Vauxhall Vectra Hatchback (2002 - 2005) 2.0 DTi LS 5d (2003/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Middle-aged, middle-of-the-road.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

A comfortable old workhorse with no pretentions.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Obviously, it has been superceded by the Insignia, which I would seriously consider as a replacement.

What are you likely to buy next?

Golf or Astra. Needs to be smaller for wife to be comfortable driving.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£12,000

When did you buy the car?

September 2003

Did you get a good deal and why?

Good discount. regular purchaser.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Standard company purchase at the time.

What was the dealer like?

Ok

What's it like to drive?

Very easy to drive. Drifts away at tickover - almost impossible to stall. Quiet and smooth at motorway speeds (even better at 85mph) Slick gearbox. Good handling & responsive steering.

What's it like to park?

Usual hatchback drawback of poor rear visibility at close quarters. Otherwise easy to judge.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Generally been very good (now 107000m) Had front wheel bearing at 10k (warranty) and other one at 90k (£300!) Coil springs all round between 70k - 100k, due to ends snapping (one twice). Crankshaft pulley disintegrated at 105k (£320) - only roadside breakdown ever (due to overheating) Only other problem has been split vacuum hose to EGR, resulting in frequently going into safety mode, but dealers and Bosch failed to diagnose, so it went on for months - found it myself in the end - a zero cost, 5 minute fix.

What's most practical about your car?

Comfortable. Big boot. Acceptable handling & performance. 49mpg, driven briskly.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise control - I use it all the time.