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Pros:
Am driving the sedan CD 3.2 V6. The handling is great. It is sure footed, precise and feels very stable at all speeds. The initial pickup maybe a little slow but from 40 - 120 km/hr, the power is smooth and pretty awesome, especially during overtaking. Boot space is huge. Fuel economy pretty decent for a 3.2 V6 (8-12 L/100km depending; my usual about 11 L/100km city).
Cons:
Styling is a little dated and the aircon controls a little complicated instead of just a single switch.
Overall:
It is built like a tank; feels pretty solid and safe though the finishings unfortunately feels pretty spartan as well. I got my 2005 Vectra used for $23K and have no issues to date and I think this is one of the better values out there.
Pros:
Comfortable and economical to drive in. It points reasonably well into corners and vision is good. All the electrics in this car work well after four-and-half years ownership. Every thing is doing what it is suppose to except ...
Cons:
Oil consumption - since my initial review back in April 4 2006, this car has been drinking oil - now up to 5 litres of oil per 15,000 kms. Each time it climbed nearer or over the limit for an engine rebuild, Holden shifted the oil consumption above a level every 10,00kms. First, 2.5 l, then 3.0 l, then 4.0 l at each test interval. Shame Holden, Shame! I carry a 5 l oil container with me because every time I drive 2,500kms in the country, it needs at least 0.5 to 1l of oil.
Overall:
Holden needs to examine it customer loyalty policy. I have had 2 TE Geminis, 1 JD Camira, 1 JE Camira, 1 JR Vectra and in recent years a ZC Vectra - my latest Holden. Before long I had planned to buy a SV6 Sportwagon or Calais V Sportwagon - not anymore, even though I like the style, driving position, performance and the new service dealer. After 15 years of servicing at the Bankstown dealer, they have had the flick and I tell everyone go elsewhere.
Pros:
Power, fuel economy, handling, style, and features
Cons:
cost and life of brakes(now resolved) buy after market DBA? disks and pads.. tyre noise now resolved buy a different(cheaper but good) tyre
Overall:
We've got a 2005 CDXI second hand for $250000. Great power from 3.2 V6, semi auto is great if you like playing around. Fuel economy is currently sitting at 9.9 over 70,000K which is great considering we have a range of steady driving mixed with a bit of power driving. Meets all our requirements - fuel efficient(me), powerful(me and the missus), leather interior(missus), sporty(hatch, duel exhaust, big alloys, sound system - the kids choice), handling(me). No issues at 70,000km. Expect the 120K timing belt change to be expensive. Brakes are the big issue as you need to replace the whole lot at 60K. Sorted this with after market ones that don't have the stopping power but last twice as log. I don't intend stopping from 200km/h to zero on an autobahn so it doesn't really affect me by loosing a little effect from the brakes. the original brakes were excellent but designed for European driving not Australian. Overall I can't really complain about anything. All you need to do is a little research into after market parts and your all set! Great value and good car no matter what Clarkson says.
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