1988 Vauxhall Senator Reviews

Heater flap control motor replaced 1999, long DIY job.

Rear shock absorbers required new for MOT in 2003.

Replaced rear wheel arches in 2004.

New main light switch in 2005.

The smoothest car I have owned, and returns a very acceptable mpg on cruise control where possible.

Nothing car is A1.

Stunning car bought new in 1988 by an elderly chap who drove it seldomly for a few years until his eyesight failed; ownership was transferred to his wife who also only drove it seldomly for a few years.

The car always serviced by the main dealer and kept garaged, probably polished each outing.

Eventually the lady also retired from driving. the car was put in auction in almost mint condition and very low miles, and amazingly its third owner purchased the Senator for £75; not a printing error, £75 + buyers premium. I understand car was bought for a little over a £100.

I first saw the car as it was being displayed at Tatton park classic show and I was amazed at its condition. I spoke to its owner and asked should he sell it to contact me and give me first option. Two years later the chap rang me to ask was I still interested at £550, Of course I agreed and became the proud owner.

The car has still only done 54000 miles and has just had a little paintwork done in the rear o/s door shut area and a couple of little rust spots on the sill area.

A superb car in almost mint condition with almost no signs of use.

This car is 18 yrs old and when I got it it was almost perfect, slight faults include crack in rear n/s lens (now rectified) faulty rad cap (now rectified) slight rust on rear arch not seen when door shut (a job for summer) and electric suspension ride hight light stays on because rear shocks have been converted to non electric.

Amazingly quick for its size once moving (it is a heavy car to get off line) it will see off so called performance cars with ease (bye bye golf gti)

Supremely comfortable and equipped to the hilt electric everything inc heated mirrors and washer jets to name two the list is endless.

Heavy on fuel a light right foot may see 30 on motorway, but sporty driving or round town between 10 -20 mpg.

The exhaust was full of holes, but luckily I work for a tyre company, and brought a new one for 120 quid.

Fuel tank leak. When its costs 50 quid to fill up, you don't want a fuel leak. 80 quid.

Interior light won't turn off.

N/S rear electric window inoperative.

Fuel gauge very tempremental.

Although it has its problems, it is a great motor, that doesn't hang around when stuck behind Sunday drivers.

It handles like a boat, but woops ass wherever you go.

I want a 24 valve next.

I have replaced the fuel pump, which cost £30 from a breaker (with 3 months guarantee), and a water pump brand new at £60 which I fitted myself.

Drivers side heated seat not working, air conditioning not very good or may need refilling.

Lovely motor, wouldn't drive anything else!!!

Leaky fuel lines, driver's door electric window motor x 2.

Top motor, compared to my old Scorpio this car is better in every respect except for dealer service which is crap.

Performance makes me grin, would love to know how much faster the 24v must be. Average 26 mpg, mostly town and country lane driving.

Front wheel bearing; such a common fault that it is one of the only parts the dealer keeps in stock.

Regular burning out of the spark plug in cylinder 6.

Putting down the driver's electric window had an annoying tendency to pop the door open.

Doors would lock, and then automatically unlock as I walked away from the car.

Heated rear window didn't work but switching it on did burn a big hole in the fusebox.

My favourite car.

Spacious, comfortable, attractive, graceful and powerful. Around 40mpg on motorway journeys but 20mpg in town.

Full torque available from around 2800rpm which gives amazing, never ending pull. Can humiliate an RS Turbo!

Insurance group 13, but it's worth it.

Parts are reasonably priced, except for the exhaust, which came in at £300!

As a 21 year old, the fuel costs crippled me since I was covering approx 25,000 miles per annum, but I was sorry to see it go. Would definitely buy another one.

MOT fail on rusty rear shock chassis mounts - rear axle/suspension assembly had to be removed to give access to box sections requiring welding.

Electric aerial sticks.

Manual sunroof jammed.

Front passenger window motor broke £129 from main dealer or £15 for whole assembly from breaker.

Pulling away from standstill and urban driving leisurely unless throttle trodden on hard. Large power increase at 3000 RPM makes for good fast A road and motorway driving. Excellent smoothness from straight six cylinder engine, urban 19MPG long journey 25MPG.

Lots: suspension, exhausts, water pump, aircon, heater, cooling, radiator, injectors, relays etc.,etc.

It had 97k on the clock when I bought it 4 years ago, now it's 148k, its been hammered by previous owners, stolen, and bits are failing and I want another (24v). The main dealers are useless. Anyone know of an un-franchised enthusiast specialist?