Vectra - Brand snobbery or truly awful?
Discussion
I had one as a company car for 2 years from new. The 1.9tdi version. Did 68,000 miles in it and they were the worst miles ever.
It kept breaking down....in that time it had new gearbox, new interior wiring loom, various bits of the cooling system replacing after continuous overheating issues, 2 broken road springs and the usual EGR valve fail.
The interior is horribly laid out. If you accelerate hard with your arm on the centre arm rest, its slides back, the window/mirror controls are so close together, you always end up putting one of the rear windows down and worst of all it handled like a boat.
It kept breaking down....in that time it had new gearbox, new interior wiring loom, various bits of the cooling system replacing after continuous overheating issues, 2 broken road springs and the usual EGR valve fail.
The interior is horribly laid out. If you accelerate hard with your arm on the centre arm rest, its slides back, the window/mirror controls are so close together, you always end up putting one of the rear windows down and worst of all it handled like a boat.
I had an early mk1 Vectra 1.8 as a company car for a while (replacing a Renault Laguna).
I thought the rear suspension was much stiffer than the front. The front seemed to deal with bumps normally, then the rear would hop over them.
The seats were uncomfortable for more than half an hour (although I've also found this on Astras and a Civic).
The handbrake was epic. Low effort lock ups every time. Seriously the best non-hydraulic handbrake I've ever used.
I liked the engine, when it was working. It would pop in to limp home mode at the drop of a hat, and never with any actual fault that could be fixed, just a dealer reset every time (although this could be a problem with the dealer rather than the car).
I spent a lot of time driving around Milton Keens in it, and it was dreadful at piling in to roundabout and popping out the other side - the mismatched suspension made it hard to change direction without it feeling very odd. The cornering speed it felt happy with was 10-15mph slower than the Renault, but not because the Vectra lacked grip, it just lacked body control, or something.
Certainly not a fun thing to throw down a winding b-road, but also uncomfortable at motorway cruising. I assume all the chassis engineering was done in half hour stints down a straight smooth road with any turns being done on the handbrake - no other kind of use seems to suit it.
The MIL has one of the last of the Vectras, a 2.0 SRi, I think. It feels like a car, nothing particularly good or bad. Although she's had quite a few niggly problems with engine sensors and water getting in to the interior.
Based on cars I've actually driven: given the choice between a mk1 Vectra, a mk1 A-class Merc and a Chevy Impala I'd take the Vectra every time. But it'd only take a Hyundia Sonata to tempt me away from it.
I thought the rear suspension was much stiffer than the front. The front seemed to deal with bumps normally, then the rear would hop over them.
The seats were uncomfortable for more than half an hour (although I've also found this on Astras and a Civic).
The handbrake was epic. Low effort lock ups every time. Seriously the best non-hydraulic handbrake I've ever used.
I liked the engine, when it was working. It would pop in to limp home mode at the drop of a hat, and never with any actual fault that could be fixed, just a dealer reset every time (although this could be a problem with the dealer rather than the car).
I spent a lot of time driving around Milton Keens in it, and it was dreadful at piling in to roundabout and popping out the other side - the mismatched suspension made it hard to change direction without it feeling very odd. The cornering speed it felt happy with was 10-15mph slower than the Renault, but not because the Vectra lacked grip, it just lacked body control, or something.
Certainly not a fun thing to throw down a winding b-road, but also uncomfortable at motorway cruising. I assume all the chassis engineering was done in half hour stints down a straight smooth road with any turns being done on the handbrake - no other kind of use seems to suit it.
The MIL has one of the last of the Vectras, a 2.0 SRi, I think. It feels like a car, nothing particularly good or bad. Although she's had quite a few niggly problems with engine sensors and water getting in to the interior.
Based on cars I've actually driven: given the choice between a mk1 Vectra, a mk1 A-class Merc and a Chevy Impala I'd take the Vectra every time. But it'd only take a Hyundia Sonata to tempt me away from it.
