Tick... Tick... BOOM!

[eddyramrod]

Yes I know: all Vauxhalls are shit, etc.  I've had Vauxhalls before.  However, I've been offered a 52 plate Vectra 2.2 and given that I really need something to get to work in, I'm seriously thinking about it.  What should I be looking at?

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

Timing chain issues on the 2.2................?

 

Veccy C's aren't bad trams. Few odd electrical issues but they never seem to rust, good ride and HUUUUUUGE boot.

[HH-R]

They MUST be driven no less than 0.25 inches from the car in front. It's the law. Also indicators were a £1,000,000 option so no one took it.

[martc]

They MUST be driven no less than 0.25 inches from the car in front. It's the law. Also indicators were a £1,000,000 option so no one took it.

 

The poor mans BMW...

[Cavcraft]

The 2.2 isn't the best engine it would seem, is a manual or an auto? I've just logged on to advertise a 2.0 (petrol) manual estate, but it's the 'B' not the 'C' and it's manual.

 

I've also got the only rusty Vectra C I've seen so far. The bottom of my driver's door is blistered/rusty as bollocks, yet there isn't a single spot anywhere else on the car. I have to say of all the engines in them, the 1.9CDTi and the 1.8 petrol seem the most reliable, though if you don't panic over broken fuel pumps the 2.0DTi isn't actually that bad. 

[bub2006]

We have 53 plate active trim and used to own a 03 plate ls. The earlier ones are better equipped. Our 03 plate was a Base model but had ac, cruise,rain sensing wipers,rear cup holders and rear interior light,auto dip rear view mirror with a sort of ambience light shining down. The cost cutting is starting on our 53 plate even though it's only a few months newer. Rear cupholders and interior light omitted and no interior light on/off switch. Later ones are even worse. No auto wipers,no gas rams in bonnet or self dipping,mirror/light. The active trim level we have now is based on a ls but with 17 inch alloys,dark head and tail lights,slightly lower and stiffer. The active handles better and the low profile tyres aren't any noisier than the higher profile 16 inches on the ls. Ours were/are both 1.8 engines but for some reason the one we have now is alot more responsive and better mpg even though it has 146k compared to 80k on old one. Very spacious and very comfortable. The higher mileage one we have now averages 38 mpg round town with odd run out. The 1.8 does need to be worked on hills but it's not bad considering its a big car. Wider and nearly as long as our old e200 estate which was an r plate. I definatly recommend one. Can't comment on the 2.2 engines though. Hope this helps

[Cavcraft]

My mate's 04 plate 1.8 had cruise control, as does my 1.9, not sure if standard on all of them but it's bloody good. I've also got 16" wheels which seem about right as the ride is quite nice and the handling isn't bad either. 

[Bren]

Timing chain and high pressure fuel pump are big issues on the 2.2.

 

To be honest it's the one engine I would avoid - I have done a timing chain on a signum, not too bad a job, the issue is you cannot wait for it to go - budget on replacement if you buy the car - the new kits have an enlarged oil feed.

 

CDTi 150 best - the 120 is awkward to work on and has a crap gearbox. 150 has swirl flap issues, look for a car that has been done.

 

Oh, and join the AA.

[sierraman]

1.9 CDTI can be trouble but then as can any diesel at that age.

[Bren]

Eddy you have restored my faith in this site.

 

To many jags, audis, rollers etc on here now - hardly any shite.

 

We have become the champagne socialists of cheap motoring - occupying the middle ground instead of being firmly over to the shite.

 

Not only have you broached the subject of vectras' you have chosen the one with the hand grenade for a motor.

 

I salute you.

[eddyramrod]

Thank you good sir.  You'll be pleased to know it also has a Jake The Peg gearbox and full service history (I've looked) including a £700+ service just before it was traded-in.  For the price, if it lasts the length of the MoT (September) then it'll have done its job, and hopefully given me time to get the Mercury sorted (and possibly sold).  That's the plan anyway.  I'm going on Tuesday to have a good scan round it.

[Cavcraft]

Actually you'd be better off gaining some experience of the superb 2.2 petrol engine first. If only we knew someone selling a car with this engine in it. Ideally a 4x4. If only.

[Lacquer Peel]

Horrible cars for horrible people. I should own one.

[Bren]

Out of curiosity what are they asking?

 

A 2.2 auto will not be economical.

[eddyramrod]

Auto?  I wish!  No, this has the learner-variety with more pedals than I have feet.  I've been offered it at £350, it's an unwanted trade-in at a local garage.  You see now what I meant about it surviving the MoT....

[HH-R]

Sounds a good deal, you could probably run it for a year then bosh it up for £600 if still working.

[Bren]

You can't lose at £350.

 

No doubt Billy would take it off your hands.

[sierraman]

At £350 you might just as well have it then run it till it drops. At this price bracket forget any perceived reliability/unreliability, anything could be a shed. So long as its got MOT for a reasonable length of time and there's nothing showing immediete signs of collapse then go for it. I'd stop short of wasting money changing oil though unless its a keeper, most £350 might last a year or so at best. You would be unlikely to reap the benefits of this during this time. That said though keep the important stuff brakes etc serviceable.

