Faults:

Electric windows.

CD Player replaced five times in two years!!!!

Exhaust.

Brakes.

Idling wheel (got recalled for this).

Engine management light comes on at least once every six months.

General Comments:

While I think the car itself is good looking and very nippy, this has to be the most expensive car I have ever run. If I add up what I have spent in the last twelve months on repairs, it equates to more than I spent on my previous car over a period of three years!

Faults:

Exhaust rear box blew.

Paint peeled inside engine compartment at front.

Ignition lead faulty.

Rear window trim became unstuck.

Tailgate screws scratch bodywork when shutting.

Camshaft tensioners modified @ 10000.

General Comments:

It would have been nice if Vauxhall had contacted me about the camshaft tensioners... I read about the fault in 'AutoExpress'.

Faults:

Secondary air pump failure, Vauxhall refused to replace it so I ripped it off.

Cam sensor bracket broke.

Two lots of idler wheels but after the second lot it lasted 1000 miles then the cambelt jumped 6 teeth and bent 13 valves.

2 weeks of arguing with Vauxhall it got sorted costing the dealer £700 and Vauxhall £700.

Worst car I have ever owned so I have now got a Volvo 480ES and it's superb and it was only £895.

Faults:

Complete engine refit needed after idler wheel failed (only 24,000 miles).

Exhaust recirculation valve failed.

Cambelt timing sensor failed.

Unknown factors causing spark plug fouling on new engine.

Headlamp motor failure.

Windscreen washer pump failed.

General Comments:

Too many niggling problems. I couldn't trust the car on a long journey so I decided I was better off without it.

Faults:

Numerous niggles (ambient temp thermometer reading 45deg C in January, boot light not working on delivery, easily chipped paintwork) rattles and knocks. More seriously:

1) pin dropped out of gear linkage - required removal of gearbox to replace.

2) ABS sensors failed.

3) Seals on power steering failed.

4) After a year's ownership I had a recall notice from Vauxhall for a "sub specification" part related to the camshaft. Three days later the cambelt came off, resulting in major engine damage.

5) Cable from speedo to ECU snapped. This meant that every time the clutch went in when the car was in motion, the engine cut out. Handy when exiting motorways.

All this in 25k miles and 2 years of ownership.

All the repairs were done by the dealer under warranty and with courtesy cars thrown in. They also gave me a cheap extended warranty in view of my "difficulties" with the car.

General Comments:

The stereo was good and the engine reasonably zippy. I chose my dealer carefully (Vantage Colne) and so should you if you buy one of these cars!

Faults:

Nothing too major.

Brakes wore out unexpectedly.

Driver's door lock broke.

Failed to start first time only once so far!

Tyres squeal at low speed and there are squeaks and creaks...

General Comments:

Beautiful car. A joy to wax! Great fun to drive both long distance and round town. Good on petrol if driven economically but needs to be kept around 4000 rpm for hot performance! Due for a new cam belt at 40,000 miles (advised by dealer) and tensioner wheel check. Very happy so far.