Astra Bertone Coupe.... which engine?
Discussion
Hey. I'm looking at purchasing a new car before June next year (my no claims will run out so I need to save, fast!) and would rather make do without a car at the moment, save a little longer and get something a tad more special than a runabout banger.
Looking at something like an Astra Coupe (convertible would be awesome, but they tend to be a little leggy or generally battered in my budget of £2.5k) or possibly the 140 Toyota Celica. Erring slightly towards the Astra as again, Celicas in this range tend to be high on miles, and as I'm planning on purchasing my dream Integra DC2 in the next 2 or 3 years, I don't want to get tired of high revving driving before I get round to buying one!
The main question is- which engine for the Astra Coupe? Definate no-no for the 1.6, as I find my bf's 1.6 Focus to be a tad underpowered, nevermind in a bigger wafty cab/coupe. Want something with a bit of poke! The 1.8 would be alright, easier on the insurance (remember I'll be 21 when I buy) but again, if I'm saving for a nice car, and being a petrolhead, I'd like something with a bit of oomph. I've discovered I could just about afford the 2.0 turbo insurance, obviously the pick of the bunch in terms of performance.... but would there be any running costs / servicing / reliability issues? Never had a petrol turbo before and not sure on any implications I could be faced with, likehood of it going wrong etc.
Then last but not least, the 2.2 with timing chain rather than belt. Performance would be more than adequate, its insurable... well moreso than the turbo, they seem very readily avaliable and much more common than the 1.8, but heard about their pre-2002 lubrication problems? Also again never had a chain driven engined car before- any things to look out for, or any unseen problems / costs?
Any info at all would be brill, and if any of you have tips on other things to look out for in general it would be most appreciated! Any other car suggestions too!
Looking at something like an Astra Coupe (convertible would be awesome, but they tend to be a little leggy or generally battered in my budget of £2.5k) or possibly the 140 Toyota Celica. Erring slightly towards the Astra as again, Celicas in this range tend to be high on miles, and as I'm planning on purchasing my dream Integra DC2 in the next 2 or 3 years, I don't want to get tired of high revving driving before I get round to buying one!
The main question is- which engine for the Astra Coupe? Definate no-no for the 1.6, as I find my bf's 1.6 Focus to be a tad underpowered, nevermind in a bigger wafty cab/coupe. Want something with a bit of poke! The 1.8 would be alright, easier on the insurance (remember I'll be 21 when I buy) but again, if I'm saving for a nice car, and being a petrolhead, I'd like something with a bit of oomph. I've discovered I could just about afford the 2.0 turbo insurance, obviously the pick of the bunch in terms of performance.... but would there be any running costs / servicing / reliability issues? Never had a petrol turbo before and not sure on any implications I could be faced with, likehood of it going wrong etc.
Then last but not least, the 2.2 with timing chain rather than belt. Performance would be more than adequate, its insurable... well moreso than the turbo, they seem very readily avaliable and much more common than the 1.8, but heard about their pre-2002 lubrication problems? Also again never had a chain driven engined car before- any things to look out for, or any unseen problems / costs?
Any info at all would be brill, and if any of you have tips on other things to look out for in general it would be most appreciated! Any other car suggestions too!
Go for the 2.0 turbo, a genuine 150MPH car that has a fair bit of poke in all situations! As far as I know it's quite reliable too with only the odd report of head gasket and gearbox failures. I'd put that more down to over enthusiastic boy racers that any fault with the car.
Not sure about the 2.2, think it's quite a tractable engine but not got a great deal of excitement about it, think the same goes for the 1.6 and 1.8.
Just the same old story though, make sure the 2.0 turbo you look at is standard and hasn't been abused, then it should be fine.
Hope that helps
Not sure about the 2.2, think it's quite a tractable engine but not got a great deal of excitement about it, think the same goes for the 1.6 and 1.8.
Just the same old story though, make sure the 2.0 turbo you look at is standard and hasn't been abused, then it should be fine.
Hope that helps
Thats probably the case- there are some lovely examples of low mileage turbos in that stunning blue colour around, and they tend to be a little cheaper than equivalent spec 1.8 or 2.2s... guessing they probably wouldn't be as appealing, running cost wise maybe, to the average buyer. Is there anything I need to look out for on a turbo engined car compared to a n/a engine?
ETA: as with some other cars, should there be an approximate mileage when the turbo 'should' have been replaced, or due to be replaced? Or is it just a case of, if it goes, you gotta spend the cash? I've seen a few higher mileage coupes which have "new turbo" stated in the listing, or aftermarket/VXR turbos fitted. just wondered if it would be something to be wary of or not.
ETA: as with some other cars, should there be an approximate mileage when the turbo 'should' have been replaced, or due to be replaced? Or is it just a case of, if it goes, you gotta spend the cash? I've seen a few higher mileage coupes which have "new turbo" stated in the listing, or aftermarket/VXR turbos fitted. just wondered if it would be something to be wary of or not.
Edited by Louisa911 on Tuesday 2nd November 00:19
Louisa911 said:
Thats probably the case- there are some lovely examples of low mileage turbos in that stunning blue colour around, and they tend to be a little cheaper than equivalent spec 1.8 or 2.2s... guessing they probably wouldn't be as appealing, running cost wise maybe, to the average buyer. Is there anything I need to look out for on a turbo engined car compared to a n/a engine?
