How long will a 1.8 last?

[SD1992]

I am looking to buy a Vectra C 1.8 pre facelift, and I was wondering what sort of mileage they can run to?

There are plenty of them around the 120k mark for very good prices, but I am just not sure about a car with that many miles on it.

I can't afford to risk serious repair bills, so would it be worth spending more and getting a lower mileage one?

[mitch1965]

If it has good service history then it can run fine for miles more, if the engine has had regular oi changes it will run sweetly.
If the services are sketchy then leave well alone.
These higher milers are usually cruising the motorways all day long, & possibly less wear than a low miler..

[Hideous]

i believe if you are buying any car with 100,000+ miles on the clock, you should expect expensive problems to happen sometime fairly soon and budget accordingly. it's a gamble - who knows.
buy dirt cheap, expect the worst, then you won't be disappointed.

[Dazzy2006]

One thing to remember is its not just the engine that covers the miles so a good service history is a must and if you do test drive one then listen out for nasty bangs ect as vectra's are well know for snapping springs and upper control arms

[m8internet]

I've never had a car go more than 140K miles, however I do cover between 30K and 40K miles a year

My previous 1998 Vectra B went at 130K miles
At the final service I was advised the front suspension mountings were starting to show signs of wear and play, and would need replacing within the next 6 months
The quote was £850, as the entire sub-frame had to be removed
I sold the car a few months later after hunting around for a replacement
The car is obviously still going as when I check online it is showing as taxed
Unlike the replacement (a 2003 Mondeo) that has never been taxed again after I "sold" it in 2006

It's horses for courses and it depends on your attitude towards risk and how dependent you are on the car
Pay a little for the car, but expect expensive repair bills
Pay lots for a new car, but have any repairs paid for

[shadyone]

I'd say the gearbox is weaker than the engine on the 1.8,s. have bought and sold cars with well over 100k with little issues, its all in the maintenance.

[Big Sig]

All depends on the life it's had so far. I had an old xr3i with 130k on it, when the exhaust went and it was replaced it was the factory origional one. It was well looked after and ran great. No reason a new modern car cannot do the same if it's looked after.

[slindborg]

All depends on the life it's had so far. I had an old xr3i with 130k on it, when the exhaust went and it was replaced it was the factory origional one. It was well looked after and ran great. No reason a new modern car cannot do the same if it's looked after.

Agreed.

Just because a car has big miles dosent mean its about to fail.

I've seen ultra low mile cars be more of a Lemon when used properly than a same aged car with 'average' or more miles on it used the same way

[pinnacare]

There is more likelihood of ancilliary components failing on high mileage cars than low mileage....water pump, alternator, fuel pump, timing chain/tensioners , compressors etc etc etc........Although these components are not servicable items , they tend to go at those sort of miles due to wear and tear Regardless of normal service(Oil And plugs Change)
Vectras are even more prone to these sort of things.
Also the 1.8 engine tend to struggle. the best lump is 1.9 cdti 150.

[Big Sig]

the best lump is 1.9 cdti 150.

that is honestly the funniest thing I have read all day PMSL