My V6 Vectra Stop-gap Shed!

[philmots]

Sold my beloved 550i last week to free up the money in it to put towards an XFR. I simply refuse (and can't afford) to go down the PX route and lose out to the tune of thousands of pounds. I'd rather do it myself the interesting way...

I set out on the hunt for something under a grand, local, petrol, manual, with a decent mot, petrol and wanted ESP in case the wife used it.

This came up...



It ticked every box on my list, even ESP! 11 months mot, full proper history from the first owner then just a huge stack of bills from the guy I got it off who's owned it from 2008. Also got recent brakes and new tyres!

It's also the 3.2 V6 manual, and topish Elite spec on 98k.

Bad bits after 15 minute drive home... it's tatty on the outside, aircon doesn't work, blower motor noisy - now fixed, annoying dash warning for front fog light - now fixed, leccy mirrors don't work - now fixed.

But, I'm playing the timing belt lottery.. A mates mate said he'll do it for £20hr which should bring it in under £200, but is it worth it on such a cheap car? I'm currently thinking of seeing how it stands after a month, if it behaves maybe get it done as I'll probably get the money back for it.

Either way, I think it's a right thing for £430!!!

[philmots]

I noticed it was just under some plastic covers but never thought to remove them.. I'll have a look later, it's very quiet in there though so I'd imagine so far the pulleys are intact.

I'm leaning to get it done now, I'm asking around a few more people for prices.!

[philmots]

Cheers for the opinions. I'm getting it done asap, thought that if the belt goes I might get £200 scrap for it so only lost £230, but then the car would probably cost a fair bit more to replace.. So I'd probably be about £500 worse off if it went after replacing the car. Doing the belt on this that I'm otherwise happy with suddenly makes sense.

Already got soome cut/polish headlight restore st coming, I quite like the yellowness! But I'm not sure how good they'll be as actual lights when it gets dark.

Blower squeak isn't getting better, might try some better oil as access ain't bad.

[philmots]

Parts ordered, job getting done on Thursday.. Only got to do about 10 miles in the meantime!

[philmots]

Apparently it was unblocked a year or two back.. He's just lived with the squeak ever since.

I have been on the Vectra forums and seen a few lads DIY.. They've removed the glovebox and drilled into the bottom of the blower case right where the lower bearing is and used some spray grease (not wd40) and given it a good blast. Apparently this shuts it up for good!

Job for the weekend, that.

[philmots]

BlueHave said:

What sort of spec and toys does the ELITE have over a bog standard one.

I've no idea at all!! It seems pretty bare bones in there..

[philmots]

It's got a bit of go, it sounds good, it's very comfy, few knocks here and there but seems fine! Stable at speed etc.

My wife didn't believe me but it's purely coincidence that it's the 3.2 in a decent spec, just wanted a cheap car.

I'm just hoping I can get my money back for it inc what spending on the belt.

[philmots]

Got the car back from having the timing belt kit fitted, I can safely say it was the right decision!

Had timing belt kit, waterpump, oil and filter, air filter... Car now stands me at around £650.

Old belt....