Vauxhall VX220 Review 2000-2006 - The comfortable Lotus alternative
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ธ.ค. 2024
- The Vauxhall VX220 is an alternative to the Lotus Elise. In this video I explain what is good and not so good about it after 4.5 years and 19,000 miles of ownership.
This is why I like this channel. Not only great driving instruction, but an instructor that isn't all about the boring change up a gear by 2k rpm ways of driving, really has a passion for cars and the fun you can get from driving them - especially great for those probably like me who have passed but still watch the channel, there's always something to learn :)
Happy to see the channel is gaining more and more 'traction' (haha), I remember earlier this year it was at like 20-30k subscribers and its practically gone up 100k. Well deserved, keep up the great work Richard!
Thank you so much.
@@ConquerDriving :)
Definitely! Couldn't have said it better myself
@@uk7866 Thank you, happy to know others share the same view 😁
A tip: watch series at Flixzone. Been using them for watching a lot of movies lately.
This is the only detailed review on the TH-cam about this car. The report about the everyday use is effective. The comparation with the mx-5 is very useful, because mx-5 is well known to many of us. Thanks for that!
I must say seeing the "Welcome to Fingringhoe" sign did make me giggle!
😂
Lovely Easter egg 🥚
Cool to finally have a video on this car after seeing snippets for a while now!
You're welcome, I've been planning to do one for a while. It just wasn't a priority.
I keep coming back to this video because of:
1. The amazing review
2. The beautiful sound of that car 😍
Absolutely loved how this car looked in your another video. Was enjoying the video, then you revved.
And oh man that exhaust note is like music to my ears.
Sensational video! You should do more like this one. In my opinion 50-50 between MX-5 vs VX220. They are very beautiful and strong cars. You must be proud of the mods you did on VX220, solving the problems that you had, fantastic. Another mention, the engine sound, rev match, changing gears, of those cars are like music for my ears. Outstanding video, I'm very glad to have found your channel. I hope you can find that Lotus again, if you intend to yet. Thank you very much Richard Instructor.
I had that car for over 4 years and now I've had my MX5 for nearly 2 years. I'm sticking with the MX5 for now but I'm always happy to review cool cars.
@@ConquerDriving Yeah, the MX5 is a nice car, both cars are! Well, those two title's thumbnail layout are cool too, I mean, if you intend to do more reviews, so red stripe for entertainment videos and blue stripe for educational videos. Thank you very much for the answer Richard Instructor!
Lol I remember when you showed this car off when you did the moving away quickly from a standstill video and it was soooooooooo satisfying to see and HEAR it move away so quickly with 3500 revs and a hellalalot of engine noise.
If I weren't poor, this would SO be my car
I hope one day it is your car.
@@ConquerDriving we can only hope. But I’d be happy to settle for a nice SEAT Leon too :)
Took a break from your instructional videos to watch this. 11 years ago I'd leave for school extra early, 20 minutes before the gate even opened, just because I knew I would see a red vx220 absolutely bombing it past me with my hands planted on the bus window. Insurance where I live is a nightmare, so it'll be a while before I can snag one of these, but I'm happy to wait so long as they don't go extinct!
A fantstic video! I enjoyed it throughly. You a are a true enthusiast. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. While I prefer Mazda's look, the VX220 is very unique-looking. And that modified Vauxhall has a fantastic sound. I had a modified Challenger, and I think I can see why you would like to have it back. A car with a character is something special.
Lucky enough for me, I'm finding the MX5 has a character of its own. I'm not missing the VX220.
great looking car and performance for what they cost !! the doors freezing over is easy to prevent by spraying the door rubber seals with silicone spray, i do this a few time a year including the trunk and it never gets stuck now, we get some cold winters here in Minnesota !
Great video mate!!
The VX220 is by far my favourite affordable sports car there is, only problem I couldn't get in one with having a messed up spine....life is so unfair
That is a shame. Perhaps an MX5? Just as fun on the road in my opinion.
