Faults:

Although it uses a chain rather than a belt, the tensioner and the chain itself are subject to wear, which causes a metallic noise or rattling sound during a cold start.

Bearing play, oil leakage, and wastegate malfunctions, which reduce turbo pressure and force the car into "limp mode" (protection mode).

The alternator fails with use, causing voltage drops, flickering lights on the dashboard, and malfunctions in electronic modules such as the ABS or stability control.

Faults in the microswitches of the door and tailgate locks, as well as cold solder joints in the instrument cluster or the climate control unit.

General Comments:

This very special car, a rare sight on the streets, is notable primarily for its four-cylinder gasoline engine, 175 hp output, and a 2+2 interior layout that offers a great deal of space for rear-seat passengers.

It is essentially a 4+1 seater; that is, it has four proper seats, plus a fifth that can be used for short trips but is uncomfortable due to its limited space, shape, and size. If the cushion of the middle seat is folded down, it reveals a space containing storage compartments. The backrest of that seat can also serve as an armrest for the occupants of the outer seats. The two outer rear seats are spacious and shaped to provide good back support; by limiting body movement during cornering, they make travel more comfortable and less tiring. The backrest is reclinable and can be adjusted to a very laid-back position.

It also offers good headroom in the rear seats: 93 cm, more than any other sedan of its size and on par with many MPVs. A tall person can sit quite comfortably in the back.

On the other hand, it is narrow; with the rear seats in their most forward position, the width reaches a modest 137 cm, but in the rearmost position, the recommended setting when not carrying luggage, it measures 135 cm. While this is wide enough for two occupants, it lacks the sense of spaciousness found in cars where the doors are positioned further away.

The interior of the Signum is identical to that of a Vectra. I did not notice any differences in materials or fit. Some interior panels are made using the textured plastic characteristic of Opel, which, despite having a different surface feel, can also be found in a Corsa.

The 175 hp (265 Nm) 2.0-liter turbo engine delivers agile performance; it runs smoothly and offers reasonable fuel consumption for its displacement and weight. For a 2.0-liter vehicle, it is quite fast, capable of reaching 220 km/h and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under 9 seconds.

The design isn’t particularly attractive, but it isn’t ugly either, there’s a reason I bought it.

Overall, I was satisfied with the car.

Faults:

Rust is starting to show around the rear doors. Nothing big doh, easy fix.

Rear suspension is making some noise, normal on the Signum.

Comfort is good, but the ride ain't stiff. More like a boat when cornering.

Looks alright, got the Irmscher sports styling pack.

LOVELY sound from the V6. LONG LIVE PETROL!!

General Comments:

Good value. Something unusual. Cheap parts.

Faults:

January 2009 @ 238,500km - EGR valve went the same day I got it, but the fault was intermittent, so only replaced it 8,000km later when the fault light was constantly on and the car was undrivable due to severe power loss.

Stupidly, I bought a used EGR, which broke again in just over 10,000km. There were huge plumes of black smoke coming from the back, along with the famous fault light and power loss.

August 2009 @ 257,000km - Replaced with new EGR and so far so good, no smoke.

April 2009 @ 246,000km - I noticed the car was juddering under partial throttle and smoking gray under hard acceleration. This was caused by fouled injectors.

October 2009 @ 258,000km - the car started running on only 5 cylinders, so replaced all 6 injectors with 2nd hand ones for 500GBP.

November 2009 @ 260,000km - Catastrophic power loss under acceleration. Wouldn't rev above 3000rpm. It nearly killed me once. This was intermittent.

December 2009 @ 262,000km - Cold starts were starting to be a pain. Finally diagnosed as blocked suction control valves in the high pressure fuel pump. Replaced that and the car was back to "normal".

New Year's Eve @ 263,000km - Fault light back on. Tech2 reads low boost pressure. Again, this fault was intermittent.

January 2010 @ 265,000km - Low boost pressure coming up more and more often. Diagnosed as sticking variable vanes in the turbo geometry. New turbo from e-bay.

February 2010 @ 265,500km - Annoying acceleration behaviour. Turbo feels as if it's going on-off-on-off-on. This fault was present in Jan 2009, but as now everything's been sorted, it's much more annoying. Not yet diagnosed, but suspected air flow meter.

Dual mass flywheel's been rattling since I bought it.

General Comments:

Main problem with these engines are cylinder liners, which usually let go much sooner than 240,000km, so that's why I bought a high miler

The car is superb on the motorway, very comfortable even with cloth seats. Top speed is 230km/h.

If the engine is working well, the mid-range torque is phenomenal.

If careful, it can consume less than 6.0L/100km (or more than 47mpg) and if you're really really careful you can get it down to 4.0L/100km, but that's insanely slow driving with no traffic.

Doesn't like corners much, but still handles OK for a big, heavy front wheel drive diesel.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing!

General Comments:

I've been enjoying my Signum for over 10 months now. It is my first car with an automatic transmission, and boy this is a delight!

The car is very quiet, with 225 km/hour it's doing only 2900-3000 t/sec, and the computer shows 9,2 l/100km instant consumption!!! A delight number 2!

However, it's not a racing car, although there's enough torque to leave many Opel dislikers remorselessly behind. Cornering is not its strongest capability, it tends to under steer, though it could be due to Bridgestone tires. I've tried colleagues Vectra Station (shares its extended chassis with Signum) and it felt more secure, but than colleague has chosen for Continental premium contact slippers.

The only thing that bothers me is... the badge. I was shopping for a SAAB 9-3 Sport Wagon, but it was out of my budget. Same dealer, smooth talk of a salesman, and a huge discount made me change my mind. An excellent service by the way, while they're changing the oil I'm speeding in a SAAB 9-3 2.0t Vector. Lots of fun and even more petrol, the thing is thirsty as... you fill it in :)