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The Vectra was General Motors' response to the ultra-successful Ford Mondeo and the replacement for the Vauxhall Cavalier. Launched amid a big-budget TV campaign as the car for the next millennium, the Vectra immediately caught the public's imagination and got off to a successful start.
The motoring press, however, gave the Vectra fairly lukewarm praise. The styling was felt by many to be too similar to the old Cavalier and, apart from those swoopy external mirrors, the Vectra certainly lacked the radical touches of, say, the latest Mondeo.
That criticism was addressed partly by the March 1999 facelift which sharpened up the styling a little and brought new engines and tauter suspension and steering to many of the mainstream models. The new 'hearing aid beige' interior colour option was less welcome. As a used buy, however, the Vectra range makes a lot of sense. The large range, proven mechanicals and of course, Vauxhall's extensive dealer network all add up to sensible, low cost family motoring.
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What you get
A well-equipped and handsome car, but one that many consider a little too ordinary. Horses for courses, though, and compared to say, the Mondeo, the styling is certainly restrained. Perhaps this is more appealing to many buyers. The quality of the interior is a major step forward over the Cavalier and, together with the increased roominess, means the Vectra can be taken seriously as a true family car, in a way that the 'cosy' Cavalier never really could.
The six-cylinder cars come with sparkling performance as standard and the four-cylinder versions can also hold their own against sportier rivals. Fuel consumption is also excellent even though, model for model, the Vectra is a heavier car than the one it replaced. Higher gearing and engine development efficiency improvements making up for the extra weight gains.
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What to look for
The reliability of the Vectra is thus far unquestioned but that's hardly surprising given the fact that its mechanicals are all well known and proven. The early Vectras were designed with a bias for Opel's German customers, and overly firm seats, in particular, were noted by UK motoring writers. Vauxhall moved quickly to deal with this criticism, fitting redesigned seats to right-hand drive cars, though the other main problem, a steering wheel that lacked any form of adjustment, took until the 1997 model year to put right.
GM spent an enormous amount of money developing the Vectra and the thoroughness of its effort shows. However, there are cars about (mostly early examples) with slight paint imperfections, dashboard rattles and intermittently unreliable engines, so check that all is well with a thorough test drive as well as an interior and exterior inspection.
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Replacement parts
(Based on an 'N' plate Vectra 1.8 GLS and excluding. VAT) A full exhaust will be about £100-£275. A full clutch assembly will be in the region of £65, while brake pad sets will be just under £16. A new headlamp will set you back roughly £60, a replacement alternator should be about £90, a radiator around £135 and a starter motor will cost about £75.
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On the road
The Vectra has never been known for the handling finesse of its French rivals, such as the Laguna and 406, though, as a motorway cruiser, it certainly takes some beating. The six-cylinder cars are real wolves in sheep's clothing and the combination of powerful engines and high gearing makes all Vectras relaxing and economical high-speed family cars.
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Overall
The younger the car, the better, as the Vectra has benefited from constant development. The choice of used examples is huge, so take your time and you'll find exactly the car you want, at a price that suits.
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