Faults:

Universal joint at the bottom of the steering column (near the floor) had to be replaced 3 times while I had the car - caused clonking noise when cornering.

Brake light switch failed - took local Vauxhall dealer in Hemel Hempstead a week to get the part. This car was made in Luton 10 miles away.

Sudden loss of power - a vacuum pipe leading to the turbo had melted through as it was lying on the exhaust manifold. This happened immediately after a 'service'.

When going down a steep hill and braking hard the engine management light would come on. Braking hard on the level would not cause this to happen. Needless to say, the Vauxhall garage was never able to fix this.

The digital radio/clock display had a mind of it's own. - one of my colleagues had this replaced on his Vectra then had nothing but trouble with air con not working and other things - obviously caused by the garage replacing it. So I left mine not working properly.

General Comments:

This was a company car.

The 2 litre diesel engine was superb for both economy and power.

It was generally good to drive, but not quite as good as the Mondeo. I think however, that the Vectra was a better car to 'be in'. It certainly has a more solid feel.

Anyone considering a Vectra to buy should avoid all petrol engined versions. Most of my colleagues had the 1.8 or 2 litre petrol and nearly every one had probs with the engine cutting out at random or revving at full throttle when it should be idling. Couple this with the expense and ineptitude at the vauxhall dealer and it will be a costly mistake. These were company cars and we were not personally responsible for the repair bills.

As far as my experience goes the Isuzu 1.7 or the Opel 2.0 diesel engines do not have these problems.

Faults:

Drivers' window fell down almost, due to mechanical fault in door. Fixed under warranty.

Battery replaced.

When A/C in use, can give a funny odor sometimes which haven't experienced from other car's A/C units.

Goes through tail light bulbs a little too quickly.

General Comments:

I don't know why people bad mouth the car so much?

No major problems at all since brought (touch wood.)

Vauxhall servicing costs a bit high.

Very quick for eingine and size of car. Handles without any hassle. Beats a lot of cars at the lights.

Quiet and refined, cruises without no problem and especially good on the motorway.

Very comfortable and good equipment with value. Plenty of room, even in the back.

Very nice styling.

Faults:

Trip Computer was defective when car was purchased.

Coil pack went wrong on 92000 miles.

General Comments:

A very fast reliable car with cheap running costs. 32 to the gallon on average.

Not as bad as car critics have said, but the Cavalier was a better built car.

Faults:

Rear quarter light leaked, causing the boot to flood each time it rained.

Air-con leaks and has to be topped up every year.

Heavy thump from the petrol tank when braking. Vauxhall dealer couldn't fix it even after 4 visits.

Water pump had to be replaced.

New cam belt at 80,000 miles and then another one at 88,000 after the water pump had wrecked it.

Bulbs blow constantly. So far I've replaced 3 indicator, 3 rear side, 2 front side, 2 headlight, 1 main beam, 1 number plate and 1 interior bulb.

The anti-roll bar bushes had to be replaced, but there's still a lot of knocking and thumping from the rear when cornering or over bumpy ground. My local garage hasn't been able to trace it.

Warning lamps come on and go off when they feel like it for no apparent reason. Everything always checks out OK.

The engine revs intermittently and is often lumpy and un-responsive.

Numerous creaks and rattles from the dash.

3 new tyres, new battery, new rear breaks, new exhaust, new wiper blades and rear wheel bearings.

Finally, the radio cassette player chews up all my tapes.

General Comments:

I really think my car must have been built as a practical joke.

It's been in the garage so often, I'm thinking of asking for a loyalty card. I could do with a bit of discount on the numerous bills it's clocking up.

If it ever behaves itself for more than a few weeks, I'll part exchange it for a Ford Ka. That's how desperate I am!!