1999 Vauxhall Vectra GSi Estate 2.5 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Even BATMAN would be pleased!

Faults:

Driver's right speaker was blown. (The speaker grille was damaged by dealer after repairing the speaker under warranty)

Radio fades off after a few seconds, but the CD player works luckily!

Steering clunked under braking and acceleration.

Estate boot light remained on for no reason on a long journey (until the lamp was removed)

Power steering groans when reversing under full lock.

Passenger's Recaro seat adjustment switch fell out of its hole!

General Comments:

Who needs music in a car when the 2.5 V6 Engine whistles and growls so sweetly from low gears. The acceleration is rapid right up to obscene speeds. Claimed speed of 140mph+ is close!

Bat-mobile looks, with practicality and style.

An estate car really shouldn't be this much fun. The big beast handles bends brilliantly.

There is no better medicine for stress, than travelling along mountain roads with the radio off (if it's working), the windows down and using every single gear in the gearbox to it's max.

The Recaro seats give excellent support even to chunky chaps like me!

The ride appears to be a bit harsh on bad country roads leading to annoying rattles and squeaks.

Gadgets are few and far between for a flagship 'family' car, but the kids seem to like it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th October, 2001

1999 Vauxhall Vectra SRi 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Looks nice, but is way off from being a sporty performer

Faults:

On delivery: Air bag fault, major engine vibration, 'low oil level' sensor defective.

Since: Oil level sensor replaced twice.

Engine management problems: sensors replaced.

Poor tick over/engine cutting out caused by faulty air bleed valve.

Poor torque below 3000rpm makes it hard work to drive around town.

Misfires when the air con unit is on - dealer hasn't been able to resolve this.

General Comments:

It's a sheep in wolf's clothing, it handles well, but due to its lack of engine flexibility at low revs, it's hard work driving around town.

There aren't enough storage holes - I have the 6CD autochanger which takes up the glove box, the drinks holders are a waste of space, and the cubby hole above the rear view mirror deposits its contents on the back seat when you pull away.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th September, 2001

23rd Oct 2002, 09:13

I sold the car to my friend when it was 3 years old and had 75K miles on the clock. To be fair, it never really let me down, and it would cruise very fast if needed to. The real pain was lack of low end grunt, and my friend has also mentioned the same problem. His last car was a 1994 2L Mondeo Ghia.

10th Dec 2003, 16:27

At 84,000 miles the cam belt broke - a new cylinder head was required. You have been warned - don't forget to get the cam belt replaced at the correct interval.

1999 Vauxhall Vectra LS 2.0i 16v petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Rubbish. I would not have one again

Faults:

Engine idle problems: since 60k miles.

General Comments:

This is my fourth Vectra, and definitely my last. As a short person, I was completely happy with the seating and comfort on the previous cars, but with this face-lifted version I'm unable to get a comfortable seating position.

Unfortunately, the build and finish quality is far below what I'd expect.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd September, 2001

16th Feb 2005, 12:08

Perhaps the comfort factor is down to your age and not the fault of the car.

7th Sep 2007, 14:14

I could never get comfortable in my seat - far to hard. Shame really as the Astra seats are really good.

1999 Vauxhall Vectra GLS Estate 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Practical and cheap to run

Faults:

Seat belt buckle storage clip on the rear seat pulled out.

General Comments:

Estate is nice to drive and rides better than the hatch (also looks better in my opinion).

Quiet engine, but needs pushing for decent performance.

The price of spare parts is a breath of fresh air after owning a Renault Laguna.

Brakes much better than my previous Vauxhall (discs all round). Good stereo, but Traffic Master is a bit gimmicky.

Fuel consumption reasonable until you turn on the air conditioning!

Good all rounder, but doesn't excel in any one area.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 2001