Vectra VXR - opinions please

[RB CV8]

I am thinking about buying a Vectra VXR and would appreciate the opinions from current or former owners of this model, particularly those that have 'traded up' from a lower-powered Vectra.

I have previously owned a 2.2 SRi, and although I now have a Monaro, I still like the Vectra (I'd get slaughtered on the Monaro forum for that remark!). The RWD vs FWD arguement doesn't bother me; my everyday transport is an Astra SRi, so I am used to both, though I would be interested to hear if torque-steer is an issue on the Vectra VXR.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

[RB CV8]

Thanks for all the contributions.

I have a few things to consider before deciding whether to take the plunge, such as which of my current cars I would replace, or whether they both go. In addition, I presume that any warranty work required on a Vectra VXR would have to be carried out by a VXR dealer, though I will check with the local outfit. This is a concern after the grief I had with the Monaro; the 'approved' Monaro dealers are few and far between and in my experience a waste of time. If I'm right, this may be the deciding factor.

[RB CV8]

Harry Muff said:

Have you bought one yet?

Not yet, but I'm giving it serious consideration. Followed up an ad for pre-registered delivery miles cars but they had all gone. Might go for something say 18 months to two years old with low miles as a replacement for the Astra as my everyday car. I notice no-one has tried to dissuade me from replacing the Monaro with a Vectra - interesting. Will keep my eyes open.

Thanks all for the input.

Richard.

[RB CV8]

Thanks Havoc856 for your comments and the pointer to vxronline.

To clarify: I already have a Monaro - I have been running a CV8 for 3 years, and before that I had a Vectra SRi (now my Dad's), so I am familiar with the size/space of the Vectra. My everyday car is a 2007 Astra SRi. I have recently been thinking about buying a Vectra VXR, which seems to be good value, but one consideration was where it would fit in with my current cars or which one I would replace.

My brother has been trying to get the Monaro keys away from me, but my current thinking is to replace the Astra if a suitable Vectra turns up, though running two fast Vauxhalls (as well as my old 'uns) may prove a bit OTT for my needs. Only one way to find out!

I understand what you mean about the subtle appearance, but for me that is part of the appeal - I think it is called middle-age! One reason I run a Monaro CV8 and not a VXR.

With reference to the VXR8 - no, it's not for me. Good value on the face of it (though much more than I currently wish to spend), but the dealer/factory back-up on the Aussie Vauxhalls is hopeless, so no way would I buy another. The Vectra is about as big as I want to go for an everyday car in any case - the railway station car park doesn't cater for anything bigger!

[RB CV8]

marcon said:

I have owned a vxr vextra and vxr monaro for the last five years and have owned astra vxr if you want anyadvice you can call me and although i am in two minds would probably sell the vectra if it went to a good home oh and good news under 5k for a mint vxr vectra Tony 07909334044

Thanks for the offer - but I did eventually take the plunge and bought my Vectra VXR in 2010; perhaps I should have posted an update! I bought an '09 with a few extras in Arden Blue, which I have been very happy with. It still has only 10k miles on it.

[RB CV8]

My average is about 28mpg. That covers a mix of roads, driving briskly but not like a lunatic and not getting stuck in traffic. I recently achieved 34mpg on a swift 100-mile motorway run. With the amount of torque the car has it is easy to make rapid progress without hammering it.