320touring's 2001 Vectra SRi 150 daily beater
Discussion
Having suffered the failure of my £250 Pug 306 timing belt in January ( http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...)
and having pressed the £200 Alfa 156 into daily service covering 4000+ miles in 2 months
( http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...)
I have done what any right minded chap would do..
I Flew from Glasgow to Gatwick to collect a £150 Vauxhall Vectra.
But this was not just any Vectra! Oh no. This was an SRi Vectra. And not yer poor man's 130. this was the full fat 150bhp 2.2.
I must be out my mind.
Anyways, have some pictures and a touch of narrative:
I happened upon this 92k mile example whilst perusing a forum. It was almost being given away, and I knew a little of the history of the car. At the money asked, I'd have been a fool not to have bought it. It has MOT until Jan 2017
A quick consult with the ruling party allowed for the booking of flights to collect - with 1 proviso. Her ladyship wanted to break up the return journey with some nights away.
We caught a redeye down to Gatwick - and enjoyed the complimentary BA breakfast!
Then it was time for our third mode of transport for the day - a train to Sunny* East Croydon
Yer man the Vendor met us at the station and we retired to his abode to complete the deal
Deal done, it was time to fuel up and head to meet mates in Rye for lunch - heading in the wrong direction for getting home!
Over the course of that first drive I figured out 3 main things:
1. The 2.2 lump has a good dollop of torque, so you can drive it lazily
2. The front tyres offer sweet FA grip in the wet - Hopefully new rubber will tame that, but I think its also something I'll need to get used to as I don't think the front suspension is as good as the Alfa's
3. It is most pleasant having a car that doesn't rattle and bang over bumps due to worn suspension.
After an elephant's sufficiency of a lunch, it was time for the good lady to get her first shot of driving it. On the 45mins back to our hotel, she found it comfortable and easy to drive - good news!
Our day ended by bringing a bit of "Photocopier salesman" Chic to the Tunbridge Wells Hotel we were staying at
If anyone is still reading and interested at this point, I'll pap some more up later
and having pressed the £200 Alfa 156 into daily service covering 4000+ miles in 2 months
( http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...)
I have done what any right minded chap would do..
I Flew from Glasgow to Gatwick to collect a £150 Vauxhall Vectra.
But this was not just any Vectra! Oh no. This was an SRi Vectra. And not yer poor man's 130. this was the full fat 150bhp 2.2.
I must be out my mind.
Anyways, have some pictures and a touch of narrative:
I happened upon this 92k mile example whilst perusing a forum. It was almost being given away, and I knew a little of the history of the car. At the money asked, I'd have been a fool not to have bought it. It has MOT until Jan 2017
A quick consult with the ruling party allowed for the booking of flights to collect - with 1 proviso. Her ladyship wanted to break up the return journey with some nights away.
We caught a redeye down to Gatwick - and enjoyed the complimentary BA breakfast!
Then it was time for our third mode of transport for the day - a train to Sunny* East Croydon
Yer man the Vendor met us at the station and we retired to his abode to complete the deal
Deal done, it was time to fuel up and head to meet mates in Rye for lunch - heading in the wrong direction for getting home!
Over the course of that first drive I figured out 3 main things:
1. The 2.2 lump has a good dollop of torque, so you can drive it lazily
2. The front tyres offer sweet FA grip in the wet - Hopefully new rubber will tame that, but I think its also something I'll need to get used to as I don't think the front suspension is as good as the Alfa's
3. It is most pleasant having a car that doesn't rattle and bang over bumps due to worn suspension.
After an elephant's sufficiency of a lunch, it was time for the good lady to get her first shot of driving it. On the 45mins back to our hotel, she found it comfortable and easy to drive - good news!
Our day ended by bringing a bit of "Photocopier salesman" Chic to the Tunbridge Wells Hotel we were staying at
If anyone is still reading and interested at this point, I'll pap some more up later
andyastrasri said:
The car looks pretty decent in the pictures
What level of information did you get upfront from the seller before embarking on such a long trip ?
