P Reg Vectra 2.0 Diesel - why so cheap?

thehappybutterfly

I wonder if anyone could advise. I'm going car shopping tomorrow and I've found a cracking 2 litre Vectra diesel registered 1997. Crikey it's the same age as my daughter!

It's only done circa 70,000 miles. It's dirt cheap at £600. There's a CAP Value of £1100 to £1125 from a dealer (which this one is).

Why do you think it's so cheap? Do you think I should be wary?

worried_jim

My last car purchased in Jan was a P plate and was £500 with a years MOT from a dealer, I would say yours is a fair price but check that the fuel pump is working ok with no leaks around the seals as they will cosy more than the car to fix.

thehappybutterfly

Thanks Jim.

Now, bring on the humiliation of a non-mechanical mind...... is the fuel pump easy to inspect?

forgotmyname

Is that cheap?

I bought a P reg mondeo many years ago and only paid £1000 ish.

Bought the MK3 in 2005 so it was before then.

£1100 for a 1997 car?

worried_jim

Diesel fuel pumps operate at very high pressure and can be prone to failure which may be a reason why the previous keeper has got rid. Have a google search on the subject and ask the trade seller directly what issues are with the car and if there are any with the fuel pump- if it is all good then go for it and happy Bangernomics motoring!

colino

First of all I 'm amazed that any P regs are still on the road, never mind an oily one with only 70,000 miles. Realistically it is only worth what someone is going to bid and unless there is a copper plated history, it is a risk. Offer £200 and see what he says.

[Deleted User]

Do an MOT history check, to confirm the mileage hasn't been "adjusted".

s_b

as colino says i seriously wonder whether a 15 year old vectra would be a wise choice at any price
if you are a gambler please give me the lottery numbers for saturday night and for the second time in my life i will buy a ticket:D

skivenov

How much test does it have left? It doesn't strike me as being cheap compared to cars of a similar age, but a fair price for what it is.

Main faults on these are rust and fuel pump failing (they usually get a bit tappy before they die). Rear calipers (where fitted) can seize up. Electric windows stop working.

The Vectra was never a great car, but they're generally cheap and dependable.

Notmyrealname

thehappybutterfly wrote: »

I wonder if anyone could advise. I'm going car shopping tomorrow and I've found a cracking 2 litre Vectra diesel registered 1997. Crikey it's the same age as my daughter!

It's only done circa 70,000 miles. It's dirt cheap at £600. There's a CAP Value of £1100 to £1125 from a dealer (which this one is).

Why do you think it's so cheap? Do you think I should be wary?

70,000 miles is clutch, brakes and suspension replacing mileage.

thehappybutterfly

Thanks for the replies guys. I told hubby and he was immediately suspicious! He also doesn't particularly like Vectras

So back to the original options of a Mark IV Astra or 12 year old Honda HR-V. We've got a bunch to go and view tomorrow. We'll be motored out but praying we come back with something......