Cheap Vectra? Is it worth it?

[tmorgan]

Hi - I just noticed this Vectra (99model 4 cylinder - link below). At that price, I'm tempted to buy it for my daughter as a first car. I've heard they're fairly safe (airbags, traction control etc.). I've also however heard that can be trouble if they're not looked after. I'm mechanically minded, and can fix most things, so that's not a huge problem to restore it if needed, but what is the price of parts like (eg. head gasket kits, clutch kits etc - if required).

It may end up going for more, but looks cheap atm - this is the car in question:

1999 Holden Vectra 2.2 GL 4 Door Sedan, 198154km (543027-3) (0003-67268) | GraysOnline Australia

[Blown V6 Hatch]

Honestly, steer clear of Vectras, they're buckets of crap. If you're looking for a reliable small/ish 4 cylinder car, buy a Toyota.

The cheapest car normally ends up being the most expensive car....

[Calaber]

I don't agree that they are "buckets of crap" but that always seems to be the opinion of younger drivers. I drove one all around the UK in 2000 - it was only a 1.4 litre manual, but it was a safe and comfortable car. The biggest problem with imported Holdens, particularly Vauxhalls and Opels, is the cost of replacement parts and the lack of durability of interior fittings designed for cooler climates. They were a nice car to drive, safe and well engineered. They were definitely a better car to drive in 1999 than say the Camry but old Toyotas do have a reputation of being reliable to the point of boredom. If you want a cheap and "reliable" car for your daughter, Toyota's are probably the best bet, but as pointed out above, very cheap to buy usually means very expensive to own.

[Chilly]

Family friend had a Vectra and it was FU****G TERRIBLE!! mechanically that is. It was never thrashed or mistreated ( the owner was fairly old), personally i'd stick clear of 'em.

[ari666]

weird thread is weird;: a guy that drives a 300c, posts a question (his first and only post) about vectras on a commodore website?

weird.

[Astranomical]

and the lack of durability of interior fittings designed for cooler climates.

I hate to say it, but I have to admit...the overall fit and finish of the interior in my AH Astra is a cut above that of Dad's VE Berlina. As much as I love the VE, I have to admit that the Astra's interior does make it feel extremely cheap in comparison. (then again, the interior of pretty much any Jap car will as well) As for its durability, the car is 3 years old and the interior is still practically as it was when it was new. I intend to keep the car for 5 years and since I take good care of the car (I wash it inside and out weekly) I expect the interior to hold up as good as any other car.

Personally I'd go with a Vectra if it was a good example, had been looked after well and had low k's. That one has nearly 200,000km, and judging by the ad, it doesn't sound like it has been looked after all that well...I'd steer clear.

[Calaber]

I hate to say it, but I have to admit...the overall fit and finish of the interior in my AH Astra is a cut above that of Dad's VE Berlina. As much as I love the VE, I have to admit that the Astra's interior does make it feel extremely cheap in comparison. (then again, the interior of pretty much any Jap car will as well) As for its durability, the car is 3 years old and the interior is still practically as it was when it was new. I intend to keep the car for 5 years and since I take good care of the car (I wash it inside and out weekly) I expect the interior to hold up as good as any other car.

Personally I'd go with a Vectra if it was a good example, had been looked after well and had low k's. That one has nearly 200,000km, and judging by the ad, it doesn't sound like it has been looked after all that well...I'd steer clear.

The quality of interior trim in your Astra is much better than a 1999 Vectra, though.

[sleepa]

My mate has a vectra about that year, and I gotta say I am impressed with it, no issues with his, very good interior, heaps of luxury stuff, and he drives it hard. But his could just be the exception to the rule as I have never been in another vectra before.

[tmorgan]

weird thread is weird;: a guy that drives a 300c, posts a question (his first and only post) about vectras on a commodore website?

weird.

yes, first post. If you do a search on Vectra forum, this is actually site that comes up in google (even though it's a commodore forum). The 'general' section appeared to be anything not related to commodores listed in the other forums. Not that weird really. Thanks for all replies. I take those comments into consideration.

[slammedvz]

as a parts manager at a holden dealership, dont buy one unless your rich. Buy her a cheap hyundai or toyota or something.

[Philthy]

I've never seen a well looked after vectra in my life. They all seem to be driven by young girls with no idea about regular servicing/basic maintenance. They seem to have a few nice features, but generally seem to be falling apart.
IMO the best small car these days is a corolla

[sweefu]

Arent vectra's notorious for constantly blowing up?

[VNCommyBeast]

my first car was a vectra, i got it as a gift and i feel ripped off. the interior was real good, had all the gadgets. the actual car part of it was the problem, an absolute gas guzzler with no power. my 3.8 VN used so much less petrol. parts were mighty expensive for it too. you should get her a commodore! haha

[Dayvo]

My neighbour has one ( an auto )and has had nothing but trouble with it . In summer when the temp gets over 35 degrees it goes into limp mode and you have to change gears manually . He took it to a holden dealer and was told this is a common problem .

[Calaber]

My neighbour has one ( an auto )and has had nothing but trouble with it . In summer when the temp gets over 35 degrees it goes into limp mode and you have to change gears manually . He took it to a holden dealer and was told this is a common problem .

I think they were a car that was nice when new, but once age crept up, they turned nasty. As I said earlier, the near new one I drove around the UK (3300 miles in three weeks) was a dream, but that was ten years ago. It would be an old dog now.