£1000 Vectra SRI daily shed
Discussion
Mileage 143,500, yeah 1,000 miles since last week 
Uneventful update - Front sidelight bulb out, and rear number plate bulb out, simple fixes I will remedy this week.
"Knock Knock who's there....this friggin' ageing leggy Vectra, that is who"!!!... yes, we have even more knocking going on, guessing its the droplinks, near the front - happy to ignore and see if the MOT picks up on them on the 4th, next month.
Uneventful update - Front sidelight bulb out, and rear number plate bulb out, simple fixes I will remedy this week.
"Knock Knock who's there....this friggin' ageing leggy Vectra, that is who"!!!... yes, we have even more knocking going on, guessing its the droplinks, near the front - happy to ignore and see if the MOT picks up on them on the 4th, next month.
The Bearded Tit said:
Good to see you decided to keep it after the brake issue. Can't help but wonder how much better that Hyundai would've been if it wasn't an SUV - I mean, it's an i30 carrying around 50kg of plastic.
Could be worse I suppose. The Ford Kuga is around 300kg heavier than the Focus on which it's based, and doesn't really give you anything extra.
Anyway, I digress. Love the Vectra
Yeah only cost me £100 or so to fix it, was abit of a pig, as it was above the fuel tank where it had gone too - seemed daft to offload it for such a little job, was more the inconvenience as to where it happened location wise in the UK.Could be worse I suppose. The Ford Kuga is around 300kg heavier than the Focus on which it's based, and doesn't really give you anything extra.
Anyway, I digress. Love the Vectra
Yeah, the KONA was like driving a plastic bag, didn't gel with it at all, and all the infotainment and driver aids, especially the lane departure thingy, were more a distraction than an aid to me.
Pit Pony said:
How the f
k are you getting 44 mpg?
I drive a 1.4T astra gtc auto, and have averaged 34 mpg over the last 50k. On a careful run up a clear motorway with cruise at a true 70 mph, I recently got 42 mpg for the first 85 miles. Within 5 miles off the motorway it had dropped to 38 mpg. After another 2 days and 100 miles mainly on a commute that is A roads at mostly 50 mph with maybe 15% at 40 mph, with very little traffic. I'm down to 36 mpg. And that's after a recent service.
I've had 50mpg+ at times on a clear motorway run, cruise set to 65, but often knock it off up hills, but yeah average around 40/45mpg calculated via Fuelly also, at the time.k are you getting 44 mpg?I drive a 1.4T astra gtc auto, and have averaged 34 mpg over the last 50k. On a careful run up a clear motorway with cruise at a true 70 mph, I recently got 42 mpg for the first 85 miles. Within 5 miles off the motorway it had dropped to 38 mpg. After another 2 days and 100 miles mainly on a commute that is A roads at mostly 50 mph with maybe 15% at 40 mph, with very little traffic. I'm down to 36 mpg. And that's after a recent service.
The VVT is a very frugal engine in these, especially in a manual car for what it is.
I'm get around 600 miles from a tank when just doing motorway slogs, around town stop start it's is not too good I have to admit.
SirGriffin said:
The fuel consumption in the car is about right, it's amazingly good for such a large car, I was able to get over 600 miles on a tank more than once, couldn't see the point of diesel with figures like that.
Now the current steed, a Mercedes, could only dream about figures like that...
Yeah, I am routinely getting 600+ miles on a tank in this. Did this week with the jaunt up north and back.Now the current steed, a Mercedes, could only dream about figures like that...
Going to be tricky what to replace it with eventually, an equivalent 1.8 Avensis estate petrol look pretty good, ran a diesel d4d years ago, and was a good tool.
But tbh, sticking with VX I wouldn't mind a Astra J 1.6 sport tourer, they are creeping within budget.
But, for now the Vec is most likely staying another year if the MOT comes back ok, but you never know.
Failed, repaired headlight aims, so scraped a pass - looks like it will need a little bit in the coming months - but not too bad, its a result!