@@ConquerDriving Used to have a H reg mk1 Eunos roadster, best car I've owned, so much fun. Had for 4.5 years with nothing going wrong, unbelievable reliability and a good drivers car, not very fast but it gave me my love for open top 2 seaters. Unfortunately I had to sell, kids stopped play.
I really struggle getting in a standard car so think any sports car is going to be a no no. I'm hypersensitive to everything (food wise) I once loved and can't drive the cars I want to.
Life is very hard 😕
SUV for me
Very educational video, thanks. Having owned 3 MX5’s, and a Lotus Elise, I understand the merits of both. Appreciate this video is 2 years old so you will have made your decision already, however for anybody else wondering about purchasing something like the VX220 or Elise, after selling my Elise 5 years ago, and going through many cars and currently having an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio as my daily, and complete built Porsche Boxster track car, I still can’t get away from wanting a sub 200bhp British lightweight sports car. Do with that info what you will.
I understand that. I seem to enjoy around 200bhp and 1000kg.
I used to love driving this car in Need For Speed 12 years ago when I was just a kid
I absolutely love the look of the VX220!
But then again I love the look of my dad’s 2004 Smart Roadster, so that probably says a lot about me...
😂 I like the little smart too.
As a Vx owner myself, This is a great video
A really articulate review and engajing with it. He should be on Top Gear,
Yes! I’ve been waiting for this video!
Agree with everything except at 20:46 the line
'i will not look back'.
You will
Sounds like it's been a good car, proper (perhaps first? i'm not sure of your car history.. would be interesting) fast/fun car, and sounds like the VX220 has always been special, even before you fixed this one up.
Talking about the raw and (arguably) dangerous handling characteristics when near the limit, sounds much like what some Americans say about Dodge Vipers, you can't just drive it at the limit and expect it to be forgiving, you have to drive to how the car wants to be driven, and the select few that realise this, love it.
The raw(ness?) of the handling, coupled with no power steering, a responsive throttle (almost too responsive, upshift blips!) and lack of ESC/other driving aids definitely puts you in the deep end, but builds up a good man and machine relationship. Nothing will be quite the same as this.
These car review videos are getting better and better also, I hope they gain more ground, perhaps a VX220 review from a channel that has the words 'safe' and 'easy' on an L plate as the icon is slightly odd.
Maybe consider a 2nd channel? I'm not sure, check how many views come from subscribers on these car enthusiast videos, I think you have 2 main audiences but hard to balance the two, (youtube algorithm/etc might do better with 2 channels).
I've had a Fiat Coupe Turbo 20v, MR2, two VX220s and a Z4M as interesting cars. Now the MX5 if you can call it interesting.
The VX220 has now sold. I'm not regretting my decision yet. You must remember I've owned VX220s for 5.5 years now, I'm well accustomed to how they handle and can get it close to the limit and control it on the limit. But it's taken a lot of practise.
I've had enough of the rawness and need some more luxury and refinement from my sports car now. The MX5 doesn't get a much respect and isn't as special but I don't care, it's a hoot and every bit as much fun as the VX220 but in a playful way as apposed to a precise way. I very nearly got a series 3 Lotus Elise but that has a harsh ride.
Yes, may be two channels, I have thought about that.
Really liked your video, I own myself a 275HP 2.2 Kompressor (Opel Speedster). I have not so many problems as you have but I dont use it as daily driver. And I am with you best handling car ever and at 2021 very very rare!! Take care best Regards Alex
The performance of the supercharged cars is quite incredible.
Have had my 2.2 for just over a year. Love it. I find the seat isn’t too bad, quite comfy. Bumps in the road can make me wince by the sound and shock through the car. I find myself timing lane changes so the cats eyes go between and not under the wheels. Otherwise they feel like speed bumps.
Did JayEmm drive this car for his channel?
I know exactly what you mean about cats eyes! I used to do the same.
