So, Astra Sports Hatch 150 diesel any good???
Discussion
The time may have come, the time I've had nightmares about and prayed wouldn't come....I might have to buy a diesel!!!
I remember fondly my days of ragging my Integra about, enjoying every journey into the land of VTEC, but those days are a thing of the past now that my daily commute is 60 miles. My current steed for doing that trip is an E36 328 Sport; I'm driving like a saint, averaging 32 mpg, but have come to the conclusion that owning such a car and driving on the Motorway at 65/70mph is dull and a waste....I might as well have a dirty diesel and spend the saved cash on fun things like sex, drugs and rock 'n'roll! The fact that my local Shell garage has put the price of unleaded up by 3 more pence in the last week doesn't help either!
So, my front runner is a Mk4 Golf TDi [the 150 version so at least it's got some kind of performance]. I obviously also thought about the Fabia vRS, Ibiza, Polo etc but I'm just a tad worried that 130hp and a 0-60 time of over 9 secs will depress me too much [maybe I'm wrong]?!?!
Today though I spotted the Astra Sports Hatch and noted it too comes with 150 horses. I think it's a pretty decent looking machine and £6.5k will get a 2005/6 model with under 50k miles on the clock - any opinions on these guys? I've noticed a 150 Golf with similar miles is pushing over £7k but is a good few years older...
Cheers guys,
I remember fondly my days of ragging my Integra about, enjoying every journey into the land of VTEC, but those days are a thing of the past now that my daily commute is 60 miles. My current steed for doing that trip is an E36 328 Sport; I'm driving like a saint, averaging 32 mpg, but have come to the conclusion that owning such a car and driving on the Motorway at 65/70mph is dull and a waste....I might as well have a dirty diesel and spend the saved cash on fun things like sex, drugs and rock 'n'roll! The fact that my local Shell garage has put the price of unleaded up by 3 more pence in the last week doesn't help either!
So, my front runner is a Mk4 Golf TDi [the 150 version so at least it's got some kind of performance]. I obviously also thought about the Fabia vRS, Ibiza, Polo etc but I'm just a tad worried that 130hp and a 0-60 time of over 9 secs will depress me too much [maybe I'm wrong]?!?!
Today though I spotted the Astra Sports Hatch and noted it too comes with 150 horses. I think it's a pretty decent looking machine and £6.5k will get a 2005/6 model with under 50k miles on the clock - any opinions on these guys? I've noticed a 150 Golf with similar miles is pushing over £7k but is a good few years older...
Cheers guys,
I had a 2005 model from new for four years BUT it was an estate.
Generally a very decent motor however mine had swirl flap failure at 38k miles - was sorted under warranty but the dealer was diabolical (damaged the car and tried to get away with it, made us pay for a hire car, etc) and I reckon out of warranty it would have cost a fortune.
Not a bad car but do beware.
Generally a very decent motor however mine had swirl flap failure at 38k miles - was sorted under warranty but the dealer was diabolical (damaged the car and tried to get away with it, made us pay for a hire car, etc) and I reckon out of warranty it would have cost a fortune.
Not a bad car but do beware.
Edited by Vladimir on Thursday 5th May 13:53
I usually fail to see where an Astra would ever be the answer to any question.
However, I suspect it's as good as anything else for this.
Not sure I'd want to spend £6.5k on one though.
I run this:
Petrol turbo sports car. Driven hard on a motorway will return 49mpg, driven normally an easy 55mpg and driven carefully I've had a best of 67mpg.
Can't really see why you'd need a diesel if you can live with 2 seats.
Some other frugal petrol cars that a £6.5k budget would likely buy:
SMART FORFOUR BRABUS (2006)
51,000 miles £6,750
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2723616.htm
MITSUBISHI COLT RALLIART (2009)
£6,900
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2691174.htm
Or if you want comfort, look for something like this:
lexus ls400 4.0 v8 1998 sreg [sat navigation ] (1998/S)
115,000 miles £2,695
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2743000.htm
And look at an LPG conversion, or try and find one already converted.
If you want to do the diesel hatch thing, then I'd probably look at these:
MG ZR 2.0TD 115 +
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2652721.htm
Lighter and can still be tuned for little cost. More fun to drive yet still quite comfy.
