Opel Vectra 1.8 Stationwagon – 2005 – 504.442 km - Klokje Rond

AutoWeek

22 Jan 202414:44

Summary

TLDRThis video script is about an 18.5 year old Opel Vectra station wagon that has been driven nearly 500,000 km on LPG gas. The car was originally purchased and converted to LPG by the current owner's father. An automotive expert thoroughly inspects the car and finds many issues including: foggy headlights, oil leaks, worn suspension and steering components, rust, and improperly replaced brake lines. The expert concludes the car has extremely poor handling and needs to be taken off the road immediately due to multiple safety issues.

Takeaways

😦 The Opel Vectra station wagon has major issues after driving over 500,000 km, including bad shock absorbers, loose steering, and rust.
🚗 It was converted to LPG before the first kilometers were driven, and has always run on LPG.
⛽ The owner's father chose it for the extra cargo space needed for camping and mountain sports gear.
🚦 The headlights are so foggy they likely won't pass inspection, along with other safety issues.
🔧 There are signs of amateur repair work done underneath like rerouted brake lines attached incorrectly.
🛢 Oil leaks indicate worn engine and transmission mounts allowing too much movement.
🔧 Worn homokinetic joints contribute to excessive drivetrain vibration felt while driving.
⚙️ The steering intermediate shafts have excessive play due to worn tie rod ends.
🛞 Rust around rear suspension mounting points may indicate it needs replacement soon.
❌ In summary, while functional, it has exceeded its service life and should be taken off the road.

Q & A

Why did Jasper's father choose a station wagon model?
-Because they needed a lot of luggage space for camping gear and mountain sports equipment for their frequent trips to the mountains.
When was the LPG conversion done on this car?
-Right before the first kilometers were driven, so right after import from Germany.
What mileage has this car covered?
-Almost half a million kilometers, with about 470,000 driven by the first owner and the rest by Jasper.
What was the issue with the engine recently?
-It was making a strange zooming noise which turned out to be the dynamo that then got replaced.
What does Jasper expect the inspection to reveal?
-A number of things that may be worn or faulty that you don't notice anymore when driving the car yourself, like suspension noise when it's cold outside.
What safety issues are identified during the inspection?
-Very dull headlights with moisture inside, missing headlight covers causing moisture, worn steering joints affecting handling, incorrectly replaced brake lines.
What causes the bad steering feel of the car?
-Worn suspension dampers, chassis with detached steering, bad quality winter tires - all contributing to very detached steering.
How can the car still have recently passed inspection with these flaws?
-It remains unclear how issues like moisture in lamps, missing lamp covers and detached brake lines were missed or ignored.
What action does Jasper decide to take after the inspection?
-Seriously consider if he can still safely drive the car and likely replace it within a year or less.
What condition is the car in overall according to the inspector?
-It's extremely worn out in almost every area - lamps, chassis, suspension, steering, transmission, brakes etc.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 The Tale of a Half-Million Kilometer Vectra

This segment introduces a 2005 Opel Vectra that has impressively clocked over 500,000 kilometers, averaging 25,000 kilometers per year, powered by LPG. Despite its age and high mileage, the car's limited features, including two-zone air conditioning and an outdated navigation system, are highlighted as potential reasons for its longevity, under the notion that fewer features mean fewer breakdowns. However, the narrator points out several defects noticed during a test drive, such as worn-out wiper blades, misaligned steering, severely worn shock absorbers, and potential issues with the drive shafts. The car's overall lackluster performance and safety concerns, particularly regarding its shock absorbers and tires, contribute to a feeling of insecurity while driving, especially in turns.

