Used Opel Vectra C - still worth a look

The mass of cars available on the market and the huge range of prices on offer make it still an interesting car despite the passage of time. Moreover, the choice of engine versions is huge, so it will not be difficult to adjust something to your needs.

The Vectra B successor has been in production since 2002, with the only significant facelift occurring in 2005. The exterior and interior have changed slightly, but the biggest improvement has been in the quality of the car, which was a bit controversial from the start. Start.

In general, the car made an impression at the time of its debut. It is large and quite handsome, despite its bulky, angular silhouette. It is currently one of the most spacious cars available for a similar price (less than PLN 5). Especially in the station wagon with a trunk volume of 530 liters. There were sedans and liftbacks with 500 liter bodies, as well as hatchback called Signum, which was supposed to be a premium replacement. While the interior is not significantly different from the Vectra, the luggage compartment is tiny - 365 liters, which is the same as that of compact hatchbacks. However, I will write about this model in a separate article, because it is not quite the same as the Vectra.

User Reviews

AutoCentrum users have rated the Opel Vectra C 933 times, which is a lot. This is also a reflection of the popularity of the model. The vast majority, because 82 percent of appraisers would buy Vectra again. Average rating 4,18. This is also an average figure for segment D. Most appreciated the spaciousness of the cabin. The rest of the directions are at an average level and only the fault tolerance of the car was rated below 4. These are the little things that tire Vectra owners.

See: Opel Vectra C user reviews.

Crashes and problems

Opel Vectra C, like all Opel cars produced after 2000, is a rather specific car. The model suffers from many minor glitches, but is overall very solid. This does not apply, in particular, to the body, which is highly corroded, especially when it has already been repaired. Restyled ones are doing better in this regard, but not only because of age. Only the quality has improved.

One of the most important points in this model are the suspension and chassis. Here an independent system was used, a multi-link rear axle, which requires the correct geometry and rigidity for good car control. The rear axle is sometimes neglected and repairs can cost around PLN 1000, provided you don't change the shock absorbers. Even worse, when the fastenings of some levers rusted.

The front, despite the use of MacPherson struts, is also not cheap to maintain, because aluminum levers and pivots cannot be replaced. Unfortunately, rocker life at best average and only if they are replaced with high-quality ones (about PLN 500 apiece).

As for the suspension, it is worth mentioning Fr. adaptive IDS system. Adjustable damper shocks are quite expensive, but they can be rebuilt. However, this requires dismantling and waiting, which means less vehicle availability.

The Vectra C can be cumbersome when it comes to electrics. Combined turn signal switches (CIM module) may fail. The cost of repairs can reach 1000 PLN. Users also know the Vectra for minor equipment or lighting issues, especially the automatic air conditioning. Vectras are often running cars, so you can expect anything.

Which engine should you choose?

The choice is huge. In total we have 19 wheel versions plus the Irmsher i35 model. However, they can be divided into three groups.

The first is simple and proven low power gasoline engines. These are units with a capacity of 1,6 to 2,2 liters with two highlights. One of them is version 2.0 Turbo, which can be conditionally recommended - low mileage. The engine, although it has excellent parameters (175 hp), does not differ in durability. Usually 200-250 thousand. km is its upper limit. In order for it to travel more without the need for repairs, it needs a lot of attention from the start, which is hard to expect from users.

Second highlight 2,2 liter engine with 155 hp (code: Z22YH). This is the direct injection unit that underpins the 2,2 JTS engine used in the Alfa Romeo 159. The sophisticated timing and fuel-sensing injection should encourage you to look elsewhere. It is better to choose this indirect injection engine (147 hp) used before 2004, although this one is also not recommended.

We have petrol units one bunker - 1,8 l 122 hp or 140 hp - and one that works great with HBO - 1,6 liters with a capacity of 100 and 105 hp. Unfortunately, each of these engines produces scanty performance, although in the case of a 140 hp unit. the manufacturer claims acceleration to hundreds in 10,7 seconds. the above units such as oilso you have to keep watching.

