2000 Vauxhall Vectra CD from UK and Ireland - Comments

Turbo air recirculation pipe blew off. This is a very simple problem to fix using a larger hose connector, but afflicted many diesel units around 2000.

Very uneven tire wear - outer edge of rear tyre worn out in 20,000 miles. Solved under warranty by a chassis alignment check and rebuild of rear suspension. I had to buy the tires which have since lasted 44,000 miles. How many others suffer from this?!

Flat battery caused by owner-induced water in under bonnet electrics during washing.

I bought the car because it was cheap (30% discount) and comfortable for long distances. This is helped by the addition of cruise control which goes well with the diesel torque. It is also boring and doesn't look flash, which means it survives unmolested in rough areas.

So far it has proved reasonably reliable and durable with no significant wear and tear. The car feels well put together and ready for another 60,000.

Best feature is the engine, which is reasonably powerful and refined and gives average 55 mpg. Long trips on motorways give over 60. When you buy your own fuel, this adds up.

Some owners of DTi's report high oil consumption. Mine uses about 1 liter (full to empty) between oil changes, but was run in carefully with an extra oil change and is not used hard.

I have driven about 5 or 6 Vectras; company cars, hire cars, etc.

They were all unreliable (one had same tyre fault as in this review.

I got in a brand new one and the door handle snapped off, and the gear lever cover came off on the first journey!

The build quality is poor and depreciation (at least in the UK) is terrible for the private motorist as 80% of sales are fleet sales who dump their cars on the market 2-3 years into the cars life.

I am not even a big fan of fords, but I have to say the Mondeo is far better than the Vectra.

At best I could only say the Vectra could offer a decent sized family car (in the UK market) at a reasonable price when 3 or so years old after the severe depreciation has fallen away.

I had a 1998 Vectra estate (Tourer) which suffered from similar tyre wear problems. The outer edge of both rear tyres would wear and would need replacing at 22,ooo miles. Never did resolve the issue before selling it. Other than that it was a reliable, comfortable car.