Holden Vectra JS (1998-2002)

High oil consumption – 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… Read more

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.

Excellent if you are a mechanic - nice to drive, and to get dirty fixing it – 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… Read more

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 have 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.

Holden Vectra A Study In Maintenance – 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… Read more

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.

The 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

The term 'lifetime guarantee' is defined by manufacturers as: as long as it is economical to supply parts.

While the JS Holden Vectra never had a lifetime guarantee, Holden in the main, no longer supply parts (or rather will supply some parts at great cost) for the Vectra.

The 1995-2003 JS Holden was manufactured in the EU (Germany/UK) as the Vauxhall or Opel Vectra B. The EU is the major source of replacement parts. Replacement parts can also be sourced from Repco (Aust) and Asia.

To obtain replacement parts, first obtain the factory part description and part number (and if available cost) from your local Holden dealer.

Next step, check out Repco. If Repco cannot supply, with the part description/part number search the internet under Vauxhall or Opel Vectra B. Note, it is often the case that the Holden and Vauxhall/Opel part numbers do not align, as most internet descriptions include a photo, it pays to be familiar with the part you are seeking.

2.6 v6 motor – the driving is very good,like the interior of the vehicle is great/ the reliability of this particular vehicle we bought the car last week from endevour hills we were assured by the young lady that every thing is good and should pass a roadworthy.it was raining so we left the windows up till we got home then we tested the windows3 were good… Read more

drivers side decided to stay down so we had a look at it.the mechanism was twisted needed replacement.then noticed that there was a puddle of oil under the car oil level sensor needs replacing /then after driving a short while the car overheated needs new thermostat but not shore where it is but assumed it would be at the inlet but no i'm told its on the outlet which is impossable to get in to undo and remove fun and games i next decided check the brakes i''ve now had to replace the front brakes as they were metal on metal so i am looking for someone who has a work shop manual for opal engine so i can finish doing this vehicle we tried to get a refund for this car but they would not hear of if these people had looked at these faults i know that becauuse they had left a brake spring off the brake caliper,after this they can put vectras on the scrap heap we will never buy another vectra its a heap very clean mechanicly up the creek our $1500 dollar car has now now gone up to something like $3200.as parts for this car are extreemly dear i stopped driving holden after my HQ but thought i would try again .but after this i will choose another type of car

First car – 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… Read more

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 -Oil leaks, quite normal for its age and not severe -I experienced brake failure twice after few month of owning it. I got brake system check by professional workshop, sanded discs and replaced pads, but couldn't find what really was causing the failure. A similar failure situation happened again after I took it to the shop. Main reason why i traded it in.

I had it for 5mth, took it from Sydney to Melbourne and back, performed great except the brake failure later. I would like to keep it if the brakes didn't fail. I simply didn't want spend more money on figurring out the brake issue.

Was her best car til it got written off – 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?  Show details

Vectra definitely not A LEMON – 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.  Show details

My first car – 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.  Show details

1999 Vectra Station Wagon – 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.  Show details

A sporty good size reliable V6 Holden – It's a pity that most posts are done when there are negative experiences. I have had my V6 Vectra for around 14 years and it has been reliable. It has been well maintained and only now in the last 18 months started needing replacement parts. Yes they aren't as cheap as Toyota's but parts only usually get replaced once. The driver window mechanism… Read more

has been replaced, now has new shocks, new brake rotors, new rocket gaskets, spark plugs, coil, injectors and oil leaks fixed. It should now continue on for more than another 100,00kms.. Interior space is excellent, seating 4 adults comfortably and the hatch boot is a fantastic size, there is no other sedan around that gets off the mark as quickly, performs well in slow traffic and on highways nor gives as much space internally!

Okay When It's Okay – It's a good driver, nice engine but very unreliable. It's also very tight inside the cabin, but there's a lot of gadgets (which is probably why it's so unreliable). For the size of the car it's not economical, at about 8L per 100km which is good for a family car but not a car as small and tight as this. Can't count how much has broken altogether but recently the starter motor died, over heated a few times and stalled plenty.  Show details

A really good ride – Purchased ten year old vectra, well serviced. Engine warning light kept coming on and I was warned but also told to use the good fuel every 4th tank. I used the 98 octaine and the great performance became terrific, the engine light went off, obviously the lower octaine fuel sets off the sensors. For the price its a fun car as long as your… Read more ·  1

prepared to maintain it. My Nissan 260c went around Australia three times and was still a top car until stolen . I'll let you know how they compare in time.

