2003 Vauxhall Vectra 3.2 GSI 3.2 Litre

Summary:

Very Quick, but relatively economical

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Beautifully understated, a real barnstormer of a car. Big, comfortable and I am able to get my piano and PA system in the boot without even lowering the back seats. Absolutely laden with kit and an excellent pair of HID headlights for really safe dark winter motoring. Cornering is superb, and road-holding excellent, although it is a little upset on poor road surfaces, such as where HG-V's leave a 'dent' in the road. It can sometimes be a little difficult to 'climb out'.

Economy very good. Although I have not had the car very long, a quick trip to E. Sussex (85 mile round trip) gave 37 mpg. Speed maximum 65 mph and gentle acceleration. At no time have I had worse mpg than 26.

Although understated, it seems to attract a small amount of attention by people who know their cars. Unfortunately, boy racers in their pathetic Novas and Saxos are shown an embarrassing clean set of heels, as are the company reps in their Passatt Turbo diesels.

It must be one of the cheapest cars to insure (£323 41 year old male clean (totally) licence) which is capable of at least 155mph, and a hell of a lot cheaper than the less well built and rather commonplace Suburu Impreza. It is also a lot less lightly to attract the attentions of the vandalistic element in today's society.

The upholstery and fittings are of very high quality, and although the indicator switchgear has come in for some criticism, I have got used to it and quite like it now.

Safety equipment is exemplary, more airbags than you can shake a stick at, and the whole feels very, very study and safe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th March, 2004

20th Mar 2004, 03:44

I agree with all of the things you have said, though I did test drive the GSI, my ONLY concern was the harder ride. so I opted for the elite with the same engine.

And love the car.

Enjoy.

5th Oct 2004, 09:18

I have read all the reports on the 3.2 GSi and wow! am I glad. I pick up an 04 GSi this Saturday a saving of £6000 on a new one!The beautiful beast only has 1100 miles on the clock. It has all the extras including all the body kit with twin double exhaust pipes. I have to say it looks fantastic. (not boy racer in any way)

On the test drive she wanted to go! but, the sales chap in the back sort of held me back if you know what I mean!!

I have had four Vectra's (2.5 & 2.6 sri's) in the past and loved every one of them. Not one of them gave me a hint of trouble.

I love the Vectra and hope this "new shape" GSi is as perfect and as much fun to drive as all the others have been!

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2003 Vauxhall Vectra Elite 3.2

Summary:

Vectras shouldn't be THIS good

Faults:

Too early to tell.

General Comments:

Just wanted to make some general comments about the car. On taking delivery of the car I was anxious (obviously) to take it out on a run, so 400 miles later:

The car averages around 25 mpg, which is less than specified, but who believes official figures anyway? But the ride is worth sacrificing those 2 or 3 mpg.

Smooth and exciting to drive, an excellent level of equipment and a high standard of build quality make you feel as if you're driving a much more expensive marque.

Tons of power under your right foot to get you out of those sticky situations, with excellent traction and grip.

In short this car is a pleasure to drive and would recommend it to anyone wishing to drive a very understated, all rounder.

Just one thing, I would not like to have purchased this car new, as I bought it with 10,000 on the clock, and it being only 6 months old more than £7000 pounds depreciation would be worrying.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd February, 2004

29th Feb 2004, 04:50

You certainly make a good case for considering the purchase of a Vectra Elite. I am at present considering purchasing one, but as I am a keen caravanner would appreciate any information about the towing capabilities of the car from you or any of your colleagues.

Malcolm Swift.

8th Mar 2004, 11:11

I would certainly recommend this car to you. It accelerates well, the 3.2 litre hitting sixty in a little over 7 seconds, and the 2.2 in just over 9 seconds.

Mid range torque is good, and has enough pulling power to get you towing all day long with enough in reserve should you need it to get you out of those sticky situations.

They also make an excellent 2.2 litre diesel and in the SRI version of it a little extra performance with a 45 mpg plus mpg is not to be sneezed at.

The reason I opted for the 3.2 version is simply because I still have a little of the boy racer in me.

But would be perfectly happy with a well specked 2.2 litre.

I hope this helps.

Insurance is surprisingly low also.

19th Jul 2004, 15:42

Just a note to the guy with the snatchy gearbox, get it checked as my mate has a 2.0l dti and his gearbox has been changed on warranty.

Overall a good car only wind noise from the drivers door on mine and fine since a new door seal fitted.

Averaging 40miles to the gallon slightly less than quoted.

Lots of room for the teenage kids in the back.

Night light works well and used to indicator stalk now.