1.8vvt or 2.2 direct?

[robsriturbo]

Have had a quick search and can not find a similar thread.

Im in the process of selling my X5 and looking to get another facelift vectra.

have owned 2.0T pre - 2 1.9cdti 150 autos(no problems at all manifolds all fine) and a 2.2 se

problem is I'm down grading so only looking to spend £2500 which only really leaves my with 2 options the vvt or the direct and the last 2.2 I owned was terrible and the engine died due to poor compression and terrible oil consumption(rings).

Dont really want to buy a cdti on a budget and 2.0t are few and far between especially with £2500

only reason for even considering the 2.2 is they seem the cheapest to buy and there 6 speed with lower millage.

Is the direct much better than the se? is there really any benifit to buying a direct over the vvt?

have seen a 3.0 cdti on a 06 with 85k for slightly more but worried about buying a cdti for under 3k

any opinions welcome thanks

[chewy71]

1.8 without question, 2.2 is always a worry on the fuel pumps despite it being 're-designed'. Not much to choose between performance and only 10bhp difference. My 04 plate 2.2i direct went through the original fuel pump and two further of the supposed re-designed ones.
According to the folk on here, the 1.8 is one of the best engines in terms of reliability.

[jamiedvvt]

1.8 vvt is a good engine i love mine

[taffy bhoy]

1.8 everytime, wouldnt touch another 2.2 again after the fuel pump troubles i had, not to mention the fact it has a duel mass flywheel to worry about aswell

[Envy]

Done 102k on my 1.8VVT. After the timing belt and thermostat change (+cooloant flush) its running like a dream. Not bad on petrol either.

[NedVincent]

Loving my 1.8VVT so far. Very good for the money and 40MPG on average in the 6 weeks ive had it

[dave1419]

Love my 1.8vvt, enjoying the car-it has everything i need,comfort /As I'm an old fa*t--not bad MPG and parts quite cheap if i need any,----Dave

[bigstu31]

Owned my 1.8 vvt Sri nearly a year and only thing had to change was coil pack, had a v6 mondeo before this and to be honest im quite enjoying the extra money in my pocket from the difference in fuel consumption so for you coming down from an x5 you will find it a nice treat too. But its all in how heavy you bury your foot.. And i will say that the torque ain't that bad either, has a nice pick up from 35mph in fifth onwards.. Hope u find what you are looking for bud

[nigelbriggs]

had my 2.2 direct xp for 2 years and its still on the original siemens pump, never even had so much as a spanner light on the dash. and ive never had a car so reliable 90000 miles great mpg excellent on the motorway great to drive and all the toys i need.

i think this "myth of pump failures"is down to cheap supermarket petrol and not regular serviceing.

just my opinion

[Gubmint Agent]

I enjoy driving my 2.2 Direct and so far (59k) it's been problem-free. Motoroway driving is lovely, plenty of oomph and 6 gears but around town it's not that great. I wouldn't buy another one, but that's on economy grounds not mechanical ones.