I'm a bit of a Vauxhall fan at heart but as much as I like the brand, I'm not a huge fan of either versions of the Vectra. They are one of those cars that's just a bit 'meh!' They're not terrible, they're not brilliant... they're just a mass produced, fairly cheap, reasonably well equipped family car from a company with a huge dealer network who are seen as the family favourite.
Aside for working for Vauxhall back in the days when they were new, my first long term experience was a Vectra 2.0DTi hatch - a taxi with 100k on the clock and which then did a further 30k and needed brake pads. Bit dull, handling was crap but it just got one with the job. I then had a 2.5 Super Touring which was no more than a tarted up SRi with a 175bhp V6. It was pretty terrible and ended up in the barrier at the Ring thanks to crap tyres and again, pretty lousy handling. I then had a 2.2 SRi which was actually ok in terms of power and then latterly I had a last of line 2.5 GSi estate which was ok too.
The fundamental issues with them is that they don't feel that great inside, bit cheap though they seem fairly robust. But their biggest issue is they feel so disconnected - you sit on a Vectra, not in a Vectra and all the controls seems a bit removed. They remind me of driving a bumper car at the shows, that feeling of "I'm not really part of this situation". Even with uprated suspension and the best tyres, they still always seem a bit vague and wooden. I've had many Cavaliers and I still see the Cavalier as a far far better car in ever possible sense.
The Vectra C, again never really got that excited over them. Driven loads and they're fine. Feel better screwed together, you sit in them rather than on them and they are pretty massive. They are perfectly acceptable on the motorways and A roads but again, the words "driver focussed" were never involved in the disign brief - but then why would they be? The diesels are fine, plenty grunt and quite refined for long distance but there are a few inherant issues that can be costly - that would put me off. Oddly, I have found myself consider one as a daily driver - £1500 will buy a tidy, facelifted SRi 1.8 and whilst they aren't anything exciting, as a cheap, reliable and spacious family car they seem to offer a fair bit value for money.
Which is kinda the point isn't it? Granted I don't understand the love for the Vectra, but then again I don't understand the hate either. They're no better or no worse than many other cars out there and for the money, they offer pretty average motoring - which lets be honest is what a large percentage of the population want. "Does it handle as well as a Mondeo or an Atom on the limit" Well no, but to be honest Mrs Turbodave wouldn't really give a damn en route to Tesco either... and nor would the young team care if it's as well finished as an S-Line as they clamber in with muddy football boots and proceed to grind Quavers into the upholstery.
Aside for working for Vauxhall back in the days when they were new, my first long term experience was a Vectra 2.0DTi hatch - a taxi with 100k on the clock and which then did a further 30k and needed brake pads. Bit dull, handling was crap but it just got one with the job. I then had a 2.5 Super Touring which was no more than a tarted up SRi with a 175bhp V6. It was pretty terrible and ended up in the barrier at the Ring thanks to crap tyres and again, pretty lousy handling. I then had a 2.2 SRi which was actually ok in terms of power and then latterly I had a last of line 2.5 GSi estate which was ok too.
The fundamental issues with them is that they don't feel that great inside, bit cheap though they seem fairly robust. But their biggest issue is they feel so disconnected - you sit on a Vectra, not in a Vectra and all the controls seems a bit removed. They remind me of driving a bumper car at the shows, that feeling of "I'm not really part of this situation". Even with uprated suspension and the best tyres, they still always seem a bit vague and wooden. I've had many Cavaliers and I still see the Cavalier as a far far better car in ever possible sense.
The Vectra C, again never really got that excited over them. Driven loads and they're fine. Feel better screwed together, you sit in them rather than on them and they are pretty massive. They are perfectly acceptable on the motorways and A roads but again, the words "driver focussed" were never involved in the disign brief - but then why would they be? The diesels are fine, plenty grunt and quite refined for long distance but there are a few inherant issues that can be costly - that would put me off. Oddly, I have found myself consider one as a daily driver - £1500 will buy a tidy, facelifted SRi 1.8 and whilst they aren't anything exciting, as a cheap, reliable and spacious family car they seem to offer a fair bit value for money.
