1996 Vauxhall Vectra SRi review from UK and Ireland

Idle valve went after 800 miles, fixed by the garage where it was brought from.

The first service I had cost a whiff over £400 due to the cam belt and various other parts needing replacing, was told by the main dealer that the car should be faultless from then on.

EMU light stayed on, was fixed by replacing a sensor.

Two new front tyres at £190 - I know that's wear and tear, but it is only a Vectra at the end of the day! And yes I did shop around.

New cam belt rollers.

One of the gaskets cracked and was letting oil leak.

Failed its last MOT, the fuel system had to be cleaned for it to pass.

Various other small problems, usually relating to a sensor!

The Vectra represents a bargain buy from the outside, you get a lot of car for your money and all the toys.

It can be a real joy to drive when it is running well, however the minor problems begin to annoy after a while. You tend to find yourself thinking that you're paying out a hell of a lot of money and you're still only driving a Vectra at the end of the day, a car which is losing money faster than you can drive it!

In the last year of ownership it has cost me 3 and a half times more to keep it running than my friends S500, whilst I know they are not in the same class, it does add some perspective to it.

On reflection, a German or Japanese car would have made a sound buy, but I was taken in by the toys and sporty body kit, and am now paying for it!

As a final word.. if you are still sure that you are going to buy one, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a good warranty, although many parts are not covered. Read the reviews again, this many people saying about all its faults can't be wrong!