2004 Holden Vectra ZC CDXi 3.2 V6 from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
Meticulous maintenance, attend to repairs immediately, and modify the car and keep for a few years
Faults:
Radiator needed to be replaced, which meant the whole front end needed to be taken off.
Air con needed to be repaired.
Sump needed replacing.
Ignition coil needed replacing.
Oil leak.
All from neglected maintenance by the seller who knew nothing about cars, except to fill them up with petrol. All fluids were missing when bought.
Paintwork has started fading in the Australian sun after 10 years and 120000km. The cooling system is not suited for Australia's heat.
General Comments:
Bought the car just on 100000 km, and it needed a full service for the 120000km mark, plus the immediate repairs above. Other than that, it drives like a dream.
Pros:
Was told that these cars do not respond to modifications. Tried adding a custom exhaust. The car responded. Added 100 cell cat, extractors, pod filter and soon enlarged the throttle body. The 3.2 responds to mods very well. Modifications are recommended for any owners who want to keep their cars a long time. There really is nothing like a modified Vectra 3.2 in performance.
Fuel economy can be as good as 6.7l/100km at a constant 110km/h.
7.0l-7.5l/100km for country driving at about 100kmh. 11l/100 km in stop start local driving in city, and about 8.5-9l/100km in gentle traffic highway driving.
A bit slow to 2750 revs, but it then howls. Torque level is very high after 30km/h, and it drives like a V12.
Torque steer is minimal. Brakes and tyres last a long time.
These cars require meticulous servicing for fuss free motoring. If there is not meticulous servicing, walk away from the deal as they are costly to repair and mechanics hate working on them in Australia.
Cons:
Visibility is terrible for parking in shopping centres and overtaking. It is a car built for autobahns and freeways rather than shopping centres.
Electricals are crammed under bonnet and sometimes play up.
Cooling and airflow system is poor, so immediately check the entire air flow system.
Wheels are odd pattern, so only some Saabs have the same stud pattern. Tyres are also an odd size, which makes buying tyres expensive, although they seem to last 60000km. Best to swap over to 7.5 inch rims and fit 235 45 17s, 235 18 40s, or 235 19 35s, which will also further improve the excellent handling.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th August, 2014
18th May 2010, 01:01
I currently have a Holden Vectra CDX 3.2 V6 2004, and I agree, this model gets my votes, the acceleration and all round responsiveness is outstanding. The overall construction is solid, the doors aren't tinny like most Asian produced cars. Mine has the fabric seats which seem okay.
My only issue to date is the quality of the stereo, it's appalling. The radio reception isn't any good and the CD stack recently ate 3 of my CD's.
But a fairly simple fix. Replace it with either a 2 Dimm 7" Multi Media center which fits perfectly into the original spacing or replacing it with a standard off the shelf stereo, and have the aerial cable replaced as the original isn't strong enough to receive a decent signal.
Other than that the car is great; my previous cars were Alfa 147 and Lexus IS200.