BTW - if you do go for the Golf Tdi, check out this vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RerSZLacmF4
However, I suspect it's as good as anything else for this.
Not sure I'd want to spend £6.5k on one though.
I run this:
Petrol turbo sports car. Driven hard on a motorway will return 49mpg, driven normally an easy 55mpg and driven carefully I've had a best of 67mpg.
Can't really see why you'd need a diesel if you can live with 2 seats.
Some other frugal petrol cars that a £6.5k budget would likely buy:
SMART FORFOUR BRABUS (2006)
51,000 miles £6,750
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2723616.htm
MITSUBISHI COLT RALLIART (2009)
£6,900
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2691174.htm
Or if you want comfort, look for something like this:
lexus ls400 4.0 v8 1998 sreg [sat navigation ] (1998/S)
115,000 miles £2,695
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2743000.htm
And look at an LPG conversion, or try and find one already converted.
If you want to do the diesel hatch thing, then I'd probably look at these:
MG ZR 2.0TD 115 +
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2652721.htm
Lighter and can still be tuned for little cost. More fun to drive yet still quite comfy.
BTW - if you do go for the Golf Tdi, check out this vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RerSZLacmF4
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Thursday 5th May 13:53
My best mate runs a 2006 3door black Astra "sport hatch" (we all know that means a 3door astra right?) with th e1.9cdti 150bhp engine and 6speed box.
He got this after a mortgage/wedding due meant that a focus ST just wasnt feasible any longer. Had it 6months, see's 37m;pg round town and 40-50 on a run. EGR valve failed, otherwise cheap to run ish and aint too bad on tyres etc.
His words saturday night to sumarise the whole ownership experience: "full as duck.... it does the job but bores me to tears and drives like sh*t........ adding eibach lowering springs and decent tyres didnt help. It's going in summer"
From that I surmised that it did the job, but was dull. So horses for courses eh?
He got this after a mortgage/wedding due meant that a focus ST just wasnt feasible any longer. Had it 6months, see's 37m;pg round town and 40-50 on a run. EGR valve failed, otherwise cheap to run ish and aint too bad on tyres etc.
His words saturday night to sumarise the whole ownership experience: "full as duck.... it does the job but bores me to tears and drives like sh*t........ adding eibach lowering springs and decent tyres didnt help. It's going in summer"
From that I surmised that it did the job, but was dull. So horses for courses eh?
I've just bought a Vectra SRi 150 Diesel on a 57 plate. It uses the same engine as the Astra.
I'm very happy with it so far. The performance is quite impressive for a big car and I've seen up to 64 mpg on a motorway run although it's averaging 55 mpg with everyday use. I would imagine the Astra's figures would be even better.
I've heard a few horror stories about Egr valves, swirl flaps and DPF's but make sure you buy with a decent warranty and everything should be covered. There's plenty of internet forums which discuss various problems with these engines and it seems most things can be repaired quite easily.
I'm very happy with it so far. The performance is quite impressive for a big car and I've seen up to 64 mpg on a motorway run although it's averaging 55 mpg with everyday use. I would imagine the Astra's figures would be even better.
I've heard a few horror stories about Egr valves, swirl flaps and DPF's but make sure you buy with a decent warranty and everything should be covered. There's plenty of internet forums which discuss various problems with these engines and it seems most things can be repaired quite easily.
EGR valve is a £25 fix for it to be modified so wouldn't let that bother me.
My saab 9-3 (2006) is 150horse 1.9tid so same engine, its had it at 77k. Mates Astra had it. So do all the fiats running same engine, which are a lot..... as he works for fiat he sees them coming in.
Cheap option: derv ZR, going to be cheap, reliable and handle.
Other options: top spec derv focus... handles better than the astra.
As for the 62mpg outta a vectra derv 150.... HOW? on the regular 150mile round trip mid to high 40s are all my SAAB will see
My saab 9-3 (2006) is 150horse 1.9tid so same engine, its had it at 77k. Mates Astra had it. So do all the fiats running same engine, which are a lot..... as he works for fiat he sees them coming in.
Cheap option: derv ZR, going to be cheap, reliable and handle.
Other options: top spec derv focus... handles better than the astra.
