Holden Vectra
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72 reviews · Statistics
2001 V6 2.6L Auto Hatch Back
Vectra JS (1998-2002)A reliable car with 175000+km over 20+ years driven hard with lots of stop start traffic. Fun to drive. Excellent handling and braking. The V6 has great performance too. They were very advanced for the time, competing with Audi for thier A4 model.
The problem is while the cars are reliable, the damn car wasn't really designed with servicing in mind. Everything was designed for manufacture/space claim. Problems are a real pain to fix in terms of labour time and thus typically expensive. For example the replacement of an alternator took me 14 ho
... Read moreurs to replace, that required the removal of driveshaft and raising the engine to make room to pull out and replace a "partially" disasembled alternator. Most people would send the car to the wreakers after a scary quote to replace it. Additionally Holden has basically given up on providing service and parts. Additionally few mechanics work on them as they are not common and most have no idea how to fix them properly. I got sick of mechanics breaking things or doing doggy things, and I now service and repair the vehicle almost exclusively. Exceptions for things like A/C or when I am way took busy. Problems over 20+ years and 175000+ km which is pretty good I think: -Exhaust bolt broke under warranty -Paint cracked on panel joint, repaired under warranty and repaired years later again -Twice fixed leaking oil cooler cover between cylinder heads. (Shoddy mechanic 1st fix failed after 3 years. My repair going strong 8+ years).Purchased in for $36,000.
- Transmission: Automatic
- Bought: New
- Year: 2001
Problems
Vectra ZC (2003-2005)I’ve just brought my Holden 2003 vectra and sometimes when I go to start my car, the interior and dash lights will start flashing at me for a good 2 minutes or so. Has anyone had this kind of problem at all?
The 2.2 4-cylinder manual is brilliant
Vectra ZC (2003-2005)I bought my ZC 2.2 4-cylinder manual sedan new from the showroom in 2004. I has been outstandingly good. It is now 17 years old and still performs like a gem, especially on the open road.
Ignore all the negative reviews here. They are all for the V6 automatic hatch version. The lighter 4-cylinder engine is a much better-balanced car, and very economical.
Also the sedan (with a boot) has more luggage space than the hatch.
Most people simply bought the wrong model.
Purchased in .
- Transmission: Manual
- Bought: New
- Year: 2003
High oil consumption
Vectra JS (1998-2002)It was a great little car, but I hated that every 5k you need to top up oil. I did use lots of engine braking. Someone told me that was good for the engine. Also mine had cartridge oil filter. A pain to change it! Heater tap cracked once and it was a pain to replace. Not much room under the bonnet. And lots of electrics went wrong. There are better cars out there, I would never buy it again and I certainly do not recommend it. I loved the European shape and the features inside and purchased it for $1,000 so that was cheap.
- Transmission: Manual
- Bought: Used
- Year: 2001
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First car
Vectra JS (1998-2002)I bought the 1999 Vectra JS in April 2018 for nearly nothing as my first car. Since it's a 18 year old car, some of the issues i had may not be your case, this review is sorely based on my vehicle and my personal experience.
Pros
-Cheap to buy, cheap to run
-Decent power from the 2.2L 4cylinder engine.
-Rear seats can be fold down, good for ikea trips.
Cons
-My AC doesn't work
-Brake light failed twice during my 5 month ownership, the second failure happened few weeks after replacing it, not sure if it's caused by electronic system issues
Purchased in for $500.
- Transmission: Automatic
- Bought: Used
- Year: 1999
Worst car I've owned
Vectra ZC (2003-2005)An okay car when every thing is working which is hardly ever. Constant mechanical & electrical problems, cheap crappy Interior with knobs that always fall off.
I wish I never bought this car and glad to see it go, it's an unreliable LEMON
i'd Get any car but this.
Save you're money!
- Badge: CD
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- Body: Hatch
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- Transmission: Automatic
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- Date Purchased:
Was her best car til it got written off.
Vectra JS (1998-2002)powerful lil car. drove all round Australia in it. Loved the car surprisingly it didn't go through as much fuel as I first thought when I heard 2.2l 4cyl but it was great being able to get power when you wanted. Getting another now 2005 cd zc 2.2 manual. Already done 290,000k so what needs to be replaced next anyone know?
