1.2 NA X12XE / Z12XE / Z12XEP / A12XEL / A12XER (Family 0) vs 1.4 NA Z14XEP / A14XEL / A14XER (Family 0)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.2 NA X12XE / Z12XE / Z12XEP / A12XEL / A12XER (Family 0) ACCEPTABLE 76/100
+2 points over 1.4 NA Z14XEP / A14XEL / A14XER (Family 0)
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE 1.2 NA X12XE / Z12XE / Z12XEP / A12XEL / A12XER (Family 0) Opel
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE 1.4 NA Z14XEP / A14XEL / A14XER (Family 0) Opel

Specifications

1.2 NA X12XE / Z12XE / Z12XEP / A12XEL / A12XER (Family 0)
1.4 NA Z14XEP / A14XEL / A14XER (Family 0)
Brand
Opel
Opel
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
ACCEPTABLE
Reliability
76
74
Years
2000--2014
2003--2014
Displacement
1229 cc
1364 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
65--85 hp
87--100 hp
Known Issues
6
6
Total Risk Cost
€780--€1,480
€320--€880

Character

1.2 NA X12XE / Z12XE / Z12XEP / A12XEL / A12XER (Family 0)

"Simple 16-valve four-cylinder for the Corsa, Agila and Astra; lifespan around 250,000 km. The weak point is the timing chain and tensioner - avoid an early Z12XE without chain records, listen to every cold start - plus a leaky oil-pressure switch and ignition-module misfires."

1.4 NA Z14XEP / A14XEL / A14XER (Family 0)

"Simple port-injected, chain-driven 1.4 in Astra H, Corsa C/D, Meriva A and Combo C (Z14XEP Twinport), later A14XEL/A14XER. The chain stretches early with short trips and late oil changes and can wreck the engine, so a cold-start rattle is a walk-away sign. Twinport flaps stick, the EGR valve clogs and the oil pressure switch leaks. Cheap to run if the oil is changed often."

Issues Comparison

1.2 NA X12XE / Z12XE / Z12XEP / A12XEL / A12XER (Family 0) 6

▲ HIGH
Timing chain and tensioner wear — chain stretch €600--€1,000 N/A--100,000 km
● MODERATE
Oil-pressure switch leak — oil can wick into the ECU harness €30--€80 N/A--N/A
○ MINOR
Thermostat failure N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
○ MINOR
Ignition coil / ignition module failure N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
○ MINOR
Valve cover gasket seep €50--€150 100,000 km--200,000 km
○ MINOR
Water pump wear €100--€250 100,000 km--180,000 km

1.4 NA Z14XEP / A14XEL / A14XER (Family 0) 6

▲ HIGH
Timing chain stretch — risk of major engine damage N/A--N/A N/A--150,000 km
○ MINOR
Oil leaks — oil pressure switch and valve cover N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
○ MINOR
Ignition coil failure €60--€180 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
Thermostat housing failure €80--€200 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
Engine mount wear €80--€200 100,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
EGR valve carbon buildup €100--€300 80,000 km--150,000 km

Models

1.2 NA X12XE / Z12XE / Z12XEP / A12XEL / A12XER (Family 0) 5

Corsa B 2000--2000 Astra G 2000--2004 Corsa C 2000--2006 Corsa D 2006--2014 Agila 1.2 A 2000--2007 Hatchback

1.4 NA Z14XEP / A14XEL / A14XER (Family 0) 6

Corsa E 2014--2019 Corsa E 2014--2019 Astra H 2004--2010 Corsa C 2003--2006 Corsa D 2006--2014 Meriva 1.4 A 2003--2010 MPV
Full 1.2 NA X12XE / Z12XE / Z12XEP / A12XEL / A12XER (Family 0) Report Full 1.4 NA Z14XEP / A14XEL / A14XER (Family 0) Report