Advantages: Unusually good build quality and reliability from a Vauxhall. Disadvantages: The wife limits my access.
Having owned our Vectra Sri for some 2 years now I have to say first and foremost it's been unusual. This is due to the quality of this car when most of my experience with Vauxhall have been costly. The 2.6 V6 SRi is without doubt one of Vauxhalls finest cars, in my opinion.
From the outside theres little to give away the potential of the car to the casual motorist. Sure theres the body coloured mouldings and bumpers, 16" twin spoke alloys, slightly lower stance, a square rear Irmscher tailpipe and a tiny badge on the side and rear but all these are normally overlooked. Fantastic! Who wants to scream out to the "modified" brigade and attract unwanted prying eyes? NOT ME!
Out on the road the Vectra is a great car. It inspires confidence thanks to it's traction control and huge amount of grip in the corners. It never feels ...
Advantages: Reliability, smooth and quiet, becoming a classic Disadvantages: 6000 service interval
I have owned a 190E 2.6 manual for 13 years, from 45k miles to date at 230k miles. It has been a great car, the best I have owned in 40 years motoring. It is smooth and powerful to drive normally, but a bit of a handful on snow and ice - a bag of sand in the boot helps! It is quiet and relaxing on the motorway (2500rpm at 70mph in 5th). Economy is good for the engine size - I average around 28mpg and can get up to 38 on a motorway run.
Reliability has been good after valve guides were replaced at 62k miles (originals were apparently wrong grade of steel). I have serviced and maintained the car myself and found it easy to work on. Parts readily and cheaply available from a nationwide after market parts supplier. Over the years have replaced exhaust, discs, some rear suspension struts, rear springs,front ball joints, coil and alternator ...
Advantages: Comfortable, swift car Disadvantages: thirsty when pushed, lack of refinements
I recently aquired a 1995 Audi 80 2.6 E 80 model, the car was purchased relatively cheaply and is a very nice car to drive.
The engine is very lively, but can be thristy when pushed. The interior of the car is fairly basic although is comfortable. The car lacks rear eletric windows and the interior finish although well built is a bit bland.
The only problems that i have encoutered with the car was general routine maintenance, such as replacing a cv joint and having the cam belt changed, the quotes from an audi dealer were a fortune so i had the work carried out by an audi specialist for a considerable saving.
In summary, i would recommend this car to any buyer, looking for a cheap but relatively well appointed car. ...
ashleybabbs 10.03.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Audi 80 2.6
