The Wife's Vectra-C - The other battle wagon

[Robsey]

It is obsolescence that will cause the Vectra's demise in years to come.
The last two times the car was forced off the road for more than a few days, I had struggled to find discontinued parts.

Fuel line last time.
Trailing arms and mounts this time.

They do not suffer from bodywork corrosion as such, which is what normally takes Vauxhalls to the scrapper.

According to a motoring friend, most cars are moderately trouble free for the first ten years.

This one has had all the usual Z19DTH failings, but it still plods on regardless.

[3cav3]

I'm amazed that Vauxhall has got on top of the rust with these, my 61 plate mk5 has already got a bit in the back of the one sill, the bottom of the drivers door( on the inside) and under one of the fake panels by the door that smooths out the rear body to the front door. Normally I would treat these before they got worse but my van also needs a gearbox, clutch and flywheel, new turbo, brakes and tyres sorting, a partial exhaust replacement including the dpf and a new timming belt kit so isn't along with some minor electrical gremlins isn't really worth repairing.
Hopefully for you the parts situation improves like it has to a certain extent with the Cavaliers. If you plan on keeping the Vectra for nearly ever would it be worth your while building up a stock of parts like I have for my mk2 Astra when they turn up cheap on ebay? I can't see there being much demand at the moment for a diesel 19 year Vectra so they should be able to be picked up for peanuts. Maybe if you've got room it may even be worth buying a whole car for spares?

[Envoy CDX]

Aye, It's a weird one, only time I see Vectra B's now is at shows, and the odd one here and there, Vectra C's have gone much the same way. Nipping to the scrap yard is harder and harder these days I have 3 in short distance, but usually end up going to the likes of UPullIt (180 mile round trip, so have to make it worth my while!) - seems that is where all Vauxhalls go these days. Trying to find Yaris bits are just as difficult it seems. It would surprise me if the scrappage scheme originally caused alot of these vehicles to disappear.

[Robsey]

Vectra now has a new 12 month ticket - woohoo.

I probably could have bought a very good example, for the amount that I have spent on it since the beginning of December...
A big chunk was two lots of van hire.
But the biggest cost was the Clutch, dual mass and timing belt in December.

Hey ho... it is done now.

[Envoy CDX]

All good, though in fairness you've been nursing that clutch for a good number of years now, so it's all swings and roundabouts there.
Thing is, a cosmetically good example and a mechanically good example are probably not going to be the same vehicle. I did some ebay hunting the other night and yes sub 800quid, but when you start delving into the mot history - better the devil you know I think is the way to go there.

Congrats on the pass, may it be many more years before any more significant cost is required.

[Robsey]

Cheers Gary,
The Vectra is home now.
A big sense of relief to have it back.

Ours is far from cosmetically and mechanically good.
It looks lived-in, and has been worked hard.
I suppose the MOT pass just means that it meets the minimum safety standards.
And then only until the car left the forecourt.

[Envoy CDX]

It's one of those things, but yeah at the time of inspection it was fine. Cars are meant to be used at the end of the day.
Glad you're relieved its back and hopefully the rental can go back ASAP if it hasn't already.

[Robsey]

It went back as soon as I got back from the day's errands.
The girl said it came back perfect, so full refund on it's way.

[Envoy CDX]

Excellent.

[3cav3]

Its great you've got a pass. I've probably spent the same on my Volvo as you since December, yet very little new parts to show for it. Lets hope you have a few more years before you have spend much on it again.

[Robsey]

I hope the car will be happy for a while.
It usually costs about £400 a year.

But this year, £2010 for parts and labour, and £600 for car hire.

I have a sneaking suspiscion that the exhaust is next.
Just rear mounts and rubbers, I think.

On the up-side...
It is the Cavalier's turn next.

I have told the garage that I will want it testing in mid-May, so that I know what work is needed after being laid up for four years...
Minimum will be the front jacking points, that are not for jacking up on.

[Envoy CDX]

Aye, it's a bit of a stinger, but it's done now.
Onto the Cav

[3cav3]

The way you have to look at it is what would £2600 buy you? In todays market unless you're really lucky, probably not a lot. Its often better to put money into something that overall you know is sound, than to an unknown quantity of another car. Equally though with every vehicle there comes a time when you have to cut your losses and bail out like I did with my wifes Panda.

[Robsey]

With the wife's car, it is also the load area that matters.

All modern cars come with no boot space.
Something vital for putting her wheelchair into.

It just goes into the Cavalier,



but there is bags more room in the Vectra.

Minimal corrosion, good comfort and handling.. and dare I say it, much less needy overall than the Cavalier is / was. And for it's age and weight - modestly economical to run. They are the reasons I persist with old cars.

That is why I hired a van, not a modern car.

Evening shots of the van