Vauxhall

The short version

Vauxhall's performance history is a story of borrowed parts and clever engineering. The VX220 used a Lotus Elise chassis, the Astra and Corsa VXR took hot-hatch power to the front wheels, and the Monaro brought Australian V8 muscle to Britain. Each is a distinct ownership proposition.

The brand's mainstream cars are cheap to run, but the VXR models and the VX220 have their own weaknesses. Parts availability is mixed, and the best cars are often the ones that have been looked after by enthusiasts.

The models that define the brand

The VX220 was built on the Elise S2 platform with a Vauxhall engine. The standard car used a 2.2-litre four-cylinder, and the VXR220 and later turbo cars added a turbocharged 2.0-litre. It is light, raw and very quick, and it demands attention on uneven roads. The VXR220 was a limited run with more power and less weight, and it is the most collectable version.

The Astra VXR arrived in 2005 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre and a six-speed manual. The later Astra J VXR added more power and a more mature chassis, but it is heavier and less raw. The Corsa VXR applied the formula to a smaller car, with a 1.6-litre turbo and a firm ride. The Corsa VXR Nürburgring edition added a limited-slip differential and more power, and it is the one collectors look for.

The Monaro VXR was a Holden-built coupe with a 5.7 or 6.0-litre V8. It is simple, robust and thirsty, and it has become a cult car. The 6.0-litre cars are the ones most buyers want.

What it costs to own

A routine service on an Astra or Corsa VXR typically costs £250 to £450. The VX220 is more specialist, and a service can run to £400 to £700. Tyres are £400 to £700 a set on the hot hatches, and the VX220 uses sizes that are becoming harder to find, with a set costing £600 or more.

The M32 gearbox in the Astra and Corsa VXR is a known weak point. Bearing failure can lead to a rebuild that costs £800 to £1,200. The Z20LEH and Z16LER engines can suffer piston ringland failure, especially on tuned cars, and a rebuild can run to £2,500 to £4,000. A clutch on an Astra VXR can run to £700 to £1,000, and the dual-mass flywheel is often replaced at the same time.

On the VX220, the aluminium chassis is strong but expensive to repair after impact, and the clamshell body panels are costly. Cooling and suspension wear are the other regular items. The Monaro's fuel consumption is heavy, and tyres and brakes are priced for a V8 coupe rather than a hatchback.

Known weak points

• VX220: chassis damage, clamshell cracks, cooling faults and suspension wear.
• Astra VXR: M32 gearbox bearings, timing chain and piston ringland failure.
• Corsa VXR: engine piston failure, timing chain, turbo and gearbox faults.
• Monaro: fuel pump, differential and brake wear, plus parts from Australia.
• Rust: rear arches and sills on Astra and Corsa models.
• Modified cars: remaps and engine builds with no paperwork.

What to check before buying

Check the service history and confirm the timing chain and gearbox have been maintained. On an Astra or Corsa VXR, listen for gearbox whine and check for a noisy timing chain on a cold start. Check the rear arches and sills for rust, especially on early Astra H cars. A compression test is worthwhile on any tuned car.

On a VX220, inspect the chassis for accident damage and check the suspension and cooling system. The clamshell panels are expensive, so look for cracks. Check the radiator and coolant pipes as well, because access is tight and repairs are labour-intensive. A car that has been tracked will show wear on the brakes and tyres.

On a Monaro, check the fuel system and the differential, and confirm the parts supply before you buy. Body panels and trim can take time to arrive from Australia.

Market and depreciation

The VX220 has been climbing, and low-mileage cars are now expensive. The Astra VXR is cheap, but clean standard cars are becoming harder to find. The Corsa VXR is the cheapest way into the badge, and many have been modified. The VXR220 and the Corsa Nürburgring edition carry a premium over the standard cars.

The Monaro has a strong following, and the 6.0-litre VXR is the one to have. Values have been climbing as buyers recognise it as a simple, old-fashioned V8 coupe.

Who it suits

Vauxhall suits a buyer who wants accessible performance and is prepared to sort a few known faults. It also suits someone who wants a lightweight sports car without Lotus prices. It does not suit a buyer who wants a turnkey modern performance car, and it does not suit anyone who needs four usable seats.

How this profile was compiled

This profile uses Vauxhall's published model information, owner reports from the VX220 Owners Club, and current UK market listings. It is a buying guide, not a road test.