What Car Q&A - Should I buy a Vectra for living abroad?

Q: I live in France and I am about to replace my nine-year-old Rover with an estate car. I see that What Car? recommends the Vauxhall Vectra estate for both new and used. What are the likely costs and difficulties of maintaining such a vehicle in France? My Rover was pretty costly when any work was required.

I'm looking at the Peugeot 307SW and 407SW, because these are French cars, but your reviews are not entirely favourable when compared with the Vectra.
John Wilton

A: We do rate the Vauxhall Vectra higher than the Peugeot estates you mention. In France, Vauxhall is sold under the Opel banner, and for information about your local dealer you can visit the French website 'www.opel.fr'.

The figures on whatcar.com and in What Car? magazine are all for the UK market, but should be able to give you a point of comparison for the difference in costs between the Vauxhall/Opel and Peugeot.

To get a more specific idea of how much servicing is going to cost, you're going to have to get on the phone and call some garages for quotes.