Repair immediately (major defects):
Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))
Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
Nearside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))
Offside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))
Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))
Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))
Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))
Repair immediately (major defects):
Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))
Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
Nearside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))
Offside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))
Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))
Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))
Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))
A500leroy said:
Thats nothing, ignore the first two, id get the bushes change both sides and then put all new springs and dampers on the back ( next spring after winter) then itll be like new again.
Yeah, pretty minimal - that's the plan, when it's in for service I will get all that done, just happy it's not cost me anything to get it through - another cheap year all being well 
Yeah I will try and keep this up to date as best I can, it just keeps plodding on, happy I've got another year with it at least, see where we are this time next year, should be nearing 160,000 miles by then.
The cam-pulleys on the VVT do seem a little more rattly, and there is definitely a pronounced knock at idle now, one solenoid was replaced when got it, but does seem louder than usual - just topped it up with some thicker oil, see if it was low oil issue as I know they can be sensitive to that, but it seems happy enough to crack on at moment, still pulls pretty well for what it is.
The cam-pulleys on the VVT do seem a little more rattly, and there is definitely a pronounced knock at idle now, one solenoid was replaced when got it, but does seem louder than usual - just topped it up with some thicker oil, see if it was low oil issue as I know they can be sensitive to that, but it seems happy enough to crack on at moment, still pulls pretty well for what it is.
Another 700 miles added since the MOT, it's getting very very knocky, definitely some new sounds coming from the suspension, but I am getting good at ignoring them!
Stark difference to how I use to think about cars, and the worry I use to inhibit.
The topping up of oil hasn't quietened down the knocky cam pulleys either at idle.
But despite this, it still trundles along quite happily, trundle is the correct terminology I think for this.
Reluctant to spend any money what so ever on this, so, with this in mind if it makes it till next September without a hiccup I will chuck it in for a service, and to rectify the MOT advisories!
Really would like something little newer now, so gonna roll the dice for another year of minimal outlay on this
Stark difference to how I use to think about cars, and the worry I use to inhibit.
The topping up of oil hasn't quietened down the knocky cam pulleys either at idle.
But despite this, it still trundles along quite happily, trundle is the correct terminology I think for this.
Reluctant to spend any money what so ever on this, so, with this in mind if it makes it till next September without a hiccup I will chuck it in for a service, and to rectify the MOT advisories!
Really would like something little newer now, so gonna roll the dice for another year of minimal outlay on this
A500leroy said:
Id seriously think about giving it a suspension refresh now whilst you can enjoy another 12mths with it.
Tough call for me, will see how I get on - rather not put any money at all into it if I dont have too, rather put that into a newer car, I can live with the knocks happily at the moment.(Coolant warning light) this morning!
Hmmm....topped it up with some pink coolant I found in the shed, light gone out, it did look low in the tank, not like me to miss that.
Did a few miles today, checked again, and it seems to be still there, but I've got my eye on it now - no signs of any serious leaks, but who knows.
Hmmm....topped it up with some pink coolant I found in the shed, light gone out, it did look low in the tank, not like me to miss that.
Did a few miles today, checked again, and it seems to be still there, but I've got my eye on it now - no signs of any serious leaks, but who knows.
Temperature guage on mine climbs nicely up to 90c, if stuck in traffic it rises a little to around 95c (at a guess).
Apparently on these, Vauxhall didn't fit under trays on the 1.8VVT engine as they run hot, I have noticed they run and smell hot.
Coolant seems fine since topped it up now also.
My VVT cams are leaking oil, they are very rattling also as mentioned, oil is running down the back of the engine, accumulating on the sump.
Again, not unduly bothered with this, one thing I won't be rectifying on this if they throw a wobbly, will wait for a fail or a EML light, until then will keep trundling along.
Apparently on these, Vauxhall didn't fit under trays on the 1.8VVT engine as they run hot, I have noticed they run and smell hot.
Coolant seems fine since topped it up now also.
My VVT cams are leaking oil, they are very rattling also as mentioned, oil is running down the back of the engine, accumulating on the sump.
