RE: Vauxhall laughs at Clarkson
Tuesday 5th October 2004
Vauxhall laughs at Clarkson
Vectra wins amazing award
According to Vauxhall, it's got one over on Jeremy Clarkson, who had a full-on scathe when asked to review the middle-market motor. The car company reckons it's "had the last laugh" now that the Vectra been named What Car’s Used Car of the Year.
Top of the list of criteria? It was cheap, having lost half its value in just two years. Oh yes, it's comfy and does good mileage too.
And in "SXi trim [it] looks the part with its sporty bodykit and alloy wheels", it says here. Now you know what to get for your next shopping car -- as long as you don't expect to be worth anything in three years' time.
Discussion
The point about it not being worth much in three years is negated by buying it cheaply enough in the first place.
I have the old model, I didn't pay much (it was only 8 months old) so it's only dropped about 2K in 2 years and been completely reliable. It does 50mpg, even the way I drive it. Consequently the operating cost has been very low, a fraction of what my MR2 cost that it replaced.
If you buy cheap you can sell cheap.
I have the old model, I didn't pay much (it was only 8 months old) so it's only dropped about 2K in 2 years and been completely reliable. It does 50mpg, even the way I drive it. Consequently the operating cost has been very low, a fraction of what my MR2 cost that it replaced.
If you buy cheap you can sell cheap.
I had a 2.0SRi as a company car (2000 model year so the shape before the one pictured here) and as a high volume mass produced car it was OK. What really lets the Vauxhall brand down is their dealer/service people, I tried 4 around my area for servicing and every last one of them are a complete and utter load of w@nkers.
Part of the deal we got was a free valet every service, they never did it and when I questioned the bloke stared at me and asked if Iknew how many cars they had through in a day and did I expect them to wash them all!
They also never managed to complete even the basic service without forgetting something.
Cars - OK. Dealers - Sh1te. I'll never have another.
Part of the deal we got was a free valet every service, they never did it and when I questioned the bloke stared at me and asked if Iknew how many cars they had through in a day and did I expect them to wash them all!
They also never managed to complete even the basic service without forgetting something.
Cars - OK. Dealers - Sh1te. I'll never have another.
Reviewing a car when it is new and when it is second hand is a very, very different thing. The fact that the car lost half its value almost proves that it was a bad buy initially and that it is a better buy now. Vauxhall tyring to get a bit more PR and maybe a favourable mention in the new series of TG?!
On the subject of vauxhall dealers, a friend of mine put their car in to get a new cam belt. Within a few hundered miles he put it into a independant specialist who found that the cam belt had been fitted all wrong and that the enging was severly permanently damaged and the independant guy took £4k to get it back into a half reasonable condition. He complained to the garage, but they simply denied it and he was unable to take it further.
On the subject of vauxhall dealers, a friend of mine put their car in to get a new cam belt. Within a few hundered miles he put it into a independant specialist who found that the cam belt had been fitted all wrong and that the enging was severly permanently damaged and the independant guy took £4k to get it back into a half reasonable condition. He complained to the garage, but they simply denied it and he was unable to take it further.
I too dont see a huge drop in price as a good thing !
However i've just ordered my new Vectra GSi as a company car (i did think long & hard about it).
I expect to get a bit of stick from the numpty BMW drivers but what do they know ! I think there a great motorway car and are alot more refined than i expected.
I've loaded it up with goodies & its still cheaper than a basic 320Ci - and it'll kick its arse at half throttle.
G
However i've just ordered my new Vectra GSi as a company car (i did think long & hard about it).
I expect to get a bit of stick from the numpty BMW drivers but what do they know ! I think there a great motorway car and are alot more refined than i expected.
I've loaded it up with goodies & its still cheaper than a basic 320Ci - and it'll kick its arse at half throttle.
G
I'm with Clarkson on this one! I've driven virtually every sub £25k four door saloon out there and in my opinion the Vectra just doesn't cut it, even amongst its peers (407, 156, Mondeo). That's new, but in my opinion this also applies to second hand buys. I'd rather have a 3 year old 406 than a 1 year old Vectra (similar second hand value).
The interior of the Vectra is cheap and made of poor plastics (though this has improved with later models), the cabin ergonomics are poor (though much improved with later models, still bad!), the handling is just laughable on all Vectra incarnations, and performance is surprisingly bad (I've driven standard 1.8, 2.2 SRi and 1.8 Sri models). I've just taken one to Hannover and back (3 month old 1.8 SRi), and I admit it was an OK motorway car compared with a Focus or 307. Sadly though, it doesn't stand a chance against a Honda Accord or Peugeot 406.
As for comparing it with a BMW!! The Audi A4, BMW 3 series and Merc C class are a class above the Vectra and its unfair on both car to compare them. It is like comparing an MR2 with a Porsche Boxster (both great cars I may add) - or a £300 Aiwa midi system with a decent £500 seperates system: they're in a different league to each other in terms of quality and ability.
