Opel Vectra C

The interest in this car today is understandable. The design of Vector C does not make as strong an impression as at the time of its debut, but it is not outdated either. The new model was once praised for breaking the stereotype that the Opel is a car for retirees. However, it is more important that the Opel Vectra C is fully functional and meets the requirements of the modern world. In the secondary market, the car is represented by three types of body: sedan, 5-door hatchback and wagon. The first is for lovers of classical elegance. The second was initially offered only in the GTS version with a modified suspension, and the manufacturer emphasized, above all, its dynamic design and driving qualities. Only since 2004, the hatchback began to be sold with a conventional suspension and was positioned as a more functional car. The GTS version continued to be assembled in parallel. The most practical is, of course, the third version of the body - wagon, when designing which the manufacturer decided on an unusual step, namely the expansion of the chassis. This allowed to save a large enough space inside and get a roomy trunk of 530 liters, which can be increased to an impressive 1850 liters if you fold the back sofa. Vektra in this version is an ideal car not only for the family, but also for lovers of outdoor activities. On its basis, the luxurious Signum model was later built. It is especially worth noting the good quality of the body assembly. Corrosion problems mainly concern samples that were carelessly restored after the accident: even the oldest specimens of rust can not be found. A fairly rigid body in combination with a good quality of finishing materials excludes the appearance in the cabin of any clicks or creaks.

Walking

Unfortunately, inside you can clearly hear the hum of the rear tires and the suspension. The latter is caused by the low strength of the chassis elements, which was found almost immediately after the start of sales. So, during the tests for wear resistance, the German automotive publication Auto Bild estimated the life of the suspension the worst, and this despite the fact that most of the route of the test car ran along the German autobahns. Over time, the manufacturer made constructive changes, but they did not lead to a significant improvement in the situation. Although the fully independent suspension on both axles provides excellent driving comfort and excellent handling, it is the element most prone to wear. Especially on the bumps, of which there are a huge number on Russian roads. Vulnerable places: stabilizer racks, ball, Silent-blocks of levers and support bearings of front shock absorbers. Wear of the rear suspension elements leads to a rapid loss of geometry, which in turn contributes to uneven wear of the rear tire tread, and the appearance of additional noise during movement. Mechanics recommend adjusting the angles of installation of the rear wheels on each maintenance. In consolation, it should be added that with the exception of replacing aluminum levers, repairing the suspension is not too complicated and expensive. The brakes of Opel work effectively while cold. Unfortunately, they easily overheat and lose their effectiveness. This should be remembered during dynamic and sporty driving, as well as when driving heavily loaded cars, especially in mountainous areas.

Electrician.

The competence of a mechanic is especially important when it comes to troubleshooting failures in a rather complex and capricious electrician. Most electricians will cope with the banal malfunction of the central lock, but it is not easy to diagnose and restore the failed electrical equipment correctly. In addition to the lock, sometimes the display on the center console, and even the electronics of the engine control, fails. When inspecting the Opel Vectra C, be sure to check the operation of the electrical components, including the boot lid opening button.

There are problems with the SIM module (failures in the operation of various electronic systems appear). If you can repair it, otherwise you will have to buy a new one - more than 25 000 rubles. And since many car blocks are tied to the SIM module, after replacing the module, they will have to be reprogrammed.

Engines

Among the engines, the least problems are delivered by 1.6- and 1.8-liter gasoline units. But the small engine is too weak and suitable only for economical taxi drivers. The 1.8 liter 140 hp (1.8 XER), which has been available since 2006, is performing better and is able to meet the needs of most drivers. Both engines have upper camshafts (DOHC system) driven by a belt, with a recommended replacement time of 90,000 km. Negligence in this regard will be expensive – in the event of a break in the belt, major engine repairs are inevitable. It is worth adding that major repairs are usually impractical - the engine is easier to replace. The 1.8 XER has a number of drawbacks. After 50-150 thousand km, the gears of the phase rotator can fail, after 80-120 thousand km, the heat exchanger gasket is handed over (oil can get into antifreeze), and after 150-200 thousand km, the crankcase gas recirculation valve (built into the valve cover). In addition, the engine is devoid of hydraulic compensators, and the adjustment of the valve gap is prescribed every 150,000 km. 2.2-liter engine has a chain drive of the timing system, which at first glance may seem an advantage. However, in practice, the chain is too delicate – its replacement may be necessary after several tens of thousands of kilometers. In addition, this power plant consumes a lot of fuel and burns an excess amount of oil. 155-horsepower version of the Z22YH has an unreliable TNVD, which can fail after 50-100 thousand km, and its cost is about 20 000 rubles.