This is lemon – I brought this one my second car...that day rediator hose broken...i call dealer to inform that but they not flaxible.im worry about it....i never ever buy holden again...as soon as i say good bye this car...and move to brand new japanes one.i lost $ 4700+700 (for hose and repair).don't buy astra its same..lemon.im verry unhappy that dealer..  Show details

Do not waste your money – Looks good, drives ok only when it's working. 2 radiators, pumps, 2 head gasket kits and every thing else that goes with fixing these problems within 2 years later and I'm broke. Car sales should not sale them. Save your time and money do not buy They should recall this Model and refund the owners  Show details

Vectra 1999 model wagon – 3heads 3raidiators 1overhead cam head gaskets alternator front brake rotors .all up $11000 in ten years . Holden should have recalled the lot or left them in Europe .sold mine for$150 glad to see it go

Sending me bankrupt! – Bought a 2000 model about 2 years ago for $5000. The guy had an extensive service history on it and I thought 'oh, well he's obviously taken care of the car then' (it was my first time buying a car). But noooo, what it meant was 'this car needs servicing all the time'. Like today when I went to put a new battery in it and have it serviced. Cost me… Read more

$665 and they told me there was no way in hell I could sell it. I've probably spent well over $1500 on it since I bought it now. Oh and as an added bonus, the entire interior is falling apart (side panel on driver's side has come off, the rear window light is hanging). In its defence, when it runs (which isn't often) it runs really, really well and it's comfortable to drive. And maybe that's why I've kept it for so long, because I hoped it would miraculously cure itself. Runs well when it actually runs

Wouldnt wish it on my mother in law – Well... the mother in law brought one, she was told not to... but hey, its a holden so it has to be good.... Right? Wrong! caught fire once, $1500 to fix the wiring under the dash Blew a head gasket at low kms snapped a timing belt, kablammo $$$$ to fix off to the wreckers! Was nice to drive, looked ok

Do not buy a VECTRA! – I don't usually write reviews on anything but this car brought me so many tears. In 2 years I spent over $3500 on the car. When I fixed one thing another broke. Water pump, engine, belts you name it, it went wrong. I got so sick of going to mechanics giving me a look of pity and them saying vectras were lemons and to get rid of it ASAP as I was a… Read more

uni student I couldn't afford to. Every time I got in the car to drive I was afraid it wouldn't start. WORST CAR don't buy one. The vectra has made me really appreciate my new car after experiencing the pitfalls of a vectra EVERYTHING mechanical

If I could give it 0 I would! – I have a 1999 JSII 2.2l wagon, and this year alone it has cost me over $3000 in repairs, the cup holders are useless and parts and repairs are ridiculously expensive. Bottom line- DONT GET A VECTRA, just dont, its a bad idea. Get something that lasts or at least is reasonable to fix. Not as wide as a Commodore, has good fuel economy My mechanic drives it more than I do Show details

Great Car – We have a 2002 2.6 V6 manual Hatchback and it is a great car. Good power, great handling and comfortable to drive. We also run it on the recommended Premium petrol which is more expensive then the cheaper fuels but you get a lot more K's out of it. You can run it on normal unleaded (doesn't run as smooth) but definetily would not run it on any… Read more ·  1

fuel with ethanol in it. Handling, comfort, power. Replacement parts can be expensive but you can buy them yourself from UK/Germany very cheap.

Not good – Sour as a lemon, lots of problems with my 2002 vectra overheating since change the head gasket leaking steering hoses, front wheel bearing has been replaced common in vectras etc, there is a book called the worlds worst cars with the vauxhall vectra on page 128 need I say more! Shape style  Show details

How to clear blocked windscreen washers – Use a orcon multipurpose transfer manual pump which cost about $20.00 from "Autopro shop" & pump out container into a bucket,then refill with clean water & disconnect pump from small hose & with a "Air compressor" use the air gun nozzle to pressure the container via the small hose which is still in the container to really stir up & then pump it… Read more

out again doing this process a few times untill clear. Solved the problem & had windscreen washers working again.

