Used Vauxhall Vectra Saloon 2002 - 2009 review

What's the used Vauxhall Vectra like?

The Vectra is built for covering distance comfortably, not sheer thrils, so you're buying into a car that thrives on strong mid-range shove rather than high-revs.

Even so, the economical 1.8-litre petrol can feel a little slow to pick up speed at times, although the other engines in the range are ready, willing and able.

Overview

The hatchback was our 2003 Family Car of the Year - it's a great all-rounder

Pros

• It's good to drive and there's a roomy interior for business or family use

Cons

• Some engines aren't as powerful or as clean as the Ford Mondeo's

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Vauxhall Vectra

1.9 CDTi 16v Design 4dr

£5,950

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Overall, the Vectra is well suited to easy-going, everyday driving, particularly on the motorway. It's a company car favourite, after all, and will plough on all day long at the national limit without disturbing the hush in the cabin.

The suspension will also shake off lumps and bumps competently, and its handling marks a real improvement on the older Vectra's. However, again it's competent rather than class-leading, and the electronic steering on some cars is short of feedback.

Still, the cabin is well laid out, roomy (fitting five adults is no problem) and shows some Audi-like quality. The driving position is excellent and the boot is a match for the Mondeo's.

Our recommendations

Which used Vauxhall Vectra should I buy?

If your cash will stretch to it, go for a mid-to-late 2005 car, because a face-lift that year brought worthwhile improvements to the way it rides and handles, as well as some spec upgrades.

Whichever age you choose, the 120bhp and 149bhp 1.9 diesels are gutsy performers. Don't aspire to the 3.0 V6 diesel instead, though - it's quicker, but not by enough to justify the extra thirst.

The petrol line-up includes a 1.8 (the best overall balance of performance and cost), 2.0 turbo (keen driver's choice), 2.2 (motorway muncher), 2.8, 3.0 and 3.2 V6s (effortless go) and VXR 2.8 V6 turbo (whoooosh).

Go for Design, Elite or (sporting) SRi trim if you have the cash. Safety kit is top-notch on all models, but some omissions (no rear electric windows) on lower-specification cars can surprise and irritate.

Vauxhall's approved used Network Q programme has loads of cars and top after-sales back-up - or try the supermarkets, which are well stocked, too.