Is a Signum the car for me?

[Marianne]

Having had all kinds of horrendous (& hideously expensive) faults the time has come to sell my Peugeot 407SW.

I quite like the look of the Signum (the 1.9 CDTi) - is there anything I should be looking out for / common faults/ best model?

What is the reliability like?

Apologies for all the questions! I'd like to make the right car choice this time!

[Jezzy]

The Signum is an excellent car, although only comes with 4 seats (but can be converted to 5, as I've done). The 1.9 can be problematic on occasions though. Judging the reliability is a bit difficult as it's probably the most common engine in the Vectra/Signum, so plenty of people have had problems with them but it's hard to tell if that's just because there are so many sold.

The 1.9 has an exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR), and this can be troublesome, causing lack of power. Common attempted fixes are to clean it, or replace it, and/or try a modified gasket design. There's also a common issue with the swirl valves, and to fix that Vauxhall would replace the manifold. If it's not under warranty, that repair would cost about £700-1000.

[Deztroyer]

as a matter of interest your 407sw wasn't the 1.6 hdi variant was it ??

[Maverick]

The Signum is an excellent choice. I have had two of them and am about to change over to an Insignia.

Yes there are some problematic 1.9 150's, but there are far more out there that have never had a problem than those that have.

I've had four 1.9 150's and been very pleased with all of them.

[Jezzy]

The Signum is an excellent choice. I have had two of them and am about to change over to an Insignia.

Yes there are some problematic 1.9 150's, but there are far more out there that have never had a problem than those that have.

I've had four 1.9 150's and been very pleased with all of them.

Just out of interest, why did you buy that spare turbo?

And didn't your car have a "new Alternator at Christmas, new Starter Motor just 3 weeks ago, new Gearbox, Clutch and DMF at 28000 miles"

[Maverick]

Just out of interest, why did you buy that spare turbo?

And didn't your car have a "new Alternator at Christmas, new Starter Motor just 3 weeks ago, new Gearbox, Clutch and DMF at 28000 miles"

Bought a spare Turbo to have it converted to hybrid by Turbo dynamics, but didn't get round to it., for £125 I could not say no, thats now sold for £250.

Yes it had an alternator. Starter motor didn't fail it was replaced as a precaution, and yes the 3rd gear failed, and DMF and clutch were replaced as a precaution. Still never had a break down with it.

Still no issues with the 1.9 engine though.

Your not having a dig again are you Jezzy?

[Penfold101]

Your not having a dig again are you Jezzy?

Quick, mention something about your Insignia's DRLs, then Fruit 'n' Nut can get involved too...

[chrisvectra]

lol

[Maverick]

lol

LOL PMSL, it's a shame when we get green eyed monsters about.

[Big Sig]

The Signum is an excellent car, although only comes with 4 seats (but can be converted to 5, as I've done).

No it doesn't, they are all 5 seaters with proper 3 point belts. Its just the rear seat in the middle is only suitable for kids and short journeys really