LOVE the car's looks 1st and foremost... I'd love to own one but I live in Australia and ther are only 2 here.
It’s not a question of aesthetics or performance, it’s about the experience you have had with the car and your journey to better it. Stick with the VX220
I sold it in November, I have to say I'm pleased with my decision, I'm enjoying the MX5.
@@ConquerDriving Are you thinking to do some mods on your MX5, I’m sure in the future you’ll have a lot of fun if you did!
0:31 what is that stethoscope doing in the back?🤔🤔🤔
That's a diagnostic tool to listen to them engine. Left it in the boot since I had my hydraulic lifters replaced a month or so ago. They were tapping.
Men I want one. Test drove one a few weeks ago. But I wait untill My house with garage is ready to live in within a few months.
Great video as always Richard. Doubt you'd see this but I'm very curious if you have an update on this. You seem to really enjoy the mx5 in your more recent videos. What happened to the vx220? Are you still considering going back or are you more than happy with mx5?
Great! I was waiting for this review :)
LOTUS are magical, I miss them.... I know why you wanted out Z4m to go back, however the Mazda is a sweetheart , well built , darling to drive, no crashing, just a plush sorted ride, wonder if you'll want more from the nice 100th Anniversary and long 'again' for the Lotus raw-ness again after a year or so
I wanted the 100th anniversary as I loved the colour scheme. Only trouble is they are only new at the moment so I had to spend a lot on it. The VX220 actually has a smoother ride than the 2.0 litre. The 1.5 is the most comfortable though.
Great review on the VX but you cannot really compare a 20 year old VX to a 20 plate mx5 though. I'm also currently restoring a VX220 NA (going to ITB's) which i ran as a daily for 4 years. Amazing piece of kit, cheap to run, and nothing comes close for b road blasts.
I hear you but in terms of cost of ownership I can compare as they're very similar all things being considered. The MX5 is probably a bit cheaper for me as I use them a lot.
is this the one i see on a drive in Lawford / Ardleigh?
I miss Mazda's MX5 NC looks. ND looks too mean in my opinion. And in regard to VX220 I think it looks good. I took me about 10 years for this opinion to ripen but here it is. I don't like looks of the Opel/Vauxhall of that stylistic period, but the speedster/VX220 is a peculiar little thing which you don't see on roads often. And its neutral design makes it more pleasant to look at than at furious face of MX5.
Look wise I do like the incredibly utilitarian design, but the VX220 really doesn't seem like a car for me otherwise.
The MX5 does interest me after watching that review, but that's a maybe for the far future.
Well it's 2 years down the line and I see you still have the MX-5. Did you contemplate or try to get the VX220 back at any point ? You asked about styling opinions. I love both of them, I genuinely do. However, in the case of the VX220 the early 2000's Vauxhall styling isn't aging quite as well as an Elise, but it's still striking and purposeful looking. It still makes my head turn. In the case of the MX-5, whilst I love it, and unlike the VX220 I've actually driven one, the MX-5 does have a shrunk down Corvette look about it which does in my own opinion give it a more feminine vibe than the VX220. Don't get me wrong, I'd still own one and answer the critics. Infact I did ! Like you I bought my ideal car then spent circa £10k on it. I bought an MX-5 mk2.5 nb sport with the torsion LSD (garage queen) in grey. I had it wax oiled, then took it to BBR in Brackley to have it turbo charged taking it from 142 bhp to 252 bhp. The exhaust was changed to a sports cat 2.5" stainless one, I had new bronze Rota alloys and alignment done, Coney dampers and BBR springs, vented discs and sport pads, and braided lines. Then a year later due to certain driving and family impracticalities (only 2 seats, and the exhaust cat scraped every speed hump). I sold it. I missed that car and still do, so I understood why you bought the VX220 back in the first place, but I wonder if like me you wish to god you'd just swallowed the financial burden and kept it locked away for the day you started missing it again. Kean to hear how you feel now about your sold ITB VX220 ?
