Vauxhall VX220 (2000 - 2004)

Last updated 5 July 2018

Buying Guide

Good

Three year warranty.

Comparatively low Group 16 insurance.

More forgiving than the Lotus Elise and with a more powerful engine.

Wonderful, crude race-car feel to the gearchange.

An absolute hoot to drive, and a better choice than the facelifted Elise.

Vauxhalls generally had below average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 84.4 v/s lowest 31.93) www.reliabilityindex.co.uk

Bad

Very limited production run, so beware of paying over the odds. 

2.2 16v engine has been known to snap its timing chain due to the lubrication jet becoming blocked, possibly as a result of running on dirty oil due to extended oil change intervals. 

Ignition control unit of 2.2 petrol engine is prone to burning out.

No power steering.

Massive kickback through the steering wheel.

Watch

Have been plenty of Lotus build quality faults and some rejected cars are being re-offered via the auctions. 

Lots of track day offs.

Bad repairs to the alloy tub can be hidden under fresh fibreglass panels.

Recalls

09-09-2002: 729 VX220s VINs WOLOEAR971N000001 to WOLOEAR972N003648: risk that driver's airbag can crack over time and may not inflate properly when triggered. Dirvers airbag to be replaced. Also 31 VX220s VINs WOLOEAR971N000001 to WOLOEAR972N003648: Slight chance that one of more of tapped holes for bolts holding brake callipers together not fully threaded, compromising the structural integrity of the calliper. Check callipers of 99 affected cars and replace if not properly threaded.