Vauxhall Astra 1.6T
Discussion
My lease car goes back in October and I’ll probably go for a second hand car next time.
I know they are far from exciting, but I have been thinking about a 1.6 turbo Vauxhall Astra from around 2018 – 2019. The one that has around 200 bhp, which is basically hot hatch power, but it doesn’t look like one and is a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Does anybody have any experience with them or know if it is likely to be reliable? I think Vauxhall’s reputation is not amazing and I have never owned one before.
I’ve been thinking about a Fiesta ST / Mini Cooper S, but the Astra would be bigger and should be cheaper to buy.
I know they are far from exciting, but I have been thinking about a 1.6 turbo Vauxhall Astra from around 2018 – 2019. The one that has around 200 bhp, which is basically hot hatch power, but it doesn’t look like one and is a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Does anybody have any experience with them or know if it is likely to be reliable? I think Vauxhall’s reputation is not amazing and I have never owned one before.
I’ve been thinking about a Fiesta ST / Mini Cooper S, but the Astra would be bigger and should be cheaper to buy.
macron said:
The 200bhp engine is frequently recommended here.
2018/19 Elite Navs are still pricey, better kit than the SRi, obvs boxy and a bit plastic inside, but they're based on an old design so perhaps not much of a surprise. If you can find an estate....
2018 onwards will be the Astra K (?)... nothing boxy or plastic about them nor will an 18/19 model be an old design, they were launched in 2015? 2018/19 Elite Navs are still pricey, better kit than the SRi, obvs boxy and a bit plastic inside, but they're based on an old design so perhaps not much of a surprise. If you can find an estate....
I've got a 68 reg elite nav one and while it is quite a nice place to be with heated leather front and back for not a lot of money, Im getting rid
Had quite a few little issues and warning lights.
Mines in the garage at the moment for a new PCV valve rocker cover which is a really common problem and likely to be north of £1000 as Vauxhall only part needed. I wasn't expecting that at 54000 miles.
I've just signed onto the tesla deal and will never have a Vauxhall again.
I've spent more in 2 years on this than I've spent on my 22 year old BMW in 6.
Had quite a few little issues and warning lights.
Mines in the garage at the moment for a new PCV valve rocker cover which is a really common problem and likely to be north of £1000 as Vauxhall only part needed. I wasn't expecting that at 54000 miles.
I've just signed onto the tesla deal and will never have a Vauxhall again.
I've spent more in 2 years on this than I've spent on my 22 year old BMW in 6.
gsxrblue said:
I've got a 68 reg elite nav one and while it is quite a nice place to be with heated leather front and back for not a lot of money, Im getting rid
Had quite a few little issues and warning lights.
Mines in the garage at the moment for a new PCV valve rocker cover which is a really common problem and likely to be north of £1000 as Vauxhall only part needed. I wasn't expecting that at 54000 miles.
I've just signed onto the tesla deal and will never have a Vauxhall again.
I've spent more in 2 years on this than I've spent on my 22 year old BMW in 6.
Thanks, that's the exact sort of thing I don't want cropping up! Although I know sometimes it can be pot luck and some people won't have any issues.Had quite a few little issues and warning lights.
Mines in the garage at the moment for a new PCV valve rocker cover which is a really common problem and likely to be north of £1000 as Vauxhall only part needed. I wasn't expecting that at 54000 miles.
I've just signed onto the tesla deal and will never have a Vauxhall again.
I've spent more in 2 years on this than I've spent on my 22 year old BMW in 6.
I take it yours is the 1.6?
We took a 1.6 bi- turbo diesel out for a test drive , didn’t buy as we had all sorts of issues with the electronic handbrake on the test drive , used them before and never had that issue so assume it was the car rather than us incorrectly using it , shame really as it was very well equipped, drove well & would of Been idea for what I wanted it for .
2018 Astras will have been built around the time that PSA was buying Vauxhall/Opel, and a lot of the employees will have wondering how secure their jobs were. That may not be the best for quality control and these will have been the last of the GM engines being used in the Astra.
Also, it's worth remembering that these are 8 year old cars, so on any vehicle reaching that age, things could be starting to go wrong.
For the poster who said they wouldn't have another Vauxhall Astra after having an unreliable one, fortunately you can't as the current models are rebadged Peugeots!!
If I was after a reasonably quick hatch of that size that doesn't look as though it would be quick, the 2.0TSI 190 Seat Leon would be what I'd look for, possibly with the 1.6T Kia Ceed or ProCeed as a second choice.
Also, it's worth remembering that these are 8 year old cars, so on any vehicle reaching that age, things could be starting to go wrong.
For the poster who said they wouldn't have another Vauxhall Astra after having an unreliable one, fortunately you can't as the current models are rebadged Peugeots!!
If I was after a reasonably quick hatch of that size that doesn't look as though it would be quick, the 2.0TSI 190 Seat Leon would be what I'd look for, possibly with the 1.6T Kia Ceed or ProCeed as a second choice.
I bought one of these in VX Line spec recently because like you found, for the money there is nothing else comparable. Kia ceed/proceed GTs will be ropey, Leon 1.8s look better but are rare and lack torque and people suggesting autos need to jog on.
£8k will get you into a 50k mile 1.6T, the elites look rubbish with the wheels and the electric handbrake is pony so try hunting out a VX line or SRi. The engine has bags of torque, indeed it isnt a hot hatch but the car is very light and you can throw it about as long as it has at least mid range tyres on. Mines on the vx line 18s and the ride is harsh but I don't mind that. It doesnt like near redline quick gear changes and the box lets it down but performance is comparable to a Fiesta ST of similar vintage. The larger Nav screen is known for failing so have a poke at that if you find the Nav model. Other than that, it offers a lot of fun for little outlay. I've tried several E5s as recommended and the Esso Supreme Synergy 99 yields the best results with it. The best thing about it is the sleeper element if that's your thing. You can very subtly make progress without attracting much attention as to the untrained eye it just looks like a boggo 1 litre Astra. Only the twin pipes really give it away.
£8k will get you into a 50k mile 1.6T, the elites look rubbish with the wheels and the electric handbrake is pony so try hunting out a VX line or SRi. The engine has bags of torque, indeed it isnt a hot hatch but the car is very light and you can throw it about as long as it has at least mid range tyres on. Mines on the vx line 18s and the ride is harsh but I don't mind that. It doesnt like near redline quick gear changes and the box lets it down but performance is comparable to a Fiesta ST of similar vintage. The larger Nav screen is known for failing so have a poke at that if you find the Nav model. Other than that, it offers a lot of fun for little outlay. I've tried several E5s as recommended and the Esso Supreme Synergy 99 yields the best results with it. The best thing about it is the sleeper element if that's your thing. You can very subtly make progress without attracting much attention as to the untrained eye it just looks like a boggo 1 litre Astra. Only the twin pipes really give it away.
Edited by Toyoda on Friday 5th June 08:39
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