1995 Vauxhall Monterey Diamond from UK and Ireland - Comments

24 May 2007.

My Brother has just bought a 'Monterey'.

He rang me asking if I knew what caused the 'whining' noise he hears when driving? Apparently, acceleration makes the 'whine' louder.

I suggested a problem with the differential?

Repair mechanic doesn't seem to have any idea and same goes for the service department of the Vauxhall main dealer.

Any suggestions - anyone?

I bought a 1995 Monterey Diamond v6 with 43,000 miles 4 months ago for £2400 and I've now covered 3,000 miles.

The only faults are :

* stereo misbehaves by either shutting down, or not responding to its buttons. I didn't make the time to fix this under warranty, purely my fault.

* abnormal clicking when when turning with the indicators on, sounds like something catching inside, but again It didn't bother me enough to fix.

* original rear exhaust silencer has holes, but is still silent.

* the chassis has some corrosion which is mainly to the rear of the vehicle, so I'd advise everyone to wax inject and clean the chassis.

* there is some very slight rust on the seam hidden by the tailgate right hand door and the same under one of the rear kick plates, again on a seam. When I clean this up I may put a thin seal of clear sealant over the other seams.

I've got as much as 22mpg, but I do drive this very sensibly, feeling no need to speed. Whilst this is still a thirsty vehicle later 3.0 diesel engines are well known for serious problems, so stick to the 3.1 if you like like derv. The petrol engines are very reliable.

I used to own a couple LSE Range Rovers, and the Monty doesn't feel as special, heavy, or as powerful. On the other hand its larger, cheaper, newer, much lower miles, and the engine much more responsive.

The insurance was group 12/13 and fuel is also cheaper than a RR, where I used to only get about 15mpg.

I feel pretty good on balance as the lower mileage gives me confidence that it isn't worn out and as such cheaper to run longer term than a 4x4 with the 'right' pedigree.

I do get tempted to sell it and get a car as we now only have one large dog, but these Monty's are totally untouchable when it comes to value for money, that any car of a similar price seems pointless.

I recommend once of these.

Hi just reading the comments above! The one with the problem with the car cutting out which you and your cousin fixed yourselves...what was the problem caused by and how did you fix it??? we have the same problem!!!

Thanks.

To the member who was experiencing the 'whining' noise during acceleration, this could be one of many things, but I have experience of two such occasions. Firstly, if the whining takes place at around 1800 revs and continues till about 2600 revs, then this is simply your turbo kicking in, you should feel the added boost. However, if the whining or 'whistling' is present at idle or as low as 1000 revs, and continues throughout the acceleration of the car, then I'm afraid to say your turbo may be broken : (

Last week my turbo was making a continuous whining noise, and a friend had a look at it for me. Its cost me £600 to get the parts, including my friends very cheap labour (£25 and a pint) and I'm due to fit the parts this weekend, so hopefully it will fix the problem.

I'm hoping that your turbo is not broken as this costs a fortune. other than the usual timing belt last year (123,000 miles) my 3.1 td monty has performed very well. I'm 21 and bought it off my parents, and my only gripe is the sunroof, which leaks excessively when it is standing in rain. I plan to seal this forever when the weather permits.

Since purchase, I have spent £160 on new shock absorbers for the front + fitting, £220 on a timing belt + fitting, £20 on brake pads and £600 on a new turbo + fitting, and £15 for a fan belt, so in 13 months the car has cost just less than £1000 excluding MOT, tax, fuel etc. it is certainly not the cheapest car to run, but it is so comfortable, and generally reliable, that for the £1000 I paid for it I can't complain :)

In regards to the above immobilizer problem on the vauxhall montery, I Have the same problem, will not start, but starts eventually can you tell me what you did to fix the problem?

Many Thanks.

Seantiger1@aol.com.

WE also have a vauxhall monterey v6 3.2 with immobiliser problems. It starts fine every day and if we do a long journey, it will also start fine. However, if we stop after a short journey, anything less than 30 minutes drive, it will not restart for ages. The immobilser cuts in and takes an average of 20-30 minutes to re-start. Have you an idea? We are stumped, and as for Vauxhall; useless! Any thoughts? thanks.

Clairer828@aol.com.

I have a '96 LWB 3.1TD, and with regard to the immobiliser: I lost both the key fobs, so I had it towed to a local garage. I live in rural France. They removed the immobiliser in about 30 minutes. Apparently they are 'aftermarket' fitted, and so are not too hard to remove.

Hi im looking at a 3.1td monty whats the ave mpg and how much do ya get for a tenner???

Hello all you lucky people. I have recently bought a Monterey 3.1 TD Diamond.

The second day I had to replace one of the two large and expensive batteries.

The sunroof leaks enough to warrant never going through a car wash, and now my exhaust has gone at the back end.

There are plenty of parts available at cheap prices if you look around.

The car is a real work horse, but after having to bump start prior to fitting of the new battery, I now have a well lit dashboard, timing belt light, diesel filter light, battery light too. I have had the belts all changed, the diesel filter light and fuel light are on as well. Does anyone know how to turn off all the warning lights??

Does the car have to go to Vauxhall for this to be done??

My car was missing the key fob for the alarm, and the little red light on the steering column keeps flashing too. Any ideas guys? Currently it's covered with black insulation tape as it's so distracting. Help needed...Thanks...

Oh, and I get about 26 to the gallon on diesel, and to have the filter and all the belts including timing belt changed cost me £75 plus parts, which were about £40...

The interior hot air no longer works either, checked the fuse (blower) checked the relay (blower) Only thing left is change the fan (have acquired for £25) anyone else had this problem???

Did you fix the light on your dash,mines the same,bin told alternator gone?