Motorway cruiser on a budget - is the Astra a good bet?
Discussion
I'm looking at getting a new car and have a budget of £3500 max. I know this is far from a decent amount, but it's all I can afford at the moment.
A bit of background first, I drive mostly motorway miles, around 400 a week due to work. So the first thing to note is that a diesel is going to be the best bet. I've driven a 2003 1.4 diesel fiesta in the past, which has done a great job, but that car is no longer around. For the moment im stuck with a old style KA, which is driving me crazy to be in.
Being in my low 20s, I would obviously want something reasonably stylish, so cars like the Volvo s40 are out of the question. I don't have children and rarely drive with more than one other passenger in the car, so I wouldn't really require a 5 door saloon.
Although I don't desire a car that makes me look like a boy racer, the 3 door Astra 1.9 has the greatest appeal so far. I've been looking at the 150bhp model with sub 80k on the clock.
The Alfa Romeo GT 1.9jtd is another car I've had my eye on. Better looking than the Astra and I believe they share the same engine, so I'd expect performance to be about the same. My only gripe is that parts are going to be more expensive, and I've read several horror stories about the build quality of GTs. I'm not in a position where I can be forever spending money on repairs, so maybe the GT isn't for me.
I guess what I'm getting at here is if anyone has any experiences with either car, or any recommendations for something which may be suitable for eating motorway miles. I've been looking on auto trader for cars with sub 80k on the clock as I'd want it to last me a good few years.
Thanks for reading
A bit of background first, I drive mostly motorway miles, around 400 a week due to work. So the first thing to note is that a diesel is going to be the best bet. I've driven a 2003 1.4 diesel fiesta in the past, which has done a great job, but that car is no longer around. For the moment im stuck with a old style KA, which is driving me crazy to be in.
Being in my low 20s, I would obviously want something reasonably stylish, so cars like the Volvo s40 are out of the question. I don't have children and rarely drive with more than one other passenger in the car, so I wouldn't really require a 5 door saloon.
Although I don't desire a car that makes me look like a boy racer, the 3 door Astra 1.9 has the greatest appeal so far. I've been looking at the 150bhp model with sub 80k on the clock.
The Alfa Romeo GT 1.9jtd is another car I've had my eye on. Better looking than the Astra and I believe they share the same engine, so I'd expect performance to be about the same. My only gripe is that parts are going to be more expensive, and I've read several horror stories about the build quality of GTs. I'm not in a position where I can be forever spending money on repairs, so maybe the GT isn't for me.
I guess what I'm getting at here is if anyone has any experiences with either car, or any recommendations for something which may be suitable for eating motorway miles. I've been looking on auto trader for cars with sub 80k on the clock as I'd want it to last me a good few years.
Thanks for reading
I do 100 miles a day in my 3door '56' astra Sporthatch (although 1.6 petrol with LPG conversion) and it does the job well. Comfort-wise it is good and I don't feel in pain or any aches etc after the 1 hour each way trip.
The 1.9 CDTI 150 engine has a dubious reputation on astraownersnetwork with swirl flaps issues, egrs and gearboxes being the weakpoints. Apparently the 150bhp engine produces torque figures very close to the maximum the gearbox can handle which makes it vunerable.
I have 16inch alloys on mine so the tyres are about £60 a corner, a 150 CDTI will be in SRI spec with 17's or 18's so these will cost a little more (every year or less on the fronts with the mileage and torque)
You should get good spec with the SRI though, climate control maybe, cruise, info screen, sport button, maybe even some heated seats and DAB radio. Cars with the XP pack of skirts and spoilers look even better and are quite common on this model.
Ben
The 1.9 CDTI 150 engine has a dubious reputation on astraownersnetwork with swirl flaps issues, egrs and gearboxes being the weakpoints. Apparently the 150bhp engine produces torque figures very close to the maximum the gearbox can handle which makes it vunerable.
I have 16inch alloys on mine so the tyres are about £60 a corner, a 150 CDTI will be in SRI spec with 17's or 18's so these will cost a little more (every year or less on the fronts with the mileage and torque)
You should get good spec with the SRI though, climate control maybe, cruise, info screen, sport button, maybe even some heated seats and DAB radio. Cars with the XP pack of skirts and spoilers look even better and are quite common on this model.
Ben
Did 30k a year in my 1.7 SRi sport hatch to 90k
It was perfectly fine doing 55mpg at 70 or 50 at 80, wasn't the most comfortable of rides though, gave me a numb arse after a few hours.
