Vauxhall Vectra Hatchback (2005 - 2008) 1.9 CDTi SRi (150ps) 5d (2007/57) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Nothing. Think I like the fact that it doesn't try to be anything other than an honest family car.

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

My wife hates it, my friends are surprised at how well it goes, and that's it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Never. Vauxhall had the chance to make a decent car and ruined it with niggly problems and reliability issues. We'll done vauxhall...

What are you likely to buy next?

Unlikely to buy a vauxhall again. Believe the petrol versions are more reliable. Think I'll get a focus or anything that won't cause me so much grief.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,700

When did you buy the car?

March 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

The car was priced competively.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Thought I'd stop being a snob a give a vauxhall a chance. Had the chance to test a vectra and found decent to drive.

What was the dealer like?

Nothing special, but it was a Renault dealership so I wouldn't expect anything else.

What's it like to drive?

Surprisingly good. It handles very well (though the ride suffers as a result - on the Sri) and the 150ps Diesel engine is surprisingly good. Plenty of torque and it revs well for a diesel. Enough grunt to make the front wheels loose grip in third gear in the wet!

What's it like to park?

It's big so you just take your time. Reverse sensors can be useful.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Lots of things went wrong that I wouldn't expect of a 5 year old car, the worst being the actuator rod (which I understand controls the air going into the cylinders). It was just a rod that snapped but because it was attached to other items it cost £700 to fix (and that was cheap!). The car seemed to be in the garage with annoying faults every 2 months.

What's most practical about your car?

Huge boot and cabin.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Nothing outstanding.