Vauxhall Senator 1987-
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    You can get a really good one for £500 - what more could you want?

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Thirsty (20mpg around town), but cheap to service.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    A very relaxed drive, but with a bit of power when needed.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Great kickdown on the auto box - not bad, but would pick a 24v if you wanted performance.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Never had any problems at all, save for a starter motor problem.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Inconspicious, but with character. Something different from the normal BMW/Merc barges.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Like taking your armchair with you.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Terrible! Factorty-fit alarm is rubbish. Deadlocks but that's about it. Easy to break in to.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Vauxhall don't support these older cars very well and will charge the earth for bolts-and-braces approach to them i.e. replace the whole part even it is only a part of it a problem.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Older 6 pots use a bit of oil.

    Other

    Because of the cheap wiring used, the starter motor can seem to fail. You need a solenoid fitting to overcome it. Electrics can be a bit fiddly too - cruise control and air con tend to go.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes