Hello fellow users!
I have put a deposit on a Jan 2002 1.8 Vectra, 36K on the clock (subject to a test drive first) and before I can test drive it the place I'm getting it from said that they need to replace the crank sensor and then reset the Engine Management System (apparently only a Vauxhall Dearlership can do this)
Is this something I should be worrying about or not?
I have obviously done some research on what to look for on a second hand vectra and I don't remember reading about the crank sensor.
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!!
Gary.
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Gary, nothing to worry about, its quite common for these to go, try and get them to replace the cam sensor aswell because that will probably go next. VX charge more than enough to replace these, but you can get them for about £35 and fit them yourself if you look in Haynes. Having said this my Vectra's done86k and hasn't needed any yet. Good car enjoy.
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There is an on-going quality issue with the crank and cam sensors used on these vehicles. They can typically fail after two years. Having been involved in specifying sensors for engine management applications (not with GM, I might add!) my own view is that the cam sensor, in particular, is underspecified wrt operating temperature.
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Thanks prm!
I've done a lot of checking on this car and for every bad report about them there's two good ones!
My only other concern is the mileage. When looking over the car I found some LEX Vehicle Leasing mats in the boot. Now this can mean it's had regular servicing or not? maybe. I checked the oil and it's not too dark in color and the engine bay is really clean & tidy.
The company I'm buying it from have not recieved any service history for it yet from the previous owners, but even if they don't I'm not too worried. I took off the oil filler cap and felt the cam lobes and there seemed to be no wear at all.
Thanks
Gary.
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My only other concern is the mileage. When looking over the car I found some LEX Vehicle Leasing mats in the boot. Now this can mean it's had regular servicing or not? maybe. I checked the oil and it's not too dark in color and the engine bay is really clean & tidy.
GazKaz
Always be vigilant when buying *any* secondhand car. It looks like this is an ex-lease car. You want to independently check out the mileage. In my youth I used to occassionally prepare cars for the forecourt and I can tell you that a steam clean and blast of engine lacquer can hide a multitude of problems.
The company I'm buying it from have not recieved any service history for it yet from the previous owners, but even if they don't I'm not too worried. I took off the oil filler cap and felt the cam lobes and there seemed to be no wear at all. Thanks Gary.
You really should take a look at the s/history and V5 - this will help verify the mileage and will enable you to carry out checks with the previous owners(s). If a car of that age does not have any service documents with it then be suspicious.
Unless you have a great deal of experience in assessing cars then you might be wise to spend £200 on an AA/RAC inspection.
Also be aware that the '95-2002 Vectra consistently rates very low in owner satisfaction and reliability surveys and, in fact, in this months Which? magazine is listed as a 'car to avoid'. This is based on returns from several thousand owners.
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Thanks Aprilia, advice appreciated.
I don't profess to know all the classic signs in assessing a cars history, but I like to think I know a little more than most people, but I'm willing to give this one a chance, based on the first initial look at it that I had last week.
What other signs would give a good representation of the cars mileage? I'm open to more advice!
Gary
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A mondeo of similar age & mileage is a better car with less trouble !!
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Please, not the old "Vectra v Mondeo" debate.
Can we keep this on a technical level please? I remind you that discussion is next door.
DD. BR Moderator.
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crank sensor can fail (car takes a long time to start and wont rev over 4200 appox)but u can buy them from vaux about £45+vat or from what was lucas sevices.bear in mind that u may also have to replace cam sensor within the next few days(engine light on again!!and the same problems as crank sensor)cheapest place ive found is euro car parts
as for replacement if car has air con then tape piece of wire to plug end of crank sensor and pull it though,retape to new sensor and with care pull it though
if car has no air con them the best way is to thread it upfrom the dip stick cable tie it to the thermostat housing and up to the plug or remove engine mount/steering pump etc
as for resetting engine management not really ness as light will go out and u know its a red herring next time u have engine light on
hope this helps
x vaux tech
fbillytom@nltworld.com
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Thanks mgk!
It\'s nice to know that there\'s still some people out there that explain stuff if things do go wrong!
Hopefully having a test drive and a good check over of the Vectra this Saturday. If things go well we\'ll be parting with the reddies!
Cheers mate
Gary.
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GazKaz, whilst I don't condone buying a vectra in any way, (I'm a mondeo man) :-) I don't think the lack of service history on an ex fleet car is a problem. I bought my 2001 Mondeo with no service history and simply contacted the fleet company that previously owned it and they provided me with the a full maintenance and service history, which I then verified with the Ford agents' names supplied. P.s Having previously owned a Vauxhall, I've no discrimination against the Vectra itself, I think it's a good car in its own right, I just don't like the Vauxhall customer service.
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Hi kith
That's one avenue that I'm going to persue if the sellers don't have the necessary history. I'll do exactly as you did.
As for the Mondeo, I fully believe that it's a great car, it's just that the old shape Vectra is now competativly priced due to the introduction last year of the new shaped Vectra. (ie: in our budjet!)
I'm currently selling my Saxo VTR due to the iminent arrival of tiny feet so a bigger car is required!!
Thanks for your advice.
Gary.
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