Tyres lasted about 25k miles on the fronts, when I sold it all brake disc's were original and it needed only front pads at 60k miles, servicing was cheap.
Did have a hot start issue though and a few other bits were shagged at 90k miles.
It was perfectly fine doing 55mpg at 70 or 50 at 80, wasn't the most comfortable of rides though, gave me a numb arse after a few hours.
Tyres lasted about 25k miles on the fronts, when I sold it all brake disc's were original and it needed only front pads at 60k miles, servicing was cheap.
Did have a hot start issue though and a few other bits were shagged at 90k miles.
Looking at the Astras with a 1.9 in your budget the 150bhp ones seem to usually be of a higher mileage. But if you shopped around I suppose you'll find one that fits the bill eventually privately - it's the best bet out of the shape/size/type of car you want IMO.
I however, am not convinced of the build quality of Vauxhalls of that ilk, I don't doubt the engine can take the miles without much issue but the rest of the cars just seem a bit worn to me and the ones I've seen have been pretty tatty.
How is the insurance due to your age, out of interest?
I however, am not convinced of the build quality of Vauxhalls of that ilk, I don't doubt the engine can take the miles without much issue but the rest of the cars just seem a bit worn to me and the ones I've seen have been pretty tatty.
How is the insurance due to your age, out of interest?
Peugeot 406 Coupe. With your budget you could easily get one of the last 3.0 V6 (210 HP, but easily moddable to 240 HP) or 2.2 HDi (136 HP, easily remappable to 180 HP) models in SE trim, which has all the comforts of home.
They're not an old-man car, they're not unreliable, and they share all mechanical parts with the regular 406 saloon/estate models. The bodywork is Pininfarina designed, so it's beautiful. Rear seats are usable by fully-grown adult human beings with legs. Boot is big enough for a lot of luggage/shopping, etc.
They're not hugely common, so if you're looking for something that stands out in a work car park, that'll do it.
And, it's a grand tourer, so eats motorway miles for breakfast, leaving you feeling comfortable and happy at the end of a very long trip.
(I am biased, I have one. It's superb.)
They're not an old-man car, they're not unreliable, and they share all mechanical parts with the regular 406 saloon/estate models. The bodywork is Pininfarina designed, so it's beautiful. Rear seats are usable by fully-grown adult human beings with legs. Boot is big enough for a lot of luggage/shopping, etc.
They're not hugely common, so if you're looking for something that stands out in a work car park, that'll do it.
And, it's a grand tourer, so eats motorway miles for breakfast, leaving you feeling comfortable and happy at the end of a very long trip.
(I am biased, I have one. It's superb.)
Edited by 406highlander on Sunday 5th January 13:03
Thanks guys for all of your replies. It's good to hear that the astra is a good bet.
I've heard about the egrs breaking, but they seem like a relatively cheap job to replace.
If I'm covering 20/25k a year then the cost of replacing tyres seems pretty decent too.
I'm 22 and have been driving for 3 years, so insurance for a fiesta for instance is around 700 a year. Happy to pay a couple of hundred more to cover a car that I'd actually want, considering the amount of time I'll be spending in it. I think a 150bhp astra is 1k for the year.
Thanks again for your advice
I've heard about the egrs breaking, but they seem like a relatively cheap job to replace.
If I'm covering 20/25k a year then the cost of replacing tyres seems pretty decent too.
I'm 22 and have been driving for 3 years, so insurance for a fiesta for instance is around 700 a year. Happy to pay a couple of hundred more to cover a car that I'd actually want, considering the amount of time I'll be spending in it. I think a 150bhp astra is 1k for the year.
Thanks again for your advice
Had the 1.9 CDTI (150) engine in an 05 Vectra a few years back. On a positive note, it was economical and had plenty of pace through the mid-range on motorways.
On the other hand, reliability was shocking, just one problem after another before I got rid after about a year. You would be looking at a similarly aged car, pretty high mileage and would need a comprehensive AA/RAC breakdown cover, I suspect. There are better alternatives out there.
On the other hand, reliability was shocking, just one problem after another before I got rid after about a year. You would be looking at a similarly aged car, pretty high mileage and would need a comprehensive AA/RAC breakdown cover, I suspect. There are better alternatives out there.
The Nur said:
I certainly wouldn't be buying a not-cheap Vauxhall sporting an engine with known issues.
Find a car that doesn't have known issues though! My Dad has the 150 engine in a Zafira, barring a knackered battery and a dodgy actuator on the fuel flap its been happily lugging a caravan all over the place.
