Vectra at sundown. £0 Shed
Discussion
Firstly this car was not wanted or needed it kind of fell into my lap, landed on my doorstep as they say. To start at the beginning January this year me and the wife took my sister and brother in law in whilst they were in the process of relocating due to b.i.l's new job. This involved him giving up his company car, so as a temporary measure we lent them our Vauxhall Zafira dog wagon just to get them mobile. Anyway during their stay and him taking on a new job new wheels were called for, funds were tight for them as they were awaiting the sale of there house so a browse of eBay was called for. Within a week of browsing a suitable set of temporary wheels was acquired, a Renault Megane Scenic was sat outside for the princely sum of £400, 9 months MOT and a reasonable service history, so they were mobile and we got our dog wagon back. So fast forward 5 months, the sale of their house had gone through, they had the money in the bank, a new car was purchased, a new house was sorted and the Megane was surplus to requirements. The conversation went something like this, we know you like your cars, at that point I had 4, would you like to buy the Megane from us for the same price it cost us??? No, but if you fail to sell it I will give you £200 for it. Well they never bothered to advertise it deeming it much quicker and easier just to take my £200. So without really wanting it I had become the owner of a £200 Megane Scenic.
So fast forward to last week, I had driven the Megane to work every day and built up an unlikely bond with it, however it was not really needed and was ultimately an expense I could have done without. A decision was made,run it till the MOT expired, stick it in for test then get rid. Test day arrived and I wasn't optimistic, would likely be selling for spares or repairs. Hang on a minute, it only bloody passed.
Advert written and it was sold within 24 hours. Wanted £750, got £400 cash and a px Vectra.
Now I was selling the Renault cause I didn't really need it so the wife was not happy when I told her we were now the proud owners of a Vectra, she did relent a littlle when I sat her down and explained the maths, after paying for the Megane and for it's mot we were £150 up in cash plus we have a free car.
The Vectra was not without it;s problems, which is why the young lad was so keen to get rid, he was also honest with his description. It kocks like a drummer from the front end, indicator didn't work although the bulb was good, various other cosmetic issues and not been cleaned inside or out for 2 Years.
,
I have worked my way through pretty much all of the cosmetic and electrical issues, all that is left to do now is the front end knock. This was traced to the o/s strut top mount, I have bought a pair and will get them fitted this week.
So what to do with it?? As I said we don't really want or need it but after driving it to work for a week the decision was taken to gut the strut tops done and drive it through the winter season, allowing us to keep the Z4 off the road.
So so far so good, I rather enjoy driving it and although it really has nothing that attracts me to it, it also has nothing about it to hate. Now I know the Vectra is universally hated thanks to Mr Clarkson but my opinion of them has now completely changed.
This one has a good spec being the sat nav model, it is also the .2 SRi, maybe not the smoothest engine but it seems to enjoy being abused.
So far I have bought the strut top mounts and a full service kit and I still have money in hand.
So what does a free Vectra C SRi really look like? well not to bad really. The picture above shows it in the state i got it, the pictures below show it after a mini valet.
You get the idea.
Finally I have this one after 4 hours work, taken just before sundown.
Future plans, fix the strut mounts and run it till it breaks. Until that day comes it will be my work hack and general dogs body car, I will keep it clean and tidy but will be reluctant to spend to much on it.
So as Vauxhall love appears to be on the up, I hope this one will continue the trend.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the car, good or bad I really don't care.
So fast forward to last week, I had driven the Megane to work every day and built up an unlikely bond with it, however it was not really needed and was ultimately an expense I could have done without. A decision was made,run it till the MOT expired, stick it in for test then get rid. Test day arrived and I wasn't optimistic, would likely be selling for spares or repairs. Hang on a minute, it only bloody passed.
Advert written and it was sold within 24 hours. Wanted £750, got £400 cash and a px Vectra.
Now I was selling the Renault cause I didn't really need it so the wife was not happy when I told her we were now the proud owners of a Vectra, she did relent a littlle when I sat her down and explained the maths, after paying for the Megane and for it's mot we were £150 up in cash plus we have a free car.
