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11/08/2008
By EWAN KENNEDY
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Though Vectra was a medium car when it was introduced to Australia in 1997, it grew into a much larger machine with its next iteration. Indeed, from March 2003 it became almost Commodore in size. Which hindsight says was probably a mistake, because the larger Vectra series didn’t sell well and was discontinued at the end of 2006.
The relatively high prices of the Vectra didn’t help, and Holden was forced to trim the cost of new cars during 2004 and 2005, something that always alienates those who have bought a car at the higher price.
 Vectra was designed and built by Opel, a German car maker that has been controlled by GM since the 1920s. And which largely operates as a European marque rather than an American one, with all that means in the way of driving pleasure and sharp handling. Some models were assembled by Holden in Australia to the original design, but with minor changes to suit Australian driving conditions.
Holden Vectra first reached Australia in June 1997 and immediately impressed keen drivers because of its dynamic abilities. Road grip is impressive and Vectra is happy to change direction when asked to do so mid-corner. It retains its composure pretty well on rough Aussie back roads and manages to remain stable on corrugated tracks that can upset Asian competitors.
Vectra was initially imported as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback. A five-door station wagon was added to the lineup when local assembly began in August 1998. Wagons were taken off the market at the end of 2000, though some may not have been registered until the first months of the new millennium.
Interior room is good in the front but rear legroom prior to the 2003 model is marginal if the front seats are set well back. The front seats in all versions are comfortable and support well. The boot volume is good in all versions with the wagon having a nicely shaped load area that can carry reasonably bulky items.
 Initially the lower cost Vectra models used a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Its capacity was increased to 2.2 litres with the change to Australian manufacture in 1998. This unit has good torque output over a large spread of revs, though it is not as refined as some in its class.
The topline Vectra CD (hatchback only) used a 2.5-litre V6. That engine is typically European in its setup and doesn't have a lot of grunt at lower revs. Rather it’s aimed at slow, around town work and high-speed motorway cruising. Try it for yourself if you are doing a lot of suburban and commuting driving and make it work in high gears to get a feel for what it’s like.
The larger-bodied 2003 Holden Vectra has a choice between a 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine and a 3.2-litre V6, the latter built by Holden and exported to the European factory before doing a U-turn and making its way back here in a completed car. Seems like as waste of energy and not exactly kind to the environment…
Most Vectra V6 models came with four-speed automatic transmission only, until the ZC model was introduced in 2003, when it moved up to the extra refinement and performance offered by a five-speed auto. The rest of the Vectra range gives buyers the choice between a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual.
Holden Vectras are relatively complicated, so all but basic servicing and repairs are best left to the professional mechanic. If you do your own work make sure you have access to a workshop manual. We recommend that you don’t tackle any safety-related work yourself.
 Vectra has the advantage of being backed by the huge Holden dealer network. However, some spare parts may not be stocked in remote areas, though they can usually be shipped there in a day or so. Parts prices are around average for a European car of this type, usually more expensive than for the locally-built Holdens, though not excessively so.
Insurance costs are generally on the low to medium side in their range. We know of no insurance company that discriminates between four and six-cylinder engines in premiums.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Look for signs of body damage or previous repairs. The latter can most easily be spotted by checking for wrinkles in the panels. These are seen more easily if you look along the length of the panel against a good light.
Check for poor quality repairs in hard to see areas such as under the bonnet and in the boot.
Paint that isn’t an exact match from the old to the new paint indicates a former respray.
The interior generally stands up well to rough usage but, as in all cars, can be wrecked by uncaring occupants.
Check for scuffing on the left-hand tyres and wheels as these are quite big cars and some drivers rub the tyres against kerbs while parking.
Be sure that the engine starts virtually immediately and the four-cylinder idles reasonably smoothly. The six-cylinder should be all but imperceptible when it’s idling.
Engines should pull without hesitation even when cold, run without any rattles and not puff smoke from the exhaust under acceleration.
Manual gearboxes generally hold up well, but be suspicious of one that baulks and/or is noisy during changes. A fast three-two downshift usually the best way to find out if there is a problem.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to spend from $4500 to 7000 for a 1997 Vectra 2.0-litre CD sedan; $6000 to $10,000 for a 2000 1.9-litre GL hatch or a 2000 2.2-litre wagon; $10,000 to $15,000 for a 2003 2.2-litre CD hatch; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2004 3.2-litre CDX hatch; and $21,000 to $31,000 for a 2006 3.2-litre CDXi hatch.
CAR BUYING TIP
Ask around amongst owners of a car you’re thinking of buying. Most are only too happy to talk about their pride and joy – or a car that’s causing them grief…
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