Vauxhall Vectra vs. Carlton: Common Problems and Solutions That Could Affect Your Purchase

It's time to purchase a new Vauxhall. Maybe it won't exactly be 'new,' but it will be new to you. You've owned several Vauxhalls over the years, and you trust them to be reliable, safe vehicles that will get your family from point A to point B whenever necessary.

Your choice of what Vauxhall to purchase hasn't been an easy one, though. You have two options available to you in your area, a Vectra and a Carlton. Both are excellent cars that will suit your small family, but you know that looks and seating can only go so far. You need a car that will be reliable, and that means you will have to thoroughly understand what problems could occur in each commonly before you make a decision.

Common Problematic Car Parts: The Vauxhall Vectra

The Vectra is a family car that was produced by Vauxhall from 1995 to 2009. They are quite popular, and are often still seen on the road today. In the UK, they were known as the Vauxhall Vectra, but in the rest of the world, they were called the Opel Vectra. While these vehicles are known for being reliable, they have their fair share of problems, just like many other cars on the road today.

By knowing the common problematic car parts you might need to repair when you own a Vauxhall Vectra, you can more easily estimate the time, money, and effort you're going to spend on this car while you own it.

• Handbrake Problems- One of the first common problems that many Vectra owners discover is a faulty handbrake. Sometimes the handbrake won't work like it should or the driver will have to pull it up much further than usual in order for it to operate. This fault is most often due to the car needing a new handbrake cable.

• Warning Light- The engine management warning light can come on for a number of reasons. In the case of the Vectra though, it is probably caused by a faulty sensor. Either the crankshaft sensor will need to be replaced or the cam shaft sensor. You'll have to visit a mechanic, who can perform a diagnostic check on the car, to determine exactly what Vauxhall parts are causing the warning light to come on.

• No Cold Air- Before you buy the Vectra, make sure to turn on the air conditioning and see if it blows cold air. If it doesn't, the compressor will have to be replaced.

• Suspension Issues- Many Vectra owners notice that when they drive over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, they hear knocking noises. While this can happen to any car after some time, Vectras are known for experiencing problems with their bushes. These suspension Vauxhall parts need to be check to see if they are broken or cracked, then replaced if knocking noises are heard.

• Leaking Boot- No one wants a leaking boot, but if you purchase a Vectra, you may have to take steps to prevent it from happening. The boot commonly leaks because of a fault with the rear wiper seal. If you notice that water is in the boot before you purchase the Vectra or notice water stains in the boot, understand that you'll most likely need to replace this seal in order to stop the leak.

Common Problematic Vauxhall Parts: Vauxhall Carlton

The Vauxhall Carlton is an older model, made between 1978 and 1994. However, this is a luxury car that many still like to own today. These cars are well-built, but they also have problems, just like any other vehicle. If you want to ride in style and feel comfortable while doing it, this car may be for you. It's best to understand what might go wrong, though, before you decide to buy it.

• Starting Issues- One of the most common problems that the Carlton experiences is issues with starting. This is often due to the ECU, or engine management system. This system is located beneath the seat and can become damaged by water in certain circumstances. The only way to know if this part is at fault is to have a diagnostic check run. If it is the ECU, a new one will be needed.

• Water Leaks- Specifically, in the footwells at the front of the Carlton. This is often caused by the car's bulkhead drains. Debris, like dirt and leaves, can compile in these drains and clog them  up. Luckily, this problem doesn't require a repair, just a good cleaning.

• Fuel Injection Fail- It's not uncommon for the Vauxhall Carlton to experience issues with the fuel injection system. When this system fails, the car won't drive, so it has to be repaired immediately. Luckily, the problem doesn't typically lie with injectors themselves, but with the relay. By fitting a new relay into the relay black box, you can easily resolve the problem.

• Excessive oil use- This is an extremely common problem, not only with Carltons, but also with other Vauxhall parts. Luckily, if you can't find any leaks and the exhaust isn't emitting blue smoke, the oil use simply needs to be monitored. When you notice it getting low, top it off.

• ABS Issues- The anti-lock braking system warning light may worry you when it comes on the dashboard, especially if you are only lightly tapping the brakes. While this is a problem that needs immediate attention, it isn't always an overly serious one. In fact, the most common cause is a faulty sensor. If the light comes on, get to a mechanic quickly and have them run a diagnostic check. If it's the sensor causing the warning light, you'll simply need to have it replaced.

When it's time to purchase a new, pre-owned Vauxhall for your family, make sure you're making the best decision possible. Do your research and figure out what common issues you may have to resolve and decide whether or not the cost is worth it to you. If so, you could end up with a reliable vehicle that is safe for your whole family.