Faults:

Airbag connector seal @40,000.

Clutch @ 97,000 miles.

2nd > 3rd Synchromesh.

Head gasket (leaked - not completely failed)

General Comments:

What a car, but what a shame about the dealer. Shortly after purchasing this vehicle from a main dealer, car was drinking radiator water (bottle every 6 - 8 weeks), and 2nd to 3rd gear was "notchy" when changing under power. Dealer tinkered with faults, but never repaired fully. Vehicle was sent for it's 30k service and dealer investigated faults, but didn't repair nor service the vehicle. A new date the following week was set. During this time I past the 10,000 service interval. Dealer immediately invalidated the warranty and notified me I needed to spend a huge amount of money (£3000).

I didn't repair the gearbox or the gasket. Vehicle drove for a further 50,000 miles without fault... until they took it back in part exchange...fools!

Great handling helped by a faultless traction control system.

Sports seats comfortable.

Trip computer a must so you can drive the car efficiently.

Good stereo.

Other than the major faults above (which the dealer should have fixed), vehicle was very reliable. Not a single break down.

Short shift the gearbox and you have a lazy bear... hit the throttle and you have a big wolf...growling...and growling all the way.

Faults:

Idle control valve.

Rear anti roll bar bushes.

General Comments:

Had this car for 3 years now, and I read all the bad reviews after I bought it and thought i'd done a wrong move, but I have to say this has been one of the best cars I've owned in 30 years, totally reliable, cost peanuts to run, and 43 mpg doing country, motorway and London driving.

The ride is a little firm, but great on the motorway.

I've now got 106000 miles on the clock, and I'm still on the original brake pads, front & rear, and she doesn't use a drop of oil between 8000 mile changes.

Faults:

Have had car since January and has been excellent. Replaced air/pollen filter and plugs, only as a precaution.

General Comments:

Car handles like a dream, excellent performance. IE 35 per gallon on longer journeys.

Faults:

Oil level check came up on dashboard, rocker head cover gasket found to be leaking at 32000 miles.

I get 'knocking'/clicking through the steering on pulling away and turning.

The steering was checked at the last service where a hose was found to be loose. The problem still persists.

Oil level check came on again at 36000 miles. Leaking rocker head cover gasket again. This is only 4 months after being replaced.

Irmscher exhaust has started to blow.

The engine is a bit rattly even idling.

General Comments:

I bought this car over a Mazda 626. It certainly looks the part with 16 inch alloys, fog lights, sports exhaust etc.

The car handles well, the down side being the firm low speed ride.

The car performs well and has good fuel economy.

Reasonable level of equipment. If it doesn't have it, you don't need it.

Faults:

A brake pad went at 108,000 miles, but don't know which one until 21/9/03 (Sunday). Long story, not my fault. A Mickey Mouse garage. (E17). Not a happy bunny.

Seats are wearing very well for the miles.

Overall a top car, but Courtney Sport for Vauxhalls quoted near on 4k for a turbo conversion, giving the Vectra 210 BHP. I don't think this is right, as my Vectra is 140 as standard.. and at moment is turning out 146.4 BHP (I think). Help... is this right? Please help.