The second group is diesel engines. less powerful. Top rated Fiat 1.9 CDTi. Power 100, 120 and 150 hp The choice is also important from the point of view of operation. 150 HP variant has 16 valves and is a little more demanding on maintenance. Type faults clogged EGR valve Is the DPF filter standard. The engine also struggles with blown intake valves.

Safe varieties are weaker, but also give worse performance. That's why an 8-valve unit with a capacity of 120 hp is optimal.. Simple, extremely durable, but requiring attention to the quality of fuel and oil. Well-maintained engines easily cover 500 kilometers. km, and if you need to repair the injection system or supercharger, it is not prohibitively expensive.

With 1.9 diesels, the rest is not even worth mentioning. Moreover, the units 2.0 and 2.2 are defective. In both cases, the injection system causes problems, and in 2.2, under heavy load, the cylinder head may burst.

The third group of engines is V6.. Petrol 2.8 Turbo (230–280 hp) and diesel 3.0 CDTi (177 and 184 hp) are units of increased danger and cost. In a gasoline engine, we have a rather delicate timing chain, the replacement of which will take several thousand. zloty. Added to this is the turbo system, albeit with a fairly robust single compressor. In a diesel, she's more of a concern sagging of the cylinder liner and a tendency to overheat. When buying a Vectra with such an engine, you should know the history of the car well, because the bike can already be improved, or you can correct it immediately after purchase if you are going to ride it longer. Because the parameters are quite nice.

Found in the V6 engine group raisins with a volume of 3,2 liters and a power of 211 hp.. Unlike the smaller and more powerful V6, it is naturally aspirated and more reliable, but also has a complex timing drive that will cost around PLN 4 to replace. It was mated with an automatic transmission as well as a manual transmission (5-speed!), so changing the clutch to a dual-mass wheel (around PLN 3500 just for parts) could be a nightmare. This version was only offered before the facelift. 

In terms of engines and drive systems, it's worth mentioning the M32 gearbox, which was matched with the 1.9 CDTi diesel but interchangeable with the F40 transmission. The former is quite delicate and may require bearings to be replaced (at best) or replaced (at worst) after purchase. The M32 transmission was also combined with a 2,2-liter gasoline unit. Automatic transmissions are average. and they are not problematic.

So which engine should you choose? In my opinion, there are three ways. If you count on decent parameters and a relatively economical ride, a 1.9 diesel is best. No matter which version. If you want to buy as safely as possible and with a low risk of more expensive repairs, then choose a 1.8 gasoline engine. If you like fast driving and have slightly higher expectations, you should consider the V6 petrol version, but you need to have a lot of cash on hand - at least 7.PLN - and you need to be mentally prepared for big expenses. It is good to buy a car with a documented replacement of the timing belt. Other engines can only be recommended if the vehicle has a low documented mileage or you know its history well.

See: Vectra C Fuel Reports.

Which Vectra to buy?

Definitely worth opting for a facelift copy if you have the right budget. Since you are reading this guide, you are probably interested in the cars that cause the least problems. In my opinion, this is the first Vectra C with a 1.8 petrol engine with 140 hp.which is optimal. You can install HBO in it, but you need to remember about the mechanical adjustment of the valves (plates), so the installation of HBO must be well thought out and, most importantly, of high quality.

The second economical option is 1.9 CDTi., especially with 120 hp This is a very safe diesel, but buy it when you have access to a mechanic who is familiar with such engines. This engine sometimes produces minor malfunctions that look alarming, so it is easy to stop it due to unnecessary expenses.

My opinion

Opel Vectra C may be associated with a cheap family car, but the nicer ones are still in good condition, which speaks in favor of the model. Try to find in this condition Ford Mondeo Mk 3, which is the closest competitor of Vectra. Therefore, although there is no special prestige in it, I still consider it a valuable model that will last for many years in good condition.