Vauxhall Vectra Hatchback (2005 - 2008) 1.9 CDTi SRi (150ps) 5d (Sat Nav) (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I like a car that is eye catching, has great performance but also is affordable to run. When buying a product, I expect to get a lot for my money and that Vectra does just that. For the price I paid for the car, I have a full leather interior, built in sat-nav, a healthy and powerful 1.9 Turbo Diesel engine and a sleek black paint finish with the nice 17" alloys.

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

A large majority of my friends have wanted to buy my Vectra off me, so that sums up what my friends think! As I am 19 years old, having a car of this spec and size is something that surprises most of my friends and family as they think I have paid more than what I actually have! They love the power it delivers out of everything!

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would definitely buy another Vectra. Both the reliability and spec that Vauxhall have given this car is undeniably flawless! If you're looking for a sporty, good looking, economical, spacious car, then the Vectra is an ideal candidate.

What are you likely to buy next?

My next car that I am aiming to buy next is actually the Vauxhall Vectra 2.8 T VXR in Arden Blue. Having put my trust in the mainstream model of the Vectra I am wanting to experience the sheer power and styling of the Vectra VXR.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,700

When did you buy the car?

February 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

When I bought the Vectra in February 2014, it had done an indicated 70,000 miles. Upon asking the owner what the car was like to own and whether there was any problems, I was given a lowdown on what had been done recently. The Dual Mass Flyhwheel had been replaced which was a pricey repair but when buying a Vectra, it's best to have a new one fitted already then you are not lumbered with expensive repair bills. After arranging for my local mechanic to come and check over the car after the owner politely agreed to, there wasn't a single fault to be found and told me the car was very healthy (and a massive bargain at that!).

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted something with excellent performance and economy. I have always liked the Vectra from when it was revised in 2006. The styling of the car, especially in Black, is really eye catching and for a hatchback there is a lot of space inside.

What was the dealer like?

The owner was very polite and genuine, he offered to let me test drive it before I had even asked myself. He explained everything that he had done to it whilst he had ownership over the year etc and told was very open to let me look around the vehicle.

What's it like to drive?

The 1.9 CDTI 150bhp engine is a solid, all round work horse! Once upto revs there is loads of torque to pull you along, especially once the turbo spools up around 2000rpm. As a result, overtaking in the Vectra is effortless. Motorway driving is the Vectra's strong point. Having done two long distance journeys since I bought the car I have averaged around 62mpg on the motorway which is excellent! Doing motorways speeds of 70mph in 6th gear, the engine sits at a relaxed 1200rpm. The steering for such a large vehicle is very light and nimble especially around town! Even though a town centre is not the Vectra's native territory, it has no problems winding around narrow streets and corners with a huge amount of grip.

What's it like to park?

For a relatively large car, parking is an easy task in the Vectra. There is plenty of visibility when reversing into a space and it surprisingly feels like a small car when parking.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I have owned the car for 8 months and there have been no problems at all to report on. From the day I've bought the car to present, it had started first time, there have been no strange noises, no decreases in power, nothing. Reliability is excellent!

What's most practical about your car?

The size of the Vectra is something that surprised me when I test drove the car. After looking online for weeks at them it was difficult to see what the cars size was like. In the front and the back there is more than enough legroom for all passengers and the boot space is something else! I have managed to move double bed matresses and chest of draws in the Vectra without much effort!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

My favourite piece of tech in the Vectra is the CD70 Navi head unit. It has Satellite Navigation built in and is very useful and simple, compared to a Tom-Tom it's actually easier to understand! There is also AUX-IN functionality which means I can plug in my phone and be able to stream music.