Faults:

Oil leak, clutch, A/C won't work, fuel pump, plus the typical wear and tear of age and miles.

Very rough cosmetically now, but it is 18 years old.

General Comments:

"It's just a Vectra with fancy features and better comfort" - was what most people said about this car when it came out. For the most part, they are right, but the Vauxhall Signum is a unique car in its own right.

Lets start with the styling. Yes, pretty much identical to a Vectra from the front. But the rear has a larger hatch area, and plenty of space inside. My car is black with window tints and alloys, very sharp looking, and still modern for its age.

Inside is where this car shines. Again, similar to a Vectra inside, but rear passengers have more room and features. The car is pleasant to drive and quiet and smooth. Design model is near top of range and has half leather and all electrics.

1.9 CDTi is powerful when needed and economical, I am getting about 42 - 46 mpg on average. A bit noisy when cold, but once heated up it is fine. Looked after well, these engines are good for high mileage.

I like rare and unique cars and I think this one was overlooked by most people when the came out; shame really, it's a pretty decent car. Nothing special, but they are rare now, because they were not popular to begin with! Value won't go up much, and they will never be a "classic", but if you see a looked after one for sale and are looking for a comfortable and reliable car and something a bit different, the Signum is worth a look.

Faults:

Creaking suspension, replaced shocks and springs, noise is still there!

Alternator failed. Replaced battery as well. Expensive.

Center console display sometimes won't light up.

Rear wash/wipe stuck.

Climate control a bit hesitant to work. Passenger heated seat wont work either.

There was more, including a random breakdown when the car would not start, but later started OK. The car was bought used, but in good condition with history, and I have continued to look after it with all services.

General Comments:

Performance and comfort are the Signum's strong points. Everything else is average or just feels gimmicky. It is not a great car.

Expensive and not that reliable, this car is getting on and I will probably get rid of it soon. Value is pretty low at this age and mileage. Only kept it six years as a family run about. When the car is going great it is excellent - quite fun to drive with plenty of power, and the passengers have plenty of comfort. This car was designed with rear passenger comfort in mind and it does that well. But the car is basically just a Vectra with some fancy features. Elite model has leather and is very nicely equipped.

Tax is dear, but insurance is OK. Economy is poor by today's standards, managing only 34 mpg at best. Most repairs have been expensive. Averagely reliable compared to other cars I have had, and I have had a lot of cars.

You don't see many about anymore, and they were not that popular to begin with. An interesting car, just not a very good one unfortunately.

Faults:

Car only 3 months old so nothing yet, though the central locking has started to make a creaking noise when locking... maybe issues to come?

General Comments:

Chose this as a company car after trying the Accord estate (too big for the missus) and the Corolla Verso T180 (good quick car, but too small for a family's first car). The normal vectra is too common and the Signum was a compromise.

Engine initially felt lacklustre in performance, but it is slowly opening up. Bit slow pulling away and there is a noticeable turbo lag, but this is something you learn to live with. Excellent motorway cruiser, bombs along 85-90, with plenty of pull in 6th and manages 45-50 mpg.

Much more comfortable than my previous car, a Mazda 6. The rear seats are like arm chairs and the kids like the available leg room. Standard sat-nav is old fashioned, but works OK (always got me where I wanted to go) and the mp3 player is great with good sound.

Overall, a good family car. I just hope it doesn't start to let me down!