13th Jul 2010, 14:29
That's probably because more expensive petrols have added detergents which are better at cleaning. It's the reason why I use 95 on my NZ '01 Galant V6, even if it can run on 91. I think that a 5 cent difference per litre at 12K km/year with an average 9 km/L is a yearly cost of $67, which is cheaper than getting the valves carbon cleaned. European cars are normally designed to run on at least 95 RON. Sure, many of them can either be tuned or automatically adjust to a lower fuel octane, but although the car will run with slightly lower performance, it also results in slightly worse fuel consumption, and does not benefit from the cleaning properties of higher grade fuel.
10th Aug 2010, 12:45
I just bought a Vectra GS last week only, and it's at a workshop with all sort of troubles, massive oil leak, coolant leak, head gasket gone... OMG.
24th Aug 2010, 22:13
Had a Vectra for a year. The stalling in traffic was a nightmare. Used carb clean to clean out the ICV, which helped somewhat, but it comes back.
Not worth hanging onto. I was lucky the hail storm saved me, and the insurance company now owns it.
30th Aug 2010, 04:38
I have recently been having troubles with my 1998 GL Holden Vectra. It loses power when traveling up hill, but does not conk out, however, when my engine light comes on, it stops doing this. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about what is going on?
I am over taking it to the mechanic, and it not coming back fixed...
Email address wensdae246@hotmail.com
Thanks, Charlotte.
12th Oct 2010, 02:17
Bought my 99 JSII Vectra a little over a month ago, and I've already taken it to the mechanic for $2000 worth of repairs, the suspension also needs to be fixed which is another $1000 on top.
The stalling problem has now occurred. I'm guessing that I should just clean the IACV with carb cleaner? How would you go about complaining about this issue, or making sure that this doesn't happen again to anyone in the future?
3rd Nov 2010, 22:38
I've owned my JS Vectra for almost 6 months now, they are certainly a quirky engine, but will serve you well if you know how to look after it.
First off, it is much much cheaper to source parts from the UK (most people don't know it's not 'actually' a Holden). You'll save hundreds of dollars this way.
These engines do have a 'sludge' issue. It's recommended to do an oil change every 5000 kms. Do it yourself to save some money.
15th Feb 2011, 02:52
I have had my 98 Vectra for 6 months and it has been one thing after another. The car is in the shop every couple of weeks. I have spent more money on it than what I paid for it. This week, it's stalling again and the cooling hose is stuffed another $800 to fix, not gonna bother.
Don't ever buy a Vectra.
5th May 2011, 23:42
I have 1998 V6 Holden Vectra 2.5, and it has done nothing but cost me money. It stalls and cuts out constantly. I have a 3 year old, and am always terrified of having an accident. It cuts out around roundabouts, at traffic lights and mostly when idling.
Took it to Auto Tune; they told me it was the crank angle sensor. Got it replaced, still cuts out. Now they are saying it's the air flow meter and want me to pay $750 to replace it. I am currently looking for a second hand one to save me some cash.
Yesterday it started vibrating when it's idling, and does this up until you hit about 60kms. It's very weird, and I'm honestly just waiting for the motor to blow up. If I could, I would take a sledge hammer to it, but then I'd have no car. My ex partner brought the car for me for $800, and so far it's cost me over $5000.
Biggest lemon ever, and I will NEVER own another Holden as long as I live.
17th May 2011, 09:28
1997 Holden Vectra (JR), 63800km.
I have owned the car for 6 weeks and only driven 10 days as it has been in and out of the mechanics (who are extremely reputable, experienced and reliable). It is very frustrating, annoying and just wrong that so many of these cars have multiple and similar issues that aren't acknowledged by the manufacturer.
We have broken down 3 times and repairs have cost over $2000 already - water pump, timing belt, warped head, overheating, thermo fan problems, etc.
Thank you to everyone for posting comments as now I am better informed to know that it isn't going to end until the car goes.
Good luck everyone - let's boycott and buy a Toyota...
5th Jun 2011, 06:52
Hi there. I've had the same problem.
I think you may have a problem in your ABS module.
This part is very expensive. A new one is about $600.
But no worries. You can find this part on eBay as second hand. Now I've fixed it.
Good luck.
4th Jul 2011, 02:57
Hi there.
The stud pattern on the Vectra is early Holden before 1971. That is what I heard anyway. I was looking to put different mags on my Vectra. Early Holden mags are still hard to find.
Cheers.
11th Sep 2011, 07:04
Hi, we have a 2002 2.2 GL manual, with 120,000 ks. All well, til the week before last when the remote central door locking stopped working (not battery in remote unit). Then the other doors stopped working off the manual operation of the drivers door. Now, the rear (behind driver) door lock won't even operate so we can't lock the car??? I see on the Pommy Vectra Car Club website says that this sort of thing is a common problem. I am seeking to know what is the solenoid replacement part number/s and where are they located?? I understand that that will fix the problem, albeit at a cost. Any comments?
Thanks, Regards.
Ray.
17th Sep 2011, 01:54
I bought a used Holden Vectra 2001 (also known as a Opel Astra I've been told) 2 years ago. This car has given me quite a few problems since I drove it out of the car dealers.
Firstly I noticed that the lights on dashboard didn't light up. CD and radio only worked for a short time, and speakers made crackling noises even when stereo wasn't going. Back lights playing up. Oil leaking. Car would cut out when driving due to cam sensor.
Now the latest problems are car losing power due to needing a new clutch system (which is quite expensive), and just a day ago the radiator has stuffed up. Time to get a Toyota Corolla or some other more reliable car.
13th Jul 2010, 07:59
I have owned a Vectra CD for 4 years and have had the stalling problem quite a bit. I took it to Holden service centre a couple of times and they cleaned out carbon from the filters at a cost of $60.00 a time.
I have since found that if I put the best petrol in it, for example the most expensive petrol, it doesn't stall anymore. I don't know why but it seems to work.