Used Vauxhall VX220 Open 2000 - 2006 reliability review

A superb sports car at affordable prices

What should I look for in a used Vauxhall VX220?

Check the tyres of any VX carefully to make sure the wear is even. If it's not, the car may have been crashed or the wheels bashed on kerbs. Also look for signs of track-day use, such as plenty of brake pad changes in the service file. There were some reports of collapsing suspension on early VX models, but this has not proved to be a common problem.

Look for damp in the cabin, because the hood leaks and water can leave a musty smell if it's not mopped up immediately. The seats can work loose on their mountings and rock very slightly, too, so make sure they are securely fixed.

The engines are tough customers, but ensure there is plenty of coolant in the water, because the radiator is up front and the engines can become very hot in slow traffic. On a test drive, try to leave the car running for long enough to check that the automatic cooling fan cuts in as it should.

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Vauxhall VX220 2.0i Turbo 16v Targa 2dr

Vauxhall VX220

2.0i Turbo 16v Targa 2dr

£17,995

Vauxhall VX220 2.0i Turbo 16v Targa 2dr

Vauxhall VX220

2.0i Turbo 16v Targa 2dr

£19,866

Vauxhall VX220 2.0i Turbo 16v Targa 2dr

Vauxhall VX220

2.0i Turbo 16v Targa 2dr

£19,950

Vauxhall VX220 2.0i Turbo 16v Targa 2dr

Vauxhall VX220

2.0i Turbo 16v Targa 2dr

£19,950

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Vauxhall VX220 – Rewind Wednesday

The Vauxhall VX220 may have less kudos and heritage than the Lotus Elise, but it’s no less exciting to drive. This week, we give one of our all-time favourite roadsters the attention it deserves