A company I used to work for had a couple of pool car Vectra 150's, they drove pretty nicely and were kitted out pretty well
It appears to be in pretty decent all round condition - certainly moreso than the 3 cars which preceeded it.What level of information did you get upfront from the seller before embarking on such a long trip ?
A company I used to work for had a couple of pool car Vectra 150's, they drove pretty nicely and were kitted out pretty well
I'd seen some photos of the car prior to leaving, and had assurances that it drove ok (from the vendor, whom I had never met).
TBH at that price and with flights at 42 quid each, sometimes you just need to take a chance
jamiebae said:
The Mercure Tunbridge Wells, lovely, if you like hotels which feel like they're stuck in a timewarp...
I'm not sure if there's anything you can do to prevent it, but the 2.2 engines are well known for timing chain failures (oil sludge build up around the tensioner I think).
It's a long time since I've seen that model of Vectra on the road!
Time warp is ok with me (I'm driving a 2001 vectra after all!) but hotel was clean, quiet and cheap so cannot complain too harshly.I'm not sure if there's anything you can do to prevent it, but the 2.2 engines are well known for timing chain failures (oil sludge build up around the tensioner I think).
It's a long time since I've seen that model of Vectra on the road!
Thanks for the heads up re the cam chain issue-I had read up about it, and will likely at least service this so I can claim to have tried to offset it.
However, at the price I paid, I'll not be too upset if it fails..
Rensko said:
Vectralicious!
I remember back in the day - my mate had a Vectra 2.0 16v CD and I had a Peugeot 406 2.0 16v. I envied the trip computer and multifunction display! Was discussing that we never see any Vectras on the road anymore. Even in mainland Europe - they are few and far between.
Cheers!I remember back in the day - my mate had a Vectra 2.0 16v CD and I had a Peugeot 406 2.0 16v. I envied the trip computer and multifunction display! Was discussing that we never see any Vectras on the road anymore. Even in mainland Europe - they are few and far between.
Yeah they seem much thinner on the ground than the Mondeo of the same time..mind you, it was about 2001 that BMWs 320d e46 was starting to maul its way into the market.
Its a bad day when the rare car is a vauxhall.
Funnily enough there is a 130SRi that has popped up on ebay nearby- and for once I don't really need any parts.
that may change when I have a proper look at it at the weekend
davebem said:
Looks pretty good from the pictures, a good bargain (although I preferred the Alfa). How on earth did they only get 147hp out of the 2.2? Interesting link, the Alfa 159 used this engine but it had around 183hp.
Ooh- possibly a cheeky lil remap;)good knowledge!
I think this 2.2 was in the Omega too- wonder if they tuned it for torque much like old landrovers got very little hp iut of a rover v8 vs the rover cars?
poing said:
I've no idea how you find drivable cars so cheap, I can spend that on a night out and still need a taxi to get home which probably in worse condition than your cars. My winter wheels and tyres cost more than twice your entire car, I'm really s
t at budget motoring.
150bhp for £150. Can't really go wrong for that!
2 key components:t at budget motoring.150bhp for £150. Can't really go wrong for that!
Patience
Low Standards
Keep watch in all the usual places - every day could be bargain day, and focus purely on a vehicle wiht MOT/no major faults - there's no room for badge snobbery in this game
Its good fun, and at these prices,you can afford to have a few misses between hits.
Jimmy Recard said:
Why did the Audi A4 of that time manage the same power from a 2.4 litre V6?
What's German for "backwards through technology"?Stenn said:
Looks decent enough that. I love random trips like this and I've got a bit of a thing for old Vauxhalls. I did Glasgow to Norwich for a £800 Mk3 Astra once, great fun.
Always liked the 2.2 in the Astra/Vectra, goes quite well.
For an £800 car I'd likely cross the channel;)320touring said:
I think this 2.2 was in the Omega too- wonder if they tuned it for torque much like old landrovers got very little hp iut of a rover v8 vs the rover cars?
Different engine in the Omega. Always liked the 2.2 in the Astra/Vectra, goes quite well.
