Astra Coupe SE2

Author
Discussion

SE2

Original Poster:

58 posts

137 months

Monday 10th December 2012
quotequote all
Hi all, after years of looking at SotW articles, I finally decided to join today. I've owned this 1.8 since March 2009 and my Dad had it before that. It's still standard and I don't really look after its bodywork, but it's quick enough if you're enthusiastic and a lot cheaper than my old E36, especially when it comes to fuel!




Handling wise, it doesn't change direction as well as the BMW, but it goes where you ask it to and despite feeling light, the rear hasn't once stepped out unexpectedly. That's largely because I wrote off the E36 after trying to drive my way out of snap oversteer, so I avoid testing limits of adhesion these days. Therefore I very rarely try looking for its limits and ideally, it's a 6/10ths kind of car, best when flowing with the road, rather than trying to fight it around corners.

My only real criticism is the ride, which is far too stiff and unsuited to the state of an average UK road. If I was any good with money I could sort it with some new suspension, but I'm not...


Thanks for looking.

Matt.

jmflare

413 posts

142 months

Thursday 27th December 2012
quotequote all
Unrealistically wanted one of these as my first car, always thought the 888's looked really good, was going to get one as my second car but well I got a E36 instead wink good colour, needs cleaning tho!

wackojacko

8,581 posts

191 months

Thursday 27th December 2012
quotequote all
Had one as my first car, had alot of fun with that thing.

Man can those 1.8's take abuse.