I have a 2000 X Vauxhall Vectra 2.0 Dti, which I inherited from my Grandfather. It has only done 57,000 miles. It has an intermittent fuel supply problem, which two different garages have put on their diagnostic systems and diagnosed as an oil pump needing replacement, and that as this is integral to other parts of the engine and its management, the cost is £2000 for parts and £500 for labour. They have said the complexity of the system means no exchange parts are available nor second-hand.

Does this sound true? Do you know of any dealer who might repair Vauxhall oil pumps?

P.S. I have tried giving the vehicle a good thrash and it has had a thorough service. The problem is getting worse.

The problem shows in two ways. Firstly when starting the car almost fires immediately on the first turn of the ignition, but does not catch. It will do this 10/20 times, then after some foot pumping of the accelerator, will eventually catch.

Secondly whilst driving the engine will suddenly loose power, catch, loose power, catch, loose power. On Saturday, it did this over a period of three miles on a motorway as exit road before stopping at a set of traffic lights. We pushed it to safety, returned eight hours later, it started first time, drove for ten miles, and then the same problem occurred. It stopped a mile from home. I left it for two hours and it started first time, and we made it safely back.