Vauxhall’s Vectra was a fleet car favourite and rightly so. You could not wish for a better companion when you are slogging up the M1 in the early hours and that also makes it perfect for family duties. It is also superb value as with £3K to spend you can get yourself into a variety of models built around 2004, which will be well equipped, and usually in excellent condition.
The Vectra is surprisingly big with a very high waistline, which makes you feel safe and snug inside especially as the car is so refined. On the open road in particular you get a big car feel that cossets the whole family from the nasty world outside. Bumps and humps are dismissed quickly and that makes the Vectra a great place to be. Also the driver is well looked after as the steering column can be adjusted for height and reach, combined with a seat height adjuster, which means total comfort. Certainly there is bags of room in the front and rear however large the passengers are. Also their luggage should fit easily enough into the boot, which is deep and flat.
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Inside the LS has plenty of creature comforts including air, cruise and rain sensing wipers. So there is little chance of being shortchanged when it comes to equipment. Probably the most important decision a buyer can make is the choice of engine. For most families who may not rack up a huge annual mileage the strong yet economical 1.8 (it returns 36mpg), may be perfect. Otherwise those after a diesel will find a couple of very efficient 1.9 diesels with different power outputs.
Overall, here is the most refined, spacious and comfortable car on the market for not very much money at all.
By: James Ruppert