- Badge: CD
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- Body: Sedan
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- Transmission: Manual
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- Date Purchased:
My first luxury.
Vectra ZC (2003-2005)Smooth drive. Long distance or local. When wanted power it was there at the touch of my foot. Handles beautifully, at your fingertips and quiet.
A bit of style with suede seats adjustable, door panels and roof with wood grain marbeling trim. Comfortable legroom. Comes with drink holders and sunglasses department. Well lit dash.
It will get you anywhere you need to go with every start and I was surprised by how much I saved.
- Badge: CDXi
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- Body: Hatch
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- Transmission: Automatic
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- Date Purchased:
We LOVE it!!
Vectra ZC (2003-2005)Was looking for a newer car for the missus. Found a secondhand 2003 CDX 3.2 automatic hatchback model and fell in love with the awesome power and fuel economy of the vehicle! Nicely appointed interior with beautiful woodgrain inserts. Performance, handling and the lack of road noise is a great change to the cars we have had. Very roomy inside, comfortable seating, and an overall awesome car to drive!
Yes, there are small quirks with it - as with any second hand car with now 170,000 kms - but overall we cannot fault it. Brakes do tend to wear,
- Badge: CDX
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- Body: Hatch
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- Transmission: Automatic
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- Date Purchased:
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Excellent if you are a mechanic - nice to drive, and to get dirty fixing it.
Vectra JS (1998-2002)My particular Veccy came to me rather than be scrapped. It was unloved by the previous few owners.
I replaced the blown engine, transmission, installed ABS, cruise control, the passenger and side airbags, replaced the A/C and got the car on new suspension components. The interior was upgraded to a CD-spec with nice carpets, seats, and the multi display unit.
The car doesn't miss a beat, but it's old. And old cars need PLENTY of maintenance to keep going.
All 2.2L Vectras come with a free feature - head gasket failure - they ALL h
... Read moreave it. It's a matter of when, rather than if. My particular machine was showing signs when I got it - some bunny put a can of gasket repair in the cooling system, necessitating a replacement radiator. For a car that's now considered scrappable, going beyond what P-Platers will drive these days, if you have one, and you are handy - they are excellent to learn the skills about car repair.- Badge: CD
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- Body: Wagon
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- Transmission: Automatic
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- Date Purchased:
The absolute epitome of a lemon
Vectra ZC (2003-2005)This was my first ever car purchase. Performance wise, when it was actually working, this car was fun, quite fast and surprisingly had good fuel economy. When I purchased this, I was surprised at how nice the clutch was and its has quite luxurious features for a car of its ages such as a large multi-function screen where I could change multiple settings, as well as heated leather seats, great sound system, comfy, bolstered front seats, nice interior and boot space and overall, the car looked great. That's about as far as the pros go. The first
... Read moreweek of driving the car, I had found that the blower fan resistor wasn't working at all, and upon taking the glove-box out and removing the part, we found that it had been heavily corroded so, I ordered a new part from the UK as it was not available in Australia at all. I must note that I do not thrashed the car in any way, shape or form. I happily drove the car for about 3 months and noticed a burning smell. I took off the lid for the oil and there was a build up that resembled mustard. I thought maybe it was an issue of a bit of condensation but boy was I wrong. I proceeded to check the coolant, this time it resembled mud. I did drive the car at all besides taking it to the mechanic and it was diagnosed to be a leak in the oil cooler, and a bypass would be sufficient, with the labour costing $600 due to the inconvenient placement of the oil cooler. It was later found, as first speculated that it in fact was the cylinder head. It has been going on to a month of not driving (first world problem, I know), all because this car was poorly made, poorly maintained and the placement of everything is just beyond me, as well as every mechanic that I have taken it to. It also sounds like a damn tractor must I add. I was told by the person who sold it to me that it was just the idler pulley that was making the sound and it was just a $30 part so I thought it would be fine. It turned out to be the tensioner, but that's more so the seller's fault for not disclosing the real issue and my fault for not being more wary. It has just given me problem after problem and has not served me well at all. I have had to fork out so much money and time and it's completely not worth it at all. I wish I never bought this car and I would never recommend someone to buy it. It is simply unreliable and the parts are soo ridiculously expensive. DO NOT be fooled by its good looks and luxurious feel inside, it is not worth the headache at all. It is the epitome of a lemon.- Badge: CDXi
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- Body: Hatch
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- Transmission: Manual
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- Date Purchased:
Vectra definitely not A LEMON
Vectra JS (1998-2002)Had this 2.6 litre v6 hatch since new in 2002. It has been and still is A GREAT CAR. It has well outlasted my 2004 BMW 3 series which I got rid of due to persistant oil and coolant leaks even though it had done only about 105,000 kms. Only now am I having a few minor issues which is to be expected given the age of the car.
