RE: Vauxhall VX220: PH Used Buying Guide
Discussion
unsprung said:
Johnny 89 said:
Not all Speedsters are left hand drive
sad, this spanner in the thread worksyes, there were Opel Speedsters produced in RHD for places like Cyprus, Malta, and Republic of Ireland, but these units are reckoned to be very low in number
nobody is left scratching his head about how configurations were clearly and overwhelmingly divided between Opel and Vauxhall
for those interested, more detail here:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
as well as from June of this year:
Johnny 89 said:
I'm the proud owner of an Opel Speedster.
It's a fantastic car and represents great value. Being a RHD speedster makes it quite rare too
It's a fantastic car and represents great value. Being a RHD speedster makes it quite rare too
My problem is that people who buy these (not all of them of course) try and make them look like lotus's and bang on about them being the same when they're actually not really. They are similar but not the same, and it's a Vauxhall not a Lotus. It's like saying I got a Fiat and it's really like a Ferrari 
kambites said:
Non-OEM body panels are easy enough to come by now. As the article mentions the only really awkward component seems to be the lights. I guess producing non-OEM lights is tricky because of the requirement for explicit type approval (although I dare say many owners would be happy just ignoring that law if they could get replacement lights for a quarter the price). Track_Cit said:
My problem is that people who buy these (not all of them of course) try and make them look like lotus's and bang on about them being the same when they're actually not really. They are similar but not the same, and it's a Vauxhall not a Lotus. It's like saying I got a Fiat and it's really like a Ferrari
Not really as as far as I know no Fiats were made in Maranello on tge same lines, by the same people. Who made Ferraris. I don't think many owners try to make them a Lotus. In fact go on .org and the majority are quite proud of the fact it is a VX.fridaypassion said:
It's amazing how many people have had a VX in their past and I recognise a lot of the old names.
Disclaimer it's the chap that sells em here....
My involvement with them started in 2006 when I got my first one and continues to this day. We have a dedicated track car and a pristine road car.
I have to say as someone with a lot of experience in both VX220 and in Lotus there really isn't that much difference in the basics of how they handle in the grand scheme of things. They have the same chassis and 99% of the same architecture in terms of the wishbones etc so they can never be too drastically different. I think a lot of difference can be placebo. The thing with VX220s which is unfortunate is that they are really very rare to find a properly nice example so you often get ratty old things compared at the side of a probably better, newer Elise. To me there are no variations in the understeering characteristics comparing like with like but the VX edges the Lotus setup for B roads with a really sweet suspension setup and slightly longer wheelbase they really are one of the best things Lotus have built.
They still represent pretty good VFM against the Elise but really these days generalised arguments are a bit moot point as remaining examples of both cars really can be so variable in quality it makes direct comparison impossible. There are lots of great options in the Lotus world and the VX is certainly a compelling one even still now. You can stick together a 250BHP supercharged car that will be quicker than a 50k Elise Cup for about 13k and you essentially have the same car all be it older. Looks are always subjective I have always thought they look great and so does the Elise.
Gratuitous pic of out track car. Lots and lots of fun. Basically stock with very basic tyre and suspension mods. Supercharger to go on over winter.
Worth mentioning our road car is a totally stock low mileage 2.2 and it's truly a sublime car. It really is one of the best things to drive and holds permanent resident status in our garage. The only car to hold this status!
Good point about the placebo, when you are paying more for the apparent cache example and the more expensive branding/badging it can alter your perception no doubt especially so for those who have driven neither. Some of the press rated the VX over the Mk1 Elise on it's launch I seem to remember.Disclaimer it's the chap that sells em here....
My involvement with them started in 2006 when I got my first one and continues to this day. We have a dedicated track car and a pristine road car.