The Vectra was not without it;s problems, which is why the young lad was so keen to get rid, he was also honest with his description. It kocks like a drummer from the front end, indicator didn't work although the bulb was good, various other cosmetic issues and not been cleaned inside or out for 2 Years.
,
I have worked my way through pretty much all of the cosmetic and electrical issues, all that is left to do now is the front end knock. This was traced to the o/s strut top mount, I have bought a pair and will get them fitted this week.
So what to do with it?? As I said we don't really want or need it but after driving it to work for a week the decision was taken to gut the strut tops done and drive it through the winter season, allowing us to keep the Z4 off the road.
So so far so good, I rather enjoy driving it and although it really has nothing that attracts me to it, it also has nothing about it to hate. Now I know the Vectra is universally hated thanks to Mr Clarkson but my opinion of them has now completely changed.
This one has a good spec being the sat nav model, it is also the .2 SRi, maybe not the smoothest engine but it seems to enjoy being abused.
So far I have bought the strut top mounts and a full service kit and I still have money in hand.
So what does a free Vectra C SRi really look like? well not to bad really. The picture above shows it in the state i got it, the pictures below show it after a mini valet.
You get the idea.
Finally I have this one after 4 hours work, taken just before sundown.
Future plans, fix the strut mounts and run it till it breaks. Until that day comes it will be my work hack and general dogs body car, I will keep it clean and tidy but will be reluctant to spend to much on it.
So as Vauxhall love appears to be on the up, I hope this one will continue the trend.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the car, good or bad I really don't care.
Edited by DonaldTrump on Saturday 1st September 22:06
What a nice looking car - admit it, like me you've realised it's a much better car than you thought...
I love my mine, it's been a bargain so far.
Just watch the oil level, I've found mine can use a bit on long motorway trips, it seems quite common with the 1.8.
I find it easy to look after, capable and reliable. And I've actually always quite liked the look of this model.
I love my mine, it's been a bargain so far.
Just watch the oil level, I've found mine can use a bit on long motorway trips, it seems quite common with the 1.8.
I find it easy to look after, capable and reliable. And I've actually always quite liked the look of this model.
Actually, Vauxhall wasn't the only one to use this indicator arrangement, I had a Mitsubishi Colt with exactly the same indicators - the big difference was in the quality of the stalk. One touch equalled 3 flashes, great for the motorway like the Vectra. But continuous was a former click of a switch, with no accidental double flashing - it was either on or off. The trouble with the Vectra stalk is it's too imprecise and feels like it's going to snap off. It's just not defined and positive enough.
Seems to have some Vauxhall love. It is indeed a 2.2, the pictures kind of lie as in the flesh the bodywork marks are much more evident, not horrendous but very much in keeping with a 13 year old 150k car. I was dreading creating a bond with this car because as i said it's not wanted or really needed, but having driven it for 2 weeks now a bond is indeed forming.
It is the sat nav version but the software or map disc has never been updated, so if anyone reading this can help me out then pm me.
As a daily do it all then there is absolutely nothing to dislike about this car. If you've never been a fan of the way it looks then please explain why. It's not the last word in style but it's very inconspicuous. At it's time of sale what else would you have bought??
Cost is another thing that has convinced me to keep it. Arrived with me with various electrical and mechanical issues, so far all have been remedied for less than £100. Only thing left t do is the strut top mounts then all good.
Creature comforts all work barring the aircon, am i bothered about this?? I realyl don't know, however I am likely to have the system regassed just because.
In my opinion shedding doesn't get any better.
It is the sat nav version but the software or map disc has never been updated, so if anyone reading this can help me out then pm me.
As a daily do it all then there is absolutely nothing to dislike about this car. If you've never been a fan of the way it looks then please explain why. It's not the last word in style but it's very inconspicuous. At it's time of sale what else would you have bought??
Cost is another thing that has convinced me to keep it. Arrived with me with various electrical and mechanical issues, so far all have been remedied for less than £100. Only thing left t do is the strut top mounts then all good.
