Only had this car since early 2001, so no problems to report except for a few items I had the Vauxhall dealer look at during its first service. The engine drivebelt which drives the AC compressor, water pump, alternator etc. made slight 'swishing' sounds during damp weather... not loud at all but a modified belt was fitted free. Anyone who has this problem should be able to get the modified belt fitted by Vauxhall.
A couple of rattles that have irritated me have mostly been solved by myself. The worst was a rattling sound from the passenger footwell area which turned out to be the center console rubbing against where it comes up to meet the main dashboard. A few sticky pads solved that.
Occasionally there is a slight clicking or tapping type noise which sounds like it is coming from behind the instrument panel. This comes and goes and often disappears when the car is restarted after being parked a short while.. very odd but does not bother me. Any ideas anyone? Apart from that nothing else, but the bumpers should have a rubbing strip of some sort as they could be very easily damaged and scratched.
Having read various reports about the Vectra, I was not too sure it looked a good proposition, but the Mark 2 model is very impressive in my opinion... much nicer than Ford Mondeos I often use on business. The ride is a little on the firm side, but the steering is responsive and holds its composure well on corners.
The 2 litre 16 valve TD engine is a star, pulls like a train and hardly notices hills and is almost ticking over at 2250 RPM @ 70 MPH.
Currently averaging 47 MPG doing mainly town/country driving and it often surprises Numpties in their GTI's on the road during mid range acceleration! When warm the engine is refined and smooth, but is rather vocal under load when cold.
It looks smart with its colour coded bumpers, see-through headlamps, side skirts and some aftermarket Vauxhall alloys.
The interior is of a high standard with supportive, comfortable seats and the general build quality is excellent. I also have found an excellent Vauxhall dealer... Kirkby Central in Chorley are highly recommended, they are a pleasant change to other garages I have been using in the past.
Overall I am very pleased with it and is definitely underrated and the latest batch of direct-injection diesels are the way forward!
Any comments - rickp@rickp.freeserve.co.uk.
You seem to have posted the wrong email Address, can you repost it so I can send you a mail.
The address rickp@rickp.freeserve.co.uk above is correct. There should be no fullstop after.co.uk as in my original post. Thanks.
Just a quick update:-
The car, now on 24K miles, still consumes about 0.4 litres of oil per 1,000 miles. I would have hoped that by now the oil consumption would have practically stopped. This not a major problem, but fortunately I do keep a regular check of items under the bonnet, tyres etc.
The car is still on the original fit Continental EcoContact tyres with about 60% tread left on the front, and the rears look almost new... very impressive really!
I have had a 'Bromley's' tuning box fitted late last year, which really helps mid-range and 0-60 acceleration, and my average fuel consumption is now 49-51 MPG. The car goes like a rocket with the box in place! (I am NOT a boy racer btw!) See www.bromleystuning.com for more info, bit pricy, but does give good results and an improvement in fuel economy and driveability. I.e. more torque at lower engine rpm.
In October last year, the battery failed. Bearing in mind the car was about 15 months old, with about 20K on the clock I was rather disappointed by its sudden and rather early demise. It failed during the day whilst I was at work and whilst trying to start the car that evening, nothing happened at all, but it was fine that morning. It has been fine with the new battery since then however.
Recently the turbo boost supply pipe, which goes from the turbo to the inlet manifold came away from the manifold. I believe this is a common fault with this engine. It would be well worth your while checking that the pipe's jubilee clips are secure to both the metal turbocharger pipe and the inlet manifold at the front of the engine.
Asides from these minor niggles, I am still very pleased with the car. Great performance, cost effective to run, looks smart and comfortable. It is also only in IG 7, and as I am 23, the insurance is quite reasonable.
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