Again, not unduly bothered with this, one thing I won't be rectifying on this if they throw a wobbly, will wait for a fail or a EML light, until then will keep trundling along.
Well I know I wasn't going too, but, I have booked it in for X2 rear springs and X2 rear shocks in 2 weeks times (£90 all in for parts I have already acquired).
I am also going to sort the headlight cataracts with some headlight restoration kit - lights were good for summer maybe, but they are absolutely dire now with the dark nights upon us, literally full beam everywhere, dipping on and off.
So, all should make a difference and keep it reliable for another 12 months at least, will it stay after that?....well, I am not sure, the wife wants rid still of course, but she has her own car.
But the truth of the matter is, the mighty Vectra is still trooping on, and it owes me absolutely sod all!
I am also going to sort the headlight cataracts with some headlight restoration kit - lights were good for summer maybe, but they are absolutely dire now with the dark nights upon us, literally full beam everywhere, dipping on and off.
So, all should make a difference and keep it reliable for another 12 months at least, will it stay after that?....well, I am not sure, the wife wants rid still of course, but she has her own car.
But the truth of the matter is, the mighty Vectra is still trooping on, and it owes me absolutely sod all!
New rear shocks fitted today, and springs I ordered were the wrong size (my fault), so it's back on with the old ones for now while I return these, the old ones weren't too bad in all honesty, but will address them and a few more bushes it will require next year now come MOT time.
Another 700 miles to stick on it between now and next weekend, with another trip down to North Cornwall next weekend, it's driving nice enough now anyway.
Will be punching around 146,000, been little quiet past week or so mileage wise - I'm not complaining like.
Another 700 miles to stick on it between now and next weekend, with another trip down to North Cornwall next weekend, it's driving nice enough now anyway.
Will be punching around 146,000, been little quiet past week or so mileage wise - I'm not complaining like.
Yeah, do agree with you with the 'overlooked' bit. Its doing a grand job of just being a tool to not worry about, it just gets on with it. Beginning to think this thing will hang around for a couple more years yet, feels like it will!
Current monthly cost over roughly 23 months ownership (as I work it out, as that is the deciding factor if it stays or not)...
Purchase price/repairs/tax - not including fuel or insurance - all lumped together, its costing me £123 per month now, and I can still get £300 scrap with no quibbles tomorrow, utterly marvelous!
Current monthly cost over roughly 23 months ownership (as I work it out, as that is the deciding factor if it stays or not)...
Purchase price/repairs/tax - not including fuel or insurance - all lumped together, its costing me £123 per month now, and I can still get £300 scrap with no quibbles tomorrow, utterly marvelous!
Edited by 7 5 7 on Thursday 12th October 14:44
She's a knocking real good now, gonna bring it in when there is downtime, 500 more miles to stick on it next week.
I'm thinking....X2 droplinks (they eat these for breakfast I've heard) X2 rear springs (will get these done then, after my bugger up), needs another bush at the rear by sounds of it also.
Will give it a fresh oil and filter, already ordered off eBay this morning (£29 all in, so seems daft not too tbh, it's gone over 10k since the last one anyway) may even give the gearbox oil a refresh too, oil is cheap again.
I think I am going to try get another MOT out for this thing, it's proven itself a decent useful tool, a bit like a hammer, let's see what the next year brings, just stuck tax on it.
I'm thinking....X2 droplinks (they eat these for breakfast I've heard) X2 rear springs (will get these done then, after my bugger up), needs another bush at the rear by sounds of it also.
Will give it a fresh oil and filter, already ordered off eBay this morning (£29 all in, so seems daft not too tbh, it's gone over 10k since the last one anyway) may even give the gearbox oil a refresh too, oil is cheap again.
I think I am going to try get another MOT out for this thing, it's proven itself a decent useful tool, a bit like a hammer, let's see what the next year brings, just stuck tax on it.
Edited by 7 5 7 on Saturday 28th October 11:08
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