Faults:

Rear parking brake caliper collapsed inside drum/disc at about 140,000 miles. Needed new disc/drums, pads, shoes and mounting kit. Found broken rear spring when carrying this out and replaced both rear springs. Total cost £420.

Front discs getting near limit so changed them for a set of performance discs and pads at a cost of £237, fitted myself.

General Comments:

A great car for the £3000 I paid for it. Good levels of comfort, electric mirrors, electric windows, heated seats, power steering, traction control.

Very pleased with the fuel economy from the 2.5 V6 24V. Averaging 28.3mpg which is a combination of driving styles. Pushing it when needed but cruising when in a relaxed mood. It is possible to get an average 30mpg if you are a bit more sedate or do mostly motorway miles.

Missed the fact that mine didn't have air conditioning. Definitely a plus in warm weather.

Acres of room both in the cabin and in the boot. More than enough room for several suitcases with room to spare.

Performance was good but nothing special. As good as any 'hot hatch' with the extra power at the top end for easy overtaking at higher speeds.

Was considering selling to get the 3.0 Elite but unfortunately had a close encounter with a lamp post! Oh, yes, safety features excellent in a head on collision. Don't think I would have walked out of a smaller car like I did.

Now re-evaluating the Elite and looking for a BMW 535 Sport instead.

Faults:

The multi info display has a line of dot's out, making it hard to read the information being displayed. The date is displayed when it likes.

The engine management light came on once for about 10-15 minutes, shortly after I bought the car.

General Comments:

I may have paid a bit over the top on price, but it was worth it to find one with low miles for its year.

Drinks petrol around town, but is fair on the motorway.

Large and roomy, excellent to drive on a short or long trip.

Seems to cling to first gear when first started in the moring.

Good seat's, fair build standard, level of toys is fair.

Air con could be colder.

Faults:

Head gasket went costing 600 quid, then the rocker cover gasket which took Vauxhall 3 times to repair (got a full refund in the end).

CD player plays up and I've just noticed that the air conditioning isn't working in that the air is the same temp if it's on or off, anyone know what's wrong??

Besides that little lot, it's fine.

General Comments:

Very good for motorway journeys.