Creature comforts all work barring the aircon, am i bothered about this?? I realyl don't know, however I am likely to have the system regassed just because.
In my opinion shedding doesn't get any better.
Thornaby said:
Lol - those indicators were a joke weren’t they. Seemed that every 2004 Astra or Vectra constantly indicated as you could turn the things off without them indictatimg the other way.
Cracking shed though.
Just tap the indicator again (in either direction) and it cancels itCracking shed though.
I regret selling the one below. Quick (2.8 turbo V6), cheap, inconspicuous. Perfect for me. Unless you knew what it was, you'd just think it was a normal four cylinder diesel
Edited by Jimmy Recard on Sunday 2nd September 18:37
Edited by Jimmy Recard on Sunday 2nd September 18:39
DonaldTrump said:
Seems to have some Vauxhall love. It is indeed a 2.2, the pictures kind of lie as in the flesh the bodywork marks are much more evident, not horrendous but very much in keeping with a 13 year old 150k car. I was dreading creating a bond with this car because as i said it's not wanted or really needed, but having driven it for 2 weeks now a bond is indeed forming.
It is the sat nav version but the software or map disc has never been updated, so if anyone reading this can help me out then pm me.
As a daily do it all then there is absolutely nothing to dislike about this car. If you've never been a fan of the way it looks then please explain why. It's not the last word in style but it's very inconspicuous. At it's time of sale what else would you have bought??
Cost is another thing that has convinced me to keep it. Arrived with me with various electrical and mechanical issues, so far all have been remedied for less than £100. Only thing left t do is the strut top mounts then all good.
Creature comforts all work barring the aircon, am i bothered about this?? I realyl don't know, however I am likely to have the system regassed just because.
In my opinion shedding doesn't get any better.
You can get an updated map disc for the CD70 from ebay for a fiver, it's slightly less than legit and YMMV but it's an option.It is the sat nav version but the software or map disc has never been updated, so if anyone reading this can help me out then pm me.
As a daily do it all then there is absolutely nothing to dislike about this car. If you've never been a fan of the way it looks then please explain why. It's not the last word in style but it's very inconspicuous. At it's time of sale what else would you have bought??
Cost is another thing that has convinced me to keep it. Arrived with me with various electrical and mechanical issues, so far all have been remedied for less than £100. Only thing left t do is the strut top mounts then all good.
Creature comforts all work barring the aircon, am i bothered about this?? I realyl don't know, however I am likely to have the system regassed just because.
In my opinion shedding doesn't get any better.
If the AC is knackered (pressing the button turns the light on but no click of the compressor) then the AC condenser is probably holed, it sits right at the front of the rad pack and is the first stop for any stones/rocks that make it through the grilles. ECP do the Valeo replacement condenser and drier for £132, but with the payday50 code (good until midnight tonight iirc) it drops it to just under £90, and is a simple job to do.
Bumper off (few T20s or T25s and some pushpins under the front), 2x T25s on the condenser, couple of nuts and bolts to get the pipes off and old drier out then refit with the new kit and off to an AC place for a recharge.
It's generally false economy to have a recharge done without at least inspecting the condenser by pulling the bumper off, but if it's a half decent place they'll do a vac check on the system first to see if there's any leaks and not charge it if they find any.
Got a soft spot for these! Had one until recently until clattering a badger at 75mph forced my hand. Gave it to my mechanic in for servicing and putting a wheel bearing on my truck.
Comfy, quick enough, spacious and cheap to run! Won't set any record laps at the ring, but as a daily smoker they're bloody good cars with a mahoooooosive boot. To be honest, apart from the seats and stereo, I prefer the vector to the Volvo S60 that replaced it.
Comfy, quick enough, spacious and cheap to run! Won't set any record laps at the ring, but as a daily smoker they're bloody good cars with a mahoooooosive boot. To be honest, apart from the seats and stereo, I prefer the vector to the Volvo S60 that replaced it.
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