Just make sure there's no white smoke coming out the back at idle or after it's had a good run. Listen for any unusual noises too.Turbo cars ideally need to be given time to "cool off" after an enthusiastic run i.e. the engine is allowed to idle for 30 seconds or so before turning the engine off to maintain oil pressure when it's spinning down.
A lot of people don't seem to bother doing that and therefore it can lead to premature wear.
Generally I think these units are quite tough and able to withstand quite a lot of hard use, any one that doesn't seem quite right just walk away!
HellDiver said:
Didn't you ask this question about a month ago?
I asked regarding the Coupe being a better choice than a Focus for similar money and anything to look out for when viewing them, but don't think I specifically asked regarding engine choices.Anyone else have any comments regarding reliability and serviceability of either engines etc?
ludicrous speed said:
I'm not sure why you'd pick the astra over the focus, if your budget is 2.5k then save a bit more and get an st170, should be able to get a decent one for about 3 grand or just over. Absolutely brilliant car, and insurance isn't too bad either.
I've heard lots of good stuff about them, and even travelled upto 50 miles each way on two or three occasions to view a couple, but I've already had two focuses in three years and just fancy trying something a bit different. I know Vauxhalls generally don't feel as solid and well built as Fords of the same era, especially gearboxes, but I love the look of them, would like something tad bigger and the insurance is a bit cheaper. If I decided to opt for the coupe over the convertible astra, I could get a decent specced, lower mileage and slightly newer one for £800 less than the ST170. I won't quite rule one out just yet though, good suggestion.ludicrous speed said:
I'm not sure why you'd pick the astra over the focus, if your budget is 2.5k then save a bit more and get an st170, should be able to get a decent one for about 3 grand or just over. Absolutely brilliant car, and insurance isn't too bad either.
Performance of the ST170 is disappointing IME, it just doesn't feel remotely quick. The fact that it has such a well balanced chassis makes this even more of a let down. The Astra doesn't have much more peak power, and weighs almost the same as the Focus but it's noticeably quicker.I had a 2.2 SE2 model - one with the blue alcantara interior - and it was one of the best cars i've had for comfort, toys, build etc.
Only thing that let me down was the consumption of the 2.2. The MPG is pretty bad on this if you are doing mainly town / short runs. On the motorway its a good cruiser and will get a decent reading.
Personally, i'd go for either the 1.8 or the 2.0turbo. Not sure what the SE models (there was a SE1 & then a later SE2) are going for these days but i would pick one of them over a standard "bertone" model. On a side note, all models are "bertone" as thats the designer. A lot of garages advertise making out the bertone is a seperate higher spec model etc so dont be taken in with that nonsense.
Few pics of mine... Couple of subtlish mods to it.
I believe my old car was up last year at a dealer for 3grand, so one of these might well be within your reach.
Only thing that let me down was the consumption of the 2.2. The MPG is pretty bad on this if you are doing mainly town / short runs. On the motorway its a good cruiser and will get a decent reading.
Personally, i'd go for either the 1.8 or the 2.0turbo. Not sure what the SE models (there was a SE1 & then a later SE2) are going for these days but i would pick one of them over a standard "bertone" model. On a side note, all models are "bertone" as thats the designer. A lot of garages advertise making out the bertone is a seperate higher spec model etc so dont be taken in with that nonsense.
Few pics of mine... Couple of subtlish mods to it.
I believe my old car was up last year at a dealer for 3grand, so one of these might well be within your reach.
2 litre turbo engine is an absolute cracker. Shame the car's chassis can't handle the power particularly well. Get used to lots and lots and lots of understeer and dollops of torque steer on boost to go with it.
Mate of mine has one (convertible), which he adores. Can't see it myself. I hate the interior and the seats and I hate the way it handles.
Mate of mine has one (convertible), which he adores. Can't see it myself. I hate the interior and the seats and I hate the way it handles.
HellDiver said:
Oh, please don't call it a "Bertone Coupe". They're all Bertone coupes. Astra Coupe is fine, it'll make you look as if you know what you're talking about.
Well said.Amount of people i hear saying "i've got a astra coupe bertone" and arguing when they are told that all astra coupes are "bertones" is unreal!
I know they are all Bertones (the designer was it?) but its just a name, no big deal... there are a few astra coupes of different ages and generations, and putting Bertone in the title narrows it down a fair bit to the 2000-2004 models.
I've found a Y-reg 2.2 coupe at a local garage, its going pretty cheap too, way under budget at 1700 quid. Its very clean condition, has full service history, but 100k on the clock... would this put you off? I always rant at my boyfriend for dismissing cars with over 90k miles, as I believe theres usually plenty of life left in the engine- but having heard that the 2.2 engines pre 2002 in the astras had chain lubrication problems, would it be more of an issue? What would I go about doing to ensure I wouldn't have any problems with this in the future- can you spot if the problem is occuring or not?
Thanks
I've found a Y-reg 2.2 coupe at a local garage, its going pretty cheap too, way under budget at 1700 quid. Its very clean condition, has full service history, but 100k on the clock... would this put you off? I always rant at my boyfriend for dismissing cars with over 90k miles, as I believe theres usually plenty of life left in the engine- but having heard that the 2.2 engines pre 2002 in the astras had chain lubrication problems, would it be more of an issue? What would I go about doing to ensure I wouldn't have any problems with this in the future- can you spot if the problem is occuring or not?
Thanks
tty emission regs.Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff