Faults:

Water pump seized.

Head gasket blew.

Exhaust rotted at mid section.

Exhaust fell off at back box.

Tracking off and garages unable to rectify fault leading to very excessive tire wear.

Fuel lines perished and leaked.

Leads and distributor replaced.

New leads burned through after a clip broke.

ABS light always on regardless of ABS status.

Brakes wear excessively.

Faulty contacts on solenoid.

Cam belt finally gave up the ghost and broke destroying valves and writing the thing off.

Loads more that it's too depressing to think about.

General Comments:

Well, it looked really nice when I bought it for £1200. It drove OK and the engine looked clean and well serviced.

However, after a few weeks problem after problem left me stuck on the roadside more times than you'd think possible.

It was very comfortable to drive. Seating position was good etc...

With a 1.8i it was very gutless and could hardly drag itself along.

I do a lot of mileage and my petrol bill amounted to £400 a month in the end. Not economical at all.

It seemed to hold corners well. But if grip was compromised, you lost all control in a split second meaning you could never ever rely on it to get you out of a tricky situation.

It's been the bane of my life, really.

Faults:

The wiper motor went, replaced that myself at a cost of £20.00 from a local scrap yard. I had a problem with it overheating, and took it to a main dealer garage, and they could not find the problem. They ran all the usuall tests and could not find anything wrong. I looked at the expansion tank and the water level indicator was faulty causing the water to escape, bought a new one at £35,00 and problem solved. The car has never broken down, all major parts still in good condition no seat wear or carpet wear.

General Comments:

I would recommend this car to someone elso as long as it has been looked after.

Very comfortable.

Still looks good.

Nice sleek lines.

Faults:

On buying the car, replaced a sticking thermostat.

Replaced a seized electric aerial mast which is a lot cheaper than replacing the whole unit. Keep the mast lubricated with vasoline every 2 weeks to avoid it seizing again.

The cylinder head gasket blew at 186,000 miles.

Front engine runner on the driver's side required welding at the MOT due to corrosion.

Advanced bracking system warning light stays on in cold damp weather.

Alternator regulator assembly replaced as the bushes were worn away.

Flexible fuel line replaced.

General Comments:

Apart from the cylinder head gasket, all the repairs have been relatively cheap to carry out.

The car is sluggish and I would prefer the 2.0 litre, but it is very comfortable and excellent for motorway driving. The chassis is very good and the car is well built.

Although a high mileage car, it burns very little oil.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Apart from high end power, just as good as my Senator without the cost.

Cruises superbly on the motorway with 38 mpg compared with 27 for my Senator.

Faults:

The sport mode light on dashboard began flashing shortly after having the car serviced. The Vauxhall dealer could not solve the problem (didn't have a clue).

In despair took the car to local gearbox specialist. Believe it or not the problem was incorrect SPARK PLUGS. The wrong electrical resistance of the plugs caused an electrical field under the bonnet and affected the gearbox ECU.

Car has had no problems since. Hope information helps others.

General Comments:

I have found the car a pleasure to drive, comfortable and reliable (except) for the problem mentioned above. Although the car is 8 years old it is completely rust and oil leak free.