nice motor that, id love something like that, im literally looking on auto trader right now aswell, ive gone on SIDC but didnt get a great deal of feedback so left it, im just paranoid over the one i drove that had every warning light flashing, really enjoyed it though and would love one

Sorry if the VXR post was too off topic. What I was trying to emphasize is that there are probably better cars for your money. The Vectra looks great, but I can't help feeling that you might just think in the back of your mind that you wish you had bought something different... As posted earlier, try Scoobynet . When I had my Scoob they were very helpful. Also, probably completely irrelevant but ... when driving the Scoob , nearly every other Scoob driver used to wave as you went past, giving a nice little reminder you were driving something that wasn't quite the norm. Never had that from any other marque I have driven.

Impreza's tend to be heavy on insurance if you buy a imported JDM model (Japanese Domestic Model) as more often than not they have specialised bits you don't get on UK spec, ie Aluminium bonnets and wings. Stick to a well serviced UK model and I don't think you will regret it. Wagon's (5 door) are also more pratical and rarer.

Anyway, whatever you choose I hope you enjoy it.

one thing to be wary of looking at the wrx is they are prone to the bottom end needing rebuilding around 90k - 100k despite what service history you have as my brother has just found out. He spent months on all the Scooby Enthusiast sites researching models/specs/prices/known problems and asking advice and everyone said they were superb cars and not much goes wrong with them especially if they have FSH.

He found an 02 plate fully standard with F Main Dealer SH within his budget and it looks like a brand new car, its been very well looked after but the bottom end has blown and now requires a full engine rebuild or new engine, after then ringing up the Subaru Specialist and Main Dealers they have all said the same thing, that they prone to failure around 90-100k.

It's a bit like on here, I'm sure we all have Extremly High Praise for the cars/manufacturer that we drive round in despite what little or major problems we have, I guess looking on Specialist Car Forums aren't going to tell you the full storey unless you know what questions to ask and what to look for.

Its the same as every car to be honest, they all have pro's a con's.

My dad had a P1, best friend has a Jap classic WRX. Never had any problems with them, apart from the Jap WRX has just had a new clutch (done 95,000 miles on original clutch) but as long as they are serviced well and looked after, I wouldnt see any problems with bottom end going, as long as they havent been thrashed and seen speeds over 140mph (as they are not designed for that) I know you are not going to know this though.

Look out for the guys in the matching Subaru Jackets, and shoes etc. They tend to look after their cars, been on many meets and they never thrash theirs.

The vectra may be a nice car (not in my eyes though) but value for money, the Subaru is one of the best cars out there.

Mazda6 MPS - much better, 3 litre Legacy? 540 beemer?

All cars will have their horror stories, my own worst nightmares are from VAG ownership. I had a Corrado for 13 years and that thing never had less thn 5 things wrong with it, no matter how much money and time I threw at it trying to keep it running right. We have owned 3 Skoda's over the last 3 years (2x Fab vRS's and an Octy II) and they are riddled with faults, constantly. Just as you fix one thing, the next thing breaks, or more things break whilst your fixing the first as everything is so flimsy. VAG pull a good trick on us, build a sturdy looking and feeling interior and we perceive that the whole car is so. FALSE !

The big problem with Scoobs is that people mod them to levels way above what they are designed to do, and then they fail and people start crying. People also drive them like they are Colin McRae fighting for the WRC championship, and then cry when they're knackered. In standard trim, driven with mechanical sympathy even at high speed and maintained properly they are supremely reliable.

Idiots often melt the engine on imports as they don't bother mapping them for UK fuel, or don't know about using octane booster. P1's were based on a JDM model and thus were prone to engine problems, and are the main car responsible for all the rumours. Another common reason for failures is a simple oversight on the oil change procedure. These cars MUST have the filter primed (pre-filled (3x)) otherwise there will be a brief gap in oil flow on restart which is proven to start degredation of the case hardening on the shells. Failure within 200 miles of a service is not uncommon, but easily avoided.

JDM cars, especially from 03 onwards are much better cars and worth a slight hike in insurance premium. You can often recoup that cash as they usually fall into the £210 VED bracket rather than up to £400 for UK STi's. They benefited from having DCCD-A, an active centre diff which automatically or manually moves power front to rear. They also have stronger, higher power engines which are a much better starting point for modding. Other trinkets such as HID's, sweep backlit dials and a rear wiper too. Specials such as Spec C, Type R/RA/RA-R, S202/3/4 etc were all amazing, compared to any UK specials which were usualy just base spec with some options bolted on.

In 3 years my Scoob was driven VERY hard indeed, on road and track. It was standard power apart from a dealer option PPP lifting power from 220 to 260, but seriously mod'd in the chassis department. There were few cars could get near me on the road, regardless of power unless they had a similar suspension set-up and a capable driver. In that 3 years it suffered failure of an 02 sensor (warranty repair), an ECT sensor (£65) and a wheel bearing (my fault for running race spec tyres). I haven't the time or patience to list the ongoing catalogue of faults on our Skoda's, and would feel ill trying to recall all the VW Corrado's faults.

Trust me, a good Scoob, well driven and cared for is possibly the best car you will ever own. Mine was for me !

To be honest, its the classics which are being raised in insurance, as they are getting more and more affordable, younger boy races are starting to buy them.

VAUXHALL Vectra 3.2 V6 GSi- Auto Trader UK

just found this, i know its a vauxhall but its a big car what i need with plenty of poke, and before anyone says anything i know the exhausts are pants they will be getting changed, opinions needed though, cheers guys

A mate in work has one of these. Bought it privately, 54 plate, standard car & I think he paid about the same as your link. Only thing wrong with it so far is a duff Climate Control flap motor.

He likes it but he's a serial Vauxhall owner. I like it & I don't normally go much on Vauxhalls. (I've never been in it when it's moving though.) From our chats it seems to be fairly close to my Octy RS mpg wise.

A mate in work has one of these. Bought it privately, 54 plate, standard car & I think he paid about the same as your link. Only thing wrong with it so far is a duff Climate Control flap motor.

He likes it but he's a serial Vauxhall owner. I like it & I don't normally go much on Vauxhalls. (I've never been in it when it's moving though.) From our chats it seems to be fairly close to my Octy RS mpg wise.

thing is what ive noticed, alot of people that dont like vectras all have had a much higher calibre of car, my sig tells all about my car history:rolleyes: shocked at the amount of vauxhalls now

thing is what ive noticed, alot of people that dont like vectras all have had a much higher calibre of car, my sig tells all about my car history:rolleyes: shocked at the amount of vauxhalls now

Nationally the firm I work for has a fairly big fleet of Vectras, Astras & Astra Vans.

Anyone that drives them regularly refuses to buy a Vauxhall because of lots of minor niggles that never get sorted.

Then for balance...

there's 3 guys at work & 2 non-work mates, all with ex-auction Vectras & none of them have ever had any problems at all.

I'm sure I've seen some Police 3.2 Vectras on my travels.

I think if it looks straight & cherished that's a good start point.

If you've got a decent specialist Vauxhall indie near you,

I'd seek their specific 3.2 advice.

Aren't the bigger engined ones shipped in from Opel anyway

& therefore have "German build quality" (I might be wrong here though)