This, is my 1999 Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 16v Arctic Special Edition (try saying that three times as fast) that I bought three weeks ago. It's very much a low mileage car, having just shy of 27,000 miles when I picked it up. Unlike my Fabia, I've no intention with deviating from the original spec, bar some period additions such as a Garfield on one of the windows and suchlike. This thread will probably document me getting small details for it, and just keeping it looking and running mint (which, believe me, when it comes to a Vectra near salt water, is a task in itself).
So, what's it like?
It's actually rather good. It's smooth, and refined feeling, plus the multi-link rear suspension setup really does help with handling/road holding. It's a confident and sure footed drive.
This, or the Skoda?
Even the mental narrator has it in for me, ffs. Erm, actually, I can't pick between the two. The Fabia, despite lacking in power, is a very fun little car. Poised and cheeky. Plus it's less likely to dissolve if it rains heavily and doesn't shaft me financially at the fuel pumps. This Vectra, on the other hand, is quick, it's spacious, and it's actually comfier than the Fabia (although they do have about 220k miles on them, they're not original). So aye, maybe this is the ideal two car balance?
Has it broke yet?
Erm, it had been in limp home mode since I bought it, but only noticed when gunning it off a roundabout passing Durham at 1am and the limiter kicked in at 4500rpm. As of today, the cam sensor has been replaced, and it now has the lost power returned. It moves well for a nearly 25 year old (?!?!) car.