I stand corrected re the Omega and its 2.2- what Astras was this engine in?
jamiebae said:
VX220 got the Astra engine, transverse mounted.
Aha- so i have a Vx220tra;)bungz said:
Never seemed to get much love the Vectra B but although my sheddy one many years ago lunched itself I found it a very comfortable place to be.
Problem is they fall to bits and rust like nobodies business, one I had about 8 years ago was about 9 years old and its arches were well on the way to going and it had a hole in the boot lid!
Think the fact they are all 13-14 years old means only ones which received a bit of care are left.
this one seems fairly light on scabs of rust-I may even gird mysel to resolve those that I can see.Problem is they fall to bits and rust like nobodies business, one I had about 8 years ago was about 9 years old and its arches were well on the way to going and it had a hole in the boot lid!
Think the fact they are all 13-14 years old means only ones which received a bit of care are left.
when I get a look at it during the weekend I'll be in a better place to comment re whether it has been looked after.
Beejayhay said:
Once was given a courtesy car by Vauxhall with that engine in it ....a big people carrier thing a Sintra. Horrible thing. First ever people carrier I'd driven so was some initial novelty in the 'armchair' type seating...lasted about 2 minutes... nothing else to like. Thought it would be pokey with that engine...wrong.
Funnily enough I had that I'm sure 'cos my Vectra Supertouring was in for repair.....168bhp from a 2.5 V6....another epic fail of the day
Heh, its no 191bhp m50 out an e36, thats for sure.Funnily enough I had that I'm sure 'cos my Vectra Supertouring was in for repair.....168bhp from a 2.5 V6....another epic fail of the day
that said the 2.2 does have a good dollop of torque, seems to rev freely and also has decent ratios in the Vectra based on my limited experience.
I think 150bhp is adequate, no more, no less for a mid range car/people carrier.
Jimmy Recard said:
The X20XER would have been a nice engine - 2.0 litre with 167bhp (not bad in 1999, I feel)
As far as I know, it was saved for left hand drive Opels. I think it's to do with tax on engines over 2000cc in plenty of European countries. Instead, we had nothing between the 2.2 here and the 2.0 turbos apart from the V6s
I wonder whether you could do a Saab 2.3 turbo setup install..As far as I know, it was saved for left hand drive Opels. I think it's to do with tax on engines over 2000cc in plenty of European countries. Instead, we had nothing between the 2.2 here and the 2.0 turbos apart from the V6s
Jimmy Recard said:
Quite possible as far as I'm aware. The Vauxhall C20LET/Z20LET conversion would be easier as far as I'm aware though. I think a Z20LER or Z20LEH (mk5 Astra VXR engine) would be more difficult electronically but perfectly possible
I quite like these Vectras. I always fancied a V6 GSi but then they all disappeared!
Suppose I better not get too far ahead of myselfI quite like these Vectras. I always fancied a V6 GSi but then they all disappeared!
will look at it at the weekend, see if it
is worth the keeping first!
Mr Tidy said:
What a bargain! It looks pretty good in the photos.
Years ago I had a 92 reg. Cavalier SRi and it was a great car.
I need to get the hang of this shedding business - I paid more for a set of wheels with used winter tyres for my E46 and thought I had got a good buy! Would have been cheaper to have just bought a disposable car!
Hope it turns out to be good one.
Cheers chap! I kid myself that a cheap runner offsets the myriad of auld scrap I have lying aboot!Years ago I had a 92 reg. Cavalier SRi and it was a great car.
I need to get the hang of this shedding business - I paid more for a set of wheels with used winter tyres for my E46 and thought I had got a good buy! Would have been cheaper to have just bought a disposable car!
Hope it turns out to be good one.
Part two of the exciting journey hame..
From Tunbridge Wells (after a fine repast for breakfast in a local Cafe), we headed north to Bletchley Park
This was a real eye opener for me- utterly fascinating and well worth a visit, albeit unable to come up with a solution to the puzzle of why I'd bought an old Vectra..
If you get the chance GO!
