1996 Vauxhall Calibra V6 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Practically everything that is mega expensive :-

Both front lower arm bushes £145.00 each.

Traction control actuator @ £600.00.

Alternator £250.

Air conditioning compressor £1000.

New alloy wheel???!?! £140.

Air con water leak £350.

Exhaust £300.

Oil Cooler £300.

Expansion tank £35.

Hand brake welding failed £200.

The list goes on and on...

Despite this car having relatively good handling, performance and fuel economy, the same cannot be said for reliability.

It seems such a pity that a car with such great looks should be condemned to a reputation of persistent faults and dealers who simply just don't understand the simple mechanics of these vehicles. For example in the case of the air conditioning compressor this is a problem which doesn't appear to affect the Calibra. A colleague of mine has an X reg Vectra which has developed the self same "rattle of death". Needless to say he won't be paying the £1000 bill. To sum up, if you must insist on a Calibra, consider purchasing a third-party warranty!

This will definitely be my last Vauxhall car.

I am sure that he placed the cost of 140.00 per side including the labour from a main dealer and not just the parts on their own!

If you look at the entire list they must be including labour!!!

Looks like you got hold of a bad example, I have a 1994 v6 manual and have had almost no bother with it at all, a few minor niggles that were easily sorted, but then again I have had the car from its Fourth year and the previous owner took the same care of it as I do, when you service a car regularly you will avoid big surprises. I have a Remus full stainless system, OZ 17" wheels, and a Pi lowering kit fitted.

Yep that £140 for the bushes seem steep even including labour. The front wishbone complete is £23 from a motor factor and takes about 15 minutes a side to fit. Someone ripped you off mate.