£1000 Vectra SRI daily shed
Discussion
757 said:
Superchickenn said:
I have similar conversations with my brother, he wont drive an "older" car yet is happy to use mine when he needs a tip run.
Do you un E10 in the Vectra ?
Yup E10 is being used, usually the cheapest unleaded I can find in the area.Do you un E10 in the Vectra ?
Most of the petrol's i own dont like e10 :-(
Not noticed much difference in using it, runs little hotter maybe and smells sweeter, I am use to running diesel for decades so happy to get anything above 40mpg on this as a comparison.
Found I adjust my driving style when driving diesel and unleaded back-to-back naturally as what's best to get out of both engines.
Found I adjust my driving style when driving diesel and unleaded back-to-back naturally as what's best to get out of both engines.
757 said:
Not noticed much difference in using it, runs little hotter maybe and smells sweeter, I am use to running diesel for decades so happy to get anything above 40mpg on this as a comparison.
Found I adjust my driving style when driving diesel and unleaded back-to-back naturally as what's best to get out of both engines.
Very true, its 2 different driving styles. Found I adjust my driving style when driving diesel and unleaded back-to-back naturally as what's best to get out of both engines.
Last month i took my tuned 1.8t to Germany, had to tickle it and draft a buddy to get 32mpg. where as im off from south wales to north wales this afternoon for work and ill easily get 55mpg without trying from my PD130 ibiza.
So, running a car on a shoestring challenge, this Vectra has done pretty well. Nearly owned it for 9 months now and it's only got given what it's needed, apart from overdue cambelt, over 7,000 miles in that time all been good, it's kind of getting under my skin a little now as I really don't care about it, funny experience when not use to having a car to care about, if it's safe, reliable and does the job it's so liberating - not even washed it yet since I had it!!
Think it may need a couple of tyres soon, did swap them over to get the best I can out of these Bridgestones that are fitted at the moment. It will be getting the cheapest tyres fitted when they get renewed, at moment £100 for a pair fitted is cheapest I can get, quite odd size on these cars weirdly (215/50/17)
I have a new knock at the back, I think it's the one of "control arms" from inspection, will most likely leave, it see if it comes up on next year's MOT or annual oil service in few months time.
So, so far so good if anyone is keeping up with this riveting thread, again it's just under the radar A-B motor, really quite enjoy running this and even it's gawky, slab sided looks are growing on me! Nooooo!
Think it may need a couple of tyres soon, did swap them over to get the best I can out of these Bridgestones that are fitted at the moment. It will be getting the cheapest tyres fitted when they get renewed, at moment £100 for a pair fitted is cheapest I can get, quite odd size on these cars weirdly (215/50/17)
I have a new knock at the back, I think it's the one of "control arms" from inspection, will most likely leave, it see if it comes up on next year's MOT or annual oil service in few months time.
So, so far so good if anyone is keeping up with this riveting thread, again it's just under the radar A-B motor, really quite enjoy running this and even it's gawky, slab sided looks are growing on me! Nooooo!
Edited by 757 on Saturday 19th November 15:25
Ran two Vectra's in the past.
An 05 Design model with the 1.8 VVT engine and an 02 Model GSI.
Massive cars, great for prams and tip runs but both complete unspectacular to own however they were both great cars. The only issues I ever had was at least 1 broken spring each year come MOT time.
The 1.8 VVT engine was gutless to be honest even when revved out. The 3.0 V6 was super smooth but too quiet for my liking. Both were super comfy and generally a great place to sit for long drives. More comfy than the Insignia's that came later.
An 05 Design model with the 1.8 VVT engine and an 02 Model GSI.
Massive cars, great for prams and tip runs but both complete unspectacular to own however they were both great cars. The only issues I ever had was at least 1 broken spring each year come MOT time.
The 1.8 VVT engine was gutless to be honest even when revved out. The 3.0 V6 was super smooth but too quiet for my liking. Both were super comfy and generally a great place to sit for long drives. More comfy than the Insignia's that came later.
JESTER_ST1 said:
The 1.8 VVT engine was gutless to be honest even when revved out. The 3.0 V6 was super smooth but too quiet for my liking. Both were super comfy and generally a great place to sit for long drives. More comfy than the Insignia's that came later.
This 1.8VVT is very very gutless, but it gets up to speed ok...(well leisurely...) and will sit there for hours on end, super frugal though! Interesting you mention the Insignia, as this will be what replaces this eventually I think, (want to get two years out of this Vec ideally, and run it as cheap as I can, if it passes it MOT's all ok) most likely the same engine, or if I can stretch in my 'very tight arse budget' a 1.4T petrol Insignia.