406highlander said:
Peugeot 406 Coupe. With your budget you could easily get one of the last 3.0 V6 (210 HP, but easily moddable to 240 HP) or 2.2 HDi (136 HP, easily remappable to 180 HP) models in SE trim, which has all the comforts of home.
They're not an old-man car, they're not unreliable, and they share all mechanical parts with the regular 406 saloon/estate models. The bodywork is Pininfarina designed, so it's beautiful. Rear seats are usable by fully-grown adult human beings with legs. Boot is big enough for a lot of luggage/shopping, etc.
They're not hugely common, so if you're looking for something that stands out in a work car park, that'll do it.
And, it's a grand tourer, so eats motorway miles for breakfast, leaving you feeling comfortable and happy at the end of a very long trip.
(I am biased, I have one. It's superb.)
I have looked at these online, and they do have reviews of being a great cruiser. I think I'm looking for something a bit different though. They're not an old-man car, they're not unreliable, and they share all mechanical parts with the regular 406 saloon/estate models. The bodywork is Pininfarina designed, so it's beautiful. Rear seats are usable by fully-grown adult human beings with legs. Boot is big enough for a lot of luggage/shopping, etc.
They're not hugely common, so if you're looking for something that stands out in a work car park, that'll do it.
And, it's a grand tourer, so eats motorway miles for breakfast, leaving you feeling comfortable and happy at the end of a very long trip.
(I am biased, I have one. It's superb.)
Edited by 406highlander on Sunday 5th January 13:03
The 306 is too small for me. I'm 6ft, so not massive, but don't want another small tiny car. Something a bit bigger, but not a family car, is needed.
I'm also aware that every car has bad press online, so no matter what one person suggests, another will probably state problems that someone has experienced with it. Having read reviews for dozens of cars for relatives, its obvious that no car is perfect.
The MG IMO looks a bit chavy. Sorry. Such a shame as older MGs are beautiful... I have a real soft spot for the MGB GT.
The focus is another car that's been on my radar. My dads diesel fiesta is on 130k and still runs fine. The newer shape is pretty good looking, but again I prefer the 3 door version which is a bit rarer for my budget.
Si.P said:
What about an MG ZT? You would get a diesel for a fraction of you budget> I just bought a 75 and its extremely comfortable. The only down side would be your take on the image of a ZT
Yup. For lots of motorway miles there isn't anything that settles the ride quite so much as a long wheelbase and mass. The Rover 75 diesel (on the 15 inch rims if possible) will be like riding a magic carpet, and the insurance won't be too bad. As far as image goes, that's only what other people think. And if you've been driving around in a Ford Ka up to now, even a Rover 75 is a step up.
MSJW said:
The 306 is too small for me. I'm 6ft, so not massive, but don't want another small tiny car. Something a bit bigger, but not a family car, is needed.
Don't rule it out too quickly - I'm 6'6" and often do 400 miles in a day in our 306 without issue. It'll do between 40 and 70mpg too, depending on how much of a rush you're in.A 406 might be a good compromise for a bit more space, or has anyone mentioned the Volvo S60 D5 yet? It's usually the default suggestion for economical motorway cruising.
davepoth said:
Yup. For lots of motorway miles there isn't anything that settles the ride quite so much as a long wheelbase and mass. The Rover 75 diesel (on the 15 inch rims if possible) will be like riding a magic carpet, and the insurance won't be too bad.
Lucky mine has 15" wheels then Jonjo91 said:
I'd be looking at a skoda fabia VRS for that money and mileage. Just a thought.
I assume you're not 22, 3yr license and doign 20k per year? Seems like a daft suggestion for a £3,500 car.This guy would be better off with a mid sized mass market diesel. I'd recommend he look at diesel 2 liter (ish) variants of Vectra, Mondeo etc. These cars were built EXACTLY for the purpose of covering high motorway miles for buttons. If you want to spend more (or go for a higher mileage car) then maybe you could find a BMW E46 320d which would be older/higher miles than a similar price Ford or Vauxhall, but would probably be very nice to drive.
If you're covering big mileages, get whatever you find most comfortable (which will obviously depend on what shape you are). I think the mainstream cars in that market are all much the same in terms of reliability and running costs.
Generally speaking longer wheelbase cars ride better, so I'd avoid anything smaller than Astra/Focus sized.
Generally speaking longer wheelbase cars ride better, so I'd avoid anything smaller than Astra/Focus sized.
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