2007 Vauxhall Vectra Design 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

For what I paid it has been good

Faults:

CD player won't work, air con is dead, seats looking worn, alloys corroded, brakes needed new discs and pads, suspension ball joints replaced. All acceptable at age and mileage. The car has full history, seems to be taken care of with oil and belt changes done on time.

General Comments:

Paid £1200 for this Vectra two years ago with high-ish mileage. Was unsure at first what to expect, I knew they weren't well loved cars but seemed to be generally reliable and that is all I needed. So far it has been good.

It is black, with half leather interior. Design is a high spec on this car, lots of electrics, very comfortable. I think the dash is stylish looking but there are far too many cheap feeling plastics everywhere.

Outside very smart looking again, not a bad looking car. My corroded looking alloy wheels aren't doing it any favours, nor is the cracked plastic on the front bumpers and faded looking headlights. I would fix them, but let's face it, it is simply not worth at the age and mileage, the car isn't going to last forever at fifteen years old and nearly 120K on it.

To drive it is quiet and comfortable, cabin is well insulated against noise, helped by the quietest engine I have ever heard in an older high mileage petrol car - the 1.8 is a revelation, should have been more popular than the 1.9 diesel, it is more reliable and 40 mpg is very achievable. Fast enough too.

Overall value for money has been excellent; if you need a cheap car these Vectra's are still worth a look - providing you buy a looked after one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2022

2007 Vauxhall Vectra SRi CDTi 1.9 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap runabout

Faults:

EGR valve faulty (expensive replacement).

Changed belts and done oil changes as per schedule. I look after the car.

Air con won't work.

Wheel alignment after suspension work and new brakes.

Engine sometimes hesitates on acceleration, not going to bother investigating as I will be getting rid of it soon. Vibration from after using the clutch as well, suspected dual mass flywheel.

General Comments:

2007 SRi Vectra in silver, very common car. Was a nice car low mileage full history example when I bought it at 8 years old and low mileage, but has aged considerably in the last couple of years.

It was a good car generally, but needed more reliability. I sometimes wonder about the point of modern-ish diesels with their expensive repairs versus actually having a diesel to save money - what is the point when the cash you save goes on repairs for things like EGR valves? Thankfully I have not had the dreaded DPF, DMF (maybe soon!) or turbo break yet.

On the plus side, the car is nice to look at, handles and accelerates very well, economy averages a respectable 50 mpg, and the SRi model has plenty of electric features. Interior is also very comfortable and still feels modern.

I'll probably scrap it soon - no one wants these cars at this age and mileage, and their value has plummeted. Far better off with a more modern Vauxhall Insignia if you need a cheap car, you can get early ones for a few grand, I wouldn't bother with a Vectra unless it is very cheap and very low mileage and in good condition. Preferably a petrol as well, you'll have less engine problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th February, 2022

15th Feb 2022, 15:19

These are decent cars, but you make good points. Most 10 year old 100K mile plus diesels are not worth it anymore; cost of repairs outweighs the savings so why bother. You could get a petrol Vectra, Insignia, or a Mondeo or any other family/executive hatch, which will still do a solid 40 MPG on long runs. Really the only option if you don't want a diesel but want a nice saloon/hatchback car long term and want to avoid crazy high repair bills.

A close friend of mine had a lot of problems recently on his diesel 2008 BMW 3 series, so much so the cost essentially wrote off the car. Diesel repair cost is not worth it even on top tier cars. Mercedes and Audi will be the same.

In reply to 15th Feb 2022, 15:19

20th Feb 2022, 16:18

Generally good advice, but be careful with older petrol cars - 2010 onwards cars should be OK and can use the new E10 petrol available in the UK; pre 2010 I would strongly advise against petrol use unless you are going to change the rubbers and seals; the new fuel will cause an issue in early 2000's cars and older petrol variants. You can use E5 super-unleaded which will be around for a while yet and you should use that when you can, but it is expensive.

You'd think they were making things awkward and expensive and trying to push an electric car agenda or something... ;)

Best advice... find a modern petrol or diesel car and keep it long term, use quality fuel (I avoid supermarket fuel in general for all cars, seems lower quality and you get rubbish MPG) treat it right and enjoy old school cars as long as you can :)

16th Mar 2022, 11:36

Only 54,757 Vectras left on UK roads as of March 2022. And the majority of these almost 55k are from the 2002 to 2008 model. The first gen from 1995 to 2002 is pretty much gone. Probably less than 1k left on the roads.

In reply to 16th Mar 2022, 11:36

17th Mar 2022, 14:47

Elderly neighbor of mine still has his beloved 1997 1.8 LS Vectra, (which has been incredibly reliable) but at 25 years old and 150K he obviously wants to move onto the newer Vectra (2002 - 2008). I told him not to waste his time and get an Insignia instead. Probably a much better choice.