Shouldn't compare the VXR to any other Vectra model it's a totally different animal, seats are better to start with they have better squabs for leg support, seats do take a bit of getting used to though, seem to work muscles you don't use much *think thats where the backache problems arise from* but they do go after a short time.

Jezzer is reknown for anti Vx stance, all cos he wanted his GT40 at a big discount, and has always been pro Ford anyway, I mean who enters a corner flat out and wonders why the steering checks out on them in a high powered car.

I think if you are considering one you should go buy one, it'll nag you forever if you don't when you really wanted to.

Here's a link to help you decide

VAUXHALL VECTRA 2.8 T V6 VXR 5dr Hatchback - Auto Trader UK

The trouble with journalists is that they have a lot of influence over the buying public so it's very hard to get an unbiased opinion (look how much of a stir the Fabia vRS' coolness caused on here!).

My suggestion would be go and drive it back to back with something like a Mondeo and a Mazda 6, score each one in the areas you're interested in, eg fun to drive, towing ability, kit, power, etc and then the decision will hopefully make itself. Cars are personal things and only you can decide if you like it.

As others have suggested, depreciation is a big deal in this sector so bear that in mind if you're looking at new cars....

Chris

Here's a link to help you decide

VAUXHALL VECTRA 2.8 T V6 VXR 5dr Hatchback - Auto Trader UK

God, that seems more than reasonable... a lot of power for the money there. What price aree they out of the showroom?

God, that seems more than reasonable... a lot of power for the money there. What price aree they out of the showroom?

Just get it HPi'd if anyone fancies it, it is cheap and could have history and it's a private sale.

Being a former Vx owner of the last 20 yrs and a cabbie I can recommend the marque, they do have their own fault list but what car doesn't, generally though they are pretty reliable, and very safe to be in a crash with, 4 of us at Vectra C.Com have had hard knocks this yr, and we've all walked away from them with the shell intact, I just fancied a change and the legroom a Superb offers this time, and don't let the indicators put you off, they are awesome once you get used to them.

shocker!! :eek:

I know! They can't be biased...

Not read the whole thread but just go and drive one - the Astra VXR was slated as understeery as well but it's a bloody good car to drive.

Go and drive one - people's opinions based on TV and magazines are worth absolutely nothing. I'm sick of people slagging a car because they read/saw a road test that said something negative.

I do like the Astra VXR's looks - apart from the rear.

Seats look very nice & from the long term road tests Ive read the MPG is over 30 ave. Given 240bhp thats pretty good going.

The Vectra is a big car a proper family car vast boot (I remember how big the cavaliers was and the new vectra is so much bigger than that.

The clearl drawbacks for ford/vauxhall is the huge loss in value - if your going to keep the car until you scrap it then its not an issue however if you like changing your car every 3 odd years its expensive to do.

Not read the whole thread but just go and drive one - the Astra VXR was slated as understeery as well but it's a bloody good car to drive.

Go and drive one - people's opinions based on TV and magazines are worth absolutely nothing. I'm sick of people slagging a car because they read/saw a road test that said something negative.

Good advice!

Good advice!

indeed

EVO magazine really rated it aswell and they tested it against a Mitzi EVO 9.

Don't beleive everything you see/read in Top Gear.

I'd consider one if i was in the market for a replacement for the Octy.

Not read the whole thread but just go and drive one - the Astra VXR was slated as understeery as well but it's a bloody good car to drive.

Go and drive one - people's opinions based on TV and magazines are worth absolutely nothing. I'm sick of people slagging a car because they read/saw a road test that said something negative.

Ive actually Been in a VXR Astra and Vectra and although straight line speed is phenomenal they both suffer from horrendous Torque steer aswell as understeer and the Vectra isnt very sure footed in the corners. The engine is too far forward in the bay and thus compromises the handling quite alot.

If i had the option between a VXR, an ST220 or an MPS 6 it would be the Mazda then then ST220 then the VXR. iirc the VXR was the slowest out of the 3 around the TG test Track being beaten by i think 3 seconds by the ST and 5 seconds by the MPS. I know we dont drive like the stig in the real world (well some of us do :rofl: ) but i wouldnt want to drive a car that the stig said was like driving a barge on wheels!!

But as SteVRs says test drive one and see for yourself:thumbup:

EVO magazine really rated it aswell and they tested it against a Mitzi EVO 9.

Don't beleive everything you see/read in Top Gear.

I'd consider one if i was in the market for a replacement for the Octy.

An EVO 9 would destroy a VXR and i cant see how that was a fair test TBH. Unless they were proving pirelli's moto that power is nothing without control:rofl:

Depends whose driving them at the time ;->

Depends whose driving them at the time ;->

If you honestly think a VXR can entertain an EVO 9 then i reckon you should test drive both.

Ive driven both as i was looking at getting both before getting my vRS

I ruled out the VXR after taking it for a test drive and watching it on top gear

I didnt get an Evo because no matter how much i tried to justify it to SWMBO she wasnt having any of it so i got the vRS

Ive never been in a car that delivers its power so effortlessly or has the level of grip that an Evo can produce and im no expert driver. Unless the stig is in the VXR and a 17yr old just passed their test is in the EVO then i reckon the Evo will destroy a VXR and thats for the FQ320 never mind the FQ360.

