Alternatives

Ownership cost

Our recommendations

What is it like?

Reliability

Hatchback

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

VECTRA

The final 02-reg models make sense if they're cheap. Pre-'99 models are unimpressive

Used Vauxhall Vectra Hatchback 1995 - 2002

The Vectra's greatest asset is that it is cheap to buy and straightforward to service, while spares are generally low-priced. Previous owners will have taken the biggest hits on depreciation and any loss in value from here on in promise to be kinder.

Repairs will be more frequent as the car ages, but using a local garage helps keep bills sensible. However, clutches and air-con faults can hit your wallet hard.

Insurance groups run from groups 6-16, which is pretty much par for the course for this kind of car. The most popular 1.8s sit in group 9 and the 2.2 petrols in group 11.

Economy is a strong point: expect close to 40mpg from 1.8s, a touch less from the 2.2 petrol and 40mpg or more from the 2.2 turbodiesel. The 2.6 V6, meanwhile, struggles to get above 20mpg.

The final 02-reg models make sense if they're cheap. Pre-'99 models are unimpressive

Buy a face-lifted car from 1999 onwards. These have a much better drive, as well as higher cabin quality and specification. Engines range from a weedy 1.6 petrol to a 2.5 V6, with some drab diesels in between.

Stick with the 1.8, 2.0 or 2.2 petrol engines, and preferably the largest of the three, which is smooth, responsive and not too thirsty. The 2.0-litre diesels are slow and gruff, but the 2.2 version is adequate.

Trim levels run from Envoy, LX and CD to CDX. The sporty models are SXi and SRi. Go for a face-lifted car (T-reg or newer) and LX has all you'd want, including remote locking, electric windows, twin airbags, anti-lock brakes and air conditioning. Move to CD for plusher trim and climate control, while CDX adds leather seats, a CD changer and a trip computer.

Our pick is a 2.2 LX or SXi, the newer the better. And, go for a hatchback, not the saloon - it's more useful.

Buy from a trusted independent dealer - preferably one that sells plenty of Vectras.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

Family

Warranty Direct points to suspension and electrical system as causing the most trouble, and repair costs are higher than for some rivals.

Early Vectras suffered badly with wonky suspension and leaking coolant. Some rust badly, too - check under rear wheelarches. Face-lifted ones fare better all round, but knocking sounds from the engine or gearbox still signal potential expense, while squeals under the bonnet signal a dodgy water pump, but this isn't too pricey to fix.

Check the air-con units, as they're likely to fail and are expensive to fix. And, make sure the clutch is in full working order, as replacing it is a lengthy and complicated job; the parts are cheap, but the labour bill will be nasty.

The other major worry is that the cambelt will snap and wreck the engine. Vauxhall halved the recommended change interval to 40,000 miles and it's vital this is stuck to.

It's a practical family hatch, built to please company fleet bosses, so it's tough, simple to fix and cheap to own. However, it is also dull to look at, sit in or drive.

The steering column doesn't adjust on the oldest models, so making yourself comfortable can prove tricky, but height adjustment came in from 1997. There's plenty of space up front and generous stowage - including a big boot - but headroom is restricted in the back.

Mid-'90s cars felt stodgy to drive even when new, with steering that gave little feedback and brakes that weren't progressive enough. The ride at town speeds is jittery, too, although it calms down at motorway speeds. However, face-lifted cars from 1999 onwards felt livelier. They were more generously equipped, too.

The car gained three stars from Euro NCAP for occupant safety, which is good for its era.

Used Vauxhall Vectra Hatchback 1995 - 2002 reliability

Complete the 2024 What Car? Reliability survey >>

https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90474827/16ebb403e3a6&rdt=2

Volkswagen ID 7 Tourer

Renault Symbioz

Dacia Spring

Alfa Romeo Junior

Peugeot e-5008

MG Cyberster

NEW REVIEWS:

site ribbon config

Used Vauxhall Vectra Hatchback 1995 - 2002 review

Warranty Direct points to suspension and electrical system as causing the most trouble, and repair costs are higher than for some rivals.,Early Vectras suffered badly with wonky suspension and leaking coolant. Some rust badly, too - check under rear wheelarches. Face-lifted ones fare better all round, but knocking sounds from the engine or gearbox still signal potential expense, while squeals under the bonnet signal a dodgy water pump, but this isn't too pricey to fix.,Check the air-con units, as they're likely to fail and are expensive to fix. And, make sure the clutch is in full working order, as replacing it is a lengthy and complicated job; the parts are cheap, but the labour bill will be nasty.The other major worry is that the cambelt will snap and wreck the engine. Vauxhall halved the recommended change interval to 40,000 miles and it's vital this is stuck to.

What to look for when buying a Vauxhall Vectra 1995 - 2002, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

NEW REVIEWS:

Used Vauxhall Vectra Hatchback 1995 - 2002 reliability

Vauxhall Vectra 2.5i V6 24V GSi 5dr (a/c)

Vauxhall Vectra 1.8i 16v Arctic II 5dr (a/c)

What should I look for in a used Vauxhall Vectra hatchback?

What are the most common problems with a used Vauxhall Vectra hatchback?

Is a used Vauxhall Vectra hatchback reliable?

What Car? has cars in stock

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information