Now we have regularly paid attention to this type of workhorse (with varying price tags) in Op Zoek Naar, so this time we are looking for the disappeared models – cars that are no longer really on the radar of the consumer and are therefore often available at a favorable price. With 6 to 7 thousand, we are going holiday shopping.
Opel Vectra Wagon 1.8-16V Executive – 2009 – 141,712 kilometers – €5,945
With the Insignia, Opel wanted to go premium in 2008. The newcomer turned out to be a ‘thick’ car that literally overshadowed the Vectra it was replacing. A year later, the Vectra Wagon made way for the ambitiously titled Insignia Sports Tourer, after which the former seemed to disappear from the street scene remarkably quickly. With this Opel Vectra, we have found a survivor who at first glance still seems quite pricey, but with over 140,000 kilometers is far from the end of its Latin. Moreover, this farewell version is nicely luxuriously equipped: leather upholstery, climate and cruise control, heated front seats, electric tailgate, light, rain and parking sensors, navigation system and privacy glass in the back are present, which positively refutes the ‘no nonsense’ character of this German. One of the two ex-owners of the 25-HNG-8 had a tow bar installed – 1,300 kilos braked may be attached to the hook. What is more impressive is the enormous luggage space: up to 1,850 liters can fit in it! Yes, the latest generation Vectra is a strapping car, in which five adults can easily take place. The furniture does not provide too much support, but is comfortable. In addition, the adjustability of the front seats is good (with adjustable lumbar support) and the steering wheel can also be adjusted over a large height and depth. That steering wheel is light, but can be operated with feeling. The chassis has a pleasant, comfortable tuning, with the rear in particular being sprung somewhat softly. With full load, it could be firmer.
At the beginning of last year, we had a Vectra Wagon with a slightly weaker 1.8 (122 hp) from 2005 as a guest in Klokje Rond that had driven more than half a million kilometers. This occasion is not yet that far, so a long and not too expensive life in terms of maintenance seems feasible. It is a shame that there is no mention of warranty.
Renault Laguna Estate 2.0 16V 140 Expression – 2008 – 101,405 kilometers – €5,944
There was little wrong with the first generation Renault Laguna, the second was initially a disaster. The – good – third could not reverse the tide, so its successor was called Talisman. The name ‘Laguna’ was too contaminated, but that does not stop us from going for such a third generation. This Renault Laguna is located in the middle of the country: a year older than the Vectra, but the two ex-owners have barely covered a ton with it (NAP judgment: correct). It is a pity that the offering party here also does not waste a word on warranty.
Where the Vectra mainly looks straightforward, resulting in an enormous trunk space, the Laguna Estate looks just a bit more frivolous, resulting in a trunk space that is a lot less voluminous when the rear seat is folded down. If the bench is upright, there is little difference. In the front you look at a high-quality and ergonomic dashboard. The furniture is excellent and there is plenty of space in the front and rear, but the Vectra offers just a bit more in the rear.
The model shown is the entry-level Expression. Leather upholstery is missing, but things like a navigation system and xenon lighting are on board the 40-ZN-DS. The six-speed gearbox is also nice. This ensures less engine noise and wear on the highway and lower fuel consumption. The Easy Flex system, with which you can fold down the trunk with the push of a button, is also useful.
It is pleasant to drive with the Laguna III. The steering does not feel artificial. It offers quite a bit of feel and precision, but the dynamics of, for example, the Ford Mondeo and Mazda 6 are missing. Anyone who does not care about that has a fine companion in this occasion. Comfortable, without being weak. The naturally aspirated two-liter of 140 hp does a great job. You have to keep it revving a bit, but that is no problem with the smoothly shifting six-speed gearbox with its short shift travel.
MG ZT-T 180 – 2003 – 128,426 kilometers – €6,945
Anyone who values more allure and is willing to pay for it in many ways will find this stylish red MG ZT-T ready in Terneuzen. The ZT-T was the sporty brother of the Rover 75 Tourer, which under the skin, despite its front-wheel drive, had many BMW components under the hood. That makes the car more of an E-segmenter, but because the Brit is shorter than the Vectra, we are taking it along anyway. Moreover, where do you still see this model? An extensive delivery package including a one-year warranty costs €595 extra and then you have a rare occasion that is the most expensive and the oldest, but with its mileage is in the middle between the other two. The provider had the headliner and door upholstery reupholstered by a specialist and it must be said: the car looks sleek, both inside and out. Under the hood a V6 of 2.5 liters that – standard – is coupled to an automatic. That seems to make it more comfortable than sporty, but nevertheless the woodwork inside was killed and bucket seats were placed. The finish is good, as are the plastics used for, for example, door handles, dashboard and center console. On the outside, the mesh grille and beautiful rims are particularly striking, while the double exhaust produces a beautiful symphony of the sextet. And then the driving: Rover mounted harder rubbers (and you notice that!) and reinforced the wheel suspension. A wonderfully direct steering does the rest: this MG is a joy to drive. No corner is too sharp, no speed seems too high. The ZT claws itself into the asphalt. Really a car that you buy for emotional reasons, because in terms of interior and luggage space it offers the least, while the state of safety technology has not stood still in the past two decades either. For the enthusiast!
