Opel Speedster A00
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Opel Speedster (2000–2005) is not a normal Opel — it is a Lotus Elise S2 with an Opel engine, built at Lotus in Hethel (England). Aluminium chassis, fibreglass body, under 900 kg kerb weight. Only around 7,000 units built in total, roughly half with turbo. Anyone searching for one is looking for an enthusiast car — not a used car in the conventional sense.
Market overview: The Speedster is now an established modern classic with stable to rising prices. Fewer than 1,000 examples are likely to be registered in Germany. Condition trumps mileage — on a lightweight roadster, accident-free history matters more than odometer reading. Parts come partly from Lotus (chassis, suspension), partly from Opel (engine, gearbox). Lotus parts are expensive and have lead times.
Engine choice: The Z22SE (2.2 Ecotec, 108 kW/147 PS) is the naturally aspirated version — linear, rev-happy, absolutely adequate at 870 kg. Less prone than the turbo, but the timing chain stretches from 60,000–90,000 km (500–1,100 EUR). Oil consumption can increase from 100,000 km. The Z20LET (2.0 Turbo, 147 kW/200 PS) is the real star — brutal acceleration in a sub-900 kg car, 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. But: turbocharger wear from 80,000 km (800–1,500 EUR), boost hoses become brittle and burst (50–150 EUR), and the head gasket is a concern under high load (800–1,500 EUR). Regular use at high revs means higher maintenance costs. Both engines use the standard Opel gearbox — parts are not a problem.
Weak points: The Lotus chassis brings its own issues. Rear wishbone ball joints seize — typical from 30,000–50,000 km, a Lotus trait (150–400 EUR per side). Braking system is modestly sized — discs and pads wear quickly under spirited driving. The fibreglass body does not rust, but stone chips show as white marks in the plastic. Water ingress via the roof seal (with hardtop fitted) into the footwell — carpet gets soaked, smells of damp. Electrics are simple but temperamental: cable breaks at the boot transition, rear light contacts corrode.
Test drive checklist: Z20LET under load for boost pressure loss (hoses?), Z22SE cold start (chain rattle?), check rear wishbones for play (clunking over bumps?), footwell for moisture, run through all electrical functions (little is fitted, but it must work), inspect underside for kerb damage (low ground clearance = kerb strike risk).
Buying advice: Naturally aspirated Z22SE 18,000–28,000 EUR. Turbo Z20LET 25,000–40,000 EUR. Top examples with under 30,000 km can be significantly more. Insider pick: Z22SE naturally aspirated with traceable history and few previous owners — cheaper to run, fewer turbo risks, and the driving fun at under 900 kg is real even with 147 PS. For the turbo: a complete oil change documentation is mandatory, and a compression test before purchase is wise.
Engine Overview
The Opel Speedster A00 is available with 2 engine variants — from 147 to 200 hp.
Solid 2.2-litre naturally aspirated engine (108 kW) with good refinement, fitted in the Vectra C, Zafira A and Speedster. Examples before engine number 11065400 (March 2002) have an inadequately lubricated primary chain — this is an absolute purchase criterion. Piston rings with insufficient tangential tension lead to elevated oil consumption from around 120,000 km. With post-fix examples and regular oil changes, a reliable engine.
- !! Timing chain guide rail bolt breaks from 120,000 km
The guide rail retaining bolt in the cylinder head can come loose or break, causing chain slap. In the worst case, a cylinder head replacement is needed. Engines before no. 11065400 (up to March 2002) are particularly affected.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering noises in the timing chain area, especially on cold start; in advanced stages misfires and engine warning light - !! Secondary chain balance shaft breaks from 120,000 km
The secondary chain for the balance shafts can fail together with the chain tensioner. A break leads to severe engine vibrations and secondary damage. A complete chain replacement always includes both chain sets.
Symptoms: Strong irregular vibrations, metallic clattering from engine bay; sudden severe power loss when chain breaks - !! Oil consumption from worn piston rings from 100,000 km
Engines in the serial number range 11300883–11378500 were produced with piston rings whose tangential preload was outside specification. The rings lose radial force prematurely; oil consumption up to 0.5–1 L/1,000 km.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust at higher revs; strong airflow from the oil dipstick with the engine running indicates piston rings
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Sporting 2.0-litre turbo (147 kW) with K04 turbocharger (BorgWarner), fitted in the Astra G OPC and Speedster Turbo. Turbo sealing and oil supply to the K04 are the most important purchase criteria — bearing problems are regarded as a design weakness. The oil return line to the turbo should be regularly checked for coking. Manifold cracks occur at higher mileages. A characterful engine for enthusiasts prepared to stay on top of maintenance.
- !! K04 turbocharger shaft seal leaking from 60,000 km
The standard K04 turbocharger has a poorly sealed shaft bearing by design. The seal ring on the shaft bearing leaks, allowing oil to escape on the compressor side into the charge air circuit. Often only visible as blue smoke or an oil film in the intercooler.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust on load changes, oil film in intercooler and intake tract, faint burning smell inside, rising oil consumption - !! Oil feed line to turbocharger ruptures
The two-piece oil feed line to the K04 turbocharger is a design weak point. If it ruptures, the vehicle pumps out all its oil within minutes — engine damage and turbo damage result.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light illuminates, then severe oil loss, engine damage without further warning - !! Oil consumption from piston rings and valve stem seals from 130,000 km
At higher mileage, the crankcase ventilation clogs up, oil control rings lose tension and valve stem seals harden. Engine oil enters the turbocharger and intake tract via crankcase pressure. Typical consumption: 0.3–1 litre per 1,000 km.
Symptoms: Blue smoke after long periods of sitting or on overrun, oil deposits in intake tract and intercooler, steadily rising oil consumption from around 130,000 km
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Accident damage to aluminium chassis barely detectable The Lotus aluminium chassis is difficult to assess after accidents — fresh GRP panels can hide frame damage. Track day accidents are common. Only checkable with the car on a lift. Symptoms: Asymmetric panel gaps, tyre wear on one side only, vehicle pulls to one side when braking | High | |
| GRP body paint blistering The entire body is made of GRP, which develops osmosis in cold and damp conditions. Moisture diffusion lifts the paint. GRP must be thoroughly dried and sealed. Symptoms: Paint blistering and flaking especially on bonnet, spoiler and doors, colour changes in the paintwork | High | |
| Soft top permanently leaks The soft top leaks by design — virtually every car is affected. Water enters the footwell and boot. Long-term fix: new hood or optional GRP hardtop. Symptoms: Damp footwell and luggage area after rain, musty smell inside, wet seat cushions | Medium |
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All Opel models Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 26 weaknesses have been documented for the Opel Speedster A00 (2000–2005) — 14 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Electronics, Suspension, Brakes.
Speedster (Z22SE, 2000–2005) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail bolt breaks, Secondary chain balance shaft breaks, Oil consumption from worn piston rings. Power: 147 PS.
Speedster (Z20LET, 2003–2005) — Be Careful: K04 turbocharger shaft seal leaking, Oil feed line to turbocharger ruptures, Oil consumption from piston rings and valve stem seals. Power: 200 PS.
What to watch out for with the Opel Speedster? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Opel Speedster A00 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Opel Speedster A00? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Opel Speedster A00 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Opel Speedster A00 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee