2004 Vauxhall Vectra LS Life review from UK and Ireland

Rear anti roll bar bushes worn and were knocking when I got the car. Dead easy to sort, and managed to do it free of any charge by myself.

Windscreen wiper mechanism was a bit 'slack' (known fault); again fixed by myself at minimal cost.

Was an ex company car, and has had a new alternator fitted when I got the car. Reason unknown.

Bought the car on ebay, wasn't even 4 years old and I bought it with tax, test and full service history for 3K.

Car is very comfortable and quiet, even though it is the bottom of the range model. Typical repmobile and is built around the driver with everything at finger tip control. I like the cruise control and the flappy paddle indicator stalks, which get bad press, but are neat to operate. When you go back to a car with the standard type indicator stalk, you realise how bad they are! The (old type ones that is). Very light controls, brake clutch, steering etc. and is an easy car to drive.

Natural habitat is the motorway, and it eats up miles effortlessly with the Fiat sourced 1.9 multijet diesel lump with 6 speed box; 70mph equates to 1900rpm and 50mpg plus. A lot of my journeys are 9 to 10 mile commute, and I get 42 mpg driving carefully, and very rarely get it into 5th gear.

Car feels safe and solid, and has had some bad press over the years. I feel it is unjustified, as I would recommend this car to anyone wanting a family sized, cheap to buy and run, reliable bus.