100k a Vectra will need a lot of work to the suspension, if it hasn't had it already. Particularly at the back. Shocks all round most likely as well. Listen for knocks, and check the inside edge of rear tyres for wear.

The 1.9CDTI 150hp engine is 16v, and has swirl flaps in the inlet manifold. They fail, a lot. They're almost always knackered by 80k. Check any high milers have had the inlet manifold replaced, and the EGR will need to be done as well. Later Vectras stopped using the F40 gearbox and went to the M32. The M32 is made out of chocolate, and will most likely be near end of life by 100k, especially if the oil hasn't been changed (not a service item). F40 is far better and will go on forever as it's rated to 400lb-ft, not the 320lb-ft of the M32.

The 1.9CDTI 120hp is a different engine, and is 8v. It doesn't suffer anywhere near as many issues, doesn't have the swirl flaps, and the EGR is much better. Also more gearbox friendly.

You'll get about 44mpg out of both engines, they're not very economical, but do perform really well.

I don't understand - 4k is enough to get you a decent, tidy motor, why on earth do you want a Vectra?! Have a look around for a nice straight 3 Series, or a Golf, or if you don't like German then maybe something Japanese, etc etc. It'll have a far better quality interior, it'll last longer and you won't get people asking you why you bought a taxi. As for high mileage, it'll have been a rep rocket or a minicab and likely be knackered I would think; nobody drives high mileage Vauxhalls nicely now do they? The interior on my 2001 Polo was of a considerably higher quality than the brand new - 14 miles on the dial - 2010 courtesy Astra they gave me when somebody sideswiped it, and indeed so is the cabin on the '98 BMW I drive at the moment. Any motor with that much silver plastic inside is going to be cheap and nasty, and the Vectra is the same.

Call me a snob, but Vectras are disposable cars for fleet buyers and taxi firms in my book, not something you'd spend your own money on when you can do so much better. Vauxhalls just about make sense if you're buying a new one and haggle the dealer out of the door, but otherwise I wouldn't touch one; they're mass market cheapies.

Edited by happy polo on 23/07/2013 at 00:16