USED Vauxhall Vectra Hatchback (02 - 09)

My car

I had a BMW 3 Series but, due to a change in circumstances at work, I had to change and I went to look at the Vectra as I previously owned an earlier 2.5 CDX Vectra.

I walked into a garage selling a delivery-mileage 54-plate 1.8-litre model, but for the life of me I couldn't push myself to sign on the dotted line as it was not up to my usual standard of motor. The guy in the dealership was very understanding and pointed me towards a nine-month-old '04 2.2 SRi.

So off I went on a test drive. I was impressed to say the least. It was quite smooth and responsive. I have been driving it for a week now and the thing has really grown on me. I do have a couple of qualms - like no rear electric windows, and a multiplay CD would be nice as standard. Fuel-wise it was better than the BMW.

All in all, I picked up a car that was half the list price and rides better than my previous so-called prestige car.

My car

A sound, reliable and comfortable car. Not fast off the mark but can cruise all day on the motorway. Rear visibility is a bit of a problem. Gear change can be a bit stiff. Takes some time to warm up - 6 miles or so before the temperature guage registers. The car was bought at 6 months old at £5,000 off list price. It's proving to be good buy. I am likely to but another but will try to get new 1.9 diesel engine next time.

My car

I have had the vectra for exactly a year now. I like the punchy yet economical engine but the quality in the cabin shows there's room for improvement. Still the ride is great as ever and it is not the noisy, smelly tractor I half expected it to be. The equipment is poor compared to the mondeo TDCI that was my last car, I mean no electric windows in the back come on guys!

My car

I had the 1.9-litre 150bhp diesel for a week recently and could directly compare it with my 2.0 TDCI Mondeo.

I did not like the interior and thought it a little 'slabby'. I was also surprised by the lack of equipment, no climate or electric rear windows for example. The cabin was big enough but not as big as the Mondeo.

The Fiat 1.9 JTD engine is more petrol-like than the Ford and revs better. However, the part throttle low and mid range shove does not match the TDCI.

Handling was grippy but steering was wooly. Ride and noise levels were very good.

I did not think that the car matched the TDCI Zetec S that it is priced against.