Faults:

Crankshaft gear worn - replacement cost £800.

EGR valve needed replacing - £260.

Washer fluid pump needed inline valve in the pipes (ironically, Vauxhall suggested a Ford valve).

Central locking not working on the passenger front door or petrol cap cover.

Engine management light permanently on but registers no code.

ABS main pump is on the way out which will be majorly expensive.

General Comments:

I drove this car from new as it was my ex company car - but all the problems above have happened since I bought it from the company when I came out of the company car scheme. It is one thing to drive a car without the responsibility of the running costs - and there were several problems with it before I owned it which I haven't included as its not relevant in this survey. But to have to deal with these in a young, relatively well looked after, regularly serviced vehicle is unacceptable to the average secondhand car buyer.

According to the mechanic, who has been fixing my various problems with the car, the problem is the packed engine compartment which is impossible to work in. Even relatively inexpensive jobs on other cars are expensive due to the extra time fiddling around. For example, the replacement of the gear to the crankshaft required the removal of the engine! Also, dealer only parts have boosted the fixing cost.

Generally OK looking and comfortable car - but watch out for higher mileage examples as they are likely to be a money pit.

Faults:

Camshaft & crankshaft sensors, airbag warning light.

Cambelt pulleys changed under a recall.

General Comments:

Still a stylish looking car with excellent fuel consumption let down only by lousy dealer service.

Faults:

Steering rack within the first 2 months, recalled for gearbox, seat belt pre tensioners, handbrake adjustment. Boot lock motor failure. Central locking problems. Engine management problems necessitating replacement of the crank case sensor - still hasn't resolved the problem.

General Comments:

We have owned 6 Vauxhall cars since 1980 having had a Viva and various Cavaliers. The last Cavalier - a 2.0l LS was a very good car - I would swap it for the Vectra without a doubt. The Vectra has not left us stranded - yet - but has had a succession of niggling faults that leaves the dealer as baffled as we are. Poor service Vauxhall.

Faults:

Leaking sunroof, steering problems, air-con problems, digital display problems, radio problems, stitching on steering wheel came undone after a few months.

THIS CAR WAS NEW, handling was crap.

Dealers are idiots.

General Comments:

This was my dad's company car, and I was unfortunate enough to drive it on several occasions. It had so many problems that Vauxhall gave him a new one! DON'T BUY ONE, they are CRAP. I have owned several older cars myself, they all burned oil and were crap too. A WASTE OF MONEY, I'd sooner catch a bus. Remember Vauxhall's motto, styling first, reliability second, IDIOTS.

AGREE? nickbsam@aol.com BYE :)

Faults:

Steering rack, clutch, seat, engine management module, rear wheel hub, ABS brakes, electrical, aircon, exhaust, wheel bearing, driver door vibration over 80mph.

Lots of little things.

General Comments:

Had it from new; nice to look at, many gadgets but no room to put anything like change or sun glasses.

Ride and road holding poor, brakes average. Car vibrates. Driving position causes back problem, no room for left hand leg.

Basically this car is the worst car I have ever driven, though it's my company car I no longer drive it preferring the wife's A reg Mercedes 300D, she has the Vectra, and now has a bad neck too. Only have to wait till March when the contract runs out.