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03 Vectra 1.6

  • 12-10-2009 12:57pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 114 ✭✭


    Just a quick question on this.

    Family member about to buy one.

    What should she watch out for on them.

    Is 4k too much?


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    1.6 litre engine is terribly underpowered in a car the size and weight of a Vectra. This will effect the car's fuel economy, I would recommend the 1.8 litre or a diesel if possible.

    Also €4k is a bit expensive for a 03, here is a tidy 04 which could probably be bought for around €4500:
    http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200940195388306

    But to be honest I would go for a similar year Ford Mondeo instead, light years ahead of the Vectra in almost every department:
    http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200937195169488
    http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200938195253391


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,374 ✭✭✭Saab Ed


    bazz26 wrote: »
    1
    But to be honest I would go for a similar year Ford Mondeo instead, light years ahead of the Vectra in almost every department:

    Ah dont knock an aul Vectra too hard. Sure they do nothing sexy but for 4 grand the average Joe gets a lot of family car for the dollars.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Saab Ed wrote: »
    Ah dont knock an aul Vectra too hard. Sure they do nothing sexy but for 4 grand the average Joe gets a lot of family car for the dollars.

    Well that's why I didn't come on here shouting "Avoid, Avoid", even though I had one (previous model though) and it broke my heart. I'd still rather spend my €4k on a Mondeo.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,099 ✭✭✭johndaman66


    Hi dragonsgate, I drive a 2000 Opel Vectra and have to say all in its not too bad a car. I have drove worse and I have drove better in my time but overall its not a bad car. Something that will go in time on Opels is the ignition coil kit, but it wont break the bank to replace and if there was somebody in the family even half savvy with cars they should be able to change it in a few minutes.The fuel pump also went in mine which was a bit of a kick in the teeth. I've learned after that the main reason for this failing is that a fuel filter underneath the car near the petrol tank is not routinely changed. The fuel pump did set me back nearly 500 the time it went but as I was stranded on the side of the road and needed to get the car towed also. I have since learned how to change this myself also if God forebid it should give up again. Apart from routine maintenance my own car appears to have a healthy enough appetite for brake pads. The other thing that annoys me is timing belt changes. It is every 40,000 miles in my own and quite expensive. People who skimp on the complete kit are only asking for trouble. It would be strongly advised that all tensioner pulleys and waterpump are changed also. You could be looking at the thick end of 500E for this job done properly if not more but as with everything else at the moment worth shopping around for best price. I do believe the newer models have higher mileage intervals between timing belt changes though...somebody else in the know might clarify? With regular routine maintenance I don't think you should expect any very unpleasant surprises. Please note also that mine is the prior model to the one your relation is eyeing up so there may be differnt issues affecting it or other things to look out for

    You won't break any speed records in the 1.6 version but you should have no problem keeping pace with the traffic on our roads in general. Mine is pretty light on fuel also, particulary more so on a longer journey than other cars I've drove by comparison. Pretty smooth, solid and refined also I have to say.

    I think there is too little information available to say if 4,000E is a good or bad price for a 2003 model dragonsgate. Would also need to know the mileage, any service record, NCT left on car, tax, tyres, which model, warranty given etc etc.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 114 ✭✭dragonsgates


    she just bought an 03 for 4k opel vectra.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,099 ✭✭✭johndaman66


    Forgot to mention dragonsgate and how could I forget! Rear bushings can be a bit of a nightmare on my Vectra also. On mine a special unique tool is used to press them in. Some garages will flake them in by other means if they do not have this tool and it is not a good job as they will be weakened considerably and give up not too far down the road again. Probably would cost more in labour also as they would need to drop the axle I believe.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,099 ✭✭✭johndaman66


    she just bought an 03 for 4k opel vectra.


    Congrats and best wishes with it dragonsgates, or indeed to your relation who bought it! With regular routine maintenance Im sure the car will go for years and years. The one thing I would strongly suggest though as mentioned in a previous post is that she changes the fuel filter underneath the car come next service that is assuming it has not being changed lately or she is unsure. It only cost about 15 to 20 quid as far as I recall and would only take a few minutes to replace. I suppose it is not an absolute guarntee that the fule pump wont give in time but it should definately help. Otherwise repair bill for a new pump could be hefty.


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