1998 Vauxhall Vectra SRi 2.5 24v V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Go buy one of these.....now

Faults:

Airbag connector seal @40,000.

Clutch @ 97,000 miles.

2nd > 3rd Synchromesh.

Head gasket (leaked - not completely failed)

General Comments:

What a car, but what a shame about the dealer. Shortly after purchasing this vehicle from a main dealer, car was drinking radiator water (bottle every 6 - 8 weeks), and 2nd to 3rd gear was "notchy" when changing under power. Dealer tinkered with faults, but never repaired fully. Vehicle was sent for it's 30k service and dealer investigated faults, but didn't repair nor service the vehicle. A new date the following week was set. During this time I past the 10,000 service interval. Dealer immediately invalidated the warranty and notified me I needed to spend a huge amount of money (£3000).

I didn't repair the gearbox or the gasket. Vehicle drove for a further 50,000 miles without fault... until they took it back in part exchange...fools!

Great handling helped by a faultless traction control system.

Sports seats comfortable.

Trip computer a must so you can drive the car efficiently.

Good stereo.

Other than the major faults above (which the dealer should have fixed), vehicle was very reliable. Not a single break down.

Short shift the gearbox and you have a lazy bear... hit the throttle and you have a big wolf...growling...and growling all the way.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th November, 2004

1998 Vauxhall Vectra LS 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Reliable, nice looking, well put together

Faults:

Idle control valve.

Rear anti roll bar bushes.

General Comments:

Had this car for 3 years now, and I read all the bad reviews after I bought it and thought i'd done a wrong move, but I have to say this has been one of the best cars I've owned in 30 years, totally reliable, cost peanuts to run, and 43 mpg doing country, motorway and London driving.

The ride is a little firm, but great on the motorway.

I've now got 106000 miles on the clock, and I'm still on the original brake pads, front & rear, and she doesn't use a drop of oil between 8000 mile changes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th October, 2004

1998 Vauxhall Vectra GLS 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Excellent, would buy another

Faults:

Have had car since January and has been excellent. Replaced air/pollen filter and plugs, only as a precaution.

General Comments:

Car handles like a dream, excellent performance. IE 35 per gallon on longer journeys.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st April, 2004

1998 Vauxhall Vectra SRi 140 2.0 litre 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Avoid Vauxhall and keep your credit card handy!

Faults:

Oil level check came up on dashboard, rocker head cover gasket found to be leaking at 32000 miles.

I get 'knocking'/clicking through the steering on pulling away and turning.

The steering was checked at the last service where a hose was found to be loose. The problem still persists.

Oil level check came on again at 36000 miles. Leaking rocker head cover gasket again. This is only 4 months after being replaced.

Irmscher exhaust has started to blow.

The engine is a bit rattly even idling.

General Comments:

I bought this car over a Mazda 626. It certainly looks the part with 16 inch alloys, fog lights, sports exhaust etc.

The car handles well, the down side being the firm low speed ride.

The car performs well and has good fuel economy.

Reasonable level of equipment. If it doesn't have it, you don't need it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th October, 2003

1998 Vauxhall Vectra SRi 140 2.0L from UK and Ireland

Faults:

A brake pad went at 108,000 miles, but don't know which one until 21/9/03 (Sunday). Long story, not my fault. A Mickey Mouse garage. (E17). Not a happy bunny.

Seats are wearing very well for the miles.

Overall a top car, but Courtney Sport for Vauxhalls quoted near on 4k for a turbo conversion, giving the Vectra 210 BHP. I don't think this is right, as my Vectra is 140 as standard.. and at moment is turning out 146.4 BHP (I think). Help... is this right? Please help.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th September, 2003

6th Aug 2009, 07:35

That sounds about right. I have an SRi 140 myself. I love the car. I checked the book on it via Total Vauxhall magazine, and the top speed is 131 mph, but I got it up to 157 mph and I couldn't believe my eyes, but do be careful as the gear boxes are really easy to break. I've just replaced my third one and need to do it again. Maybe it's just the way I drive. Other than that, it's a great car. If you have any queries, take your car to your local dealership.

6th Aug 2009, 13:45

The Vectra 140 will not do 157 mph, is this some kind of joke?