Transmission

In a pair of engines assigned 5 or 6-speed mechanics, 5-band "robot", as well as 5 or 6-speed automatic. 6-speed boxes were considered gasoline 2.8 l and diesel 3.0 l 5-speed mechanics F17 has become the most widespread. It had two characteristic drawbacks: paint the gears of the differential and premature wear of the secondary shaft bearing. If the first disease was characteristic of those who prefer an aggressive manner of driving, the second affected any driver. In 2007, the bearing was upgraded and the problem became much less common. 5-speed F23, F35 and 6-speed F40 much more reliable. The clutch service life is usually at least 150-200 thousand km. 5-band "robot" Easytronic combined exclusively with 1. 8XER (140 hp) and was built on the basis of a 5-speed F17. However, there are practically no problems with the differential here, and the bearing wears out much later. However, timely adaptation of the clutch is necessary. Owners occasionally face failures in the box, and some have to repair the control unit. All automatic transmissions are developed by the Japanese company Aisin Warner: 5-speed AW55-50 SN (AF23/AF33) and 6-speed TF80SC (AF40-6). Both boxes are relatively reliable. However, the machines of the pre-restyling versions are considered less enduring. The first problems arise after 100-150 thousand km due to the failure of solenoids, and after 200-250 thousand km have to face the wear of the hydraulic transformer, the products of wear of which disable the hydraulic unit and the bushing of the pump.

Walking

• So, during the tests for wear resistance, the German automotive publication Auto Bild estimated the life of the suspension the worst, and this despite the fact that most of the route of the test car ran along the German autobahns.
• Although the fully independent suspension on both axles provides excellent driving comfort and excellent handling, it is the element most prone to wear.
• Wear of the rear suspension elements leads to a rapid loss of geometry, which in turn contributes to uneven wear of the rear tire tread, and the appearance of additional noise during movement.
• Mechanics recommend adjusting the angles of installation of the rear wheels on each maintenance.
• In consolation, it should be added that with the exception of replacing aluminum levers, repairing the suspension is not too complicated and expensive.
• This should be remembered during dynamic and sporty driving, as well as when driving heavily loaded cars, especially in mountainous areas.
• With the possibility of purchasing spare parts and finding a good mechanic who knows Opel, there are no problems - this applies to all Vectra systems.
• Most car service providers recommend as often as possible and more qualitatively service the suspension, and change the "rubber bands" even with traces of minimal wear.

Electrician.

• Most electricians will cope with the banal malfunction of the central lock, but it is not easy to diagnose and restore the failed electrical equipment correctly.
• When inspecting the Opel Vectra C, be sure to check the operation of the electrical components, including the boot lid opening button.
• There are problems with the SIM module (failures in the operation of various electronic systems appear).
• If you can repair it, otherwise you will have to buy a new one - more than 25 000 rubles.

Engines

• Among the engines, the least problems are delivered by 1.6- and 1.8-liter gasoline units.
• Both engines have upper camshafts (DOHC system) driven by a belt, with a recommended replacement time of 90,000 km.
• Negligence in this regard will be expensive – in the event of a break in the belt, major engine repairs are inevitable.
• It is worth adding that major repairs are usually impractical - the engine is easier to replace.
• However, in practice, the chain is too delicate – its replacement may be necessary after several tens of thousands of kilometers.
• Fans of fast driving better pay attention to the 2-liter turbo engine, which does not require large operating costs: the chain drive of the timing system is more reliable (serves about 200,000 km), and the turbocharger has a high resistance to wear (up to 300,000 km).
• Heavy loads on the front axle are a problem and cars with diesel engines with a working volume of 2.0 and 2.2 liters.
• Problems are more often associated with the power system: the fuel pump fails or leakage is lost, which leads to air pumping and difficulties with starting.
• In versions before 2006, the oil level must be kept near the mark "MAX" on the probe, as the oil intake is set too high.

Transmission

• It had two characteristic drawbacks: paint the gears of the differential and premature wear of the secondary shaft bearing.
• In 2007, the bearing was upgraded and the problem became much less common.
• However, there are practically no problems with the differential here, and the bearing wears out much later.
• Owners occasionally face failures in the box, and some have to repair the control unit.
• The first problems arise after 100-150 thousand.
• km due to the failure of solenoids, and after 200-250 thousand
• km have to face the wear of the hydraulic transformer, the products of wear of which disable the hydraulic unit and the bushing of the pump.
• The cost of repair will be at least 60-80 thousand rubles.

The most popular models in the market are those released after facelift, which is explained by slightly better reliability and a younger age of the car. Looking for a wagon, it is better to abandon versions with rich equipment, since additional equipment often fails: for example, an electric hydraulic drive of a trunk door - the cost of restoring more than 30,000 rubles.

Overall, the Opel Vectra is a reliable car that can last a long time. The suspension condition should not be the main obstacle when buying, since most of its elements are of decent quality and are available for relatively little money. A little for the repair of the suspension will take and mechanics. Beware of instances recovered after an accident and with malfunctions in the electrician, which in this car causes a lot of trouble.

• So, during the tests for wear resistance, the German automotive publication Auto Bild estimated the life of the suspension the worst, and this despite the fact that most of the route of the test car ran along the German autobahns.
• With the banal malfunction of the central lock will cope with most electricians, but correctly diagnose and restore the failed electrical equipment is not easy.
• Engines: Among the engines, the least problems are delivered by 1.6- and 1.8-liter gasoline units.
• Transmission: It had two characteristic drawbacks: painting of the gears of the differential and premature wear of the secondary shaft bearing.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.