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.

 

I've probably got some of Clarkson's other  musings on the Vauxhall Vectra in one of his many books I have on the shelf. I might have a look tomorrow. In the meantime @AnnoyingPentium here's one from the Sunday Times in 2002.

 

https://www.driving.co.uk/30-years-clarkson/clarkson-reed-warbler-vauxhall-vectra-review-2002/

 

 

 

 

9 hours ago, @Lee said:

I've probably got some of Clarkson's other  musings on the Vauxhall Vectra in one of his many books I have on the shelf. I might have a look tomorrow. In the meantime @AnnoyingPentium here's one from the Sunday Times in 2002.

 

https://www.driving.co.uk/30-years-clarkson/clarkson-reed-warbler-vauxhall-vectra-review-2002/

 

 

Oh aye, don't get me wrong. I quite like Clarkson and his books, but this is somewhere, where I don't agree with him.

 

Although, I can't defend the Vectra C, I didn't like it either.

I don't mind a drink, and it seems my car doesn't either - I'm not partial to brake fluid though...

 

I've just kept topping it up, but 500ml in less than three weeks is a bit startling.

 

Took it to be diagnosed.

 

"Clutch slave cylinder mate, and I'd be doing the clutch while I'm in there too"

 

Well, okay then.

 

HOWEVER,

 

Genuine GM clutch kit incl. slave cylinder? £106.38. You dancer.

 

Parts aren't too bad to get for this, somehow easier than the Skoda! Got a pair of rear shock absorbers from EuroCarParts for £9.19 a side (the originals sound like an accordion falling down a flight of stairs) so that'll be sorted too.

 

Beyond that, it's running well, 31k miles now. Anyone who has me on Facebook will know the welding has been done as well, and to a high standard. Very happy with this car, despite a few "quirks".

 

 

Turns out, if you ignore a failing slave cylinder, it'll **** itself. Big time.

 

*Flashback*

 

T'is the night before Christmas, and all through the village not a creature was stirring, except for me, whose Vectra had disgraced itself outside of the workplace, leaving me with no clutch, and having to call for a lift home...

 

Story time aside, I eventually limped this to my trusted garage, who have had it since the day after Boxing Day, and it's still there now.

 

Awaiting an un-lubed financial shafting for the work to be carried out, but I just wish they'd hurry up and I'd have my motor back.

 

 

Coming in clutch (lol) however, was this little delight, which is back to being my daily again!

 

13 minutes ago, AnnoyingPentium said:

Turns out, if you ignore a failing slave cylinder, it'll **** itself. Big time.

 

*Flashback*

 

T'is the night before Christmas, and all through the village not a creature was stirring, except for me, whose Vectra had disgraced itself outside of the workplace, leaving me with no clutch, and having to call for a lift home...

 

Story time aside, I eventually limped this to my trusted garage, who have had it since the day after Boxing Day, and it's still there now.

 

Awaiting an un-lubed financial shafting for the work to be carried out, but I just wish they'd hurry up and I'd have my motor back.

 

 

Coming in clutch (lol) however, was this little delight, which is back to being my daily again!

 

If everything in life was as reliable as a Skoda, when it’s running ok 😂

You made an Autocar article Ryan so I would say it’s a collectors car, 19th page. It’s a Vectra nuff said. 

 

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/reviews/top-used-cars-for-less-than-10-000/ss-AA1dlccY?ocid=NL_ENGB_A1_00010101_1_1&cvid=21d3803f439d4d179a55206cd094b77c&ei=34#image=19

 

 

9 minutes ago, gav_is_con said:

If everything in life was as reliable as a Skoda, when it’s running ok 😂

 

I don't like to talk about what the Fabia has cost me!

Just now, AnnoyingPentium said:

 

I don't like to talk about what the Fabia has cost me!

Worth every penny. Taken you everywhere and more besides 

8 minutes ago, gav_is_con said:

Worth every penny. Taken you everywhere and more besides 

 

That's true 35k miles and counting, now on 86k. Hoping to have it near 100k miles by the end of the year! We'll see where it goes from there.

This still works, been over a year of ownership now. Lapped up the miles in true 'repmobile' style.

 

 

 

 

Now sporting original velour mats, a genuine Vauxhall first aid kit in the boot, SRi/GSi/Supertouring taillights, Opel brand wind deflectors on the front, and unfortunately not attached at the moment, but it has a set of genuine Vauxhall headlamp protectors.

 

That'll do.