1997 Vauxhall Vectra CDX 2.0 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A great car with a good specification for long journeys

Faults:

Both front woofer speakers have blown.

Leaky back pipes in the engine caused a breakdown.

All covered quickly by the dealer at no cost.

General Comments:

Overall very pleased.

Trim and equipment excellent, especially cruise control.

The car can do a better job of being economical that I can!

Good sound system also.

A/C fine.

No squeaks or rattles at this mileage.

Diesel engine loads better with an electronic boost box fitted helping overtaking and cruising. This added 30 hp and more torque, still giving an average of 55 mpg. Standard low pressure turbo a bit dull.

Firmer suspension would be better also. Will be keeping the car for some time and hope to see over 100k from it. Interior lasting well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st December, 2000

1997 Vauxhall Vectra GLS A/C 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Potentially excellent but fatally flawed!!!

Faults:

Alternator failed - £145.

Water pump collapse - £275.

Steering rack leak - £428.

Idle control failure - £183.

Alternator failed again - £156.

Hand brake recall.

Hand brake still does not work well.

Digital display faults - pixel dropouts.

General Comments:

A car less than 4 years old should not be developing this number of serious faults especially when the car is not being driven hard. It seems that the car has a large number of faulty components. The idle contol failure was particularly serious because the car would cut out when turning a corner and you would lose power steering. This resulted in a number of near misses!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th November, 2000

20th Aug 2004, 15:09

I too have a 4 year old Vectra. I've had similar problems as those noted. In addition I have had a problem with the air con which will cost in excess of £250 to repair. Interestingly, I had an identical problem with the idle control. I took the car into a Vauxhall main dealer and it was repaired free of charge. I was told that this was a common problem and would cost me a lot of money to repair at a garage other than a main dealer. The repair took about 15 minutes to sort out and involved changing some electronic circuitry. I was surprised by the service I received as the car was not under warranty and I was not aware of a recal, however I'm not complaining.

1997 Vauxhall Vectra Arctic 2 1.8 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Excellent family car with low running costs

Faults:

Rust appeared around the inside of both rear door seals. Finally rectified under warranty, but took 4 visits.

General Comments:

An excellent family car. Other than the hiccup with the rust, the car has proven totally reliable.

Dealers are the slickest, but service prices are half what I paid to VW dealers with my previous car.

MPG excellent, particularly on the motorway.

Only killer is depreciation from new - buy a nearly new example from a reliable source.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2000

1997 Vauxhall Vectra SRi V6 Saloon 2.5 V6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A great long distance cruiser and fun to drive

Faults:

Reversing light switch busted. Other than that only normal wear and tear things.

General Comments:

On the whole a very enjoyable car to drive, very good on long distances, and not bad economy for a 2.5 V6. The pleasure is marred only by quality problems that are annoying, like the clonking from the rear suspension on cornering, which the dealer cannot find, and the squeaky seats, and squeaky power steering.

The V6 engine however I found very smooth and refined, and great for long journeys. Saloon boot space is cavernous, and gadget level is nice, but it might have been nice to have electric rear windows (why only on the CD and CDX ?)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2000

1997 Vauxhall Vectra LS 1.7 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Nice try Vauxhall, try again!

Faults:

1. Steering rack leak (had to be replaced).

2. Tacometer failed.

3. Both headlights failed at the same time.

4. Turbo pipe blew.

5. Indicator stalk failed.

6. Interior light comes on while driving and stays on when the car is locked.

7. Reversing switch on the gearbox failed.

8. Handbrake has to be constantly adjusted.

9. Uneven tyre wear.

10. On going !!!!

General Comments:

What a lemon of a car, it's a money pit.

Underpowered, full of niggly little faults - none very bad on their own, but put them all together and it's a pile of very expensive rubbish.

Will be dumping the car very shortly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th August, 2000