I'm looking to buy a sports car again. Like you I drove the Z4M when I owned a Westfield, but I felt I'd kill myself with its 340 bhp and loose rear end. I recently considered a Porche Boxter 987.2, but like the BMW it's a heavier roadster. I love light weight sports cars with lower speed thrills and amazing feed back. So I'm still considering an MX-5 nd like yours, but having it turbo charged by BBR. I know you don't like the whistle, but you aught to test drive one of their cars. Sorry for waffling on. Take care.
Overall I prefer the MX5 over the vx220 because it's more enjoyable to use. The Handling of the MX5 is less sharp but more playful and in my opinion more fun. Also as the car has less power I get to drive it harder for longer which adds to the experience. Then there's the solid reliability, I've done 11 track days without a problem.
This is the one car that I would like to see in person, but I will likely never see one. I’m not even sure if there are even any in the United States. Sure I’ve seen the Saturn Sky around, but it’s not anywhere close to as gorgeous as one of these.
None in the states at the moment, I'm sure there will be some after 2025 as they will be 25 years old then.
Great video!! Thinking about buying one, so Thanks for all the info
Question - is it possible to install an AC / aircondition in these cars? Tried to google with no luck….
Thank you! I've not heard of anybody doing it from memory. I guess it's possible but it would be very difficult.
Fancied this in the day..now with arthritis and a few decades and pounds piled on....
Be a great Tesla powertrain base :)
I've always loved the look of the 220 definitely don't see many on the road but i can't believe the amount of issues lol that's insane things you'd never think of. Can gurantee if you wasn't filming this on this channel you'd be chasing that e46 ;) i think he was waiting lol
This is the only Vauxhall I would EVER consider buying. But it is mostly a Lotus so I can be forgiven 😆
You forgett the back frame break if you dont support it if you drive with semis or slicks and hard driving.
Maybe you know the one a test drove, When pulling away in first gear a bit quicker. I heard a grinding noise. Motor mounts seemt to Be ok.
Grinding sound is usually the side engine mounts. But it can be many things.
so in short:
The Vauxhall VX220, the car i really want to get next right now is..
- Deadly
- HIlariously open to the elements
- its paint explodes
- Extremely uncomfortable interior
- Really dangerous
Hm, doesnt sound too bad!
Hello Richard I have a question: What should I do if I realise I'm giving a bit to less or a bit to much revs when driving off traffic lights or doing a hill start ( let's say I am at the biting point)? I know if I'm rolling back I have to lift the clutch a bit higher, if I'm almost stalling I have to press the clutch a bit down. I understand and know how to control and play with the biting point (at first obviously have to find it) but I don't know it with the throttle. I either find the perfect balance between clutch and throttle or not.
I do have a video on clutch control, maybe this can help.
@@ConquerDriving thanks 👍
Holy moly! Thanks for this video... was thinking about getting one (Speedster in our country)... but after this :D I think I'll pass!
OMG I love this car soooo much
I had that 2.2 GM engine in an Alfa 159 and it was trash. Sounded like it was going to blow up at high RPM and already had the timing chain replaced after 5 years.
Some of your "negative" points are what i expect or kinda want from a sportscar
So are these cars a nightmare to own if you dont have a fully equipped garage (will have it stored inside during winter only)? I was really interested in one but this video put me off a bit. I thought they were more bulletproof - the motor is a common standard and there is almost no equipment in them that can fail. Unless the whole glass fibre thing crumbles...
Great vid by the way!
The brady engine, gearbox and chassis are good. Where the chassis and sub frame connect can corrode badly but is fixable. Everything else though does fall apart relative easily. It's a delicate car and it's best to keep it in the garage and have space, tools and time to work on it.