Dont know if you watch topgear but do you remember the episode where Clarkson raced an Evo against a Lamborghini Murcielago. If you didnt the Evo was up the ar*e of the Lambo and in the end the lambo Spun out cos he was pushing that hard trying to get away from the Evo

to be fair you have failed to mention that Clarkson was driving the FQ400 though hardly standard trim is it

who'd listen to Top Gear for actual factual car buying advice :eek: Top Gear isn't really a car show these days...:thumbdwn:

to be fair you have failed to mention that Clarkson was driving the FQ400 though hardly standard trim is it

Yeah, but having Clarkson in it was a major disadvantage to make up for the extra power!

I've just had a look at the pictures from the autotrader link above. The interior looks exactly the same as the 1.8 "Life" model that I had the displeasure of driving about for a month. I had palpitations just looking at it, and no they weren't good palpitations either.

The interior was obviously designed around the themes of "Budget" & "Shoddy" and was brought to you by the number "4" because that's how many times you have to press the fkn elctronic indicator stalk up or down until it decides to actually come on. The steering wheel is the same, with some silver paint sprayed on and has exactly the same fiddly, badly designed p*ss poor controls selotaped onto it.

I doubt that the VXR handles as woefully as the 1.8 "Life", infact I pray that it doesn't. Because that would mean that there are actually people out there who are so dim of wit, that they shouldn't even have a driving license, never mind be dumb enough to part with thousands and thousands of their own hard earned English Pounds to buy a car that costs as much as the VXR and handles like a fully loaded sewage barge adrift on the Thames.

Just my opinion though.

I've just had a look at the pictures from the autotrader link above. The interior looks exactly the same as the 1.8 "Life" model that I had the displeasure of driving about for a month. I had palpitations just looking at it, and no they weren't good palpitations either.

The interior was obviously designed around the themes of "Budget" & "Shoddy" and was brought to you by the number "4" because that's how many times you have to press the fkn elctronic indicator stalk up or down until it decides to actually come on. The steering wheel is the same, with some silver paint sprayed on and has exactly the same fiddly, badly designed p*ss poor controls selotaped onto it.

I doubt that the VXR handles as woefully as the 1.8 "Life", infact I pray that it doesn't. Because that would mean that there are actually people out there who are so dim of wit, that they shouldn't even have a driving license, never mind be dumb enough to part with thousands and thousands of their own hard earned English Pounds to buy a car that costs as much as the VXR and handles like a fully loaded sewage barge adrift on the Thames.

Just my opinion though.

you're not a fan then

you're not a fan then

I've just had a look at the pictures from the autotrader link above. The interior looks exactly the same as the 1.8 "Life" model that I had the displeasure of driving about for a month. I had palpitations just looking at it, and no they weren't good palpitations either.

The interior was obviously designed around the themes of "Budget" & "Shoddy" and was brought to you by the number "4" because that's how many times you have to press the fkn elctronic indicator stalk up or down until it decides to actually come on. The steering wheel is the same, with some silver paint sprayed on and has exactly the same fiddly, badly designed p*ss poor controls selotaped onto it.

I doubt that the VXR handles as woefully as the 1.8 "Life", infact I pray that it doesn't. Because that would mean that there are actually people out there who are so dim of wit, that they shouldn't even have a driving license, never mind be dumb enough to part with thousands and thousands of their own hard earned English Pounds to buy a car that costs as much as the VXR and handles like a fully loaded sewage barge adrift on the Thames.

Just my opinion though.

They're very different inside, Life has no toys, VXR does, Life has orrible seats, VXR has good ones, basic dash is the same but the radio/sat nav/climate/wheel/trim etc are all better.

Saw one of these today (made me think about this thread)... came flying off a roundabout quite (how shall I term this ??) erm.... badly out of shape i.e. the front end didn't seem intrested at all in the direction the driver wanted it to go..... however, it did sound rather nice

An EVO 9 would destroy a VXR and i cant see how that was a fair test TBH. Unless they were proving pirelli's moto that power is nothing without control:rofl:

Well that goes without saying dosen't it,but not everyone wants a EVO do they.

The VXR probably ticks boxes for some people that EVO's don't.

But if you read the article the VXR isn't as bad as everyone makes out.

Especially considering we are on here because we drive Skoda's,i bet 90% of members on here would have been driving a Vauxhall over a Skoda a few years back.

And i can't believe you say they have really bad torque steer,Octy's aren't exactly torque steer less are they.

Just reading up on the VXR and it sounds like an excellent package. 280bhp, 355Nm max torque produced between 1800-4500rpm, combined fuel cycle of 27.2mpg and massive brakes front and rear (shame the calipers are blue though). 6.1 secs to 60, 161 top speed, 5 seats, decent service intervals and a huge boot. Suspect there is tuning potential too........

Might have to get me a test drive!

Chris