Which is kinda the point isn't it? Granted I don't understand the love for the Vectra, but then again I don't understand the hate either. They're no better or no worse than many other cars out there and for the money, they offer pretty average motoring - which lets be honest is what a large percentage of the population want. "Does it handle as well as a Mondeo or an Atom on the limit" Well no, but to be honest Mrs Turbodave wouldn't really give a damn en route to Tesco either... and nor would the young team care if it's as well finished as an S-Line as they clamber in with muddy football boots and proceed to grind Quavers into the upholstery.
I've had 2 Vec C's. 1 3.0 V6 CDTi SRI and a remapped 2.8 elite. There is a massive difference between your bottom of the range hire car and the higher spec vecs. I think a lot of people that complain about them have spent a couple of hours in one as a hire car and base there opinions entirely on that. I originally didn't want one as had been told how rubbish they were. As it turned out both were excellent. Reliable and comfortable. As happy sat in doing my 5 mile journey to work as they were doing autobahn speeds to Italy and back each year. The standard non SRi suspension is a bit soft but nothing a set of eibachs wont cure. Would I have another? Yep definitely.
Additionally the estates are massive both in boot space and leg room).
Also don't rule out a signum
Additionally the estates are massive both in boot space and leg room).
Also don't rule out a signum
Edited by s_zigmond on Thursday 19th September 10:01
I tried a Mondeo ST & the Vectra V6T back to back and the Vectra felt much better built than the Mondeo and also a lot faster.
The Mondeo felt more nimble for it as it did feel light and more flimsy in comparison.
My current e60 5 series isn't a lot different in quality to my last Vectra if I'm honest but it does handle a lot better as standard.
The Mondeo felt more nimble for it as it did feel light and more flimsy in comparison.
My current e60 5 series isn't a lot different in quality to my last Vectra if I'm honest but it does handle a lot better as standard.
mattdaniels said:
In the case of the VXR - far too much power for it's own good, before anyone had ever worked out how to make FWD cars handle. Not dangerous per se, once you get used to it inventing corners where there aren't any. The flip-benefit being that it finds overtaking opportunities where there usually aren't any.
Interestingly enough EVO magazine included a VXR in a group test with an EVO, a 330i and a Scooby. While the vectra didn't win, it certainly seemed to do quite well.http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/6518...
You approach the VXR with lower expectations, but against the odds it really delivers. Like the Impreza, some of the details don't convince - the steering and gearchange particularly - but overall it's an exploitable, composed and exciting car to hustle along, with a lovely engine, superb traction and great brakes. In case you haven't guessed, it's much better than any of us had expected.
Ross1303 said:
Also does anyone one knowwif the sri id different to other models (bar the vxr) ive always presumed its just cosmetic?
The SRi has seats made of granite that are supposedly supportive and "sports suspension" which actually means it crashes and bangs over anything. The 17" tyres are an odd size so expensive to replace.They have no steering feel, no toys at all, just air con.
I had one for 3 years and 40k damn thing just kept going and as a 1.9CDTi was pretty economical (average mpg over my mileage was 53.2 from fill ups, not the computer)
If I was buying one I'd go for the Elite, the SRi is horrible, it isn't sporty in any way
An End of term review of the Vectra VXR from EVO magazine.
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/2...
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/2...
Ross1303 said:
Interesting so far.
Dont really understand the dangerous to drive.
Follow one down the road & you will see why, they have a skippy back end, they have a very short reach rear supsension travel, the tend to hop through bumpy corners, even worse once the shocks are bit tired, can catch out the unwary. Dont really understand the dangerous to drive.
Alongside the truly dreadful interiors that would make anyone reach for the hangman's noose after a long drive.
cptsideways said:
Ross1303 said:
Interesting so far.
Dont really understand the dangerous to drive.
