Faults:

A 'clunk' started through the steering wheel and brake pedal when turning. To fix the fault has taken a new steering rack and two universal knuckle joints. Check the steering thoroughly before buying!

The crank sensor has been replaced.

General Comments:

I really like this car. It is comfortable, quick enough for me and provides practical family motoring. I was lucky enough that the initial problems were sorted under warranty so therefore avoided a potentially big bill.

I have since researched a little more into the Vectra and realise the problems I have encountered are common. The steering in particular is an expensive problem to fix, particularly through a main dealer. I am now a fan of warranties!

Fuel consumption is OK, but I wouldnt go as far as to say economical.

Faults:

Turbo air recirculation pipe blew off. This is a very simple problem to fix using a larger hose connector, but afflicted many diesel units around 2000.

Very uneven tire wear - outer edge of rear tyre worn out in 20,000 miles. Solved under warranty by a chassis alignment check and rebuild of rear suspension. I had to buy the tires which have since lasted 44,000 miles. How many others suffer from this?!

Flat battery caused by owner-induced water in under bonnet electrics during washing.

General Comments:

I bought the car because it was cheap (30% discount) and comfortable for long distances. This is helped by the addition of cruise control which goes well with the diesel torque. It is also boring and doesn't look flash, which means it survives unmolested in rough areas.

So far it has proved reasonably reliable and durable with no significant wear and tear. The car feels well put together and ready for another 60,000.

Best feature is the engine, which is reasonably powerful and refined and gives average 55 mpg. Long trips on motorways give over 60. When you buy your own fuel, this adds up.

Some owners of DTi's report high oil consumption. Mine uses about 1 liter (full to empty) between oil changes, but was run in carefully with an extra oil change and is not used hard.

Faults:

A huge long list of problems including:

Faults at purchase:

CD/Stereo drained battery flat 3 times.

Windscreen made strange "cracking" noise whilst driving.

Drivers seat squeaks.

Computer reset button on the end of stalk flew out of the window.

Back parcel shelf rattled.

Seat belt light came on.

Various warning messages on computer display.

Ash tray jammed shut.

Steering wheel has a strange rubbing sound when turning corners.

Indicators refused to cancel (almost causing a serious accident).

Faults which have occurred since purchase:

Oil level sensor faulty.

Headlight Sensor faulty.

Camshaft Sensor Faulty.

Driver seat now rattles badly.

Locking wheel nuts seized solid.

General Comments:

I purchased the car from new and it cost me £23,000. The car then spent the next 12 months in and out of the garage at regular intervals (at least once a month).

The faults identified during the 12 months were all "fixed" temporarily (most have re-appeared), however in the vast number of cases, the fixing of the faults resulted in other damage by the dealer to the car. For instance, when the ask tray jammed shut, they freed it up, but managed to mark the trim which sits just in front of it. They promised to replace it, but never did.

When the computer trip button flew out of the window on a nice sunny day, they replaced the stalk, but in the process, snapped the steering cover fixing (the cover now sticks up on the left). Again they promised to fix it, but didn't.

When the CD player drained the battery, at first they simply charged the battery up and claimed they had fixed the problem. When it happened again, they made a modification to the CD player to reduce the drain, however the problem was never resolved entirely.

Recently, I broke down on the M3. Just prior to the car stopping, various computer check lights and messages appeared and then disappeared. The cause was a number of sensors which I was told all went wrong at the same time! Cost of repair was £600.

During it's 3 year life there have been so many faults, I could write a book about it.

I have owned Vauxhall cars since 1978. I will never buy one again. My advice to all those considering the Vectra - Avoid it like the plague.