We lost several hours there, including having a good meal in the cafe on site, which set us up nicely for a run up to the bustling Northern Metropolis of Leeds - a virtual pint if you can guess where I was suppin stout..
The car sat for 2 days in the car park outside the hotel, as I set about having a small libation, including meeting up with my brother for a boozy (if well behaved) dinner.
Thankfully she started up no bother after 48hrs idle, and we were soon on our way north. Arriving home at around dinner time, I decided it'd be rude not to take the Vectra to the regular car meeting/dinner we have about 40 mins north. I was comfortably the furthest travelled, but definitely not the most foolhardy- as can be seen below.
As I write, she's about 50 miles short of 1000 miles since purchase, and less than 1/2 way through her 3rd tank of fuel.
From Tunbridge Wells (after a fine repast for breakfast in a local Cafe), we headed north to Bletchley Park
This was a real eye opener for me- utterly fascinating and well worth a visit, albeit unable to come up with a solution to the puzzle of why I'd bought an old Vectra..
If you get the chance GO!
We lost several hours there, including having a good meal in the cafe on site, which set us up nicely for a run up to the bustling Northern Metropolis of Leeds - a virtual pint if you can guess where I was suppin stout..
The car sat for 2 days in the car park outside the hotel, as I set about having a small libation, including meeting up with my brother for a boozy (if well behaved) dinner.
Thankfully she started up no bother after 48hrs idle, and we were soon on our way north. Arriving home at around dinner time, I decided it'd be rude not to take the Vectra to the regular car meeting/dinner we have about 40 mins north. I was comfortably the furthest travelled, but definitely not the most foolhardy- as can be seen below.
As I write, she's about 50 miles short of 1000 miles since purchase, and less than 1/2 way through her 3rd tank of fuel.
Mr Tidy said:
Bargain!
I've just realised that the pre-registered BMW 123d I had for 81K miles cost me about £200 per 1,000 miles in depreciation alone?
Still I am getting over that issue - my current daily is now 14 years old!
I hope it continues to serve you well - and I like that colour! Looks like an inspired choice.
Given I've done 1000 miles in 2weeks in the Vectra, I'd hate to guess what depreciation I'd get on a new car. thats not to say I wouldnt have one, should my circumstances alter.I've just realised that the pre-registered BMW 123d I had for 81K miles cost me about £200 per 1,000 miles in depreciation alone?
Still I am getting over that issue - my current daily is now 14 years old!
I hope it continues to serve you well - and I like that colour! Looks like an inspired choice.
but as you say, for the minute, a bargain basement beater is the best plan
This threw up a "Check Oil level" warning today, so I thought I better actually have an actual check over it. After all, it has done over 1000 miles since I got it 2 weeks ago. 1.5L later and it was ok - something to keep an eye on. Likely culprits are either the throttle body housing/gasket or the rocker cover.
The poor grip in the wet was easily traced to the 2 major factors:
Crappy tyres
tread only being about 2.55 deep across the tyres. Happily the wear was even on both fronts- so I know that the arms and bushes/tracking seem ok
Turning the steering to check the brakes revealed that an overfilled power steering reservoir was pishing fluid out - all over the radiator/fans and down the engine bay.
I got it cleaned up, the excess fluid drained and then turned my attention to the brakes
Initial inspections looked ok, right up until I checked the inside pads:
So new ones are on their way - £49 delivered, and the sliders have been removed, cleaned and refitted. I'll get them fitted ASAP.
So far I have the following issues list:
Engine
Oil Leak
Power steering fluid level (resolved but must keep an eye on it)
Thermostat change/coolant temp sender fault?
Brakes
Front Discs and pads needing replaced (Ordered)
Handbrake needs adjusting
Rear calipers need stripped and cleaned
Tyres
Fronts could do replacing with items not made out of plastic
Interior
Drivers Door card/Handle needs repairing
Front windows have poor operation
Seats need cleaned
Interior plastics need cleaned
General clean/tidy needed
All in all, despite not being as dynamic as the Alfa 156, as frugal as the Pug 306 or as fast as the e30 335i I think this may prove to be a good basis for a reliable daily driver that I'll run for a bit.