Follow one down the road & you will see why, they have a skippy back end, they have a very short reach rear supsension travel, the tend to hop through bumpy corners, even worse once the shocks are bit tired, can catch out the unwary. Dont really understand the dangerous to drive.
Alongside the truly dreadful interiors that would make anyone reach for the hangman's noose after a long drive.
Friend had a Vectra mk1 and it's one of the few cars as a passenger i could feel was struggling on even long sweeping mway bends- but dangerous ?- no
Can't see problem with interior -standard issue no better or worse than others.I had a Mondeo mk2 which has "brilliant interior" -it wasn't it was just standard issue.
cptsideways said:
Ross1303 said:
Interesting so far.
Dont really understand the dangerous to drive.
Follow one down the road & you will see why, they have a skippy back end, they have a very short reach rear supsension travel, the tend to hop through bumpy corners, even worse once the shocks are bit tired, can catch out the unwary. Dont really understand the dangerous to drive.
Alongside the truly dreadful interiors that would make anyone reach for the hangman's noose after a long drive.
cptsideways said:
Ross1303 said:
Interesting so far.
Dont really understand the dangerous to drive.
Follow one down the road & you will see why, they have a skippy back end, they have a very short reach rear supsension travel, the tend to hop through bumpy corners, even worse once the shocks are bit tired, can catch out the unwaryDont really understand the dangerous to drive.
Do you consider the Porsche 911 to be dangerous?
Any car with a tendancy to lift off oversteer? Wasn't this something the 205 GTi had a tendancy to do?
Kentish said:
I tried a Mondeo ST & the Vectra V6T back to back and the Vectra felt much better built than the Mondeo and also a lot faster.
The Mondeo felt more nimble for it as it did feel light and more flimsy in comparison.
Having owned both I'd say that I prefer the Vectra on the motorway and the Mondeo on 'A' Roads. Around town there isn't a lot between them really. No complaints about the steering but my 1990's Escort had a nicer gearbox than the Vauxhall does.The Mondeo felt more nimble for it as it did feel light and more flimsy in comparison.
I've had a Vectra B for nearly a decade now.
In that time its changed allot, and while I've owned this one for years, I've also ran several others as daily drivers awell.
I've had x2 2ltr Sri estates, x1 GSI estate and x1 DI estate.
The GSI had the best seats being proper Recaro ones and was excellent on the motorway. The lazy v6 and long gears made it reasonably powerful and good at speed. The lower profile tyres and lower suspension made for a pretty decent drive too. The DI was also a good mile muncher. I popped in full heated leather and used it through a snowy winter where it never let me down and its still going strong with its new owner at about 200,000 miles!
The 2ltr petrol engined SRi were just a bit Meh. 20mm lower than standard but they were just boring, the engines strangled by emmissions and just didnt have the get up and go from the older redtop. Good family cars though, good boot space and hard wearing plastics in a little black and dull, even the titanium inserts only made a small improvement.
I did drive the ST200 version with the LSD and koni suspension and it really made a difference, turned in sharply and the slightly different recaro seats really held you in position.
My first Vectra which now sports some fairly serious upgrades now. Larger Saab 308mm brakes, Saab turbo engine, Coilover suspension, F23 with Quaife and wheels from a omega to give slight wider track and the difference in the handling is huge as to be expected. As is the power delivery ļ
Theres still an itch to be scratched regarding the challenge versions produced for the one make racing series. I doubt I¡¦ll ever own one, but I would love a drive in one!
The newer Vectra C and D models haven¡¦t reall appealed to me like the older one did, I think the closest car ive found that feels in the same vein is the mk1 Octavia strangely.
In that time its changed allot, and while I've owned this one for years, I've also ran several others as daily drivers awell.
I've had x2 2ltr Sri estates, x1 GSI estate and x1 DI estate.
The GSI had the best seats being proper Recaro ones and was excellent on the motorway. The lazy v6 and long gears made it reasonably powerful and good at speed. The lower profile tyres and lower suspension made for a pretty decent drive too. The DI was also a good mile muncher. I popped in full heated leather and used it through a snowy winter where it never let me down and its still going strong with its new owner at about 200,000 miles!
