jibjob
Member
Registered: 6th Apr 08
Location: Elworth, Cheshire
User status: Offline
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Seeing as the corsa died a massive MOT fail death i think its time to get something a bit newer and start again.
I've been looking at Astras around 2005ish. Not looking at VXR's or SRI's just plain bog standard 1.4, 1.6, possibly 1.8 and the diesel range. Maybe even the vans at a push.
I was just wondering what to look out for with the different engines, spec levels, optional extras, etc. Also peoples first hand experiences of them as an everyday car as the only real chance i got to drive one was a courtesy car for a week but it seemed a fairly nice car to drive even if it was slightly harder to reverse due to the smaller rear window.
All good points and bad points for any of the models mentioned would be great so i can get an idea of what to look for and what to stay away from.
 
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Bonney
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Registered: 14th Nov 04
Location: St Helens
User status: Offline
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If I was you I would look at the SXI's or the design. The SXI was the sort of cheaper sporty version and the design was a higher end model with a half leather interior.
Had a go in a 1.7 diesel one and it seemed to pull pretty well, Unsure what bhp it was.
I'd stay away from the 1.4 as it is underpowered for the size of the car.
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jibjob
Member
Registered: 6th Apr 08
Location: Elworth, Cheshire
User status: Offline
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Nice one Bonney. Heard anything about reliability issues or anything? I've heard a few things about the reliability of the diesels in the vans and Vectras.
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l15ter
Member
Registered: 1st Feb 08
Location: Berkshire
User status: Offline
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I have an Astra 1.7 cdti and its not bad to drive, it pulls good for the size of engine and on the plus side I get cheapper insurance and tax with good mpg. However they do have there down side, loss of coolant.
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jibjob
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Registered: 6th Apr 08
Location: Elworth, Cheshire
User status: Offline
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When you say loss of coolant do you mean its a bad loss or just steady?
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Gareth T
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Registered: 14th Feb 06
Location: newcastle
User status: Offline
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A mate has a 1.6 sxi, nice cars
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alan t
Member
Registered: 3rd Sep 06
Location: edinburgh
User status: Offline
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ive got a 56 plate 1.6, its the club model. I bought it to try and be more grown up as its a 5 door model, but to be honest with you find it really dull and boring. Find it quite poor on fuel as well.
I bought mines in october but am looking to change it already, thats really how boring it is.
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l15ter
Member
Registered: 1st Feb 08
Location: Berkshire
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by jibjob
When you say loss of coolant do you mean its a bad loss or just steady?
Well a bad loss if a coolant pipe splits, but that has only happened 3 times to me and once was a steady leak which was down to a pipe coming out of the water pump.
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VegasPhil
Premium Member
Registered: 16th Jan 05
Location: Fareham, Hants Drives: Octavia VRS
User status: Offline
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1.6 astra sxis are bloody thirsty!
Corsa 2.0 16v Vegas - Sold
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jibjob
Member
Registered: 6th Apr 08
Location: Elworth, Cheshire
User status: Offline
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It seems all the petrol astras are quite thirsty actually from what i've read/heard. I think the diesel route seems the better option now.
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Bonney
Member
Registered: 14th Nov 04
Location: St Helens
User status: Offline
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only issue i have heared of is the horn stopping working, But there is a recall to sort this out.
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