USED Vauxhall Vectra Hatchback (02 - 09)

My car

I upgraded from the Active. The 1.8 Elite is more comfortable and responsive and feels like you're in an executive car. With the onboard computer you can keep an eye on running costs eg miles per gallon. Tyres can be a bit exepensive - it pays to shop around. Good warranty with the car and AA recovery.

My car

I've owned my Vectra 2.2 SXi for just over a year now and despite a few issues (which Vauxhall immediately sorted under their Warranty Programme) I am very satisfied with the car.

It is practical, well put together and handles nicely for a car of its size. The ride feels refined and although I would not say this feels like a quick car, it is sufficiently powered and does not struggle when loaded and can overtake with relative ease.

When I look again I will probably go for the 1.8 Petrol (or even LPG) as the 2.2 can get through a lot of fuel when driving around town, although I understand the later 2.2 direct petrol has improved this.

I purchased my Vectra through MotorPoint in Derby and was very pleased with the price and the vehicle (don’t expect any frills though!). I would recommend this car to anyone wanting refinement and space at an affordable price.

My car

Excellent performance and economy.

The V6 diesel has fantastic overtaking power and I average around 40mpg. This car really does give both the best of performance and economy.

It's comfortable to drive on long journeys and goes upto 30,000 miles between servicing.

My first Service cost £90.00 from Vauxhall, two new tyres on the front at 20,000 miles £125.00 each.

Only complaint I have is that by opting for the Elite over the SRI model the suspension is a little too soft, Vauxhall could do with a GSI model based on this V6 3.0 Diesel to give a sporty ride but with a little bit more class.

My car

I purchased the car solely for the economy of running on LPG and to gain exemption from the Transport for London Congestion Charge.

So far as economy is concerned, buying fuel at 37.9p per litre (the cheapest I have found near to me so far) is obviously a massive saving over normal fuel prices.

My only problem with running on LPG is the size of the LPG fuel tank (30-35 lts). Most who buy this sort of car will be high mileage drivers and I find that I am having to visit a service station every two or three days.

LPG is widely available now, I would rather have a much smaller petrol tank and an LPG tank of 60 or 80 litres. I have found that on a long motorway journey MPG is considerably better than that 'round town' I know this is true for all fuels and cars but the difference does seem to be extreme.

Driving the car is OK it's not exactly exciting but I would not really expect it to be this car was bought for economy above anything else. My main real gripes are that the interior is quite dull, the slab-fronted centre console is truly awful!. The steering column instrument stalks for indicators and window wipers are worst thing about the car. When you want the indicators to stay they turn off and vice versa.

Apart from this the car is eminently usable and big enough for a family of 5.