[D Spares & Tyres]

bargain. would make more than that in the auctions.

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

Agreed. At 350 sheets it's 10'000 miles pa no maintenance.  Top the oil up when needed. It may be one of those silly cheap cars that turns out to be surprisingly good. Just don't spend any money on it unless it's 20 quid for some pads or whatever.

[bub2006]

As been said before at the price you can't go for wrong. My punto cost 280 with mot till November. It's got a oil leak and noticed past few days seems to be using water. If shit comes to bust I'll scrap it but if it makes it to a mot and passes I'll probably chuck another engine in it as they are cheap enough.

[Taff]

just don't forget the "AVAS" sticker for the back of it. Added irony is the way ahead, mate

[sierraman]

Why do some Vectra owners get agressively defensive over their cars? A woman at my work had one and she would foam at the mouth as she had you by the throat telling you how misunderstood the Vectra was, that it would out handle a cat or that it was capable of a 150mph.

 

I'm saying all this though as I'm looking on ebay for a Mk1 Vectra Envoy in that hideous purple colour that was fashionable in 1996.

[eddyramrod]

Eddy you have restored my faith in this site.

 

To many jags, audis, rollers etc on here now - hardly any shite.

 

We have become the champagne socialists of cheap motoring - occupying the middle ground instead of being firmly over to the shite.

 

Not only have you broached the subject of vectras' you have chosen the one with the hand grenade for a motor.

 

I salute you.

 

You'll be even more delighted then to know that I've bought it.  I'm picking it up on Friday, when there will be an epic collection thread with photos.

 

And I agree, we do seem to be leaving our roots behind, I'm as guilty as anyone else.  I've spoiled myself in recent years, with two Cadillacs among a load of other exotic motors.  This Vectra - a laughable model of a mid-range repmobile - is much more in the spirit.  Looks crap, drives lovely, cost bugger-all and can be treated as disposable if it should go bang.  Not only that, but it's overkill for what I actually need (a moped would suffice, if I could bring myself to do it!).  Proper Autoshite.  I'm back!

 

Update to follow when I've collected it.

[John F]

You'll be even more delighted then to know that I've bought it.  I'm picking it up on Friday, when there will be an epic collection thread with photos.

 

And I agree, we do seem to be leaving our roots behind, I'm as guilty as anyone else.  I've spoiled myself in recent years, with two Cadillacs among a load of other exotic motors.  This Vectra - a laughable model of a mid-range repmobile - is much more in the spirit.  Looks crap, drives lovely, cost bugger-all and can be treated as disposable if it should go bang.  Not only that, but it's overkill for what I actually need (a moped would suffice, if I could bring myself to do it!).  Proper Autoshite.  I'm back!

 

Update to follow when I've collected it.

 

Fantastic - good darts, Eddy.

 

The Vectra C is a fairly comfortable drive, IMO better than a Mondeo of the same era. You can't go far wrong at that price, too.

[Bren]

You'll be even more delighted then to know that I've bought it.  I'm picking it up on Friday, when there will be an epic collection thread with photos.

 

And I agree, we do seem to be leaving our roots behind, I'm as guilty as anyone else.  I've spoiled myself in recent years, with two Cadillacs among a load of other exotic motors.  This Vectra - a laughable model of a mid-range repmobile - is much more in the spirit.  Looks crap, drives lovely, cost bugger-all and can be treated as disposable if it should go bang.  Not only that, but it's overkill for what I actually need (a moped would suffice, if I could bring myself to do it!).  Proper Autoshite.  I'm back!

 

Update to follow when I've collected it.

Lol! My post was firmly tongue in cheek I can assure you.

I myself am guilty having swapped the vectra for an A6 - I am not having delusions of grandeur, after having rovers/fords/vauxhalls I thought I would try something different.

Plus, with vectra being diesel, I did'nt want it when it shit itself and left me with a four figure bill.

[hauserplenty]

ALL* VOXLZ R SHIT M8.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*XEPT URZ UV coarse.

[Taff]

You'll be even more delighted then to know that I've bought it.  I'm picking it up on Friday, when there will be an epic collection thread with photos.

 

And I agree, we do seem to be leaving our roots behind, I'm as guilty as anyone else.  I've spoiled myself in recent years, with two Cadillacs among a load of other exotic motors.  This Vectra - a laughable model of a mid-range repmobile - is much more in the spirit.  Looks crap, drives lovely, cost bugger-all and can be treated as disposable if it should go bang.  Not only that, but it's overkill for what I actually need (a moped would suffice, if I could bring myself to do it!).  Proper Autoshite.  I'm back!

 

Update to follow when I've collected it.

 

good drills. I once had sex with a black lady from Dudley in a Vectra, and so I have fond memories of them.

Not fond enough to shell out my own brass on one, mind you.

[cms206]

SWMBO's uncle has run an 05 2.2i auto Vectra Design estate for about five or six years now and it's not put a foot wrong, he offered it to me when the Volvos all died at once but I didn't need it at the time as I had the gaffer's Rover 416 to run about in. Nice drive though.

[NorfolkNWeigh]

These have a celebrity following, I heard that Lenny Henry's mum has one.