05:00

🛠 In-Depth Inspection and Owner's Background

The narrative continues with an inspection of the Vectra after a test drive, revealing significant issues like moisture in the headlights, foggy lamp covers, and an overall state that would not pass the vehicle inspection (APK) due to safety concerns. The story introduces Jasper, the current owner who inherited the car from his father, emphasizing the vehicle's sentimental value and practical use for their family's outdoor activities. Jasper discusses his initial hesitation about keeping the car due to a peculiar noise from the engine, later identified and fixed as a timing belt issue. Despite these challenges, Jasper's attachment to the car and its utility for his family's lifestyle are evident, underscoring the personal connection many people have with their vehicles, regardless of their condition.

10:01

🔧 Comprehensive Mechanical Failures and Conclusion

The final part of the script delves into the car's numerous mechanical failures, uncovered during a thorough inspection. These range from significant oil leaks and worn engine mounts to improperly executed repairs, including dangerous brake line installations. The severity of these issues, especially concerning safety components like the steering system and brake lines, leads to a stark conclusion: the Vectra is in dire condition, with almost every critical system either worn out or improperly maintained. The segment ends with Jasper facing the reality that, despite his non-expertise and sentimental value placed on the car, significant safety concerns may necessitate its retirement sooner than expected. The narrator's frank assessment underscores the importance of maintaining vehicle safety above all, challenging the owner's initial hope of extending the car's life.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Half-millionaire

This term humorously refers to a car that has covered a significant distance, in this case, 500,000 kilometers. It suggests a form of achievement or milestone for the vehicle, emphasizing its longevity and durability. In the context of the video, the term celebrates the car's ability to reach such a high mileage, indicating it has been well-used and possibly well-maintained over the years.

💡Vectra on gas

Refers to the Opel Vectra, a model of car that has been converted to run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as an alternative to petrol or diesel. This conversion is often done to reduce fuel costs and emissions. The mention of 'Vectra on gas' highlights a specific feature of the car being discussed, emphasizing its fuel efficiency and potentially lower operating costs.

💡Two-zone air conditioning

A climate control feature in cars that allows separate temperature settings for the driver and front passenger areas. This feature is noted as an option on the described vehicle, suggesting a level of comfort and convenience. It illustrates the car's attempt to offer desirable features within its class, despite being described as otherwise sparsely equipped.

💡Navigation

Refers to the car's GPS-based system used to provide directions to the driver. In the context, it's mentioned as potentially one of the few optional extras the car has, indicating that while the car may lack some modern features, it was equipped with technology aimed at enhancing the driving experience through navigational assistance.

💡Defects and attention points

This phrase refers to the issues and potential problems identified during the car's inspection, such as worn wiper blades, steering alignment, and suspension issues. It signifies the thoroughness of the evaluation process in uncovering areas that may require repair or maintenance, highlighting the car's condition after extensive use.

💡Worn shock absorbers

Shock absorbers are a crucial component of a car's suspension system, helping to smooth out the ride and control the movement of the wheels. The mention of worn shock absorbers indicates significant wear and tear, affecting the car's handling and comfort. This detail underscores the vehicle's age and the extensive use it has seen.

💡Viking winter tires

These are specific tires designed for cold weather and snowy conditions, providing better traction than regular tires in winter. Their mention alongside worn shock absorbers and a lack of steering confidence suggests a setup aimed at practicality and safety in harsh conditions, despite the car's overall worn state.

💡Homokinet

Refers to the CV (Constant Velocity) joint, a part of the car's drivetrain that allows the drive shaft to transmit power at a constant speed without significant loss of torque. The mention of a leaky homokinet suggests a specific mechanical issue, indicative of the vehicle's need for maintenance and the potential costs associated with such a high-mileage vehicle.

💡Subframe corrosion

The subframe is a structural component of a vehicle to which suspension components and possibly the engine are mounted. Corrosion in this area can be a serious issue, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. This point emphasizes the car's age and the rigorous conditions it has endured, highlighting concerns about its safety and longevity.

💡Steering feel

This term describes the driver's perception of control and feedback from the vehicle's steering system. The video's reference to a lack of steering feel, particularly in conjunction with worn components, underscores the degraded driving experience and potential safety issues arising from the vehicle's extensive wear and tear.

Highlights

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