Why did you buy a bloody Vauxhall!?
Discussion
Has been said to me a few times now 
but... well I did. I needed a bigger hot hatch now with two little boys, and the Golfs and Foci of this world just seem to be quite a bit more expensive! Bought the third one I called about, and there's quite a few niggles to sort out, but well I like a project! So hard to find one of these standard, but this is as close as I could get, and to be fair I did get a good deal on it.
Annoying thing is I'm not actually going to get to drive it for a while. Picked it up last weekend, but I need to sell my current car before swapping the insurance over. Seeing as though we're now on lockdown(ish) I can't see it as a good time to get my MINI on eBay
So some general plans to start off with will be: New key (unfortunately it only came with one, is there a better place I can go other than Vauxhall directly?), upgrade to a CarPlay headunit (finally! Never had one before) and get the wheels refurbished (standard silver me thinks) and some new tyres on.
Upgrades to come: Coilovers, to improve handling but also I like an aggressive stance. Got APs on my MINI which are the go-to for cheap-enough-but-decent-enough, any particular ones recommended for the VXR? Change the exhaust, it has a horrible boomy note to it, another I test drove had the same. Remap seems good for 270-280bhp
So here is some dealer pics of it in it's damaged bumper, wonky exhaust, curbed wheels goodness
(there doesn't seem to be one that exists without those 'features'!)
but... well I did. I needed a bigger hot hatch now with two little boys, and the Golfs and Foci of this world just seem to be quite a bit more expensive! Bought the third one I called about, and there's quite a few niggles to sort out, but well I like a project! So hard to find one of these standard, but this is as close as I could get, and to be fair I did get a good deal on it.Annoying thing is I'm not actually going to get to drive it for a while. Picked it up last weekend, but I need to sell my current car before swapping the insurance over. Seeing as though we're now on lockdown(ish) I can't see it as a good time to get my MINI on eBay
So some general plans to start off with will be: New key (unfortunately it only came with one, is there a better place I can go other than Vauxhall directly?), upgrade to a CarPlay headunit (finally! Never had one before) and get the wheels refurbished (standard silver me thinks) and some new tyres on.
Upgrades to come: Coilovers, to improve handling but also I like an aggressive stance. Got APs on my MINI which are the go-to for cheap-enough-but-decent-enough, any particular ones recommended for the VXR? Change the exhaust, it has a horrible boomy note to it, another I test drove had the same. Remap seems good for 270-280bhp
So here is some dealer pics of it in it's damaged bumper, wonky exhaust, curbed wheels goodness
(there doesn't seem to be one that exists without those 'features'!)Nice! I must admit I've always had a soft spot for this shape Astra VXR and Arden Blue is a lovely colour. Certainly looks like you've got a good base for the car and the mods you are planning will add to it.
I put AP coilovers on my S3 project car and am really impressed with them for the money.
I see you are in Essex. Company called FastKeys pver in Wickford coded me a new genuine Audi key for 150 quid so they might be worth giving a ring if you arent too far.
Cheers!
I put AP coilovers on my S3 project car and am really impressed with them for the money.
I see you are in Essex. Company called FastKeys pver in Wickford coded me a new genuine Audi key for 150 quid so they might be worth giving a ring if you arent too far.
Cheers!
I always liked my Artic I had a few years ago. Engine always felt so strong.
The wheels are diamond cut two tone in their standard form which is expensive to put right and ultimately corrode hence why many paint them. I’d probably just leave them tbh!
WG Motorworks is all you need for any tuning/repairs.
The wheels are diamond cut two tone in their standard form which is expensive to put right and ultimately corrode hence why many paint them. I’d probably just leave them tbh!
WG Motorworks is all you need for any tuning/repairs.
My favourite colour for these, always thought they mailed the kit on this too.
If you are remapping I'd hold some money back for a clutch, my friend had one and the remap made a noticeable difference, especially in the mid range, but the clutch gave up shortly after and way ahead of the expected mileage. Was a 2nd hand car so perhaps had a tough life before but worth considering.
If you are remapping I'd hold some money back for a clutch, my friend had one and the remap made a noticeable difference, especially in the mid range, but the clutch gave up shortly after and way ahead of the expected mileage. Was a 2nd hand car so perhaps had a tough life before but worth considering.
