2003 Vauxhall Vectra 3.2 GSI from UK and Ireland - Comments

Nothing.

Beautifully understated, a real barnstormer of a car. Big, comfortable and I am able to get my piano and PA system in the boot without even lowering the back seats. Absolutely laden with kit and an excellent pair of HID headlights for really safe dark winter motoring. Cornering is superb, and road-holding excellent, although it is a little upset on poor road surfaces, such as where HG-V's leave a 'dent' in the road. It can sometimes be a little difficult to 'climb out'.

Economy very good. Although I have not had the car very long, a quick trip to E. Sussex (85 mile round trip) gave 37 mpg. Speed maximum 65 mph and gentle acceleration. At no time have I had worse mpg than 26.

Although understated, it seems to attract a small amount of attention by people who know their cars. Unfortunately, boy racers in their pathetic Novas and Saxos are shown an embarrassing clean set of heels, as are the company reps in their Passatt Turbo diesels.

It must be one of the cheapest cars to insure (£323 41 year old male clean (totally) licence) which is capable of at least 155mph, and a hell of a lot cheaper than the less well built and rather commonplace Suburu Impreza. It is also a lot less lightly to attract the attentions of the vandalistic element in today's society.

The upholstery and fittings are of very high quality, and although the indicator switchgear has come in for some criticism, I have got used to it and quite like it now.

Safety equipment is exemplary, more airbags than you can shake a stick at, and the whole feels very, very study and safe.

I agree with all of the things you have said, though I did test drive the GSI, my ONLY concern was the harder ride. so I opted for the elite with the same engine.

And love the car.

Enjoy.

Hi there nice report, I also own a 2003 Gsi 3.2 in red.

Understated is not the word, I've come from a 360BHP EVO to the vectra, to say I am impressed is an understatement, the chassis is tweaked above other vec's, the traction and braking system is VERY good, the engine and box are sweet quiet and smooth.

Economical and although not properly run in yet it is rather quick on its heals, especially 3rd gear overtakes!

20,000 mile service intervals and first service is £108.

Love the rain sensing wipers, all the airbags, independent climate, the twin exhausts, and the indicators are Good when you finally master the light touch :)

My only real complaint would be the suspension over pot holes it clunks a little and I believe it has to go in to get some rubber blocks fitted to the top of the springs and that cures it.

Oh and one other thing, the electronic throttle control can be a little slow to respond, i. e when you lift off the throttle the engine still revs on a little momentarily before the revs die off, I suspect it has to be that way with the cruise control being fitted.

All in all what a dash good fast reliable well built car, IMPRESSED.

I have read all the reports on the 3.2 GSi and wow! am I glad. I pick up an 04 GSi this Saturday a saving of £6000 on a new one!The beautiful beast only has 1100 miles on the clock. It has all the extras including all the body kit with twin double exhaust pipes. I have to say it looks fantastic. (not boy racer in any way)

On the test drive she wanted to go! but, the sales chap in the back sort of held me back if you know what I mean!!

I have had four Vectra's (2.5 & 2.6 sri's) in the past and loved every one of them. Not one of them gave me a hint of trouble.

I love the Vectra and hope this "new shape" GSi is as perfect and as much fun to drive as all the others have been!

I,VE had my 2003 GSI for 4 weeks and this is serious motoring at a bargain price nearly 9000 pounds of new.THE cabin has an air of refinement with plenty of nice gadgets, indicators take a little getting use to, nice sporty seats half leather.I,VE got the 18inch signa wheels on which give a sporty and very firm grip although the ride is a little stiff due to the lowered suspension.0-60 in no time this car has real pulling power bottoming out at 155mph due to an electronic gov. ON the whole I love it, at 7000 miles I've got this beauty for a long time to come.

I have had a Vectra GSI 3.2 for about 2 months now and can honestly say I love it to bits. It is extremely comfortable, roomy and very quiet. I used to drive a BMW 325i and ended up with back problems and had to use an orthopaedic seat insert (BMW 3-Series seats leave your top and bottom half's slightly twisted). Anyway, after a couple of weeks, I have had NO backpain at all.

The car is just Sooooooo smooth, very fast, looks under-stated (for what it is I average 28.5 mpg (which is great for a car and engine of this size). My car has just developed a creaking noise (well documented for Vectra's) but Vauxhall have sorted it out. Can't belive how many extras you get including a very reasonable ICE system.

Overall - VERY glad I got it (and I looked at Many, many cars before making a decision).

Oh, takes some time to getting used to the amount of torque, I used to put my foor down in 5th and because it went so well (even from low speeds) I used to think I was still in 3rd!!! - Enjoy..

I know its a little late but I've just read all the comments and totally agree I have a 52 plate and have had it for 2 yrs and think its fantastic on the last service I had a k n N flat panel filter put in it comes with a life time guarantee and does make a small improvement to the vehicles performance I also opted for EBC red stuff brake pads all round and all I can say is WOW get some now not only then can out accelerate the boy racers, but you can out brake them as well as they give a 40% better stopping power. So all in all a top car.