Faults:

Suspension, exhaust, oil leak. Usual wear and tear older car stuff.

Handbrake still weak even after new discs and pads. I replaced the cables and it was better, but this is a known issue on this model. Even in later cars it still does not seem sorted properly. Always feels as if there is just enough tension holding the car and no more! I keep it in gear for safety when parked anyways.

Never a major problem. The car has been reliable, fully serviced on time. I bought used with full history.

Interior plastics a bit worn now, and exterior rust is becoming an issue, but it is well over 15 years old!

General Comments:

A used Vectra I bought as an economical run about. It has served its purpose well.

Never a car to get excited about, but I give credit where it is due. It has been a fantastic car in every way. Value for money is unbeatable. And people are seeking out the petrol version of this car more than the CDTi diesels as it is more reliable in the long run.

And it's a decent engine this 1.8 petrol, looked after well and all oil changes and belt changes done. It is fast enough and still does around 37 mpg no matter how it is driven. And it drives very nicely.

Inside is very spacious and comfortable. I still think it looks modern for a mid 2000's designed car. Super smooth and quiet on motorways.

Won't last forever, and I'll most likely look out an Insignia to upgrade to next, but I see no reason to ditch this Vectra just yet, it runs fine.

Faults:

Small oil leak.

Headlight condensation.

General Comments:

Bought this Vectra as a cheap run about. Didn't know what to expect, but just wanted a reliable run about, and for the past year it has been OK.

Exclusiv model is rather basic, the seats are comfortable enough however and the interior is still smart and stylish with enough electrics.

1.9 CDTi has good power but not that economical for diesel, was hoping for 45 mpg but only getting 40, probably due to it being an automatic. The car drives very well however and the auto box is smooth.

Still like the looks, but getting dated now; the newer Insignia is much better looking in my opinion. My car is silver as most of them are from this generation.

Seems in very good condition for its age, hope to have it another year at least, it is in very good condition.

Faults:

Coolant and oil leaks, sorted for a fair price by a local mechanic.

Suspension caused the biggest issues believe it or not - many parts replaced, including a 4 wheel alignment to fix uneven tyre wear every 6 thousand miles or so which still happened after being checked twice!

The rest was just the expected wear and tear.

General Comments:

Reliable enough and large family car, the Vectra did us well. Not quite up there with the German giants, but easily as good as an equivalent Ford and better quality than French family cars in my opinion.

Good to drive, sporty SRi model. Handled quite well despite what you might have heard. 1.8 was not very fast but did a solid 37 mpg.

Nice interior, large boot and spacious inside.

Engine noise nice and quiet on a long motorway cruise.

Cost effective Vauxhall to run and still a nice to drive and stylish car. Overall OK.

Faults:

Oil leak, brake disc warp, wheel alignment, exhaust, etc.

A/C does not blow cold.

Cosmetically the car is rough inside and out, but it is 15 years old with higher mileage.

General Comments:

A car I bought used as a cheap run about that has served me well for five years.

This Vectra is not a bad car to look at, nice design and alloy wheels, looks good, I like this updated car (2006 - 2009) much better than the 2002 - 2005 models. My car is silver, the most common color.

Inside the car also looks OK design wise, despite being rough and a bit older now. Some materials feel really cheap and plasticky though. Quiet and refined on motorways. Design model is mid range, has enough electrics. Seats are OK. Spacious.

The car handles OK, but the 1.8 petrol has mediocre performance and economy (37 mpg at best), but what it lacks in power in economy it makes up for in simplicity and reliability - it is a very old design and proven engine, that if cared for rarely gives any trouble. Insurance is not bad, but tax is rather expensive. I'd still recommend this engine over the more common 1.9 CDTi diesels, they are faster and have better economy but also have their issues.

The Vectra is getting on a bit (they stopped making them in 2009) and you should really consider an Insignia - this car's replacement, it is a much more advanced car; a Vectra is only really only worth considering if you can get one really cheap.