2000 Opel Vectra CD review from Australia and New Zealand
"Safe strong performer with expensive faults"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Steering rack started clunking and was replaced by dealer at about 50000km.
Still had a clunk and the steering column was replaced by dealer.
Headlights have been replaced about 3 times due to headlight adjuster breaking.
One of the headlights was replaced because it leaked as well.
Some small items like the rear window brake light have the plastic covers warped and have been replaced.
The engine developed an internal coolant leak and had to be rebuilt at about 75000km.
Had the 75000 service and it was recommended to change the timing belt, they say it will last 120000 but recommend it could only last 70000. The dealer did not have the special tools to do this job and had to wait a month for these special tools before they could do the job.
Brakes rotors wear like crazy due to the hard linings used by the manufacturer. Its hard to source other than Opel brake linings in Australia, mainly due to the fact so few Vectras are sold here.
The fresh air inlet seems to collect hot air and you will find the fresh air coming through the vent is about 10 degrees hotter than outside air.
General comments?
The car is very comfortable to drive long distances.
The economy is great I get about 7L/100km on the highway and this is automatic.
Performs well. not quick of the mark, but once you are going and push the accelerator the motor winds out and loves to rev. Really quick car once it rolling.
We were looking for a Mercedes or BMW when we bought this car, I goes well, is comfortable and handles like its on rails, a real competitor to BMW for handling.
Strong and safe car with no faults I have found and I have pushed it around some corners quickly.
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  | A comfortable, high specification, imported bargain |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 40000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 105000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz W124 |
| Date of Entry | 22nd April, 2003 |