8 replies to this topic

[Keiron]

Hi, I'm new to the world of VX220's but am looking to buy one very shortly and have been offered a Opel Speedster a little more cheaply then a VX.. and would appreciate some advise - are the differences purely cosmetic? - are there any problems with insuring them (i know from past expereince jap imports are a much more expensive) - will it effect re-sale? any help appreciated cheers

[CupidKnewRap]

Very little difference as far as I know no insurance probs, jap import problems are down to the jap chassis no.s and differing performance to uk spec resale is a different story though any importaed car loses value even my VX that was UK registered and then registered in germany and then reimported (all by me) will suffer.

[LazyDonkey]

Guess it depends on how cheap ! If its a few grand cheaper then it might be worth it, but there are a lot of nice Vaux ones about at the moment.

[RAB2000]

if you stick the vauhall v on the front and badges on the back, nobody will be any the wiser. I prefer the opel look anyway, and better name?

[Dodge]

IMO don't do it! Looked at buying a Speedster myself last year - nice car but insurance porblems put me right off. The problem is is that the computers that insuarance companies use just don't list an Opel Speedster - it doesn't exist. Some may take you on but when you come to renew in 12 months you may not have the choice in shopping around to get alternative quotes. This potential problem may then restrict your buyers market when you come to sell.

[Pidgeon]

Nick (UK Speedster) lost buyers because of this issue. I would only buy if the price is significantly lower than a Vauxhall badges car.

[Ratspants]

There's a speedster in For Sale that claims to be registered as a VX220, so you could insure that as a "VX220 with cosmetic exterior mods"...or haggle a couple of hundred off the price and change all the badging yourself. There are other minor issues with that particular one, but if the price is right, it's still fundamentally the same car. Ben

[Foxy]

Title edited 'cos it was irritating the tits off me

[UKspeedster]

Owning a Speedy, I'll try to give my experiences on it. Differences - all cosmetic. Grille on the front, badges on wheels, airbag and rear clam, numbered plaque on dash. I personally think it looks better (particularly not a fan of the chrome V on the VX). Mechanically and options are all identical - it's the same car, built on the same production line at Hethel. Insurance - has not been an issue. Opel Speedster is recognised by the ABI, although insurance companies may choose to show VX220 (Imp). I have had written confirmation from the insurers that this is the equivalent and the car is very much covered Resale - everyone is different, but in my mind, it is the state of the car that is the most important thing, whether Speedy or VX220. I went for the best car I could find that met my requirements within the price bracket. If that happens to be a Speedy, I certainly wouldn't let that put me off, but each to their own. Partridge is right that I had an interested party who decided against the car in the end (it might even have been Dodge!), but having seen other cars for sale on here, they all seem to take time selling because they are specialist cars. In the end, I sold the Racing Puma first and therefore have had another 9 months to enjoy the Speedy A result in my book! Hope that helps - I have my final month in the UK before heading to the US in July, so I guess I'll be looking to sell up shortly too