Brilliant review - thank you
Hi, got one since a year and like you fixed most things. But in my case left the engine till last. What would you recommend for performance not just sound and who did it? Thx
Leave it standard is my best recommendation. Upgrade toe links and hub carrier bolts.
That's tempted me to buy one
Was hoping for more on what to look for when buying, got some of that but could have had more. Oh and BTW get a ND MX5, add the optional Eibach springs from Mazda, whack on some ARBs and a Flyin Miata geo and you'll get a much more precise feeling car than standard :)
Have you ever driven an alfa romeo?
I had a Fiat Coupe Turbo 20v when i was 20. Similar thing to the GTV.
Which is better vx220 or opel speedster ??
They're the same.
Since you asked Richard. Not a big fan of the looks. I don't particularly hate the looks but it's not that exciting either.
I think it looks better when you see it as the shape and proportions are different to your everyday car. But many share your feelings on this one.
@@ConquerDriving I would think so too. I remember the VX220 in Gran Turismo and it was one of my favourite cars. I've seen a Tesla Model X in person and that looks much better in photos and such then in real life!
There is no doubt the Elise looks better, but these are way cheaper. Though the Elise is also noticably lighter.
@@BlatentlyFakeName I'd agree 👍
I don't think sports cars are designed to be comfy and safe. They're designed to show off, that's about it lol.
1:01 is me after passed my driving licence 🥰 one ☝️ day I’m sure 😊
I'm sure you will!
I think the vauxhall looks better
Brilliant video 👏👏👏
I could forgive all its faults if the badge on the steering wheel was straight. That really bugged me watching this video.
Ahh good old British craftsmanship😂😂😂
How long are your legs? Mine are 34”. You look cramped in there
31". I was more comfortable in the VX220 than I am in my MX5. Well, that's after I added padding to the seat. I had the seat about 3/4 of the way back.
Didn't know Vaux cheap'd out crappy materials, defects and dangerous part choice. Lotus actually have hardly any of these, odd from Vaux, mustn't have cared about safety > 3 years old this odd model for Vaux to make, obv didn't have any passion make it proper
The Lotus has the same safety issues, they also have engine issues with the earlier pre 2006 cars. So for the time when the VX220 was sold, it was the safer bet.
Buys a powerful and fast super car, procceds to follow the speed limit
@1:05 LOL
Good name that, I didn't get it until my teenage years.
@@ConquerDriving Also toyota celica is another contender, but not as light.
Keep the Vauxhall, is more especial.
I've already sold it. It seems to have gone to a good home though.
So... To boil it down... It does have all the proper super car characteristics then? 🤷🏻♂️
Depends what you consider super car characteristics. Guess you should never meet your heroes as what you imagine and what you get....
You’d be mad to let that piece of motoring history go for a generic showroom MX5.
I think I was mad to own two over 5.5 years. To be totally honest, overall the ND2 MX5 184ps is a much better car for me at the moment. It does more of what I want more of the time. The VX220 is a car that appreciates a neat style of driving, it's great up to the limit then it's horrible over the limit and punishes you on long journeys so taking it to the best parts of the country and the race circuit is a real chore. I'm loving the MX5 at the moment as it's a far more playful car that let's you slide about but can also be neat and can do an 8 hour journey in complete comfort and ease. On track I've noticed the happiest people always seem to be MX5, Clio and Megane drivers. The least happy being a Caterham of sorts when it's raining 😂. I'm also not missing the downsides of a 20 year old poorly built car from Hethel that manages to fall apart about as quickly as I can keep it together. I very nearly got a series 3 Elise but the MX5 is better for me at the moment. Still love the VX220, but I've had enough for now, I may be back in the future.
