Discussion
Hi,
I am thinking about a Vectra Estate (05 - 06 model) for a second car as they seem great value. They may not have the prestige of the German makes but they have good write ups. Most of the time will be spent on the motorway with the remainder being used with trips to the tip, moving around the bike etc so nothing too demanding.
I like the look of both the 3.2 V6 and the 3.0 CDTI - aside from the obvious economy difference can anybody offer advice based on experience?
Thanks
I am thinking about a Vectra Estate (05 - 06 model) for a second car as they seem great value. They may not have the prestige of the German makes but they have good write ups. Most of the time will be spent on the motorway with the remainder being used with trips to the tip, moving around the bike etc so nothing too demanding.
I like the look of both the 3.2 V6 and the 3.0 CDTI - aside from the obvious economy difference can anybody offer advice based on experience?
Thanks
Right, here comes the anorak....
3.2 Vectra's are virtually bombproof, not the last word in refinement, but effective enough! Around town, you're looking at 22 - 24mpg, on a run at sensible motorway speeds, it can do 35! Keep on top of oil changes and it will go on and on. Cambelts need to be done at 40 - 50,000 miles. They are reasonably quick too.
3.0 V6 Diesel is a superb lump if looked after, they can present big bills towards 100,000 miles, there can be issues with the fuel pump valves down on the engine mounted pump, it's a major strip down job to get at. Typicaly it's a cheap part, but the labour....
Spec depends on what you want. If you want the 3.2, it will be an Elite, which will be Leather, Climate, probably sat nav too. The 3.0 was available on Elite and SRi.
SRi is sports seats, cloth trim in all but a few examples, some had sat nav, depending on year, it may have auto wipers.
Most Elite's will be Auto. If you want one, check the condition of the coolant. If it looks like Strawberry Yazoo, run away. The transmission cooler seals have failed and let coolant and oil mix. The gearbox is now Useless. Most cars were reworked on the quiet by Vauxhall, there's no outward clue, you'll have to speak to the dealers service dept to find out if it's been done.
Rear shocks can fail, not a huge job for the DIY'er, two bolts and they're out, Also the front drop links can rattle, again it's a cheap and easy job.
Best bet is to find one and see which one you prefer. Elite for comfort and toys, The SRi has the sports chassis and seats and has less kit.
Also, check the 2.0 turbo. Great engine, very understressed and again very reliable.
3.2 Vectra's are virtually bombproof, not the last word in refinement, but effective enough! Around town, you're looking at 22 - 24mpg, on a run at sensible motorway speeds, it can do 35! Keep on top of oil changes and it will go on and on. Cambelts need to be done at 40 - 50,000 miles. They are reasonably quick too.
3.0 V6 Diesel is a superb lump if looked after, they can present big bills towards 100,000 miles, there can be issues with the fuel pump valves down on the engine mounted pump, it's a major strip down job to get at. Typicaly it's a cheap part, but the labour....
Spec depends on what you want. If you want the 3.2, it will be an Elite, which will be Leather, Climate, probably sat nav too. The 3.0 was available on Elite and SRi.
SRi is sports seats, cloth trim in all but a few examples, some had sat nav, depending on year, it may have auto wipers.
Most Elite's will be Auto. If you want one, check the condition of the coolant. If it looks like Strawberry Yazoo, run away. The transmission cooler seals have failed and let coolant and oil mix. The gearbox is now Useless. Most cars were reworked on the quiet by Vauxhall, there's no outward clue, you'll have to speak to the dealers service dept to find out if it's been done.
Rear shocks can fail, not a huge job for the DIY'er, two bolts and they're out, Also the front drop links can rattle, again it's a cheap and easy job.
Best bet is to find one and see which one you prefer. Elite for comfort and toys, The SRi has the sports chassis and seats and has less kit.
Also, check the 2.0 turbo. Great engine, very understressed and again very reliable.
Edited by Magictrousers on Sunday 1st November 10:16
Thanks for the excellent reply.
I am thinking of the 3.2 as it seems the most sensible choice given the potential big bills on the diesel side. Although I like the look of the SRI it will most likely be the Elite based on the additional toys that come as standard. Is the 3.2 a 6 speed manual or a 5 speed?
I am thinking of the 3.2 as it seems the most sensible choice given the potential big bills on the diesel side. Although I like the look of the SRI it will most likely be the Elite based on the additional toys that come as standard. Is the 3.2 a 6 speed manual or a 5 speed?
Magictrousers said:
Right, here comes the anorak....
3.2 Vectra's are virtually bombproof, not the last word in refinement, but effective enough! Around town, you're looking at 22 - 24mpg, on a run at sensible motorway speeds, it can do 35! Keep on top of oil changes and it will go on and on. Cambelts need to be done at 40 - 50,000 miles. They are reasonably quick too.
3.0 V6 Diesel is a superb lump if looked after, they can present big bills towards 100,000 miles, there can be issues with the fuel pump valves down on the engine mounted pump, it's a major strip down job to get at. Typicaly it's a cheap part, but the labour....
Spec depends on what you want. If you want the 3.2, it will be an Elite, which will be Leather, Climate, probably sat nav too. The 3.0 was available on Elite and SRi.
SRi is sports seats, cloth trim in all but a few examples, some had sat nav, depending on year, it may have auto wipers.
Most Elite's will be Auto. If you want one, check the condition of the coolant. If it looks like Strawberry Yazoo, run away. The transmission cooler seals have failed and let coolant and oil mix. The gearbox is now Useless. Most cars were reworked on the quiet by Vauxhall, there's no outward clue, you'll have to speak to the dealers service dept to find out if it's been done.
Rear shocks can fail, not a huge job for the DIY'er, two bolts and they're out, Also the front drop links can rattle, again it's a cheap and easy job.
Best bet is to find one and see which one you prefer. Elite for comfort and toys, The SRi has the sports chassis and seats and has less kit.
Also, check the 2.0 turbo. Great engine, very understressed and again very reliable.
Excellent and very helpful reply. Are you a Vauxhall technician?3.2 Vectra's are virtually bombproof, not the last word in refinement, but effective enough! Around town, you're looking at 22 - 24mpg, on a run at sensible motorway speeds, it can do 35! Keep on top of oil changes and it will go on and on. Cambelts need to be done at 40 - 50,000 miles. They are reasonably quick too.
3.0 V6 Diesel is a superb lump if looked after, they can present big bills towards 100,000 miles, there can be issues with the fuel pump valves down on the engine mounted pump, it's a major strip down job to get at. Typicaly it's a cheap part, but the labour....
Spec depends on what you want. If you want the 3.2, it will be an Elite, which will be Leather, Climate, probably sat nav too. The 3.0 was available on Elite and SRi.
SRi is sports seats, cloth trim in all but a few examples, some had sat nav, depending on year, it may have auto wipers.
Most Elite's will be Auto. If you want one, check the condition of the coolant. If it looks like Strawberry Yazoo, run away. The transmission cooler seals have failed and let coolant and oil mix. The gearbox is now Useless. Most cars were reworked on the quiet by Vauxhall, there's no outward clue, you'll have to speak to the dealers service dept to find out if it's been done.
Rear shocks can fail, not a huge job for the DIY'er, two bolts and they're out, Also the front drop links can rattle, again it's a cheap and easy job.
Best bet is to find one and see which one you prefer. Elite for comfort and toys, The SRi has the sports chassis and seats and has less kit.
Also, check the 2.0 turbo. Great engine, very understressed and again very reliable.
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