Faults:

Engine management light on (camshaft sensor) was not as expensive to sort as I thought it would be; fixed by a trusted independent.

Usual consumables - bulbs, tyres, brakes, suspension, etc. Battery was replaced. Alternator sounded very noisy probably on its way out.

I done most oil changes, though the previous owner missed a few. But the engine seemed OK, used very little oil and was quiet and smooth running.

Gearbox felt very loose and vague, never a problem though, but definitely some wear and tear going on there.

Cup holders were stupidly designed and crumbled/jammed. Radio was horrible and basic.

General Comments:

Well I bought this car back in 2006 when it was only 8 years old. For a fair price, it served me well and never broke down, but I did have my fair share of running costs and repairs.

I liked the look of the car even though mine was the basic LS model, dull white colour with wheel trims. I was considering putting alloy wheels on, but in the end did not bother, as we had some hard winters to get through, so what was the point I thought. That said there are some nicer looking higher spec Vectra's with body kits and alloy wheel that looked the part. Loved how the mirrors blended into the bonnet swoops.

Inside is very dull, silly seat pattern design combined with unimaginative dash board design. Electric widows in front were some of the few electrical luxuries, but again, you can go for the higher CDX models if you want more. I found the seat position fine and the seats comfortable enough though, which was always something they lambasted this car about in the media. I can't really see what they are talking about though, it was not that bad. Plenty of space as well.

Driving the car was OK, no more. The 2.0 petrol is a good engine, reasonable economy with performance that can deal with daily driving with no struggles. Friend had a similar Vectra with a 1.8, I drove it once and honestly could not tell the difference. I've heard the 1.6 is best avoided though. Diesels are also frugal but slow, and if you really have the extra money, the V6's are worth checking out. But the standard 2.0 will do most drivers just fine.

The car handles pretty poorly, this is something I can agree with the negative reviews. Even my previous old Peugeot 106 handled better. Not a car to push like a sports car, but it has way too much under-steer in corners, even for front wheel drive. Just feel way too stiff. Clarkson famously slagged this car for that in Top Gear.

Vauxhall dealers did not help with this car's image. Myself and others' experiences always tell of uninterested dealers, especially for servicing or repairs. Not rude or aggressive, just like you are annoying them by coming into the dealer for anything else other than buying a new car. Since mine was getting older (and out of warranty) I found some good local independents, cheaper and have a good knowledge of these cars anyway, some even better than Vauxhall!

To be fair it was not really a bad car, just very dull. Easy to live with though. Used to be a very common sight but not many about now, most people have moved onto the newer Vectra from 2002 onwards, or the Insignia. But the 1990's Vectra I thought was at-least as good as the old Cavalier. In the end I sold mine to a local guy who needed a cheap run about; from what I heard he had it for another couple of years before it got sent to the scrap yard. By this point it was about 17 years old with nearly 150K on it, so they are durable enough cars if you look after them.

Faults:

Crank shaft sensor at roughly 120k.

Big leak in the boot.

Rust on the rear arches and sills.

Rust on the bottom of the doors.

General Comments:

Always wanted one, love the look.

The pre-facelift Vectra B looks best, from a rough and ready LS, to a SRI V6 that I own. I like to think it's a car you can rag about, rushing to and from work, then throw a bucket of water over it on a weekend, and it looks brand new.

Engine is OK, got to deal with the annoying flat spots every now and then on the motorway, which ain't much fun when your foot down, trying to overtake; it puts me off booting the thing.

Sounds mean, but it's thirsty; I average 26mpg combined, get up to 30 on the motorway, but you don't buy a V6 for economical motoring ha ha.

The driving experience is average, gearbox is a bit ropey, steering a bit sloppy, cracks and rattles from the dashboard.

Inside the car is good. Seats are great, keeps me snug though comfortable, with plenty of adjustment. On-board computer is cool with lots of useful information. The buttons and controls are easy to work.

Cup holders are cool, but don't use the one in arm-rest or you'll have a nice mess. Glovebox picnic tray is useless; never understood that, and the ashtray likes to spring out at me, usually when it's full!

Front electric windows do take some time getting used to, as they're not in the usual place; instead they're on the floor.

The 90s was the decade for great cars. Today's cars make up for it in reliability and economy, but they lack the style and character.