• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Looks smart but not ostentatious. Not afraid to drive something different.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Have to look at the back to see what it is but then surprised that Vauxhall were selling something of this spec and build quality.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    If they still made it, yes. Unfortunately will have to see what's on offer at the time at local Vauxhall dealer in Bury, as they have been consistently accommodating for years.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Antara/Mokka/Insignia Tourer?

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £0

    When did you buy the car?

    April 2013

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Mostly, as the car was below list price and not very well presented, so got a discount.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Wanted to try Vauxhall's previous flagship model before good examples become hard to find.

    What was the dealer like?

    Said they had done things to the car that they hadn't, said that the oil had recently been changed. Very plausible until I checked the car myself!

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Like a smoother Vectra. Longer wheelbase and more forgiving suspension make it quiet on the motorway. You do become aware of the cars weight , though. The diesel is surprisingly quiet, but a V6 rumble is pleasingly available on demand.

    What's it like to park?

    Has sensors but visibility is good anyway, and if you can pass the driving test, you can park this car forward or backward.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Both front springs replaced (common fault). Desperately needed servicing and started breathing easier immediately. The engine is clearly a resilient beast.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Massive boot cavity and access plus 'Flexspace' seating works really well.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Leather, sat nav, uprated ICE, travel assistant, auto lights/wipers work really well.....it doesn't have built-in phone but not lacking anything else.