Vauxhall Astra GTC SRi 200 - what to look for.

[LuS1fer]

As I cannot logistically seem to be able to get my Fiesta ST safety recall sorted, for the 3 days Ford require it, I am thinking of dobbing it in against the above.

Though I have never really been a Vauxhall fan, they do get good reviews and are available, far more cheaply than a Scirocco (only a 2 seater in the back so no good) or Megane (rare round here). I can change for a 2 year newer car for about £1500, pay the same insurance as the ST and less road tax. I know you have to keep turning off the start/stop but that will soon be second nature.

Though the VXR is a far more desirable proposition, I need at least another £4k for a same age, slightly higher mileage car and have to pay £100 more insurance and far more road tax and suffer far worse economy. Do I want one...yes but I'm retiring next year so the SRi, though a bit dull to look at, seems to tick all the boxes.

Anything I should look for on them? Any horror stories?

[ZX10R NIN]

As long as you realise it won't handle as well as the Fiesta then you'll be getting yourself a decent set of wheels & the 1.6T is well proven in the Corsa so reliability won't be an issue, lookout for the Limited Edition ones as they come with more kit than the SRI & are around the same price:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[LuS1fer]

Thanks guys. All the limited editions round here are low power versions and an Astra is not a car to chase nationally. I can get a VXR for £12k, the 200 for 9.5. However, I don't like the silver trim compared to the black. Will go and see...

[LuS1fer]

Well that was slightly underwhelming. I liked the car, seats, handling, space, even the odd emerald green colour but the 200hp felt pretty slow, possibly high gearing was to blame but it just didn't feel like a 200hp car.

[Jimmy Recard]

You could consider a remap?

I think they respond well and safely to it

[ZX10R NIN]

LuS1fer said:

Well that was slightly underwhelming. I liked the car, seats, handling, space, even the odd emerald green colour but the 200hp felt pretty slow, possibly high gearing was to blame but it just didn't feel like a 200hp car.

That's exactly what is they're geared long so you have to treat it like it's a five speed.

[ED209]

It would have felt slow because they weigh more than the moon, the wife had a 140hp model and it felt like it have about 60hp.

[LuS1fer]

Ah well, I tried a 208 GTi but it felt distinctly flat on throttle response so it's looking like another ST.

[ZX10R NIN]

Or try the Clio 200/220

[ZX10R NIN]

They're 1.6T unlike your Clio which was N/A & needed revs the 1.6T has more torque & gets going a lot quicker, it comes down to if you don't mind the EDC box.

[underphil]

Jimmy Recard said:

You could consider a remap?

I think they respond well and safely to it

I think it has the M32 gearbox (which although better than earlier versions) is still prone to issues