The poor grip in the wet was easily traced to the 2 major factors:
Crappy tyres
tread only being about 2.55 deep across the tyres. Happily the wear was even on both fronts- so I know that the arms and bushes/tracking seem ok
Turning the steering to check the brakes revealed that an overfilled power steering reservoir was pishing fluid out - all over the radiator/fans and down the engine bay.
I got it cleaned up, the excess fluid drained and then turned my attention to the brakes
Initial inspections looked ok, right up until I checked the inside pads:
So new ones are on their way - £49 delivered, and the sliders have been removed, cleaned and refitted. I'll get them fitted ASAP.
So far I have the following issues list:
Engine
Oil Leak
Power steering fluid level (resolved but must keep an eye on it)
Thermostat change/coolant temp sender fault?
Brakes
Front Discs and pads needing replaced (Ordered)
Handbrake needs adjusting
Rear calipers need stripped and cleaned
Tyres
Fronts could do replacing with items not made out of plastic
Interior
Drivers Door card/Handle needs repairing
Front windows have poor operation
Seats need cleaned
Interior plastics need cleaned
General clean/tidy needed
All in all, despite not being as dynamic as the Alfa 156, as frugal as the Pug 306 or as fast as the e30 335i I think this may prove to be a good basis for a reliable daily driver that I'll run for a bit.
Jimmy Recard said:
I probably wouldn't bother. Just revel in having a car that's quick enough and you just don't have to worry about it!
The odd scrape doesn't matter and it's perfectly practical and usable for whatever you'd want to do. Perfect shedding! Vauxhalls for me have made perfect everyday cars for a while now. I started out needing a cheap car quickly and several Vauxhalls later, they've all just been pretty great for what I want.
I'll get the brakes sorted and pap a service on it. Beyond that We'll see.The odd scrape doesn't matter and it's perfectly practical and usable for whatever you'd want to do. Perfect shedding! Vauxhalls for me have made perfect everyday cars for a while now. I started out needing a cheap car quickly and several Vauxhalls later, they've all just been pretty great for what I want.
I certainly can't say i'm smitten with it - its almost like getting a taxi -you just arrive at your destination with little perceived input.
After the OMGNAEBRAKEPADZ scenario discovered on Sunday, I ordered new discs and pads.
they arrived tonight, and I took the decision to fit the pass tonight- I have a 230mile work trip to do tomorrow, and need to be on the road by 8am.
The discs can wait til the weekend - when I have time for the swearimg it'll likely involve. 15yr old caliper bracket bolts are never fun..
Old and New
40 mins from start to finish. good times!
they arrived tonight, and I took the decision to fit the pass tonight- I have a 230mile work trip to do tomorrow, and need to be on the road by 8am.
The discs can wait til the weekend - when I have time for the swearimg it'll likely involve. 15yr old caliper bracket bolts are never fun..
Old and New
40 mins from start to finish. good times!
Somehow I seem to have managed 41.8mpg from the last tank on this, and the current one is showing 38.8odds after 240 miles.
this despite major hoonage on the backroads in the sun yesterday- empty backroads and dry tarmac= new pads well bedded in!
this despite major hoonage on the backroads in the sun yesterday- empty backroads and dry tarmac= new pads well bedded in!
Edited by 320touring on Thursday 12th May 10:26
Superchickenn said:
How's the vectra holding up 320touring ?
funny you should ask!Not much to report on this bugger as yet, still not done the discs as have been out and about a lot this week.
another tank of gogo done, giving 38.9mpg over 444 miles.
mildly annoying just how blandly competent it is!
I reckon I'll try to break it at the weekend for something to do;)
I made a video test drive of this bugger on one of the fun roads round here - kind of like a mini test drive.
Please excuse the clunky editing-I'm still learning to drive the editor
Vectra SRi test drive
Please excuse the clunky editing-I'm still learning to drive the editor
Vectra SRi test drive
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