- Badge: CD
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- Body: Hatch
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- Transmission: Manual
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- Date Purchased:
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My first car
Vectra JS (1998-2002)It is a 2.2 litre car with 4 cyl engine, 5 doors 4 seats sedan. I am feeling nice to have this car. The car is very smooth to drive. Good mileage and control. Soothing look. Fluent efficient. Economic car. Its security system is really amazing. It is my first car.
- Badge: CDXi
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- Body: Sedan
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- Transmission: Automatic
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- Date Purchased:
1999 Vectra Station Wagon
Vectra JS (1998-2002)Bought this car with 128,000km on the odometer. First problem - timing belt incorrectly fitted. Second problem - speedo tacho working intermittently (apparently a common problem that dealers now about} Third problem - engine switching off at traffic lights - using higher octane fuel did not resolve the problem. Blew a head gasket. Sold after 12 months. Good features but just too much trouble. I will never buy another Opel based Holden.
- Badge: CDX
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- Body: Wagon
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- Transmission: Automatic
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- Date Purchased:
Holden Vectra A Study In Maintenance
Vectra JS (1998-2002)The Holden Vectra when purchased in July 2016 had 64k on the clock and is 16 years old. A comfortable 'sporty' feel gives a feeling of confidence. A study of reports on this model suggested timing belt and coolant related problems.
The timing belt has to be replaced at 120k or 8 year intervals. In theory, this Vectra had had one timing belt replacement at 8 years, this was not supported by the documented history and I suggest that the reported timing belt and associated coolant problems, are the result of poor maintenance practices.
Th
... Read moree replacement of the timing belt invariably includes the coolant water pump, associated tensioner pulleys and the auxiliary drive belt costing $1300. You can have it done by a non dealer at a cheaper price, but at the risk of cutting corners e.g. the water pump and tensioner pulleys are not replaced. Failure to replace these items will ensure an early return, with possible coolant associated engine damage. Owners must monitor servicings to ensure that work programmed is fulfilled - do not expect the mechanic to know your vehicles maintenance history. August 7th 2017 Update: 1995 - 2003 JS Holden Vectra - Replacement Parts- Badge: 10000
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- Body: Sedan
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- Transmission: Automatic
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- Date Purchased:
Questions & Answers
what is the clicking sound from dash when a door is opened on a 2003 Holden Vectra CDXi and how is it fixed?
Hi I have a holden Vectra 2001 there seems to be a problem with the plastic pipe underneath the intake manner fold, does anybody know if this is usually a problem with this make and model?
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Details
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Sedans | Sedans | Sedans |
| Starting Price | $34,690 | $39,990 | $35,990 |
| Transmission | Automatic and Manual | Automatic and Manual | Automatic and Manual |
| Drive Type | Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | Front Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Wheels | 15" Alloy | 17" Alloy | 15" Alloy |
| ANCAP Safety Rating | 4 Stars | ||
| Fuel Consumption | 10.4 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km | |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L | 60 L |
| Engine | 6 Cylinder 2.6L | 6 Cylinder 3.2L | 6 Cylinder 2.5L |
| Max Power | 125kW @ 5800rpm | 155kW @ 6200rpm | 125kW @ 5800rpm |
| Max Torque | 250Nm @ 3600rpm | 300Nm @ 4000rpm | 230Nm @ 3200rpm |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany | Germany | Australia |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 3 year(s) | 3 year(s) | 3 year(s) |
| Release date | |||
| Discontinuation date |
Extra Information
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