1999 Vauxhall Vectra CDX V6 2.5 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Keep clear of this lemon...

Faults:

Many minor electrical faults.

Missing digits on the information display.

Water leaks.

Misfiring on one or two cylinders.

Fault warnings when no fault was present.

Lots of bulbs keep blowing.

General Comments:

High depreciation is justified due to the poor build quality. Low second hand prices make the Vectra looks like a good value for money, but don't be fooled. This car is a lemon - avoid.

Handling is better than it used to be on the pre-1999 Vectra. Drive is acceptable, space is good, comfort is good, performance is good if a little bit noisy for a V6.

Take a look at the Mazda Xedos, which has a wonderful engine, perfect build quality and will hold its value much better.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th May, 2001

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

Summary:

Reliable run-around as long as you don't mind the petrol costs!!

Faults:

Idle valve almost straight away.

Fixed under warranty.

General Comments:

Fuel consumption for a new car - terrible!!!

Handles OK, goodish performance but not as good as the old grannie...

Interior space not the best, I've got three kids and it's a push!!

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

Review Date: 29th March, 2001

1999 Vauxhall Vectra GSi 2.5 V6 24v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Thoroughly capable performance road car

Faults:

Fog lights misted after 1 month.

Exhaust taps on the towbar over rough surfaces, my fault for specifying a towbar on a car with such a large exhaust!

General Comments:

Smooth effortless performance that is a pleasure to use, the car can be driven sedately but really comes alive when pressed, balance and poise are excellent. Chassis and tyres inspire real confidence, original Yokohamas felt superb and lasted 20K, not as impressed with the Bridgestones now fitted.

The engine has yet to miss a beat and uses no oil or water between services, it pulls like a train and sounds great on full song. The brakes are a bit of a mixed blessing as they have the necessary bite and power to stop the car but seem to surprise following drivers.

I am 6'2" and find the seats are really comfortable with a good range of adjustment. The steering wheel gives good grip and control, but it's a brave man who grabs the alloy gear knob on a frosty morning.

This is a company car that has proved virtually faultless in first 13 months of ownership, I will be sad to see it go when it reaches 60K.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2001

23rd Jul 2001, 06:51

I'd be interested to know how this car compared to your previous Vectra SRI?

1999 Vauxhall Vectra GSi 2.5 V6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Keeps dealer servicing departments in business!

Faults:

How long have you got?

On delivery:-

Laquer missing.

Severe flat spot at 300 revs.

Tyres last 2,500 - 6,000 miles along my B-road routes.

Stereo unusable in medium/long wave.

Gear box oil leak.

Sunroof rattle.

Fogged up fog lamps.

Brake fluid leak.

Stuck accelerator pedal.

Creaky dash.

Squeaky water pump.

Flood (dealer left the sunroof open in the worst storm of the year - didn't tell me and gave it back the same day with soaking wet seats, carpet and all!!!)

General Comments:

Whilst mine was being repaired, I had the benefit of driving the newer GSI. Best thing about it was the change in gearing ratios. 3rd gear is much more satisfying. The old GSI can do 107ish in 3rd but the new does 95ish with a lot more punch.

The flat spot took 9 months for Vauxhall to find after more than 8 weeks in 4 different dealerships. They finally gave me the Carin Navigation System to say sorry, but the car had to go to a Vauxhall Technical Excellence centre who found the problem after another fortnight. They advised me to get it Superchipped!! They said that's the only way to make this car perform as it should.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd December, 2000

13th Sep 2001, 16:06

They wanted you to get it Superchipped? A Unichip is much better, these people know nothing.

What did you do?

1999 Vauxhall Vectra GSi 2.5 V6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great car, shame about Vauxhall

Faults:

The car has been very reliable so far. But this week the Poly V belt shredded whilst travelling at approx 30 mph. The car was taken to a Vauxhall dealer to initiate an investigation. Although the Network Q warranty expires next March, Vauxhall have stated that Network Q will not contribute to the repair's, all because the next service of the car has been missed by about 300 miles and now my warranty has expired.

The reason for this was that the dealership could not fit me in for a service for about 2 weeks, what am I supposed to do, not drive my car! I just feel angry that Vauxhall are trying this on and the fact that they are hiding behind the small print of the warranty. Vauxhall aftersales stink, the car is less than 18 months old and they have the front to offer only 50% of the repair bill.

General Comments:

Vauxhall you stink, and this will be the last Vauxhall I will ever buy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th November, 2000

13th Sep 2001, 16:10

Crap isn't it?

Keep going on at them and write a letter to head office. It's not like you bought a 1.0 Corsa!

16th Mar 2009, 23:41

Vauxhall dealers are very poor.