1998 Vauxhall Vectra SRi 140 2.0i

Summary:

A pain in the ass

Faults:

40K - Steering column fault after a few weeks of ownership, Vauxhall fitted a modified unit.

40K - Engine management light coming on intermittently, inlet manifold hose was faulty.

43K - No clutch at all, towed to the main dealer. Vauxhall said that hydraulic cylinder had burst and that seeing that this unit was in the gearbox (great design eh?) it would be a new clutch assembly as well because plate was soaked in fluid. First attempt at a bill was nearly £800, but after a lot of arguing we settled for £600.

44K - Steering joint had gone faulty again, after just 4,000 miles since the last one. Vauxhall dealer said it couldn't have done as they had a fitted modified unit, but eventually after 2 or 3 visits they changed it.

45K - Engine management light coming on intermittently again. This was diagnosed as the crankshaft sensor, £181 fitted (bargain).

46K - Engine management light coming on all the time. But it's OK cause this time it's the camshaft sensor, £161 but I got a £50 discount as I have had a few problems lately.

46K - Water and mould in the boot area, I have only just noticed this and upon looking closely it seems that most of the boot lid is rotten inside. I am so sick of it and cannot afford any Vauxhall repairs at the moment.

General Comments:

First MOT next month and I am scared.

What a load of crap this car has been.

I have covered just 6K in this car in 20 months and so far it's cost about £1000 (not including servicing).

I may have to buy a Ford! I can't afford a Beamer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th October, 2001

15th Dec 2001, 13:46

I have just changed a clutch slave cylinder on the firms Astra diesel estate (99/T). What a crap design!!!

If you ever need a clutch release bearing it's £130 + vat as it's integrated in the slave cylinder. The pipe work on top of the gearbox is a joke, I'm surprised they haven't had more problems with this design.

I pity anyone who's laid out on a late Vectra or Astra.

4th Jul 2005, 05:26

I have a Vauxhall Vectra 2.0 Sri and never again. Everything has gone wrong on it during the last 18 months, idle control valve, cam shaft sensor, anti-roll bars, slave cylinder and now leaking transmission fluid), and what a stupid system to have to drop the gearbox to get to the cylinder!! Only a man could have thought up such an idea!! This car has spent more time in and out of the garage than on the road and fed up with the engine management light coming on every other week - thinking of taking the fuse out. Can't afford to get rid of it as having spent £3000 to buy it and at least £1500 on repairs, from what I get back and faced with the fact of having to buy another car which could give me another load of faults, I'm faced with having to keep it until I can afford something decent - probably Toyota (sorry - not another Vectra and probably not Vauxhall)!!

1998 Vauxhall Vectra SRi 2.5 V6

Summary:

A nice car, let down by trivial design errors

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

The engine is very smooth and quiet. The fuel economy is very good for a large engine.

The driving position is very uncomfortable. The drivers seat is very hard and the seat cushion is too high at the front, causing discomfort just behind the knees.

The steering wheel does not have enough adjustment.

The centre console is ridiculous and fouls the use of both the handbrake and the gear lever.

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

Review Date: 31st August, 2001

1998 Vauxhall Vectra GSi 2.5 V6

Summary:

Not to be taken lightly!

Faults:

Condensation in the front right indicator.

Condensation in the front right fog lamp.

Power steering fluid leak.

Driver's door lock seized.

General Comments:

I have enjoyed every minute of owning this car. I've de-badged mine and you can see the frustration in the faces of young boy racers, who have no idea what just carved them up!. I call it 'The Beast' because it growls at whatever crosses its path.

The performance of this car is impressive, although I do feel the odd flat spot now and again if I'm putting the foot down (possibly a problem with my car). This car will bring a grin to your face when you're challenged at the lights because as yet, I've never been touched.

The interior could have been better, it was pretty much like my Tigra's interior, only bigger! The electric Recaro seats are very comfortable on either long or short journeys.

This is a good effort by Vauxhall and although a few other people seem to have some bad experiences with them, my own feels solid and I won't be parting with it for some time!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th August, 2001