Since its launch in October 1995 Vauxhall have sold over half a million Vectra’s, the vast majority finding homes as company cars. But whilst it’s not a bad buy as a company car (thanks to generous discounts, reasonable specifications and a comprehensive warranty) as a used buy you need to be more cautious.

 

Even the range topping V6 models fail to set the pulse racing thanks to the overly long gaps between gear ratio’s that blunt performance and will frustrate the enthusiastic driver.  The best sellers tend to be the smaller four cylinder petrol units available in 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litre derivatives.  Of these it’s the 1.8 litre is the pick of the bunch.  Originally with 113bhp this increased to 123bhp in September 2000 and endows the car with a 0-60 time of less than 10 seconds, not far off that of the thirstier 2 litre unit.

 

High mileage users may look toward the more frugal diesel engine derivatives, but these too fail to sparkle.  The least powerful 1.7 litre is produced by Isuzu, and although reasonably smooth with only 81bhp on tap its performance will test the patience of all but the most laid back driver.  The larger 2 litre diesel with 98bhp should feel better but what it adds in pace it lacks in refinement.  Only the 2.2 litre diesel unit, introduced in Sept 2000 and producing 123bhp is worth serious consideration by buyers for whom diesel power is essential.

 

For some buyers how quick a car will accelerate is of little importance, they just want a reliable car that goes from ‘A to B eventually’.  Perhaps these are the people for who a used Vectra would appear a good buy? Probably not, the car also has a worse than average reputation for mechanical problems.

 

Under the skin the cars flawed design has led to a number of reasonably minor faults proving costly to repair.  For example a blown dash board bulb, usually an easy and inexpensive item to replace, in the Vectra it requires the removal of the entire dashboard.  The main reason you find so many second hand Vectra’s with partially lit dashboards.  Similarly a new clutch becomes a major job as it requires the removal of the entire engine.  And talk to owners and you’ll discover a catalogue of faults that can include air conditioning units, electric windows and prematurely worn front suspension, all of which can set owners back significant amounts of money.

 

The engines also have a few weak points, timing belts and tensioner originally intended to be replaced every 80,000 miles were then revised to 40,000 miles after owners reported their premature failure.  Diesels models also need to have the mass/airflow sensors replaced at around 36,000 miles. 

 

But despite its numerous problems the Vauxhall Vectra continues to sell well as a used car, thanks in part to the way it looks.  In hatch back form it looks particularly attractive; low to the road with an aggressive front grill and rear spoiler.  The sporty Sri and GSi models also add wide alloys, low profile tyres and sports seat to the package.

 

Unfortunately the promise of the car's looks, exceed the reality of the cars dynamic abilities.  On the road Vectra’s have a tendency to under steer badly and revisions to post 1999 cars improved but did not remove the problem.  The ‘stodgy’ steering also does little to inspire the drivers’ confidence.    

 

If buying a used Vauxhall Vectra still seems appealing, there are three things I would recommend you do before you buy, make sure it comes with a comprehensive warranty, a perfect service history and a good local dealer. You’ll need all three of them if you want to enjoy the experience.

 

     

 

Check the following

 

• ABS – Check that the dashboard indicator comes on then turns off when starting. Unscrupulous sellers can disconnect the warning light to disguise problems

• Air conditioning – standard on most models since September 1997, but check it carefully as it’s one of the cars weak points

• Electric windows – prone to failure, particularly rear windows that are used infrequently

• Cam belt – should be replaced every 35,000-40,000 miles to avoid failure

• Tick over – hunting engine revs at tick over are a sign the air intake control vale is faulty, replacement costs over £120

• Tyres – Sporty SRI and GSi models prone to heavy front tyre wear

• Servicing – Avoid cars with less than perfect history and insist on seeing the service invoices to confirm any additional work that has been completed

• Plug leads – deteriorate over time and are expensive to replace  

• Suspension – Front suspension prone to wear, check for play

• Warranty – I wouldn’t buy a Vectra without a warranty

• Handling – All cars under steer but it improved on post 1999 cars

• Steering - stodgy steering lacks feel, height adjustable steering column since 1997

• Dashboard – blown bulbs cost a small fortune to replace as the dashboard must be removed to access them

• Clutch – An expensive job, the engine must be removed to access the clutch

 

 

The one to buy 

 

• Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 CD 5door hatchback

• 5 speed manual gearbox

• 2000 ‘X’ with 30,000 miles

• Pay £5,650 at a dealer with 12 months warranty    £4,800 privately

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mileage	20,000miles	30,000 miles	50,000 miles
2000 ‘X’                  Trade	£4,650	£4,400	£3,875
Retail	£5,925	£5,650	£5,125
2001 ‘Y’                  Trade	£5,075	£4,800	£4,225
Retail	£6,425	£6,150	£5,575
2002 ‘51’                Trade	£5,325	£5,025	£4,475
Retail	£6,675	£6,375	£5,825

 

Saloon models worth £200 less than equivalent hatchback

 

 

 

	Vital Statistics
Model	Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 CD 5 door hatchback
Engine	1,796cc 4cylinder 16v DOHC
Power	123 bhp
Transmission	5 speed manual
Fuel consumption	37.2 mpg (combined)
Acceleration	9.5 sec (0-60mph)
Top Speed	129 mph

 

 

 

5 Alternatives for similar money	Year	Mileage	Retail price	Trade price
Ford Mondeo 2.0 Ghia 5dr	2000 ‘X’	40,000	£5,550	£4,150
Saab 9-3 2.0t airflow 5dr	1999 ‘V’	50,000	£5,450	£3,925
Renault Laguna 1.8RXE 5dr	2001 ‘X’	30,000	£5,775	£4,275
Honda Accord 1.8iS 5dr	2000 ‘X’	40,000	£5,475	£4,475
Toyota Avensis 1.6 VVTi S	2001 ‘X’	30,000	£5,825	£4,475

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Jason Dawe Productions Limited July 2004