1997 Vauxhall Vectra CDX review from UK and Ireland

Hydraulic boot arms leaked, resulting in the boot either not staying up or coming down unexpectedly on my head when unloading the shopping. Easily repaired, two new arms from the Vauxhall were £18 and 15 minutes for me to fit.

Required a new idle adjuster and hose a week after purchase due to engine cutting out and high fuel consumption, returned to where it was bought, who sent it to Vauxhall for the repair free of charge.

Recently the revs just began to drop off when changing gear, resulting in the car cutting out; problem identified as mass air flow filter, £300 to repair - ouch!! But now running like a dream.

Other than that the car has been an excellent purchase and is proving to be reliable thus far.

This car is built for cruising long distances, and having been on holiday in it a couple of times, it has proved to be a relaxing and comfortable journey, with one of its many gadgets (cruise control) proving its worth with good fuel economy. Town driving is also not a problem with the car handling well, but not so economical with the fuel.

It has a spacious cabin that is very comfortable and has plenty of room both front and back for a family of four. It has also been built to a high standard, with all knobs, switches and dials still working 11 years on.

This is solidly built good quality car that has so far served me well. When it is washed and polished with its alloys, spoiler, metallic paintwork and front fogs (as standard on the CDX) it looks stunning. Although not my first choice, as the car was bought out of necessity after my Celica was stolen and was intended as a stop gap, I must admit I have enjoyed owning this vehicle and intend to keep it for the foreseeable future.

If you are going to by a second hand Vectra of this era, go for the CDX; it seems to have a superior build quality to other models, bearing in mind it was £22,500 brand new.