July 2003
I am contemplating purchasing an S80 for around £11,000.
There seems to be a lot of bad comments about the '99 model's reliability in the forums.
Is it just restricted to that particular year or are all of them a bit suspect?
Which model is thought to be the best and how does it stack up against a BMW 5 series, which could be an alternative choice.
How do the servicing costs compare? Read more
Peeps,
Any views, preferably experience basd on the Rover 45 TD with the L series lump.
I would like the 75 beasty but really they seem to be holding values pretty well so may be out of my range, unless that mythical heavy depreciation turns up with Santa Claus.
By then I could have 9K for a <50K cdt if one exists, but I may just give up and look at the smaller brother esp. as it would fit the on the drive.
All views welcome (I'll weed out those I don't like!)
Cheers Read more
I do not really need a big car and would not like heavy running costs (fuel, tyres etc), but I would make an exception for the 75 just because I like them.
The diesel version of the 75 would mitigate some of the costs and remove the expensive periodic one off bills (like cambelts-I don?t like them anyway) and add heavy tyre wear.
I don?t mind the diesel oil change period, I see it as insurance against big scary expensive problems.
Since diesels turned up on my radar the logic in them should apply to the 45 as well. The TD 0-60 time (from the Rover online brochure) is 1.3 second less than the 1.8 petrol but mid-range times are better and they are well appointed.
I take your points about the noise though, the L series is used in the Freelander and you know when one has pulled up at the lights beside you. At least no-one has reliability probs to report.
Omega?s only 3? longer than the 75 but quite a bit heaver, I?ll look into them but I can?t say I would love to own one.
Thanks for your views, it helps to distil what I really want / need.
Another useless, but interesting question!
What car(s) would you buy if you won the lottery?
rules- No Macca F1 - everyone would!
No Enzo - Coz you couldnt!
This should be fun......
Mines would be:
If i could buy one car only it would be a Ferrari 360 Spyder, because it just makes you ache for one. Grigio Alloy thanks.
If I was choosing a few it would be Porsche 996 Turbo for everyday, Ferrari 360 Spyder (as above) and Range Rover Vogue with an Overfinch package. An F40 for fun - if you need to know why, what are you doing on this site?!
Read more
Triumph Vitesse 2ltr soft top and Rover p6 auto.
mmmmmm I can feel things stiffening already.
Regards.
Cutting out,
Any advice as to why the above car cuts out when applying the clutch pedal whilst slowing down, and mostly in warm weather?
The car restarts without problems.
Thanks,
Pork Pie.
above wording amended. Posting soley in caps is thought to be bad manners (it\'s a way of expressing bad temper because it looks as if you\'re shouting). Read more
This comes on after even ashort journey. I've been told fan is ok ? Any ideas ? (1991 model) Read more
which was best?? Read more
Barbara Bach, mmmmmmmm, cute.
Actually it was Catherine Bach, not Barbara Bach. Barbara Bach was in The Spy Who Loved Me, not that my head is filled with Trivia.
Which brings me nicely to the Esprit in that film,
Was it the best Bond car? It had more features then the DB5.
Having experienced GM's unacceptable 1.6 petrol engine as at 1996 but having had no trouble with their current (if hardly leading edge) 2.0 DTi unit I am wondering if Vauxhall's current engines (petrol and diesel) and their engine management systems can now be relied upon to stay the course and keep out of the shop, and if the petrol engines, like those of other makes, can run satisfactorily on any BS standard fuel.
Frankly, if I can't resolve this situation, my hard earned money will go to another maker next time - I can't afford to indulge pretentious cars that don't cut it even if I do have GM points. Read more
I am nearing 3 yrs of owning a 97 (P) Vectra 2.0 Di. Being a licensed taxi driver, i do cover quite a few miles. I am currently on 215,000 miles & it still drives as good as when i bought it. It has never let me down since i've had it. The only things i have done to this car is a new alternator about 6-7 months back. A new battery about 2 years ago & a set of brakes on the front. The 2nd MOT required me to get a new handbrake cable. I do change the oil n filters normally around the 10,000 mark. I bought the car with 90,000 miles with full service history.
I would personally definately buy another Vauxhall, but not from the main dealers after seeing prices on some of the wesites that this very site offers?
Paul...
I'm considering buying a R reg 306 and I have a few queries. The first one is regarging air con, I had built my hopes up about getting air conditioning in my new car! The one I am looking at doesn't have it, for those of you of that have air conditioning do you believe it makes a huge difference? Secondly if I really wanted to splash out could I have it installed and how much would it cost to do so if I could? Thirdly, instead of air con the 306 has a sunroof, the dealer told me that the sun roof only tilts and to get a full "hole" then you have to physically take it off. Is that so? Also is it electric or manual? I think that is all for now. Thanks for any help people would be able to offer.
Jon Read more
hootie: once you try automatic climate control, you will never want to be without it - summer or winter! (in my car, you can accurately set and maintain the temperature for drivers and passengers independently.)
Please don't laugh, but would someone be able to give me a quick explanation of what this does, and what maintenance is needed?
Last year I know I had a new timing belt as recommended by the manufacturer of my car, but that's the most I've ever got involved with.
Now a friend of mine tells me her car (newly second hand purchase) is in the garage for the third time, 'having a new camshaft?' is what she's put.
She obviously doesn't really know, and nor do I. So I'd like to, if someone would oblige in simple terms.
Thnks.
"Appearances can be Deceptive" Read more
Hootie,
The point here is that the camshaft area is "a tad busy" in the engine room. There's a lot of moving parts up here, right at the top of the engine.
If the oil changes are missed the shaft can wear and so will the followers, hydraulic lifters, pistons, big-end shells and bearings.
Warning, trouble imminent if you get my drift.
Exactly the same as furring of the arteries. Can't get the blood to the heart muscle which gradually dies.
Just like this poor camshaft.
I have just bought a '97 Vectra 2.0Di with 80K on the clock.
So far thanks to your wonderful knowledge you have solved the following
ECU light problem - Air Mass meter changed
Not starting in mornings - Have changed the spill back pipes.
Now running nicely, except I'm concerned about the cam chain.
Do i need to replace it or anything?
The engine does kind of "buzz" above 3000rpm, is this normal for this engine or am i worrying over nothing??
Cheers
Carl Read more
OK I'm going to have to change the entire sump tomorrow.
Decided that as it was going to cost £100 to get it helicoiled I might as well get a new one from a dealer for £116.
Anyone know of anything else i should worry about in doing this job ??????
Browse
I'd agree with SjB about the S80.
The other bit I would add is that these engines are proven. If the service history is fine, it's no greater reliability risk than anything else on offer.