Faults:

40K - Steering column fault after a few weeks of ownership, Vauxhall fitted a modified unit.

40K - Engine management light coming on intermittently, inlet manifold hose was faulty.

43K - No clutch at all, towed to the main dealer. Vauxhall said that hydraulic cylinder had burst and that seeing that this unit was in the gearbox (great design eh?) it would be a new clutch assembly as well because plate was soaked in fluid. First attempt at a bill was nearly £800, but after a lot of arguing we settled for £600.

44K - Steering joint had gone faulty again, after just 4,000 miles since the last one. Vauxhall dealer said it couldn't have done as they had a fitted modified unit, but eventually after 2 or 3 visits they changed it.

45K - Engine management light coming on intermittently again. This was diagnosed as the crankshaft sensor, £181 fitted (bargain).

46K - Engine management light coming on all the time. But it's OK cause this time it's the camshaft sensor, £161 but I got a £50 discount as I have had a few problems lately.

46K - Water and mould in the boot area, I have only just noticed this and upon looking closely it seems that most of the boot lid is rotten inside. I am so sick of it and cannot afford any Vauxhall repairs at the moment.

General Comments:

First MOT next month and I am scared.

What a load of crap this car has been.

I have covered just 6K in this car in 20 months and so far it's cost about £1000 (not including servicing).

I may have to buy a Ford! I can't afford a Beamer.

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

The engine is very smooth and quiet. The fuel economy is very good for a large engine.

The driving position is very uncomfortable. The drivers seat is very hard and the seat cushion is too high at the front, causing discomfort just behind the knees.

The steering wheel does not have enough adjustment.

The centre console is ridiculous and fouls the use of both the handbrake and the gear lever.

Faults:

Condensation in the front right indicator.

Condensation in the front right fog lamp.

Power steering fluid leak.

Driver's door lock seized.

General Comments:

I have enjoyed every minute of owning this car. I've de-badged mine and you can see the frustration in the faces of young boy racers, who have no idea what just carved them up!. I call it 'The Beast' because it growls at whatever crosses its path.

The performance of this car is impressive, although I do feel the odd flat spot now and again if I'm putting the foot down (possibly a problem with my car). This car will bring a grin to your face when you're challenged at the lights because as yet, I've never been touched.

The interior could have been better, it was pretty much like my Tigra's interior, only bigger! The electric Recaro seats are very comfortable on either long or short journeys.

This is a good effort by Vauxhall and although a few other people seem to have some bad experiences with them, my own feels solid and I won't be parting with it for some time!