JESTER_ST1 said:
Ran two Vectra's in the past.
An 05 Design model with the 1.8 VVT engine and an 02 Model GSI.
Massive cars, great for prams and tip runs but both complete unspectacular to own however they were both great cars. The only issues I ever had was at least 1 broken spring each year come MOT time.
The 1.8 VVT engine was gutless to be honest even when revved out. The 3.0 V6 was super smooth but too quiet for my liking. Both were super comfy and generally a great place to sit for long drives. More comfy than the Insignia's that came later.
I agree on the engine. I had an SXi with the 1.8 in and got absolutely mullered by a Fiesta ST, Mk6. Until we got to a bend and his talent ran out as he went round a huge roundabout at about 15mph anyway. The seats though? I always found Vectra seats hard. Not uncomfortable but very firm. An 05 Design model with the 1.8 VVT engine and an 02 Model GSI.
Massive cars, great for prams and tip runs but both complete unspectacular to own however they were both great cars. The only issues I ever had was at least 1 broken spring each year come MOT time.
The 1.8 VVT engine was gutless to be honest even when revved out. The 3.0 V6 was super smooth but too quiet for my liking. Both were super comfy and generally a great place to sit for long drives. More comfy than the Insignia's that came later.
RazerSauber said:
I agree on the engine. I had an SXi with the 1.8 in and got absolutely mullered by a Fiesta ST, Mk6. Until we got to a bend and his talent ran out as he went round a huge roundabout at about 15mph anyway. The seats though? I always found Vectra seats hard. Not uncomfortable but very firm.
ha! yeah, the 1.8VVT is more a cruiser, than a bruiser - but its very good at just cruising along....asthmatically. It is a very heavy car, alot heavy than a Fiesta ST anyway I would imagine, so your already losing in that regard.I find the seats not too bad in this SRI (coming from a SAAB and a Volvo), it does have adjustable lumbar support that helps when doing long hours in it.
134,000 slowly creeping up in the old Vec.
Thought today I would attempt to silence the very common sqeeky fan on #1 setting, so GT85 to the rescue from my bike maintenance box (smells nice this) and a good dosing on the rusty looking spindle.
Quite easy to get too, just remove the air filter and it's behind that it seems.
Pure silence, so if it last a year at the most I will be happy either way.
Vec looks quite good with a dirty bum! Couple of hundred miles next week, it's still a very honourable work horse.
Thought today I would attempt to silence the very common sqeeky fan on #1 setting, so GT85 to the rescue from my bike maintenance box (smells nice this) and a good dosing on the rusty looking spindle.
Quite easy to get too, just remove the air filter and it's behind that it seems.
Pure silence, so if it last a year at the most I will be happy either way.
Vec looks quite good with a dirty bum! Couple of hundred miles next week, it's still a very honourable work horse.
Love the thread and the car. Much more interesting than the more exotic car threads, or maybe I'm just weird 
My commute is looking to reduce from 25k p.a. to 9, and I'm very tempted to get rid of my Jag XF and bank a few thousand pounds and run something dependable like this for a while. A comfy naturally aspirated petrol that just works. Whats not to like?
My commute is looking to reduce from 25k p.a. to 9, and I'm very tempted to get rid of my Jag XF and bank a few thousand pounds and run something dependable like this for a while. A comfy naturally aspirated petrol that just works. Whats not to like?
Raymond Reddington said:
Love the thread and the car. Much more interesting than the more exotic car threads, or maybe I'm just weird
My commute is looking to reduce from 25k p.a. to 9, and I'm very tempted to get rid of my Jag XF and bank a few thousand pounds and run something dependable like this for a while. A comfy naturally aspirated petrol that just works. Whats not to like?
Ha cheers, I do agree with you on these normal car threads.My commute is looking to reduce from 25k p.a. to 9, and I'm very tempted to get rid of my Jag XF and bank a few thousand pounds and run something dependable like this for a while. A comfy naturally aspirated petrol that just works. Whats not to like?
Certainly made sense to me to loose the expensive diesel as my p.a was up around yours 25/30k, good saving the money these days and just having a simple petrol, not to everyone's tastes of course but seems to be working for me, is quite mad how cheap you can get a car for and run it for if your not bothered on a number of things, it does the job for as little outlay possible THAT IS IT.
Trying to run this on a shoestring budget as you may of guessed, see how I go, not doing too bad so far I don't think in the 8 months etc I've had it.
757 said:
This 1.8VVT is very very gutless, but it gets up to speed ok...(well leisurely...) and will sit there for hours on end, super frugal though!
