2005 Vauxhall Signum Elegance 1.8 VVTi from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Good value, but need deep pockets when it comes to MOT/service time
Faults:
Tyres needed replacing pretty soon after I got the car. Should have looked into this a bit more and knocked the seller down on price; the big chunky 18" tyres don't come cheap, over £350 to replace all four, and they were only mid-range tyres.
The wiper linkage seized whilst driving along the motorway whilst it was pouring down with rain, a very dangerous fault, which could have had severe consequences, and it cost me £350 at the main dealer to get this fixed. Apparently the wiper linkage is a common fault on Vectra C's and Signums from 2003-2006 from what I've read up. Vauxhall did a recall for a period on these models, so it's worth asking if this job has been done if you're looking to buy one of these cars.
I lost use of all the electrics in the driver's door, switches, window, central locking. Cost me £50 to have sorted out at a local auto electricians.
The exhaust middle and rear sections had to be replaced within 18 months of me buying the car, and these are ridiculously expensive considering my car is essentially a Vectra. It cost me just shy of £500 to have the exhaust replaced, and these are just standard exhausts, not even the nice stainless steel twin outlet exhausts you get on the 2.2 or V6 models.
General Comments:
Very comfortable to drive, and has got all electrics, aircon, built in satnav, and was quite a good bargain at the time I bought the car.
The 1.8 engine is economical on fuel, but a little underpowered for a car this size.
There are plenty of well-specced Signums on the market, but choose one carefully, check all the electrics and gadgets work as they should, check tyres, exhausts etc, as parts don't seem to come cheap for this car.
Next time round, I think I'll go for something slightly smaller and more mainstream, such as an Astra, as parts seem to be cheaper and more readily available.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th August, 2011