I have to say as someone with a lot of experience in both VX220 and in Lotus there really isn't that much difference in the basics of how they handle in the grand scheme of things. They have the same chassis and 99% of the same architecture in terms of the wishbones etc so they can never be too drastically different. I think a lot of difference can be placebo. The thing with VX220s which is unfortunate is that they are really very rare to find a properly nice example so you often get ratty old things compared at the side of a probably better, newer Elise. To me there are no variations in the understeering characteristics comparing like with like but the VX edges the Lotus setup for B roads with a really sweet suspension setup and slightly longer wheelbase they really are one of the best things Lotus have built.
They still represent pretty good VFM against the Elise but really these days generalised arguments are a bit moot point as remaining examples of both cars really can be so variable in quality it makes direct comparison impossible. There are lots of great options in the Lotus world and the VX is certainly a compelling one even still now. You can stick together a 250BHP supercharged car that will be quicker than a 50k Elise Cup for about 13k and you essentially have the same car all be it older. Looks are always subjective I have always thought they look great and so does the Elise.
Gratuitous pic of out track car. Lots and lots of fun. Basically stock with very basic tyre and suspension mods. Supercharger to go on over winter.
Worth mentioning our road car is a totally stock low mileage 2.2 and it's truly a sublime car. It really is one of the best things to drive and holds permanent resident status in our garage. The only car to hold this status!
Edited by fridaypassion on Thursday 15th November 20:47
Track_Cit said:
My problem is that people who buy these (not all of them of course) try and make them look like lotus's and bang on about them being the same when they're actually not really. They are similar but not the same, and it's a Vauxhall not a Lotus. It's like saying I got a Fiat and it's really like a Ferrari
Conversely, I've never seen one badged as a Lotus. Banging on about them being like a Lotus, the chassis underneath is the same (very similar) extruded aluminium bonded affair. In the world of social climbers I imagine there are a few that will like to tell people what it is. But ultimately they're all plastic handmade cars by a northern factory. Mid engined, rear wheel drive old fashioned analogue cars. I still can't believe the same design is for sale all these years on. How much is a new Lotus Elise nowadays? £40k? c8rks said:
Track_Cit said:
My problem is that people who buy these (not all of them of course) try and make them look like lotus's and bang on about them being the same when they're actually not really. They are similar but not the same, and it's a Vauxhall not a Lotus. It's like saying I got a Fiat and it's really like a Ferrari
Not really as as far as I know no Fiats were made in Maranello on tge same lines, by the same people. Who made Ferraris. I don't think many owners try to make them a Lotus. In fact go on .org and the majority are quite proud of the fact it is a VX.if i had to explain what a VX is to a non-car person, i'd probably say that it's a Lotus with a few differences, a Vauxhall engine and it's own bodywork. An Elise in a comfortable frock.
It was designed by Lotus and was built by Lotus in a Lotus factory on the same production line as cars with Lotus badges... aside from the badge I'd say it's as much a Lotus as the Elise is.
Also worth noting that Lotus (Engineering) had a significant hand in developing both engines which went into the VX220, which is more than can be said of the Elise's power plants. The VX220 has more Lotus designed components in it than the Elise.
Also worth noting that Lotus (Engineering) had a significant hand in developing both engines which went into the VX220, which is more than can be said of the Elise's power plants. The VX220 has more Lotus designed components in it than the Elise.
Edited by kambites on Friday 16th November 11:18
A disappointing buyers guide, with some worn out notions. The VX is over 15 years old and will always be compared to an Elise, its not. No-one argues that it was built by Lotus using their methods and skills, but bear in mind it was first built when Lotus had the S1 and the weight he mentions that was added with Airbag, ABS, skinny 17" wheels and the like were later adopted on some S2's so its an unusually uninformed guide.
I've had 5 Lotus cars and 2 VXTs, loved them all for very different reasons despite their quirks. I can't word things particularly well, but I thought no-one put my own experience of Elise/VXT better than this PH forum quote in the attached picture below.....
Buy what you enjoy and anyone who forgoes practicality for any stripped out analog driving experience deserves credence, more so if they can get past a badge to the great fun drive beyond it.
