1991 Vauxhall Senator CD 3.0 24v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An indicated 150 MPH for less than 3 grand!!

Faults:

Slight whine on differential pinion bearing. No problem really, just fixed it because I am fussy.

Front ashtray jammed.

General Comments:

Goes like stink.

Handles like a dream.

Caution required in the wet (wheel spin).

Spacious (3 comfy kids on the back seat).

Huge road presence.

Quiet and comfortable.

Massive boot.

As easy to maintain as a Cavalier.

Bullet proof build quality.

An absolute classic!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2001

1st Oct 2001, 14:49

Just fitted 215/40*17 wheels to my Senator - handles even better and looks great.

8th Jul 2002, 17:04

17000 miles since writing my initial comments.

Two trips to Scotland absolute reliability.

Minor problem on the electronic ride control and have had the air-con re-gassed... other than that well happy.

My comments stand 150MPH 32MPG nothing else to say... a classic car.

16th Dec 2002, 09:28

I note a few comments on the timing chains for these cars. Do they need to be replaced and at what mileage.

I have a Dec 1993 24v which has done 83000 miles and I am delighted with it.

All comments appreciated.

13th Jan 2003, 12:03

Had my Senator 3ltr CD for sixteen years longer than any of my husbands, find her to be reliable, problems: alternator rust rear wheel arches, air conditioning, water pump, exhaust, cost minimal over the years, the diff has just started to whine, but I'm going to keep her I feel safe and love the power under the bonnet.

15th Mar 2004, 02:30

I have owned my senator 3.0 CDi for 7 years now, which has been in the family from new. It has now covered 300 thousand miles and still starts first time. Over the years I have owned the car, the only repairs it's needed were to the electronic dash. But as with everyting, the rust worm has taken hold to the sills and floor pan hence unfortunatly its now due to be taken out of service (don't like using the word scrap yard)

1991 Vauxhall Senator CD 24V 3.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

One of the last big cruisers by Vauxhall

Faults:

Tired engine replaced with an Ex-police 24V engine.

Air-conditioning condenser developed a leak.

Various dashboard lights not illuminating.

Surging problem on acceleration + stuttering idle (new ECU, new idle control valve. Suspect a fuel pump problem).

Heavy power steering (speed value fault?).

Whining differential.

Rusty rear arches.

General Comments:

Very comfortable.

Very quick pickup when cruising.

Would pull a house down, if I could get a tow hitch on one!.

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

Review Date: 23rd September, 2001

1991 Vauxhall Senator CDi 3.0 12 valve from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Brilliant, cheap, heavy hitter

Faults:

A couple of inoperative dash lights, but that's about it.

General Comments:

Quick, comfy, handles well.

Considering it's speed and size, remarkably economical.

Analogue dash is a bit "low rent" but the rest of the interior/equipment makes up for it.

Far better car than BMW 5 series/Merc or anything else in it's class.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th June, 2001

1991 Vauxhall Senator CD 3.0 24v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Few cars at the price come close

Faults:

Lights behind some heater controls not working (expected on old Vauxhalls).

Air con not working (expected).

Vibration in the steering wheel and in the cabin between 90 - 100 mph (suspect wheel balancing).

Acceleration seems to drop off at some points in the rev range, and sometimes doesn't respond to the throttle immediately (suspect ECU).

General Comments:

Value for money is unbeatable. Compare an 8 - 12 year old Senator to a 5 year old Vectra. You get more performance and comfort without loosing 4 thousand pounds in depreciation over just a few years. Insurance isn't bad if you shop around and you're out of nappies. Most importantly it's a myth that 3 litres is significantly more thirsty than your average family saloon (mine is as economical as my Sierra 2.0).

Plenty of working gadgets.

Good looks.

Unbelievable acceleration at motorway speeds (beats most turbo'd cars here).

If it was legal you could cruise at 95mph at just 3000rpm - relaxed. Most cars would be above 4000rpm.

Handles remarkably well for such a large, heavy car (why did the Police like them?)

Don't buy anything less than a 24V CD.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th March, 2001