1997 Vauxhall Vectra SRi ESTATE 2.5 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Better than people make out

Faults:

Fault with alarm last year which cured itself.

Failed its mot on numerous things I was a bit disappointed, but has done plenty of miles I suppose.

General Comments:

The car had a brand new engine fitted at 78000 before I bought it so therefore runs like a dream.

The performance is quite good, but you really have to rev this engine to get the best out of it.

Very reasonable on petrol 22mpg round town 35 on motorway.

Being an estate with no badges it has surprised boy racers on numerous occasions.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st February, 2005

1997 Vauxhall Vectra LS 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A large, comfortable, but expensive drive

Faults:

When I first bought the car:

Kept on stalling/shutting off when decelerating.

Drivers electric window opening at varied pace.

Digital display pixels fading.

General Comments:

When the car was first bought it seemed fine. However, after a few drives the engine kept on cutting out when slowing down.

Most frustrating and dangerous when at junctions.

This turned out to be the 'idle control valve' and was consequently fixed.

I do not feel that an 1800 sized engine is adequate for a car of the Vectra's size. When on motorways it begins to shake and struggle at only 80mph.

My previous car, a Vauxhall Astra 1.4 gave the same performance at 80.

I would advise buying a 2.0l size or above.

If you're not used to large cars then be prepared for a massive jump in fuel bills.

Not an advisable buy for a single person, but definitely for an average sized family.

The drive is very smooth and comfortable and the engine is quiet. Not ideal for town driving due to its size, but a pleasure traveling motorways and long distance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th December, 2004

1997 Vauxhall Vectra LS 1.6 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Nippy car with lots of space

Faults:

Nothing up to now touch wood all I have had done with it is the timing belt.

General Comments:

When I first got this car I felt it was a bit of a comedown form a 3 series and it was in many ways.

The BMW was better at pretty much everything apart from space and comfort, but I knew before I bought the Vectra that this would be the case.

I love this car I don't know why its got such a bad rep I have had it almost a year now and its been a good, solid and reliable car.

Its quite nippy for a 1.6 16v I thought the car would be dog slow only having a 1.6 and being so heavy, but when pushed the engine puts a smile on my face.

Handling is not this cars strong point, but if you spend a bit of money on some good rubber this is greatly improved.

So whats left to say I think this car is a bargain you get a lot of car for your money and it can compete with most standard cars from the lights.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2004

1997 Vauxhall Vectra LS 1.8 16V petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap, capable and comfortable drive

Faults:

New battery fitted at 42,000.

Replaced 2 dashboard bulbs.

General Comments:

I purchased this vehicle as I was changing jobs, and lost the use of a company vehicle. I was very surprised! I'm used to driving around in brand new vehicles, with lots of bells and whistles. I have to say I was gutted at the thought of buying a car. I didn't want to spend that much as I was unsure of how many miles I would cover in a year. I bought this vehicle for £1500 (trade price), A1 condition with a full Vauxhall service history.

I've previously owned a 1998 Vectra SRi V6 so my expectations were high.

Engine is smooth and very capable.

Automatic transmission is a dream.

All switches and buttons are in easy reach.

I find the seats very comfortable (I'm 6'4" and suffer from back problems).

Ride can be a little bouncy and steering a little light. However, I purchased an LS and not SRI/GSI model so I wouldn't say it's a negative thing.

I can't understand why these vehicles get such a hard time.

If you want a fast car don't buy a family car with a 1.6 engine.

If you want handling buy a sports model (GSI/SRI).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th November, 2004