Interesting you mention the Insignia, as this will be what replaces this eventually I think, (want to get two years out of this Vec ideally, and run it as cheap as I can, if it passes it MOT's all ok) most likely the same engine, or if I can stretch in my 'very tight arse budget' a 1.4T petrol Insignia.
Ran a couple of Insignia company cars too.Interesting you mention the Insignia, as this will be what replaces this eventually I think, (want to get two years out of this Vec ideally, and run it as cheap as I can, if it passes it MOT's all ok) most likely the same engine, or if I can stretch in my 'very tight arse budget' a 1.4T petrol Insignia.
A 14-plate 2.0D SRI (I think it was the 140bhp model) which was a really nice car to drive but I felt the driver seat/surround felt more claustrophobic than the Vectra. That was replaced with the VXR-Line 1.6D with 136bhp. I had to check several times that this car was a diesel as the engine was super quiet, the only problem was the grunt, or lack of. The 2.0D with marginal power advantage felt like it had loads more torque (370nm v 320nm IIRC).
I would also avoid the 19" VXR wheels like the plague, the would tramline all over the place and pick up every runt, ruined the ride.
JESTER_ST1 said:
Ran a couple of Insignia company cars too.
A 14-plate 2.0D SRI (I think it was the 140bhp model) which was a really nice car to drive but I felt the driver seat/surround felt more claustrophobic than the Vectra. That was replaced with the VXR-Line 1.6D with 136bhp. I had to check several times that this car was a diesel as the engine was super quiet, the only problem was the grunt, or lack of. The 2.0D with marginal power advantage felt like it had loads more torque (370nm v 320nm IIRC).
I would also avoid the 19" VXR wheels like the plague, the would tramline all over the place and pick up every runt, ruined the ride.
Interesting comparison, cheers. Wouldn't go for a diesel in Insignia tbh, no need for diesel for what I do anymore, quite happy with a simpler N/A petrol these days, albeit a 1.4T Insignia has a turbo now, so something extra to worry about suppose, having always had diesel cars, its nice to have the smoothness of a petrol. A 14-plate 2.0D SRI (I think it was the 140bhp model) which was a really nice car to drive but I felt the driver seat/surround felt more claustrophobic than the Vectra. That was replaced with the VXR-Line 1.6D with 136bhp. I had to check several times that this car was a diesel as the engine was super quiet, the only problem was the grunt, or lack of. The 2.0D with marginal power advantage felt like it had loads more torque (370nm v 320nm IIRC).
I would also avoid the 19" VXR wheels like the plague, the would tramline all over the place and pick up every runt, ruined the ride.
See how I get on with this, it has another years ticket on it - so see where we are this time next year, if all is well, I can probably see it sticking about like a old, smelly, lethargic, but loyal Labrador...that needs a wash, but doesn't like going in the bath
757, this has to be one of the most interesting Readers cars I've read on here.
I'm secretly waiting for it to blow up, so you have to get another shed!
We have a no thrils Ford Galaxy for our main car, which serves it's purpose very well, but after reading your thread (started yesterday evening), I have become the owner of a 2006 Golf Sdi. 149k on the clock, MOT until next year, diesel (I know how much you've hated them, but...), with cambelt, water pump and clutch done 20k ago, for £550! It's tatty, everywhere. The outside is banged up on nearly every panel, but who cares? It'll do what it needs to do (mainly ferrying me to work and back, while the fiancée has the 7 seater), I won't care where I park it and will never feel the need to clean it! The inside definitely needs a complete clean, as it is pure filth, but coincidentally, I have a day off tomorrow!
(I just realised I basically just did my own readers car on your post, sorry!)
But please, keep up the updates!!
I'm secretly waiting for it to blow up, so you have to get another shed!
We have a no thrils Ford Galaxy for our main car, which serves it's purpose very well, but after reading your thread (started yesterday evening), I have become the owner of a 2006 Golf Sdi. 149k on the clock, MOT until next year, diesel (I know how much you've hated them, but...), with cambelt, water pump and clutch done 20k ago, for £550! It's tatty, everywhere. The outside is banged up on nearly every panel, but who cares? It'll do what it needs to do (mainly ferrying me to work and back, while the fiancée has the 7 seater), I won't care where I park it and will never feel the need to clean it! The inside definitely needs a complete clean, as it is pure filth, but coincidentally, I have a day off tomorrow!
(I just realised I basically just did my own readers car on your post, sorry!)
But please, keep up the updates!!
Trollied said:
757, this has to be one of the most interesting Readers cars I've read on here.
