whitenoise

Been looking at one of these, same with the exterior pack, 150bhp 1.9 8v diesel engine..

I know its a Vauxhall, but i really like the look of them, I had a petrol version as a courtesy car and it wasn't too bad.. interior a little cheap and tacky but look smart in 3 door variant.

Honest pros/cons?



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Vauxh...item4aba871f62

ST Racer

They look ace but I hate the cheap interior, I've sat on park benches that are more comfy than the seats, engine noise in the cabin is terrible, rock hard suspension, impractical passenger and boot space.

That sums it up lol.

Fullflush

Look out for a whining box on over-run.

DMF rattle is expensive fix.

Check the turbo doesn't sound like the police are following you.

whitenoise

I remember the seats not being that comfy in the courtesy car but that was a basic 1600 5 door model so thought it was just that model. I really can't figure what other car i could get with similar looks and spec for 5k, German cars parts are expensive, cost me best part of Ł450 for pads and discs all round on my old BMW, Ford diesels i refuse to touch, had a Mondeo that the dual mass flywheel went and smashed the bellhousing on the gearbox. Aside from Ford/Vauxhall/VW and Audi im a bit stuck for choice... I dont want anything bigger than Astra sized either!

Sick of tinkering with 10 year old cars and trying to keep them on the road ! Id rather get something 3/4/5 years old for around 5k that looks the part and is pretty cheap to run hence these Astra's seem to fit the bill pretty well, ive heard more horror stories with Ford diesels than i have these.

Mister G

1.9 is very nippy for what it is! Nice engine to drive.

Interior is flimsy plastic
Awful soundsystem
Poor Handling
Uncomfortable seats

Do like the exterior styling of them though. Never did quite get on with the stupid indicators mind.

Mister G

Oh and I saw an 08 plate ex fleet example with sensible miles go through the auctions for Ł3k the other day. Not bad for the ŁŁŁŁ

whitenoise

You can pick up an 56/07 reg for around 5k with around 70k on the clock which isnt too bad. Theres one i may go take a look at, its mainly for the up and coming winter, if the summer we have had is anything to go by then the winter i imagine is going to be a harsh one. I like them in the grey colour they come in.

vaughant

iTrader: (1)

Lots of electrical issues,3 people in work with me have all had failed ecus at a cost of either Ł500 or a grand to sort.
Cim module faults where your car thinks it's been bumped then the interior light stays on and the hazards flash.
One guy who's just got one has a lot of water in the boot,not sure if that's common or not?
Look great but just to make you aware.

whitenoise

I suppose every car has its faults, you can only check so much when you buy one then once you part with the cash its down to you unless it comes with warranty, which I will try and do. Strange how people price newer cars, ive seen 55 reg examples with 75k approx on the clock for 6k, and then saw a 07 reg in same condition,colour, mileage for the same price!

phil_rs

iTrader: (3)

They are ok, equivalent focus is a much better car IMO. Engine in the vaux is good, not too clued up on the more modern focus derv lumps

S3an

Sold mine 2 year ago for Ł5.5k 70k miles. The EGR valves clog up on them, easy replaced but exspensive. Theres a recall on the horn, doesnt work even if you bang the steering wheel hard. 18" wheels look superb but easy scraped and are like hens teeth to get hold of 2nd hand. The 150 bhp one you are on about wont be 8v, its a 16v. The seats are the most uncomfortable ive ever sat in!!! Dont expect a million miles to the gallon on the 150 bhp model, i would say 40 max, slightly better on a run.

Csm

Very nice looking motors

Probably better buying the 1.8 vvt petrol tho

My mate had a 150cdti and i borrowed it for the weekend and i must admit it wasnt the best econemy wise and genuinly thought it was quite greedy

Oranoco

Wouldn't touch with a bargepole. One of Vauxhalls better styling efforts but the interior and seats are unforgivable. Had a couple at work cook their ECUs for no apparent reason. Couple have had problems with drivers window opening itself.

Would rather push a Focus than drive an Astra to be brutal

Magnum PI

You should seriously consider the MK2 SEAT Leon

Great car and you'd pick up a decent one for Ł5K

Carlos-Titx

I get them all the time from work and each time I beg not
To have one. The most horrid and uncomfortable car to drive.

Everyone at work gets what we all now call "Astra back" and walk about like cripples for a day or 2 after driving them.

whitenoise

lol the horn didn't work on the courtesy car!

I suppose the seats are worse depending on your body weight/build im only a slim guy at 12 stone. Really don't know what to do.. even ended up looking at the VXR's ! I couldnt and wouldnt touch a modern Ford with a bargepole either, let alone a diesel one... the only thing i could live with is a Focus ST (first shape 05 - 08 ish) but they still go for good money.

foxy06

Good call on the Seat's, ive always liked the look of the Cupra R, plenty car for the money!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4116565.htm

Magnum PI

even better a MK2 2.0TFSI for not much more:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...rs?logcode=hlp

S3an

i got rid of the astra to buy a seat FR, like chalk and cheese.

andy888

av got they grey 150 cdti van and love it!

whitenoise

I nearly died in a leon cupra mk1 facelift and not too keen on the newer models the front end looks like a frog

Oranoco

Following on from this thread. Our Astra was recovered this morning after stopping and then failing to do anything at all. Somebody has to go out and pick up 2 very annoyed bridge engineers.

Magnum PI

bloody hell, what happened to you in the MK1?


I traded in a 2002 Mk1.5 Focus for a 2010 MK2 Leon 1.4TSi Sport

Have to say the Leon is a great car & I do like the look of it, it looks different to every other square euro box out there and the equipment list is as long as your arm.

1.4 Turbo engine and for its size its a quick car & very economical, was pushing 54MPG on a trip to Edindurgh.

Personally, i'd never have a Vauxhall