New, the Vectra makes no sense as you can buy a proper car for similar money. 2nd hand the Vectra makes more sense, but I'd still rather be in that older Honda, Peugeot or Ford.
The interior of the Vectra is cheap and made of poor plastics (though this has improved with later models), the cabin ergonomics are poor (though much improved with later models, still bad!), the handling is just laughable on all Vectra incarnations, and performance is surprisingly bad (I've driven standard 1.8, 2.2 SRi and 1.8 Sri models). I've just taken one to Hannover and back (3 month old 1.8 SRi), and I admit it was an OK motorway car compared with a Focus or 307. Sadly though, it doesn't stand a chance against a Honda Accord or Peugeot 406.
As for comparing it with a BMW!! The Audi A4, BMW 3 series and Merc C class are a class above the Vectra and its unfair on both car to compare them. It is like comparing an MR2 with a Porsche Boxster (both great cars I may add) - or a £300 Aiwa midi system with a decent £500 seperates system: they're in a different league to each other in terms of quality and ability.
New, the Vectra makes no sense as you can buy a proper car for similar money. 2nd hand the Vectra makes more sense, but I'd still rather be in that older Honda, Peugeot or Ford.
Fully agree on Vauxhall dealers. Utterly useless. My dad had an V6 Elite a few years ago. The most expensive car you could buy from Vauxhall. Come service time, "You want a courtesy what?"
Missus bought a new Corsa 2 years ago. They managed to service it, then put it through a car wash and left the dirty water to bake on (to what was actaully quite a clean car before it went in) in scorching hot weather. Useless.
Missus bought a new Corsa 2 years ago. They managed to service it, then put it through a car wash and left the dirty water to bake on (to what was actaully quite a clean car before it went in) in scorching hot weather. Useless.
It's time the main dealers got their come-uppance.
They've been taking the piss out of the honest customer for too many years (like 20 or 30!).
I blame it on the fleet managers who don't bother to check that they're getting the servicing they are supposedly paying for, and on the buying public for trusting without question.
Believe me, the last time they tried it on with me,
when they said they had a part in stock which they in fact didn't, and I'd taken a day off work to pick it up
and fit it, they'd never been given such a roasting
in their manager's office.
They promptly sent a van out for the part from another dealership 25 miles away and delivered it to my door.
We all need to stand up for our rights and not put up with the constant bullshit and inefficiency from these excuses for 'service' providers.
Have the courage to stand your ground, and you'll be amazed at how their attitudes change, particularly when potential purchasers are wandering around the showroom.
I avoid main dealers at all costs, as most do not deserve my business.
The idea of taking a vehicle worth many thousands of pounds to be mauled about by an apprentice, and where nine tenths of the items on the 'service list' are totally ignored, does not make any sense to me, particularly as I am trusting my life to their handiwork.
Rant over
As for the Vectra - dunno, as Jeremy says they're rubbish
They've been taking the piss out of the honest customer for too many years (like 20 or 30!).
I blame it on the fleet managers who don't bother to check that they're getting the servicing they are supposedly paying for, and on the buying public for trusting without question.
Believe me, the last time they tried it on with me,
when they said they had a part in stock which they in fact didn't, and I'd taken a day off work to pick it up
and fit it, they'd never been given such a roasting
in their manager's office.
They promptly sent a van out for the part from another dealership 25 miles away and delivered it to my door.
We all need to stand up for our rights and not put up with the constant bullshit and inefficiency from these excuses for 'service' providers.
Have the courage to stand your ground, and you'll be amazed at how their attitudes change, particularly when potential purchasers are wandering around the showroom.
I avoid main dealers at all costs, as most do not deserve my business.
The idea of taking a vehicle worth many thousands of pounds to be mauled about by an apprentice, and where nine tenths of the items on the 'service list' are totally ignored, does not make any sense to me, particularly as I am trusting my life to their handiwork.
Rant over
As for the Vectra - dunno, as Jeremy says they're rubbish
Vauxhall, are you serious????????? Take a visit to their so called engineering center at Millbrook, boy oh boy, then you will really see just how far engineering has gone downhill in this country.
Last count, i recall they employed 2, (yes 2!!!!) engineers comiited to new vehicle development.
Lets face it, its just a re-badged German OPEL , don't be fooled.
Last count, i recall they employed 2, (yes 2!!!!) engineers comiited to new vehicle development.
Lets face it, its just a re-badged German OPEL , don't be fooled.
I've had 3 Mantas over the years. All were serviced by Vauxhall/Opel main dealers; there was a notable downturn in quality when the 'Opel' bit went away.
But my local Vauxhall dealer used to be able to service my Stage 2 Manta GTE and fitted Bilsteins etc when asked. A good dealership - but no longer in business. Now I have to drive miles to get my SLK320 serviced - and the beggars didn't even wash it last time. Whereas the Honda dealership always gave my Prelude a good valeting.