CrippsCorner said:
Has been said to me a few times now but... well I did. I needed a bigger hot hatch now with two little boys, and the Golfs and Foci of this world just seem to be quite a bit more expensive! Bought the third one I called about, and there's quite a few niggles to sort out, but well I like a project! So hard to find one of these standard, but this is as close as I could get, and to be fair I did get a good deal on it.
Annoying thing is I'm not actually going to get to drive it for a while. Picked it up last weekend, but I need to sell my current car before swapping the insurance over. Seeing as though we're now on lockdown(ish) I can't see it as a good time to get my MINI on eBay
So some general plans to start off with will be: New key (unfortunately it only came with one, is there a better place I can go other than Vauxhall directly?), upgrade to a CarPlay headunit (finally! Never had one before) and get the wheels refurbished (standard silver me thinks) and some new tyres on.
Upgrades to come: Coilovers, to improve handling but also I like an aggressive stance. Got APs on my MINI which are the go-to for cheap-enough-but-decent-enough, any particular ones recommended for the VXR? Change the exhaust, it has a horrible boomy note to it, another I test drove had the same. Remap seems good for 270-280bhp
So here is some dealer pics of it in it's damaged bumper, wonky exhaust, curbed wheels goodness (there doesn't seem to be one that exists without those 'features'!)
Don't forget, unless it's sorn'd it needs to be insured even if it's not being driven but... well I did. I needed a bigger hot hatch now with two little boys, and the Golfs and Foci of this world just seem to be quite a bit more expensive! Bought the third one I called about, and there's quite a few niggles to sort out, but well I like a project! So hard to find one of these standard, but this is as close as I could get, and to be fair I did get a good deal on it.Annoying thing is I'm not actually going to get to drive it for a while. Picked it up last weekend, but I need to sell my current car before swapping the insurance over. Seeing as though we're now on lockdown(ish) I can't see it as a good time to get my MINI on eBay
So some general plans to start off with will be: New key (unfortunately it only came with one, is there a better place I can go other than Vauxhall directly?), upgrade to a CarPlay headunit (finally! Never had one before) and get the wheels refurbished (standard silver me thinks) and some new tyres on.
Upgrades to come: Coilovers, to improve handling but also I like an aggressive stance. Got APs on my MINI which are the go-to for cheap-enough-but-decent-enough, any particular ones recommended for the VXR? Change the exhaust, it has a horrible boomy note to it, another I test drove had the same. Remap seems good for 270-280bhp
So here is some dealer pics of it in it's damaged bumper, wonky exhaust, curbed wheels goodness
(there doesn't seem to be one that exists without those 'features'!)I've owned 3 Vauxhalls.
Mk2 Cavalier SRi. I was 19, Fastest thing I could insure, run & buy.
Vectra V6 SRi, I was 30, needed a commuter. It was cheap and fun.
Omega V6 Elite. I was 32. Plod had them & I always fancied one.
I don't get the anti that some brands attract. Vauxhall may be the 'Kat Slater' of performance cars but every one I have driven has been fast, reliable and fun.
Looks like a nice car, enjoy it!
Mk2 Cavalier SRi. I was 19, Fastest thing I could insure, run & buy.
Vectra V6 SRi, I was 30, needed a commuter. It was cheap and fun.
Omega V6 Elite. I was 32. Plod had them & I always fancied one.
I don't get the anti that some brands attract. Vauxhall may be the 'Kat Slater' of performance cars but every one I have driven has been fast, reliable and fun.
Looks like a nice car, enjoy it!
I had the previous shape, convertible, from new, with the 2 litre turbo engine. Which after 61k miles and days over 3 years old, with full dealer servicing throughout decided to blow up. Vauxhall couldn’t care less about it and wouldn’t contribute a penny to the replacement engine that was required.
I have never, and will never, have another Vauxhall.
I have never, and will never, have another Vauxhall.
Nice car OP, hopefully you get to drive it properly soon. I miss my VXR, absolutely loved it and despite what people say, it’s not as bad handling as everyone thinks, mine had the IDS+ suspension which made it feel a bit tighter in the corners too..
Good cars and plenty of mods available at reasonable prices tbh..
WG Motorworks is all you need for servicing / modifying, Warren is a top bloke and really knows his stuff, if you don’t live near Kent I would still travel down if you can. A lot of people do and are never disappointed..
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Good cars and plenty of mods available at reasonable prices tbh..
WG Motorworks is all you need for servicing / modifying, Warren is a top bloke and really knows his stuff, if you don’t live near Kent I would still travel down if you can. A lot of people do and are never disappointed..
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
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