Broken down old lemon – I have had nothing but trouble with this car. I was warned before i bought it but didnt listen and am now paying the price. It overheats regularly and last summer just shuddered to a complete stop. When i took it to the mechanic, they said that the engine is [censored word removed] and they gave it 6 months to 'live'. its still going but not for much longer small, and easy to drive  Show details

Excellent – Stay away from Vectras or take out a second mortgage to keep it on the road!!!!!! This is by far the worst thing I have ever bought! I have a 1999 2.2lt CD model. It is a nice care to drive and has a great sized boot for a mid size car. I bought this car nearly Three years ago. For about the first 10months I had it it was fine. After that it has… Read more ·  2

been nothing but trouble. Just before Christmas the regulator on the ultinator went ...$300 + new battery. Next the timing belt (I was getting it serviced according to the log book which had a timing belt replacement at 120,000km, later found out Holden had change it to 60,000km). I was fortunate I could fix it on the cheep..$800(and one month off the road). The door handle has broken, the windscreen water jet won't spray. the reservoir has craked, the radio comes on at max volume when there is moisture in the air, there is a rocking noise in the engine, it idles (lol) fluctuating from 500-2000rpm and it not charging the battery. I had it at the dealer yesterday ($400) trying to fix the last two problems and after listening to it rev then nearly die every time I stopped on the way home, it is now sitting at the petrol station were I stopped on the way home. Is it too much to ask for a reliable car. I look after it, get it service and regularly check the engine. I just want to get from A to B! Holden have lost me for ever!

Vectra's - used by date – Great for the first 10 years until: 2011 Dec: Aircon was regassed 2012 Jan: Lost gas, checked 2012 Jan: Needed new Compresser (not really) regassed 2012 Jan: 3 Days later lost gas 2012 Jan: Needs A/con ball valve replaced inc whole piping 2012 Feb: Car over heats 2012 Feb: Rough idling 2012 Feb: Cracked Radiator hose (join actually)… Read more

expensive

2012 Feb: Still idles rough, car over heats again, no electric fan cutting in

2012 Mar: Possible cracked Rocker Head causing idling problems due to CO2 emissions into chamber. Too expensive to warrant repairing. Lack of functioning A/con prevents electric fan cutting in due to running off the same system.

2012 Mar: Selling or Wreakers

Will get A/con up and running then make a judgment from there....dicey Good looks, power, reliability and its a Holden ???? Expensive, Not mechanically friendly

What a lemon or are they all the same? – At 30km's gear box/trans packed it in (under Warranty), beware of the Repco extended warranty (small print), and thay are not very nice to deal with. At 60km's gear box/trans packed it in again, my mechanic fixed it this time which cost me big bucks but at least I have no problems now. My car is now on 159,000km. Last week I had to replace the… Read more

fuel pump $490.00 (parts & labour).

What other problems have I had:

The front tyres would wear out on the inside even after they were fully adjusted by the tyre specialists. My mechanic had to fit some special parts so the tyre specialists good adjust my wheels properly (car design fault), all good after that.

The internal aerial (radio) in the cars roof area has worked loose and rattles around all the time (design fault). .

The exhaust and muffler system are very ridget, always having it fixed and replaced (design fault). .

The door handles (knob) keep falling off (design fault).

The car over heats very easily mostly in peak hour traffic when driving very slow or stopped at traffic lights in summer. Solid. It has taken a few bumps over the years and has held up well. I think the tow bar helps when being rear ended. The car and the warranty.

Bad – Oh Vectra, what a contradiction you are! I had mine from new (1997 2L manual sedan). Great car for the first 50,000km or so. My ownership of it sadly ended today 13 years later when I watched it disappear on the back of a tow truck....destination the wreckers. Motor blew up last week and no way was I forking out $1000s for a second hand one,… Read more

now knowing the problems Vectras have with their motors. The "Dog and Lemon Guide" gives these a rating of: AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE. I now tend to agree. Stylish looks, solid build quality and good handling are useless if you can't even drive the thing. Stylish, solid, great fuel economy, excellent manual/clutch, great sound system. EXPENSIVE TO FIX ANYTHING ON THESE!! Unreliable, red paint faded badly despite always being garaged and well cared for.

Bad – Too many faults.Holden u blew it.Wilsons holden poor to deal with-servicing.Had car in 3 times to fix oil leak-still leaking.Promised me loan car-didn't get.Charged me when they said it would be (NO CHARGE) Will try gateway holden for electrical problem next week.The service department told me they've never seen this electrical problem before but… Read more

are wiling to have a look for me.Suprise -it might be a sensor.Loss of power whilst driving keeps me in suspense.Have replaced sensors in past not because fault with engine but because the sensor itself was faulty.Turning on car the stereo kicks in on full volume at times and can't adjust.Take foot off acclerator at speed and car shudders when put foot back down.Been problematic since new.Headlights randomly dim themselves. A/C good.1999 Olympic gl.Bought for looks and 2.2L engine.Liked amount of room for family. Loss of power/stalling.Faulty volume dial on stereo and cd ejector faulty.Fuel smell in car dealer couldn't smell or fix.Sill happens.Door seals broke fixed under warranty.Headlights flickering.All dials in dash losing power intermittently and engine light on.Sometimes every 5-10seconds. Hard to know your speed and fuel level.Non dealer mechanic unable to fix.Constant oil leaks-fixed but not fixed.The ongoing repair $.