The 2ltr petrol engined SRi were just a bit Meh. 20mm lower than standard but they were just boring, the engines strangled by emmissions and just didnt have the get up and go from the older redtop. Good family cars though, good boot space and hard wearing plastics in a little black and dull, even the titanium inserts only made a small improvement.
I did drive the ST200 version with the LSD and koni suspension and it really made a difference, turned in sharply and the slightly different recaro seats really held you in position.
My first Vectra which now sports some fairly serious upgrades now. Larger Saab 308mm brakes, Saab turbo engine, Coilover suspension, F23 with Quaife and wheels from a omega to give slight wider track and the difference in the handling is huge as to be expected. As is the power delivery ļ
Theres still an itch to be scratched regarding the challenge versions produced for the one make racing series. I doubt I¡¦ll ever own one, but I would love a drive in one!
The newer Vectra C and D models haven¡¦t reall appealed to me like the older one did, I think the closest car ive found that feels in the same vein is the mk1 Octavia strangely.
ch108 said:
Vladimir said:
I had a hire one for a week and did 2500 miles in it for a repping job.
It was truly dreadful and handled downright dangerously.
We then hired a top spec late model estate and it wasn't all that bad.
Are there any modern cars that handle "dangerously"? Sounds more like driving beyond limits of the car, or something wrong with the car. My dad had both mk 1 and mk2 Vectras and is still here to tell the tale, and his commute was over 20 miles on twisty A and B roads.It was truly dreadful and handled downright dangerously.
We then hired a top spec late model estate and it wasn't all that bad.
As a fairly cheap large family car there really is nothing wrong with them. But to listen to the PH hate of Vauxhall you would think Vauxhall had reintroduced the Lada Riva!
It's towed road and race cars (including a Chimera) all over the country, I've stood on it on numerous occasions, battered it, bounced it across the kerbs (on two wheels) at Snetterton. It's been thrashed without mercy, airbourne, sideways (lots), carried engines and generally abused.
BTW if you pull the handbrake on or lift off on the way into corners at about 80mph it will get sideways but it's pretty safe as you can just floor the throttle and it pulls through. I can't see what's dangerous about it's handling. I spent hours doing this on an airfield and wore the writing off the sidewalls of all four tyres; it didn't do anything unexpected once. Not a single spin - how boring is that?
I hate it but it's probably the best car I'll ever own
Devil2575 said:
Symbolica said:
No complaints about the steering but my 1990's Escort had a nicer gearbox than the Vauxhall does.
The Escort gearbox was carried over to the Mk1 Focus 1.6/1.8 and it is pretty bloody good IMHO. One of the bext boxes i've used.In that case I'll change it to my 1990's Metro instead
All I can add is that I thought the Cavalier was a great design and that the Vectra was an ugly beast in comparison. It is aslo one of the few cars I ever got in, looked at the dash and thought "Ugh" but I've not driven one and would never rule one out until I had...but I don't like the interior at all so it would remain unlikely.
Symbolica said:
Devil2575 said:
Symbolica said:
No complaints about the steering but my 1990's Escort had a nicer gearbox than the Vauxhall does.
The Escort gearbox was carried over to the Mk1 Focus 1.6/1.8 and it is pretty bloody good IMHO. One of the bext boxes i've used.In that case I'll change it to my 1990's Metro instead
You can tell the difference because the Mondeo and 2.0 Focus has a collar beneath the gear knob that you lift to engage reverse. The 1.6/1.8 Petrol Focus doesn't.
Symbolica said:
Having owned both I'd say that I prefer the Vectra on the motorway and the Mondeo on 'A' Roads. Around town there isn't a lot between them really. No complaints about the steering but my 1990's Escort had a nicer gearbox than the Vauxhall does.
Pretty much spot on.If you could put them both in a blender you'd have an excellent car.Gassing Station | VX | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff