Saddened by the news holden replaced it by Epica which is a mile away behind compared to Vectra I had.

I guess 2003 Vectra CDXi will be remembered as the best car that came from Holden for now.

The car is very pleasant. Reliability has been excellent: one update on the engine computer and one reset to the radio. Not all early Verona’s were that reliable, but Daewoo has continually improved reliability.

Amenities: Ours came with red lights on the lower door edges to show what one is stepping into–or out of. It has separate daylight running lights. Steering wheel radio controls. Alloy wheels. The Four speed automatic transmission has a separate economy setting. The rear seat folds down in two sections. Upholstery is leather, the fenders have rubber splash guards to keep road mud off the lower paint (quite useful in Oregon). The steering wheel tilts but does not telescope. Windows are electric. The power driver’s seat adjusts six ways.The usual dashboard lites warn of open doors, trunk, side door, etc. No tinny rod for the hood (bonnet?). It has a hydraulic stay-open strut.

My favorite features include the styling which is personal. Our version was styled with help from Italy. I like it very much. The engine is smooth, very smooth. It is even smoother than my wife’s elderly Cadillac. Engine refinement is a personal high point for me. It is notably smoother and quieter at idle than the Kia Amanti, and is smoother than our neighbors 2005 Toyota Camry. I can’t speak for BMW’s, Lexus’, etc., which are in a much higher class.

My pet peeve is the four speed auto. It should be a five speed, which I see the Epica now has to the tune of lower highway RPM and even less noise. Our car is quiet and good riding even at very high speeds (80-90 MPH) on long Western superhighways. The steeing is excellent and we enjoy it in the mountains.

The overall technology is not state-of-the art, but the engine has superior inherent balance to any V6 design. Suspension is strictly generic design but works well for all of that.

I don’t want to make this moderately priced car sound like a luxury brand, but it has served us very well, is a pleasure to drive, has a short turning circle, and merits respect even if you prefer another make. I would like to buy the new version now that ours is nearly four years old, but it is no longer imported here. Nothing else available here in its price range looks as good.

QUOTE=”We will be trading in our trusty 2.0l Camira (has over 500000 klms on the original engine and still going fine)on a new Epica with the optional body kit.”

I consider myself patriotic, I’ll always try to buy Australian made whenever possible (hence my cars are usually Falcons).

If I were to buy an imported small/mid-sized car I would choose one from Fords new range (European sourced) over Holdens re-badged Daewoo (Korean sourced) range anytime. They may cost more but I think the power, driveability, reliability, looks, interior quality (pretty much everything) will more than make up for it.

Let’s not forget the Focus is to be made in Oz in a few years. If fuel prices keep going north I know what I’ll be getting for my next car.

E very
P iece
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A part

MAN.. WHAT A JOKE OF A CAR, IMAGINE THE RESALE VALUE 5 YEARS FROM NOW, MAYBE $4000 IF YOUR LUCKY HAHAHAHAHA…. 7-10 YEAR OLD TECHNOLOGY, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT I SUPPOSE WITH THAT CORRECTED, MAKES THE CRAPICA 15 FUKING YEARS OLD OH MY GOD………….