Faults:

Radiator needed to be replaced, which meant the whole front end needed to be taken off.

Air con needed to be repaired.

Sump needed replacing.

Ignition coil needed replacing.

Oil leak.

All from neglected maintenance by the seller who knew nothing about cars, except to fill them up with petrol. All fluids were missing when bought.

Paintwork has started fading in the Australian sun after 10 years and 120000km. The cooling system is not suited for Australia's heat.

General Comments:

Bought the car just on 100000 km, and it needed a full service for the 120000km mark, plus the immediate repairs above. Other than that, it drives like a dream.

Pros:

Was told that these cars do not respond to modifications. Tried adding a custom exhaust. The car responded. Added 100 cell cat, extractors, pod filter and soon enlarged the throttle body. The 3.2 responds to mods very well. Modifications are recommended for any owners who want to keep their cars a long time. There really is nothing like a modified Vectra 3.2 in performance.

Fuel economy can be as good as 6.7l/100km at a constant 110km/h.

7.0l-7.5l/100km for country driving at about 100kmh. 11l/100 km in stop start local driving in city, and about 8.5-9l/100km in gentle traffic highway driving.

A bit slow to 2750 revs, but it then howls. Torque level is very high after 30km/h, and it drives like a V12.

Torque steer is minimal. Brakes and tyres last a long time.

These cars require meticulous servicing for fuss free motoring. If there is not meticulous servicing, walk away from the deal as they are costly to repair and mechanics hate working on them in Australia.

Cons:

Visibility is terrible for parking in shopping centres and overtaking. It is a car built for autobahns and freeways rather than shopping centres.

Electricals are crammed under bonnet and sometimes play up.

Cooling and airflow system is poor, so immediately check the entire air flow system.

Wheels are odd pattern, so only some Saabs have the same stud pattern. Tyres are also an odd size, which makes buying tyres expensive, although they seem to last 60000km. Best to swap over to 7.5 inch rims and fit 235 45 17s, 235 18 40s, or 235 19 35s, which will also further improve the excellent handling.

Faults:

Slipped a cam belt at 123000km. Covered by warranty.

Oxygen sensor replaced.

Rear suspension bushes replaced, normal wear.

Rather disappointed that the chrome surround on the gear selector is flaking.

General Comments:

This is one quick car. Has very impressive overtaking ability. Corners like it's on rails. Is economical, giving an average 8.9/100km.

The leather seats are very comfortable on a long trip.

I can honestly say it is the best car the family has ever had. Due to the high K's, I have looked at a replacement, but the cars I have driven are not a patch on the Vectra.

It's sad that Holden stopped importing the Opel Vectra in 2005.

Faults:

Nothing - this car is amazing. I have heard numerous accounts though that you should not touch the base models, but the CDXi is faultlessly amazing.

General Comments:

Amazing is all you can say, what a power house, such luxury and such stand out looks. Regardless of what anyone else thinks, there's nothing else that looks like it on the road.

Faults:

Due to the design of the seat bolsters (the CDXi is equipped with a "sports" seat design), my clothing rubs against them as I am getting into the vehicle. Unfortunately, this cannot be avoided. As a result, the edge of the drivers seat trim has started to wear prematurely.

Occasionally, a warning light (low water level, blown brake light globe) appears on the dash despite there being no actual problem. In these rare instances I simply turn off the ignition, wait a short period, and then restart the car. This "fixes" the problem.

The chrome trim on the boot kept coming loose. Some Loctite threadlocker on the offending loose nut solved this problem.

General Comments:

This car is a dream to drive. Passengers often comment on how comfortable it is, and on social occasions friends usually request to travel in my vehicle over others.

The 3.2 litre V6 propels the Vectra from standstill to 100 kph (62 mph) in under 8 seconds, which is quite respectable for a car of this size and weight.

The luggage capacity in the hatch back is generous to say the least, especially with the rear seats folded down. These seats feature a 60/40 split folding arrangement (with a ski hole), and will quite easily swallow anything you throw at it.

The semi-automatic transmission is responsive, and adapts the shift pattern over time to match the style of the driver. It will hold the gear selected to red-line, at which time it will automatically up change regardless of driver input, in order to avoid engine damage. Bringing the vehicle to a standstill will automatically put it back into first gear. I find the Vectra's semi-automatic system far superior to that found in other cars I have test driven, including the Porsche Cayman S and Ferrari 360.

The ZC Vectra CDXi combines versatility, luxury, and a touch of sportiness to make a great "all-rounder". You will not be disappointed.

Faults:

Condensation in the driver's side fog light (warranty).

Cruise control stalk switch replaced (warranty).

Front rotors and pads need to be replaced at approx. 40,000k.

General Comments:

Got the car when only 2 years old. Apart from the three reliability problems mentioned, the car has been a delight to drive. A drive from Brisbane to Cairns (1600klms) proved that the car was rapid when overtaking was required. Fuel consumption for this trip was a remarkable 8.0/100k @ 91kph av. This was bettered when I had a trip of 1300klms (Cairns, Tablelands, Port Douglas etc) and it returned 7.8l/100k.

The handling justifies the sports touring label; firm yet compliant. Loves mountain bends especially with the low end torque at hand.

Structural rigidity and general quietness is excellent, and these aspects were also mentioned by a guy who drives a BMW 530. Really a fine car to drive.

The huge boot consumes luggage with ease.