As for the 62mpg outta a vectra derv 150.... HOW? on the regular 150mile round trip mid to high 40s are all my SAAB will see
I drive a 1.8 Petrol Astra Sporthatch but the design model. Loads of toys, and gadgets, but like someone mentioned earlier a bit dull to drive. I know there has been mention of the gearbox being not very good linked up to the 1.9, apparently the 1.7 is the better choice.
Other than that I have had 2 years of carefree motoring, only I need to pay for was a set of front tyres, and new front brakes. Its been UBER reliable
Other than that I have had 2 years of carefree motoring, only I need to pay for was a set of front tyres, and new front brakes. Its been UBER reliable
mgmrw2003 said:
EGR valve is a £25 fix for it to be modified so wouldn't let that bother me.
My saab 9-3 (2006) is 150horse 1.9tid so same engine, its had it at 77k. Mates Astra had it. So do all the fiats running same engine, which are a lot..... as he works for fiat he sees them coming in.
Cheap option: derv ZR, going to be cheap, reliable and handle.
Other options: top spec derv focus... handles better than the astra.
As for the 62mpg outta a vectra derv 150.... HOW? on the regular 150mile round trip mid to high 40s are all my SAAB will see
Ummmmm 64 mpg!! I don't know how? Very quiet motorway,65 mph = less than 1900rpm in 6th gear, cruise control, good weather, AC not on. I have to admit that as soon as I came off the motorway it soon dropped into the mid fifties again. I'm doing the same trip again in a couple of weeks so I'll see if it was a one off or whether I can achieve it again. My saab 9-3 (2006) is 150horse 1.9tid so same engine, its had it at 77k. Mates Astra had it. So do all the fiats running same engine, which are a lot..... as he works for fiat he sees them coming in.
Cheap option: derv ZR, going to be cheap, reliable and handle.
Other options: top spec derv focus... handles better than the astra.
As for the 62mpg outta a vectra derv 150.... HOW? on the regular 150mile round trip mid to high 40s are all my SAAB will see
I had a 2006 1.9-150CDTI Design Sporthatch, so it had the half leathers, auto lights, auto wipers, the SRI suspension (all 1.9-150 and 2.0T share the same suspension in the Sporthatch). I had it mapped to 200hp, I put Bilstein suspension in it, I had a rear ARB fitted, I had full VXR braking system fitted, and I still didn't like it.
It went fast (very fast), but it was a car I never got on with. The tiny rear window, the rattles, the vague steering.
I changed it after 8 months for a 1.8VVT Vectra which was far and away a better car. Not as quick, obviously, but an all round better car. The Mk5 was my 4th Vauxhall out of 5.
Edit: I got around 44mpg out of mine, that was pre-remap and the same after remap, 50/50 town and motorway.
Really, I wouldn't touch a Mk5 Astra with yours.
It went fast (very fast), but it was a car I never got on with. The tiny rear window, the rattles, the vague steering.
I changed it after 8 months for a 1.8VVT Vectra which was far and away a better car. Not as quick, obviously, but an all round better car. The Mk5 was my 4th Vauxhall out of 5.
Edit: I got around 44mpg out of mine, that was pre-remap and the same after remap, 50/50 town and motorway.
Really, I wouldn't touch a Mk5 Astra with yours.
Lol, we're not loving the Astra then! I guess for me it would a case of damage limitation - I know whatever diesel I'll get it won't be on the same planet [fun wise] as my Integra and even BM. I'll need 45mpg+ to make the change worth while and something that hasn't got huge miles to minimise repair/replacement costs - up to £6k[ish].
The Smart would be a laugh but 2 seats is an issue and being 6' 6" I'm not sure I'd fit in one! The MG; only 115bhp, gotta be a no!
The Smart would be a laugh but 2 seats is an issue and being 6' 6" I'm not sure I'd fit in one! The MG; only 115bhp, gotta be a no!
The fabia and ibiza with the 130 engine are not too bad, but the ibiza also comes in cupra form which may be more to your liking with 160 horses to drag you along. Though BHP isn't the number to focus on with diesels (but I'll let someone else bore you with the horse power v torque argument).
I would consider what you are doing though, assuming you are looking to spend £7k on a car that will then need servicing, fuel, tax, etc. How much of that £7k would you need to spend on fuel and maintainance to keep your 328 for longer? Cost to change + a number of years running costs are what you need to consider not your out of pocket monthly expense of fuel.
