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Opel Sintra: features, engines and what to know when buying
The Opel Sintra is a large seven-seater MPV that was sold in Europe between 1996 and 1999 and developed by the American company General Motors. In this article, we'll look at its features, engines, and things to check before buying.
Sintra in brief
The Sintra was the largest Opel MPV, designed for families: spacious interior, sliding rear doors, and seven seats. The car's technology came from General Motors MPVs that were built in the USA, so it differs significantly from Opel models of that era.
The Sintra was sold for a short period, making it a rare car today, with a very limited supply in the used market.
Which version to choose
The Sintra was produced in one generation, so the most important factors are the specific car's condition and service history, rather than the year of manufacture. Due to its rarity and age, many examples are now in poor condition.
When choosing, pay attention to the interior condition, the operation of the sliding doors, and signs of corrosion.
Engines and transmissions
Most commonly, you'll find cars with the 2.2-litre petrol engine and automatic transmission. Other variants are limited, so before buying, check the specific car's engine details in the registration documents.
The offer of diesel engines for this model was very limited, so most searches are for petrol versions.
What to check when buying a used Sintra
Check the body for rust, especially around the sills, wheel arches, and the area of the sliding doors' runners. Ensure both sliding doors open and close smoothly.
Check the engine's operation when cold and hot, the cooling system, and the automatic transmission shifts. Electrical equipment and air conditioning in an older car often require repair.
Finding parts, especially for the interior and body, can take time, as the model is quite rare. Before buying, check the availability of parts.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
Sintra
1996–1999Single generation; equipment depended on the market and year.
- Seven seats and sliding rear doors
- Mostly a 2.2-litre petrol engine
- Often — air conditioning and electric windows
Key features
| Sintra | |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | Families needing plenty of space |
| Body style | MPV, 7-seater |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € |
The Sintra is ideal for those who need plenty of space for a small price, but due to its age and rarity, it's best to choose a well-maintained example.
Pros
- Spacious interior and seven seats
- Sliding rear doors
- Low price in the used market
- Rare, unique model
Cons
- Finding parts can be challenging
- Corrosion and issues with aging systems
- High fuel consumption
Frequently asked questions
How many seats does the Sintra have?
The Sintra was a seven-seater MPV.
Is the Sintra suitable for a family?
Yes, due to its spacious interior, that was its main purpose, but because of its age, you need to thoroughly check the car's condition.
Who manufactured the Sintra?
The Sintra was created by General Motors as the Opel equivalent of a compact MPV, with its technology derived from American-built minivans.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