@@ConquerDriving wow, cheers for the in depth reply. I currently have a Focus MK2 ST3 facelift 5 door. It’s a car I’ve been after for years because of that glorious 5 pot Volvo engine. But in reality, compared to the MK6 and MK7 Fiesta ST’s I’ve had, you can real feel it’s a bigger car and this time of year, all the power (285bhp) goes to waste. So I’ve been looking quite deeply into buying a VX220. I want a 2.2 over the Turbo due to insurance, repair costs, mpg, boot size etc. There’s not many for sale at the moment, £10k gets you one with a suspect history, £12k gets you a get in a drive away and £15k gets a super low mileage minter. So the prices are pretty tight. But due to videos and research on owners forums, they do seem to suffer with various problems beyond wear and tear. Paint, clam shells (never heard those words referring to a car before), cracked coolant bottles, cracked exhaust manifolds and various other problems. Would you recommend someone actually buy a VX220 2.2?
I would only recommend someone buying an old car that's built by lotus if they like working on cars. I noticed many owners spend more time working on the car than driving it, many of them like that as it's like adult meccano. Also, low mileage doesn't mean good, VX220s are rather fond of entropy and will gain problems even when left. A well driven regularly used car is a good bet as hopefully the owner has kept on top of the problems. On the whole they're good as most of the things that go wrong are cheap to put right if you're good with tools - paintwork and lights being the exception as they're expensive. If you want a reliable car that keeps you warm in the winter and doesn't leak water then definitely stay away from the VX220. Also, wind noise will leave your ears ringing after a long journey. Horses for courses. The VX220 is a great toy if you're looking to take it out on your local b road every so often and possibly a local track day after you've prepared the car. But if you want to actually do road trips and explore the best driving roads and tracks which are many hours away throughout the whole year, there are better cars. The ND MX5 184 is the most fun road car I've had, I can't talk for the lower powered MX5s but I don't miss the extra acceleration and grip of the VX220 had over my current car. It all depends what you want, how much money you want to spend, do you want to modify it etc. The VX220 NA may be 5.6 to 60mph but on the bentley straight at 90 mph an old Clio sport will out accelerate it as it has more power and weight isn't a problem at that speed it's just air resistance vs power. For me it has to be light weight, around 200ps, rear wheel drive, manual, LSD, convertible, reliable and a nice place to sit on long journeys, cruise control, not use loads of fuel, luggage space for two suitcases but also a stack of fun on mountain roads and tracks. Therefore the MX5 is perfect for me. Tell me what your priorities are and I will tell you if the VX220 is the car for you.
@@otacon5648 Sounds like you're just a naysayer and haven't actually driven the MX-5 with its updated 184ps engine
@@smilepermile8165 I’m sure it’s great and I’ve considered one for the wife but want something a bit different.
Oh , you had a Z4m, Z3m sadly prettier and more valueable by 300% as you'll know in trade Richard. Wonder why Z4m always been held around 15k ave 20k nice one, not exactly dear when an R Reg bread van Z3m can be 60k , prob a rather bitty sum very bitty one over 30k
The Z3M is more rare. It was a skunk works project if I remember correctly. I don't deal with interesting cars unfortunately. Too much risk.
@@ConquerDriving Yes I too sell 699-2999, nowt interesting, just boxes and wheels and margin
It’s a track day car… what are you expecting??
I owned one for 3 years and used it every day, I thought it was fantastic.
Blood on the seats from your back ?? That never happened to me. Noisy? Of course it is, it’s to keep weight down. My heater always worked, lights always worked… I never had any problems, and because the parts are Vauxhall, it was cheap to run.
Your missing the whole point of the car mate
I don't consider it a track day car. I consider it a weekend car that you may take on track. An Ariel Atom or a Caterham is what I consider a track day car. I obviously liked the car as I had it 4 years and I had two, but I don't think they sold it as a track day toy.
Thanks
No problem, thank you for watching as always.
I always laugh when I see 'Fingringhoe'
never not a good time for another LOTUS vid, oh bugger, unforced error. Christ, meaning vauxhall derived Lotus
😂
Aha recognised you! th-cam.com/video/E5wZlpnTu4I/w-d-xo.html
Haha, yes, James did review.
my like was 69th !