I would consider what you are doing though, assuming you are looking to spend £7k on a car that will then need servicing, fuel, tax, etc. How much of that £7k would you need to spend on fuel and maintainance to keep your 328 for longer? Cost to change + a number of years running costs are what you need to consider not your out of pocket monthly expense of fuel.
Chrisw666 said:
The fabia and ibiza with the 130 engine are not too bad, but the ibiza also comes in cupra form which may be more to your liking with 160 horses to drag you along. Though BHP isn't the number to focus on with diesels (but I'll let someone else bore you with the horse power v torque argument).
I would consider what you are doing though, assuming you are looking to spend £7k on a car that will then need servicing, fuel, tax, etc. How much of that £7k would you need to spend on fuel and maintainance to keep your 328 for longer? Cost to change + a number of years running costs are what you need to consider not your out of pocket monthly expense of fuel.
Yeah true, I certainly have been looking at torque figures too...I would consider what you are doing though, assuming you are looking to spend £7k on a car that will then need servicing, fuel, tax, etc. How much of that £7k would you need to spend on fuel and maintainance to keep your 328 for longer? Cost to change + a number of years running costs are what you need to consider not your out of pocket monthly expense of fuel.
I do have more maths to do to make sure I'm doing the right thing, but straight off the bat I think I'll be saving over £1200 a year in fuel alone with a diesel. Add that to cheaper insurance, tax and servicing it's gotta be the right idea - as much as I love my cars [I drive my other half crazy talking cars all the time], at the mo I think I want to be spending my dosh on holidays and gadgets for the flat than petrol
Our Astra (1.9CDTi 150 Design) was a very handy group 11 for insurance. Not bad for a 150bhp car with mid 8s to 60 time. Tax was cheap too.
We chose it over a Ford because the engine was better. It does have a grotty dashboard though with some curious design "features" such as dials you can't see properly when driving.
We chose it over a Ford because the engine was better. It does have a grotty dashboard though with some curious design "features" such as dials you can't see properly when driving.
BUG4LIFE said:
Lol, we're not loving the Astra then! I guess for me it would a case of damage limitation - I know whatever diesel I'll get it won't be on the same planet [fun wise] as my Integra and even BM. I'll need 45mpg+ to make the change worth while and something that hasn't got huge miles to minimise repair/replacement costs - up to £6k[ish].
The Smart would be a laugh but 2 seats is an issue and being 6' 6" I'm not sure I'd fit in one! The MG; only 115bhp, gotta be a no!
2 seats ok, 6'6" I think would be fine as the person who owned my Roadster before me was that height.The Smart would be a laugh but 2 seats is an issue and being 6' 6" I'm not sure I'd fit in one! The MG; only 115bhp, gotta be a no!
How about the Brabus ForFour or Colt Ralliart. Both will do 45-50mpg, both 1.5 turbo petrols and 175hp stock, re-mappable to 200+.
You really should consider the MG, very stout L Series motor. An easy tweak to get similar levels of power and pretty bullet proof.
The ZR is also lighter so power to weight wise is closer. It also handles a lot better and is vastly more fun.
I can't believe im reading all this bulls
t.
The man has asked for an opinion on a car to serve a purpose, and all anyone can say is "buy this" or "buy this".
The Astra, for the money, is a very capable car, especially the 150.
Does what it says on the tin.
If you want a performance car, buy one of those instead.
Nearly all diesels post 2006 will have DPF, swirl flap issues, because of the fking europeans still believing we are damaging the ozone layer, and so are forcing more and more "filtration" on every car that rolls off the production line.
And for around 6K you could have one that has near enough all the toys.
And no, i dont own one, although i did have one for a few weeks as a hire car.
t.The man has asked for an opinion on a car to serve a purpose, and all anyone can say is "buy this" or "buy this".
The Astra, for the money, is a very capable car, especially the 150.
Does what it says on the tin.
If you want a performance car, buy one of those instead.
Nearly all diesels post 2006 will have DPF, swirl flap issues, because of the f
king europeans still believing we are damaging the ozone layer, and so are forcing more and more "filtration" on every car that rolls off the production line.And for around 6K you could have one that has near enough all the toys.
And no, i dont own one, although i did have one for a few weeks as a hire car.
Edited by jasons6930 on Thursday 5th May 22:37
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