1994 Vauxhall Senator Reviews from UK and Ireland

Home > Reviews by Region > UK and Ireland > Vauxhall > Senator > 1994

1994 Vauxhall Senator CDI 3.0 24v

Year of manufacture	1994
First year of ownership	2001
Most recent year of ownership	2002
Engine and transmission	3.0 24v Manual
Performance marks	10 / 10
Reliability marks	10 / 10
Comfort marks	10 / 10
Dealer Service marks	1 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	7.8 / 10
Distance when acquired	128000 miles
Most recent distance	137000 miles
Previous car	Vauxhall Belmont

Summary:

A wolf in sheep's clothing, no wonder the traffic police used them

Faults:

The exhaust system started to blow at the joint seals and the whole system (which I believe was the original) started to corrode.

I managed to save the catalytic converters (there are two) and replace the rest of the exhaust system at a cost of £330.

Both front tyres have needed replacing at a cost of £80 the pair, which was reasonable.

I believe they wear due to the weight of the front of the vehicle and power steering use while stationary.

General Comments:

This vehicle offers 204 BHP and a top speed of 150 MPH. 0-60 in 6.9 seconds.

It is a very powerful quick vehicle for £1200.

As an ex-police vehicle, it lacks air conditioning and other creature comforts, but most are gimmicks which could go wrong.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th January, 2002

Comment on this review

Fix the spelling and grammar

Delete this review

1994 Vauxhall Senator CD 24v 3.0 petrol

Year of manufacture	1994
Engine and transmission	3.0 petrol
Performance marks	8 / 10
Reliability marks	8 / 10
Comfort marks	9 / 10
Dealer Service marks	2 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	4 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	6.2 / 10

Faults:

Alternator, High miles at 182k hence required power steering box (quoted £900 recon/exchange or £2000 new + £300 labour from main dealer). Breaker charged £250.

Manual gearbox is still original and okay.

General Comments:

Very comfortable, lots of performance at motorway speeds. Averages 30mpg with mix of 30/70 motorway/urban.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 1998

Comment on this review

Fix the spelling and grammar

Delete this review

25th Aug 2001, 18:01

Superb car, but timing chains are a problem on the 24v, only they break. Some as early as 60000, some have over 200000 and are still OK. Costs around £250 if done yourself, main timing chain and guides only. With a few gaskets if the sprockets etc bad. you are looking at £600. If Vauxhall do it, they take the engine and gearbox out and remove the cylinder head, this is not needed and they charge up to £3000. Do it yourself and save a bomb, remove the cam cover, water pump and timing cover, drop the sump and it's easy. Also remove the radiator. Hope this is helpful as this is well worth doing.