1996 Vauxhall Vectra LS review from UK and Ireland

Crankshaft gear worn - replacement cost £800.

EGR valve needed replacing - £260.

Washer fluid pump needed inline valve in the pipes (ironically, Vauxhall suggested a Ford valve).

Central locking not working on the passenger front door or petrol cap cover.

Engine management light permanently on but registers no code.

ABS main pump is on the way out which will be majorly expensive.

I drove this car from new as it was my ex company car - but all the problems above have happened since I bought it from the company when I came out of the company car scheme. It is one thing to drive a car without the responsibility of the running costs - and there were several problems with it before I owned it which I haven't included as its not relevant in this survey. But to have to deal with these in a young, relatively well looked after, regularly serviced vehicle is unacceptable to the average secondhand car buyer.

According to the mechanic, who has been fixing my various problems with the car, the problem is the packed engine compartment which is impossible to work in. Even relatively inexpensive jobs on other cars are expensive due to the extra time fiddling around. For example, the replacement of the gear to the crankshaft required the removal of the engine! Also, dealer only parts have boosted the fixing cost.

Generally OK looking and comfortable car - but watch out for higher mileage examples as they are likely to be a money pit.