Changes in Car Designs

[RobW]

I find that some cars age well and still have a modern look where some look VERY dated.

I remember when the Peugeot 306 first came out, I thought it looked as modern as could be but looking at one now and it looks very 90's, very dated. Same goes for the early Audi A4's IMO.

One point that might divide the masses but for me, the Vectra B looks dated now too except for the higher spec, well maintained ones. I see a lot of the standard LS's on the road with 3 wheel trims, faded paint and yellow headlights and enough dirt on them to make 3 new islands on Dubai's coastline! The flip side of the coin is when you see a nicely looked after GSi with gleaming paint and clean alloys!

What do you think will happen to the Vectra C in 10 or 15 years time? Will they just look like an out of date cheap runabout? Or will only the good ones survive? I plan on keeping mine looking clean, polished and try to keep it modern.

[Grumpy1954]

Well, there seem to be a lot of members on here interested in keeping their cars clean and looking good, so I'd guees the good ones will survive, but there'll be a lot of tatty ones about.
Ian

[GTS]

As you said mate, and that's what I also say that well keeped, clean, tidy and shiny car ever when it's over 10yo looks at least a few years younger. Also styling packages, some small external mods make your car looking younger. My car will have finished by the end of this year 5yo and it passed so qucikly since I bought her, she was 2 then... Very soon will be ten nad more, but still looks fab to me

[m8internet]

The Vectra B was an enoromous departure from the previous Cavalier
I thought the Vectra C looked too much like another manufacturers car when it was first released and didn't like it
The Insignia was uninspiring

Ford did a similar transformation with the Mondeo a few years later, out went the curves and circles and in came the sharp edges with the Mark 3

The one that surprised me most was the Skoda, but recently this has followed the Vectra C into the stable of Insignia blandness

[Vectra_C_Chris]

The Vectra C compared to the cars available over here, of the same age and rough price range, looks beautiful compared to all the commodores, falcons and toyota's. Just the other day my friend mentioned how sleek and fresh it looked. And I completely agree. Even it being a pre-facelift. Its a beautiful looking car compared to many in the same market.

[Big Knox]

Pre-face already looks dated imo

[HITFACTORY1403]

Cavaliers were only phased out approximately 16 years ago ...

and i think i've only seen one this year ...

do you think Vectra C's will be around in their hundreds in 15 years time .

maybe cars are built better these days , built to last or are they built with obseletion in mind so you buy the next product ..

[jimmyred]

you do still see odd cavalier knocking about, also some really old astras. I agree the vectra b does look a bit dated now. It looks quite similar to a certain type of astra...don't know which letter there is so many! I really like the way my prefacelift looks...i think i prefer its headlights (i mean shape, not power obviously!) to the facelift, although the facelift has better griile. It looks a lot better than an avensis for instance i think.

[Penfold101]

I personally believe the Vectra and (to a slightly lesser extent) the Signum already look outdated, old and boxy compared to the modern Mondeo and Insignia. The interior especially is bland and square.

However, no other car offers the same value and wealth of gadgets with decent engines for the pittance you can buy them for. Also, I know know what goes on under the bonnet, what brakes you can have, how to deal with the major issues etc, all from this forum, so until I can afford an Audi A5 I'm sticking with them as they're a great motorway cruiser...