buying 1.8 vectra 02 need help!!!!!

**amaughan** · 28th January 2010, 13:23

can anyone tell me what i should look out for when buying this model.just dont wanna miss anything that could be broken on it.thanks
aaron maughan

**carpet** · 28th January 2010, 15:19

Broken front springs, loose heatshields (around exhaust, loud rattle), juddering clutch, but on the whole not a bad choice of Vectra C as the 1.8 does not seem to have the many faults that occure on the 1.9 oilers. Although not a greyhound it will cruise all day at the legal limit on the m-way, an 02 should have cruise control which I find a must on m-ways. I have covered about 40K on my late 02 and the only bill I have had, apart from a timing belt, has been when I serviced it on an annual basis. Belt change at around 40k / 50K.

**Birchy63** · 28th January 2010, 15:32

Yea, springs/shocks are rubbish.... Make sure it's had it's cambelt done at the correct 40k intervals too.

**amaughan** · 28th January 2010, 19:32

thanks lads great help.where would the cruise control buttons by the way.thanks.

**amaughan** · 28th January 2010, 19:35

also how does this preform.accelleration,top speed etc...

**Waterboy** · 28th January 2010, 19:41

From Parkers guide on my 02 plate 1.8 Club :

Performance Engine Size 1796 cc
Cylinders 4
0-60 mph 10.2 s
Power Output 120 bhp
Valves 16
Torque 167 Nm 123 lb-ft
Top Speed 126 mph

Costs MPG 38
Insurance Group 7
Euro Emissions Standard IV
CO2 Emissions 175 g/km
Road Tax Band H

**Ste** · 28th January 2010, 22:58

I have the 1.8 - I have done 120,000 of the 132,000 miles on the clock.

Overall it has been very reliable, but the servicing is done properly.
The only significant problem I have had is recently with a cambelt sensor circuit malfunction. I have tried lots of things to solve with no progress and the dealer is stumped too.

A broken spring also, but that easy. Rear suspension top links are also a known problem on all Vec C, but easy to check by trying the rock the top of the rear wheels in a inwards / outwards motion and listening and feeling for play and knocking.

As said, check for cambelt KIT (includes rollers and tensioner) and water pump changes in history.

Acceleration ain't that great, but it is a 1.8 after all.
My fuel economy is typically around 40 mpg, but I do mainly motorway but am not renowned for hanging around.

**Dose** · 28th January 2010, 23:05

1.8 is a decent strong engine if looked after..regular service intervals and cam belts and your all the road...

like said usual things like broken springs tired shocks are common but easily rectified..

i have done 20k in mines in a year and a half with now issues what so ever now on 47k serviced every 6 months and i done a cambelt and pump at 27k when i bought it

**cruzy** · 28th January 2010, 23:29

nice car mate, just look around for a nice one, check the engine over and also check it for any signs of bodywork damage

**amaughan** · 29th January 2010, 13:29

is a new cam belt expensive including labor.im not too mechanically minded im afraid haha.will i need to jack it up to check the springs?thanks guys great help.