Back to the Cavalier/Vectra. I agree with JC. Piece of poo.........
But a secondhand one makes a reasonable buy - though surely no-one except a rep would want a new one...
But my local Vauxhall dealer used to be able to service my Stage 2 Manta GTE and fitted Bilsteins etc when asked. A good dealership - but no longer in business. Now I have to drive miles to get my SLK320 serviced - and the beggars didn't even wash it last time. Whereas the Honda dealership always gave my Prelude a good valeting.
Back to the Cavalier/Vectra. I agree with JC. Piece of poo.........
But a secondhand one makes a reasonable buy - though surely no-one except a rep would want a new one...
RobM77 said:
the handling is just laughable on all Vectra incarnations, and performance is surprisingly bad (I've driven standard 1.8, 2.2 SRi and 1.8 Sri models).
I admit the handling wasnt the best and wheel spin was a problem but I have to disagree on performance. I used to have a late 2.0 SRi and it went like stink for a car of it's class. Would still thrash a modern mondeo I bet. Had 150 horses and did 0-60 in 7.5 seconds. 120mph+ was no problem.
>> Edited by jam1et on Wednesday 6th October 09:36
Gazboy said:
Who in there right mind would by a 20k car that's going to cost 5k per year in depreciation?
How much would a new £50,000 TVR, Noble, XK8 be worth after three years?.....
Irrespective of the retained value, a customer looses the VAT element, plus the dealers profit 2 seconds after driving out of the showroom...
Nothing new there, you just have to put up with it, unless you buy a secondhand car privately with all it's risks and pitfalls.........
I'll accept the 'risks and pitfalls' any day, what with warranties not being worth the paper they're printed on in the main, and of course the money you've saved by buying used should more than cover any minor
problems with your purchase.
As to the used vehicle market,too many people are expecting an 'as new' car when they go around tyre-kicking.
It seems to me that a lot of new car buyers are the sort who just like an easy life (not knocking that),
but often just end up with constant hassle from the dealer, and all those teething troubles.
Can't see the point, but I suppose I should be grateful to them for running in my used car.
problems with your purchase.
As to the used vehicle market,too many people are expecting an 'as new' car when they go around tyre-kicking.
It seems to me that a lot of new car buyers are the sort who just like an easy life (not knocking that
), but often just end up with constant hassle from the dealer, and all those teething troubles.
Can't see the point, but I suppose I should be grateful to them for running in my used car.
jam1et said:
I admit the handling wasnt the best and wheel spin was a problem but I have to disagree on performance. I used to have a late 2.0 SRi and it went like stink for a car of it's class. Would still thrash a modern mondeo I bet. Had 150 horses and did 0-60 in 7.5 seconds. 120mph+ was no problem.
>> Edited by jam1et on Wednesday 6th October 09:36
Seconded although I didn't suffer from wheel spin as it had traction control. Like I said before - car was OK the support network was shite. I now have a 2.0 Mundano company car and it's not a patch on the speed of the Vectra - although it's a Ghia X so different car for different reasons.
When I got the Vectra I compared it with the BMW's and like of the same price/spec and the Vectra was all round a better car (except for being front wheel drive).
Lots of badge snobbery surrounding the Vectra and people jumping on the band wagon becose Jezza said it was rubbish. IMHO.
I think the Vectra is just a pointer to the future, ie where cars become designed to our dictated needs, and become inherently dull, with no more character than a domestic appliance.
I wonder if in 20 years time anyone will be misty eyed with misplaced nostalgia (of the likes of burning their short-trousered arse on the pleated vinyl seat of a Mk3 Cortina);
"Oh, don't you remember our old Vectra, it had a wonderfully efficient climate-control unit. And the emmissions figures were the lowest in its class....."
>> Edited by britten_mark on Wednesday 6th October 22:39
I wonder if in 20 years time anyone will be misty eyed with misplaced nostalgia (of the likes of burning their short-trousered arse on the pleated vinyl seat of a Mk3 Cortina);
"Oh, don't you remember our old Vectra, it had a wonderfully efficient climate-control unit. And the emmissions figures were the lowest in its class....."
>> Edited by britten_mark on Wednesday 6th October 22:39
I've been driving a 2.2 dti elite for the last year (company car i.e. I had no choice). Its top of the range and nothings gone wrong. Its economical, its got leather, wood everything you could want in fact.
But if I could sum it up I just treat it as 'transport'. Never warmed to it, dont enjoy driving it or looking at it. Its just ok. Thats why I can't wait to change to something a bit more interesting!!
But if I could sum it up I just treat it as 'transport'. Never warmed to it, dont enjoy driving it or looking at it. Its just ok. Thats why I can't wait to change to something a bit more interesting!!
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