I'm secretly waiting for it to blow up, so you have to get another shed!
We have a no thrils Ford Galaxy for our main car, which serves it's purpose very well, but after reading your thread (started yesterday evening), I have become the owner of a 2006 Golf Sdi. 149k on the clock, MOT until next year, diesel (I know how much you've hated them, but...), with cambelt, water pump and clutch done 20k ago, for £550! It's tatty, everywhere. The outside is banged up on nearly every panel, but who cares? It'll do what it needs to do (mainly ferrying me to work and back, while the fiancée has the 7 seater), I won't care where I park it and will never feel the need to clean it! The inside definitely needs a complete clean, as it is pure filth, but coincidentally, I have a day off tomorrow!
(I just realised I basically just did my own readers car on your post, sorry!)
But please, keep up the updates!!
Ha not too worry, I don't mind. I hope it doesn't blow up, but yeah it would be a minor inconvenience only, would just go grab something else "exciting".I'm secretly waiting for it to blow up, so you have to get another shed!
We have a no thrils Ford Galaxy for our main car, which serves it's purpose very well, but after reading your thread (started yesterday evening), I have become the owner of a 2006 Golf Sdi. 149k on the clock, MOT until next year, diesel (I know how much you've hated them, but...), with cambelt, water pump and clutch done 20k ago, for £550! It's tatty, everywhere. The outside is banged up on nearly every panel, but who cares? It'll do what it needs to do (mainly ferrying me to work and back, while the fiancée has the 7 seater), I won't care where I park it and will never feel the need to clean it! The inside definitely needs a complete clean, as it is pure filth, but coincidentally, I have a day off tomorrow!
(I just realised I basically just did my own readers car on your post, sorry!)
But please, keep up the updates!!
Glad your enjoying the thread though, and enjoying your own cheap sheds, terribly liberating isn't it - especially when they just work!
It's not the most riveting of reads but I will try to keep it up, not that anything exciting is happening at the moment with it, or ever will tbh!
Broke the windscreen linkage, stupidly knocked the wiper stalk with a very iced over windscreen over the weekend SNAP!
All fixed now, £15 later we have a new linkage rod, another 100 miles today, thank god it's got a good heater it was baltic this morning (-5c) and put a towel over the windscreen, learnt my lesson.
All fixed now, £15 later we have a new linkage rod, another 100 miles today, thank god it's got a good heater it was baltic this morning (-5c) and put a towel over the windscreen, learnt my lesson
.I thought I would after 9 months of ownership, lay down the expense this Vectra has cost me and work out my monthly costs over the 9 months I've had it.
Saw this done on another forum, and thought it makes for an interesting read, for those interested in running a shed - as I am trying to run this car with as little expense as possible.
Costs below include labour too, either my time, or my mates independent garage it goes to for the trickier stuff.
I am not including fuel or insurance, as some of the fuel is paid for by work, so it's negligible tbh and insurance is same on every car.
Purchase price = £999
Tax (6 months) = £145
Full service - cambelt/Engine Oil + all filters = £200
VVT inlet solenoid = £30
Exhaust Replaced = £80
New wipers = £6.88
New boot struts = £14.99
Tyre puncture repair = £25
Tax (6 months) = £145
Rear brake pads= £15
Tyre leaking valve repair = £20
Wheel nut replacement(s) = £6.99
Front Wheel bearing = £150
Wiper linkage replacement = £19
= £1856.86
So, over 9 months = £206 per month it comes too.
I will keep this list going, be good if I can get it down to below £100 per month
See what the New Year brings.
Saw this done on another forum, and thought it makes for an interesting read, for those interested in running a shed - as I am trying to run this car with as little expense as possible.
Costs below include labour too, either my time, or my mates independent garage it goes to for the trickier stuff.
I am not including fuel or insurance, as some of the fuel is paid for by work, so it's negligible tbh and insurance is same on every car.
Purchase price = £999
Tax (6 months) = £145
Full service - cambelt/Engine Oil + all filters = £200
VVT inlet solenoid = £30
Exhaust Replaced = £80
New wipers = £6.88
New boot struts = £14.99
Tyre puncture repair = £25
Tax (6 months) = £145
Rear brake pads= £15
Tyre leaking valve repair = £20
Wheel nut replacement(s) = £6.99
Front Wheel bearing = £150
Wiper linkage replacement = £19
= £1856.86
So, over 9 months = £206 per month it comes too.
I will keep this list going, be good if I can get it down to below £100 per month
See what the New Year brings.
Edited by 757 on Sunday 18th December 08:19
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