1994 Vauxhall Senator 3.0 24v petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Police favorite
Faults:
Full service history by the police (all oil changes done); there were lots of faults. Wear and tear items aside (brakes, suspension, tyres, etc) there were the following:
Timing chain replaced, a common weak spot on these cars. Very expensive but worth it.
Interior was a mess, holes drilled in the dash where police items used to be.
Window cranks stiff, replaced with electric windows anyway.
Leak in boot.
Clutch needed replaced, and differential.
There was more, but I bought it as an ex-police project car so knew what to expect.
General Comments:
An ex police Senator 24v in white, no luxurious, all the CD model extras like electric windows were non existent, but the car had the most important part - a looked after 24v engine and manual gearbox. I planned to use it as a drift car, but decided it was too good for that, and decided to make it a project car to return to a road cruiser.
Fitted electric windows and alloy wheels after all the mechanical work had been done. Leather seats were also sourced, but hard to come by even back in 2002 when I was doing it.
The car has such road presence; being a rare car it is amazing the amount of people who know and respect what they are, always got asked about it when out and about. Best thing about this car is driving it. Handling is surprisingly good, though a bit much body roll. Rear wheel drive means you need to be careful in wet weather. Manual gearbox is fun, but the car suits an automatic. Performance is amazing, effortless when the dual ram system kicks in. About 7 seconds to 60 mph and it will go onto 150 mph. Expect 25 miles per gallon at best however.
Had it about 9 years and put decent mileage on it, sold it on as cosmetically it was a bit rough, and being white the rust spots really started showing. Wanted to move on to other projects, just got bored with it at the time. I do miss the car now, enthusiasts are holding onto these old Senator's as there are not many left; looking back I wish I kept mine.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th June, 2021
8th Oct 2022, 15:13
I had one but not ex police, and a Granada before that as well. Executive cars from this time were fun to mess around with when you could get them for cheap.