Corsa vxr's am I mad?
Discussion
I've had an Arctic for nearly two years with no intention of selling. Love it. The Remus exhaust (standard on arctics) is definitely worth getting the the extra burbles and pops. Pulls well in every gear and feels torquey. It is its best when driven hard and being thrown about - it is surprisingly grippy.
It is quite a harsh, jerky ride (mines on 18"); It does make you wince a little when you go over a good sized pothole/drain, as it feels and sounds like someone's detonated a bomb under the car. Driving around the Surrey roads here is like playing a game of minesweeper and I'm constantly weaving around holes in the road. Moreover, it isn't the greatest of cars for long motorway journeys as you'd expect. VXRs aren't bought for their comfort. Having said that, the bucket seats are more comfy than the ones in my Audi.
No real faults after 20k miles apart from shock absorbers/macpherson strut. I average around 30 mpg with the occasional hoonage. Tires aren't cheap and it munches through fronts pretty quickly - also, with no spare wheel, it can prove a pain if you get a puncture. Not exactly roomy in the back because of the seats.
It certainly is popular with the yoofs and it will attract attention when you're driving it or when it's parked up. I'm a little paranoid about leaving it where-ever there's high chav footfall but maybe that's just me.
As I said I doubt I'll ever sell mine, its the ultimate yob-mobile and that's why I like it. You've just got to deal with the fact you'll always be seen as a chav!
It is quite a harsh, jerky ride (mines on 18"); It does make you wince a little when you go over a good sized pothole/drain, as it feels and sounds like someone's detonated a bomb under the car. Driving around the Surrey roads here is like playing a game of minesweeper and I'm constantly weaving around holes in the road. Moreover, it isn't the greatest of cars for long motorway journeys as you'd expect. VXRs aren't bought for their comfort. Having said that, the bucket seats are more comfy than the ones in my Audi.
No real faults after 20k miles apart from shock absorbers/macpherson strut. I average around 30 mpg with the occasional hoonage. Tires aren't cheap and it munches through fronts pretty quickly - also, with no spare wheel, it can prove a pain if you get a puncture. Not exactly roomy in the back because of the seats.
It certainly is popular with the yoofs and it will attract attention when you're driving it or when it's parked up. I'm a little paranoid about leaving it where-ever there's high chav footfall but maybe that's just me.
As I said I doubt I'll ever sell mine, its the ultimate yob-mobile and that's why I like it. You've just got to deal with the fact you'll always be seen as a chav!
t what other people think, if you want a VXR then you should get one.I've owned one for six years, bought it from new. Be prepared for expensive repair bills, mine has cost a small fortune to keep on the road!
Some common issues with them are;
Broken aircon pipes. (Had this on mine)
Wheel bearings.
Seized rear calipers. (Both gone on mine @ £350 each!!)
Blown radiators. (I'm on my third)
Rusty wheel arches. (Yep)
Weak gearboxes (M32 box is made of cheese).
Clutch/Dual mass flywheel.
Piston four failure (mainly tuned examples).
They need lowering really to get the best out of the chassis as they tend to wallow a bit.
On the plus side the seats and interior are great and it's a real head turner if you don't mind the image that comes with them. Very quick and can surprise other more expensive motors. Great motorway cruiser, very quiet and I saw 50mpg out of mine the other day on a run.
At the end of the day it's a Vauxhall so you get what you pay for!
Some common issues with them are;
Broken aircon pipes. (Had this on mine)
Wheel bearings.
Seized rear calipers. (Both gone on mine @ £350 each!!)
Blown radiators. (I'm on my third)
Rusty wheel arches. (Yep)
Weak gearboxes (M32 box is made of cheese).
Clutch/Dual mass flywheel.
Piston four failure (mainly tuned examples).
They need lowering really to get the best out of the chassis as they tend to wallow a bit.
On the plus side the seats and interior are great and it's a real head turner if you don't mind the image that comes with them. Very quick and can surprise other more expensive motors. Great motorway cruiser, very quiet and I saw 50mpg out of mine the other day on a run.
At the end of the day it's a Vauxhall so you get what you pay for!
Lots of them get driven hard and abused by young lads, buy carefully.
I would look at the nurburgring model if going for a corsa, read up on what evo thought of it.
I think the Astra is a bit more civilised for motorways etc.
early M32 gearboxes have noisy diff bearings, there is an improved part, no big deal, mines been taking 300+lb/ft for 50-60k, its still ok. I think the problem is a little overhyped to be honest.
I would look at the nurburgring model if going for a corsa, read up on what evo thought of it.
I think the Astra is a bit more civilised for motorways etc.
early M32 gearboxes have noisy diff bearings, there is an improved part, no big deal, mines been taking 300+lb/ft for 50-60k, its still ok. I think the problem is a little overhyped to be honest.
Regarding the MCd's comments, I always fancied getting one of these - bringing it up to VXR spec then removing the bumper extensions, wheels etc..
http://www.jcbcarsales.co.uk/used-cars/vauxhall-co...
http://www.jcbcarsales.co.uk/used-cars/vauxhall-co...
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