I hate this car :( – When I first bought this car i loved it, it was soo much better than my older car, such a smooth ride, and with all the mod cons I thought it was great! Then things started to break... and kept on breaking!! I have spent SO much money on this car, every time I repair something, something else breaks! And every part is so expensive, because the car… Read more

is originally made by Opel so parts arn't readily available in australia.

i have replaced/repaired almost every single part on this car and things just keep on breaking. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone!! Smooth ride, electric windows/mirrors, air conditioning expensive parts, always breaking, constantly repairing parts, made overseas.

Excellent – I thought I would put this review in defence of the Vectra. We bought our car secondhand at 45,000km and it is now at 90,000km and it has been incredibly reliable. In fact, I have had three mechanics independently tell me how good this car is. Granted, they have all told me that they are all usually suspect of Vectras, but cannot believe how good… Read more

our car is mechanically - one even offered to buy it from us. 2001 Vectra 2.6L: well equipped with features: power windows, sunroof, heated leather seats, alloys, cd stacker. Powerful engine - excellent on the freeway. Comfortable drive. Not the prettiest looking car

Terrible – It's lemon. Most mechanics don't know how to fix them and don't want to, even at Holden. Too many mechanics follow the manuals that give instructions suitable for European climates. Holden wouldn't fix pump when asked (under warranty), so when it went it stuffed the head, $6000 later for the head and other related repairs. I've had first hand… Read more

recounts from England say they're dodgey. Will never buy Opel again. In general, handles very well. It is very comfy and spacious, with a great boot capacity. Sensors, you fix one, another goes, especially the oil one in the bottom of the motor. Stalls especially when air intake blocks regularly. Motor for central locking went. Boot lock is fiddly or difficult to open. Gear box used transmission fluid so overheated and broken teeth destroyed rest of gears. Locksmith had to remove part so ignition works. Simple repair take a lot longer $$$$ and require dismantling to the front of the car, such as a radiator (4hr instead of 1/2hr). Parts are expensive - a small rubber hose to air conditioner approx $500+.

Bad – The XR6 does all the things right for little money in comparison to the European rivals. The tyres will cost you a fair bit to replace, especially if staying with the factory fitted ones, but shop about there are plenty of substitutes for not as much money which might last longer! The XR6 is a very well equipped car, and should things break down… Read more

repairs are pretty cheap, after all it’s a Ford so made in Australia so parts are cheap to ship in and the engine has been going for years Well equiped car Very prine to breakdowns and electrical faults

Shocking! – Terrible terrible car! I'm actually upset I traded in my 1990 Barina for this car, It has cost me alot of money & time sitting at the side of the road, very unreliable! Goes hard & fast..... when it goes. Good on fuel. What isn't wrong! I have a 2001 2.6 auto, brought in 2006 & it has been nothing but trouble. When I start it my TC light comes on,… Read more

I can reverse out of a car park but once I put it in drive it doesn't feel like it's in gear & I can't go forwards. It can take any where between 5mins to 3hours for it to turn off before I can go anywhere. The lights down the right side don't work & had an auto elec look at it, it worked for a day but then stopped again, & the process of fixing it caused my interior light to stay on ALL the time so I had to pull out the bulb. I had a full engine rebuild in 2010. Occasionally when I wind up the electric windows they get to the top & wind back down again, great when it's pouring with rain. The stereo blares full ball everytime I start my car & CD's haven't worked in it since 2007. I've had multiple mechanics & auto elecs look at it, & no one can fix it... well except for the engine rebuild that cost $6000 :S

I would not wish this car on my worst enemy! – We brought the car cheap and thats the only plus point, but in hindsight the dealer was probably laughing as we left! It has had too many problems to list, you know its bad when the mechanic keeps telling you he doesn't want to fix it again! At least it will will bring you closer to God with all the praying "please make it" you will be doing.… Read more

Bits just keep falling off this car, we had sensor problems, its stalls randomly, it wont start in park, the handbrake is gone, the stereo keeps turning off, the high beams flick on when indicating, the roof is falling down, alternator failed, bumper fell off, paint is flaking away (we call it Flakey), drivers side door no longer locks (at least thats not a problem because no one in their right mind would steal this car!) In all i doubt i will be able to give this car away, anyhow i would feel guilty actually charging someone money for it!!