Vauxhall Vectra 1.9CDTi

Dun Doire

Hi Folks
I know there is numerous threads re this car, but my query is in relation the reliability, we are in market for new car - something that is cheap and will eat up the motorway miles (Carlow-KK-Waterford). I'm from Donegal originally so sourcing this car will not be a problem.

My mechanic (based in North) is not the greatest fan of them - but I have trawled the internet and bar the usual "horror" stories have found them to be reasonable good. I currently drive 407 and she drives older Fiesta - replacing the Fiesta

We are looking at 08 examples with crica 60-70-80k on the clock.

What do people think? Can't beat the value of them!

Quazzie

Dun Doire wrote: »

Can't beat the value of them!

Price and Value are two totally different things. Don't confuse them.

Padraig Mor

Pricing of them can't be beat really - you should be landing an 08 diesel high spec model for under €10k all in. There seems to be a LOT of UK postings questioing the reliability of the engine, in particular the waterpump/timing belt. Given that the same (Fiat) engine is used in many other cars, and usually highly praised, I reckon the reliability questions may simply pop up a lot simply due to the sheer number of them on the road in the UK - and there are a lot! What doesn't seem to be in question though is that they are hard on suspension generally and there are a number of reports of broken springs.

Dun Doire

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Pricing of them can't be beat really - you should be landing an 08 diesel high spec model for under €10k all in. There seems to be a LOT of UK postings questioing the reliability of the engine, in particular the waterpump/timing belt. Given that the same (Fiat) engine is used in many other cars, and usually highly praised, I reckon the reliability questions may simply pop up a lot simply due to the sheer number of them on the road in the UK - and there are a lot! What doesn't seem to be in question though is that they are hard on suspension generally and there are a number of reports of broken springs.

Interesting - any pointers on where I can read the UK postings.
When you refer to the waterpump/timing belt issue - can you please elaborate for me. I wouldn't overly worry about the suspension problems - I can live with those - generally wont leave you on the side of the road.

My mechanic is worried about the Dual Mass Flywheel and Clutch.

I hear they made modifications to the 08 on models - have you any insight into this

Thanks again
Joe

Padraig Mor

Dun Doire wrote: »

Interesting - any pointers on where I can read the UK postings.
When you refer to the waterpump/timing belt issue - can you please elaborate for me. I wouldn't overly worry about the suspension problems - I can live with those - generally wont leave you on the side of the road.

My mechanic is worried about the Dual Mass Flywheel and Clutch.

I hear they made modifications to the 08 on models - have you any insight into this

Thanks again
Joe

Timing belt runs the water pump. Water pump seizes ===> flahed timing belt. The concensus advice is a new TB and pump every 40k miles so make sure this has been done! I think a broken spring might leave you stranded maybe? Have a look at HonestJohn for links to a few forums etc. Think 08 models have EGR and swirl flap problems sorted.

Dun Doire

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Timing belt runs the water pump. Water pump seizes ===> flahed timing belt. The concensus advice is a new TB and pump every 40k miles so make sure this has been done! I think a broken spring might leave you stranded maybe? Have a look at HonestJohn for links to a few forums etc. Think 08 models have EGR and swirl flap problems sorted.

Would you buy one yourself - or what would you recommend for that sort of money?

Dun Doire

Spoke with my mechanic this eve and said that Vectra does have suspension problems but he reckons no worse than any other car. He puts it down to terrible roads.:D

Dun Doire

Took a test drive in Vectra in Carlow - lovely car - What are peoples view on this car

veetwin

Took a 150bhp one to Galway during the week and I really liked it. The engine is a gem. Refined for a diesel and plenty of poke yet still economical. The car looks nice but the interior is a bit of a let down. Can't comment on the reliability but the one I had was a 07 with alot of miles up and it felt good and as far as I know has been reliable. If the money is right it is a great motorway car.

Dun Doire

veetwin wrote: »

Took a 150bhp one to Galway during the week and I really liked it. The engine is a gem. Refined for a diesel and plenty of poke yet still economical. The car looks nice but the interior is a bit of a let down. Can't comment on the reliability but the one I had was a 07 with alot of miles up and it felt good and as far as I know has been reliable. If the money is right it is a great motorway car.

Yea - its the best value car out there for the money - I can live with the interior - and I really don't think its that bad - I'm just a little worried about the reliability issue.
I drove 120bhp and was well impressed with that so look forward to the 150bhp.
we want it for motorway and it had 6 gears plus cruise control which is a godsend. I have it on my peugeot407 and swear by it