Here’s a family motor that you didn’t realise you needed in your life.
A Vauxhall Signum, made between 2003 and 2008, is not a cry for help but one of the best all-rounders you could imagine. And imagine it you just might have to, because there are few around these days, but at least the price is usually quite right.
The Signum is essentially a Vectra (already a very good working-class car from 2002) with executive ambitions and determined to put the CEO in the huge back seat. Nobody really got it, or bought one, when it was new. Essentially, the Signum is all about the FlexSpace system so you could have five or ideally four seats with sliding, reclining and flipping functions. That may have been useless for most of the originally targeted big-shot buyers but it means proper flexibility in real-world use.
Diesels broadened the appeal slightly – a 1.9 CDTi in 120bhp and 150bhp states of tune that gets drivers towards a potential 47mpg. There was the nippy 2.2 petrol or a 2.0 petrol, later joined by a 1.8. Oh, yes, and a V6.
Some might prefer the revamped model from 2005 with its better engines. (The V6 was now turbocharged and the 1.8 became more economical.) So there are engine options for everyone but the smaller petrols make most sense these days. Specs are excellent, too.
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Surprised you are recommending a Vauxhall. I had several and they broke down a lot.
I still remember the look of horror on my Dad's face when presented with a diesel Signum to use while his beloved Jag was in being serviced.
Completely agree about tyres when buying second hand. Cheap tyres tell you the owner skimps on everything, worn edges tell you they cant even be bothered to check the tyre pressure, so no chance they ever checked anything else. Worst thing is dealers who stick a set of ditch finders and expect you be pleased they are new. Not only will they need to go in the bin, but also it tells you so much less than the stuff the last owner had on it would have done.
The Daihatsu Fourtrak was everywhere here in Yorkshire for a time, but they rust for fun, and as a result i havent seen one for many years
The Murano wasnt only hit because of the badge. It had a CVT that people hated, and most of them carry £600 annual road tax.