Family 2 series engine. The roots of this family of engines, varying in displacement and valve train design, go back to the 80s.

Despite its modest output, this engine will be a good option for purchase. Not distinguished by a bright temperament, the cast iron "four-cylinder" will serve approximately half a million kilometers. Among its characteristic features, we note:

• The plastic valve cover may leak oil
• The rear crankshaft seal may also leak
• The thermostat requires regular inspection
• When replacing the timing belt (every 60,000 km), it is recommended to preventively change the water pump

After the facelift, a new engine replaced the 2.4. Its characteristic features are an aluminum cylinder block, balance shafts, and a chain-driven valve train. It is the timing drive that requires close attention - the condition of the chains needs to be carefully monitored at mileages over 100,000 km. This engine has two chains: one in the valve train mechanism and the second in the balance shaft drive.

The senior engine on cars before 2011 with a volume of 3.2 liters is an absolutely unique variant in terms of output for its money, plus robust and resourceful. During maintenance, it should be taken into account that it uses three timing chains, which are accompanied by the installation of four tensioners. The optimal replacement period is about 80,000 km.

This V6 also has an interesting feature - an originally designed exhaust system. The left muffler is disconnected at partial loads, for which a special valve is installed in the system.

After the facelift, a three-liter engine replaced the 3.2 motor. Its exhaust is arranged in the usual way, and one problem became less. However, direct injection replaced distributed injection, so after 150,000 km, it will likely be necessary to replace the high-pressure fuel pump.

In other respects, the new engine proved to be more successful than its predecessor. For example, the chain-driven valve train began to serve at least twice as long. The cooling system remained a weak point, so the radiator must be impeccably clean, and the pump and thermostat are better updated without waiting for breakdowns.

Transmission

Surprisingly, about a third of the cars on the market are equipped with manual gearboxes. The five-speed unit usually lasts for 150,000 km, after which worn synchronizers need to be replaced. The six-speed transmission is characterized by high durability. However, the motors it connects with use a dual-mass flywheel, which rarely "survives" more than 200,000 km.

All pre-facelift versions are equipped with a five-speed Aisin Warner automatic. With proper maintenance, it withstands up to 250,000 km. The key to health is just clean oil.

After the facelift, the gearbox became six-range, and this is already a General Motors product. On vehicles younger than 2014, these automatics last longer if you monitor the cleanliness of the transmission fluid and cooling system radiators.

All-Wheel Drive

The Chevrolet Captiva can be front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive versions use a Borg Warner clutch, which doesn't like mud baths. With this fairly robust unit, heavy duty operation can damage the tailshaft bearing.

In the rear differential and transfer case, it is recommended to update the oil every 80,000 km, although the manufacturer recommends conducting an oil service at a mileage of 100,000 km.

In the rear subframe beam, the silent blocks of the rear differential require attention - the health of the driveshaft directly depends on their condition. By the way, the driveshaft categorically does not accept dirt - frequent off-road trips will end in repairs. The cross joint breaks down in about 100-120,000 km, and the center bearing in 60-70,000 km. Therefore, it is not recommended to indulge in off-roading on the Chevrolet Captiva.

Suspension

In the chassis, the main attention should be paid to rubber elements, especially on pre-facelift cars. The support bearings of the front struts and the silent blocks of the rear suspension have an unpredictable resource and may require replacement after 40-60,000 km. The same problem applies to the front stabilizer bars, which last a maximum of 50,000 km.

The rear shock absorbers are characterized by good durability and serve up to 150,000 km, while the front ones - up to 120,000 km. It is worth noting that the rear shock absorbers in versions with a ride height maintenance system have a more complex design.

Wheel bearing replacements should be anticipated at mileages from 80 to 120,000 km. At the same time, it will be useful to assess the condition of the ball joints.

Steering

The Captiva's steering system can also present unpleasant surprises after 100,000 km. During this period, steering rods and tips, as well as steering shaft universal joints, may need replacement. Also, keep an eye on the condition of the rack and hydraulic system.

It is worth noting that the steering rack is especially vulnerable on pre-facelift cars. Therefore, when choosing a used Captiva, it is preferable to take a car younger than 2011, at least because of the more durable chassis and steering.

Practical Tips When Choosing

1. Pay attention to the year of manufacture - facelifted versions (after 2011) are characterized by improved reliability of many components.
2. Check the service history - regular maintenance significantly increases the lifespan of the vehicle.
3. Carefully inspect the body - pay attention to the condition of the trunk lid, hood, and the edge above the windshield.
4. Electrical diagnostics - before purchasing, it is recommended to check the operation of all electrical systems.
5. Engine choice - gasoline engines are simpler to maintain, diesel engines are more economical but require more attentive care.
6. Transmission check - ensure smooth gear shifting and the absence of extraneous noise.
7. Assess the condition of the chassis - conduct a test drive on an uneven road to identify knocks and squeaks in the suspension.

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Captiva is one of the most underrated crossovers in the secondary market. As you can see, there are reasons for this: the operation of this model requires attention to certain components and assemblies, but there are not that many global problems.

With the right choice and proper maintenance, the Captiva can serve for many years, pleasing the owner with its driving qualities, spacious interior, and good cross-country capability. Particular attention should be paid to facelifted versions younger than 2011, which received a number of significant improvements.

Do not forget that the Captiva is a full-fledged crossover with all the resulting advantages: high ground clearance, spacious interior, the possibility of installing a third row of seats, and all-wheel drive. All this makes it an excellent option for family use and travel.

Remember, the main thing is to make the right choice. And if you pay attention to the key points described in this article, the Chevrolet Captiva can become a reliable and faithful companion for you for many years.

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