If you are looking, here are some other guides:
https://drive-my.com/en/blogs/entry/vauxhall-vx220...
https://www.goodwood.com/grrc/columnists/dan-trent...
https://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/reviews/class...
I've had 5 Lotus cars and 2 VXTs, loved them all for very different reasons despite their quirks. I can't word things particularly well, but I thought no-one put my own experience of Elise/VXT better than this PH forum quote in the attached picture below.....
Buy what you enjoy and anyone who forgoes practicality for any stripped out analog driving experience deserves credence, more so if they can get past a badge to the great fun drive beyond it.
If you are looking, here are some other guides:
https://drive-my.com/en/blogs/entry/vauxhall-vx220...
https://www.goodwood.com/grrc/columnists/dan-trent...
https://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/reviews/class...
Recently picked mine up after owning a couple of M3's (e92 and e46) 3x S2000's, DC5, numerous civics,Mx5 300bhp Octavia etc etc
Bought as a bit of a gap as always fancied one. Opted for the 2.2. Whilst its a little breathless in a straight line it makes up for it in the corners. I didn't think id love it as much as i do!
I reckon it's a keeper and will be tempted to charge it in the new year. One of only 7 left in this colour too apparantly.
Bought as a bit of a gap as always fancied one. Opted for the 2.2. Whilst its a little breathless in a straight line it makes up for it in the corners. I didn't think id love it as much as i do!
I reckon it's a keeper and will be tempted to charge it in the new year. One of only 7 left in this colour too apparantly.
Sford said:
Track_Cit said:
My problem is that people who buy these (not all of them of course) try and make them look like lotus's and bang on about them being the same when they're actually not really. They are similar but not the same, and it's a Vauxhall not a Lotus. It's like saying I got a Fiat and it's really like a Ferrari
Conversely, I've never seen one badged as a Lotus. Banging on about them being like a Lotus, the chassis underneath is the same (very similar) extruded aluminium bonded affair. In the world of social climbers I imagine there are a few that will like to tell people what it is. But ultimately they're all plastic handmade cars by a northern factory. Mid engined, rear wheel drive old fashioned analogue cars. I still can't believe the same design is for sale all these years on. How much is a new Lotus Elise nowadays? £40k? Whilst I think they are a nice car I wouldn't buy one. If I was getting a car of this elk it would be a Lotus.
Actus Reus said:
kambites said:
It was designed by Lotus and was built by Lotus in a Lotus factory on the same production line as cars with Lotus badges... aside from the badge I'd say it's as much a Lotus as the Elise is.
This.Yes it is designed by Lotus but with a somewhat different target market in mind.
I appreciate them now but personally I didn't see the point in the non-Turbo version when new.
SidewaysSi said:
True. But I assume Vauxhall set some parameters which Lotus had to work to i.e. be more comfortable, safer, less raw than an Elise.
Yes it is designed by Lotus but with a somewhat different target market in mind.
I appreciate them now but personally I didn't see the point in the non-Turbo version when new.
The main, most challenging parameter set as build quality as I recall! Yes it is designed by Lotus but with a somewhat different target market in mind.
I appreciate them now but personally I didn't see the point in the non-Turbo version when new.
The better roof arrangement was used on the S2 as well...If I remember rightly the VX was given a lotus type number (116?) and was used as a test bed for the S2 which is type 117.
It seems the hostility from outsiders appears to be they believe the VX dilutes the heritage of lotus. I think had vauxhall not written lotus a massive check to develop the new chassis to pass additional crash testing brought in around the year 2000, lotus wouldn't have been able to continue manufacturing the elise at all. Then what would we be buying?
It seems the hostility from outsiders appears to be they believe the VX dilutes the heritage of lotus. I think had vauxhall not written lotus a massive check to develop the new chassis to pass additional crash testing brought in around the year 2000, lotus wouldn't have been able to continue manufacturing the elise at all. Then what would we be buying?
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