Mark 4 astra, any views on them?
#1
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Mark 4 astra, any views on them?
Im a ford man at heart and always have been, but im getting bored of the "modded" car and want something normal.
So im getting rid of this...
for something like this...
But i have never owned a vauxhall in my life, anything to check and look out for?
So im getting rid of this...
for something like this...
But i have never owned a vauxhall in my life, anything to check and look out for?
#2
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My buddy has an SRI Turbo pushing out 212bhp its a right sleeper as well, standard SRi badges on the back, handles better than you'd think as well unless its wet and the traction control ties itself in knots.
a nice easy car to drive with good power
a nice easy car to drive with good power
#3
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If you want practicality, get the 5 door. Though IMO the 3 door looks streets better.
Start looking at the 1.8 16v Sport from 1998 through the 2.0 16v SRi (2000) to the 2.2 16v SRi (2000+). Early builds have plastic interior door handles and orange bits. Normal (and all later cars) cars have a modicum of de-tango and chrome interior handles.
Lots were built with a/c in lieu of a sunroof. 1.8 16v sport has a close ratio box and taut but ultimately leany suspension. It'll worry you before it lets go if you fit pukka tyres though. 2.0 SRi was harder but needed a longer running in to get the best out of it.
Seats are sporty (supportive) but going on hard. A mate had minor back ache after prolonged journeys.
Check the rear brakes and the ABS. Rears squeal like a b*stard unless they've been fixed. In my case, the ABS was temperamental due to a dodgy front hub sensor. Fixing it would have been expensive if it hadn't been a company car.
Only fair to point out that you should try a Focus as well as the Astra. Going from an Escort to a mk4 Astra, you'll definitely notice a difference.
HTH.
J.
Start looking at the 1.8 16v Sport from 1998 through the 2.0 16v SRi (2000) to the 2.2 16v SRi (2000+). Early builds have plastic interior door handles and orange bits. Normal (and all later cars) cars have a modicum of de-tango and chrome interior handles.
Lots were built with a/c in lieu of a sunroof. 1.8 16v sport has a close ratio box and taut but ultimately leany suspension. It'll worry you before it lets go if you fit pukka tyres though. 2.0 SRi was harder but needed a longer running in to get the best out of it.
Seats are sporty (supportive) but going on hard. A mate had minor back ache after prolonged journeys.
Check the rear brakes and the ABS. Rears squeal like a b*stard unless they've been fixed. In my case, the ABS was temperamental due to a dodgy front hub sensor. Fixing it would have been expensive if it hadn't been a company car.
Only fair to point out that you should try a Focus as well as the Astra. Going from an Escort to a mk4 Astra, you'll definitely notice a difference.
HTH.
J.
#7
I've got a 2000 V plate 2.0 SRi
i've had it for a year. Now just under 80K. Very pleased with it. Had no major problems (so far, touch wood!)
Common problems on my model are seized/sticking rear brake calipers and exhaust manifolds cracking or shearing the bolts that hold them to the head. Luckily mine hasn't had either.
feel free to ask any questions
i've had it for a year. Now just under 80K. Very pleased with it. Had no major problems (so far, touch wood!)
Common problems on my model are seized/sticking rear brake calipers and exhaust manifolds cracking or shearing the bolts that hold them to the head. Luckily mine hasn't had either.
feel free to ask any questions
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#9
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Originally Posted by Big Col
.....and exhaust manifolds cracking or shearing the bolts that hold them to the head. Luckily mine hasn't had either.
#11
Originally Posted by Spankathon
Yes, should be interesting what you make up about an Ecotec engine....
Nothing to make up.
Owned a Cav with an Ecotec
Three Idle Control valves
Three camshaft censors.
In the end I got fed up with bits always going wrong and sold it.
Anyone I know, with a Vauxhall, with an Ecotec engine fitted has had near enough constand problems with it.
TBH, in that sort of price bracket I would buy a Focus every time.
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Originally Posted by Smiler
Nothing to make up.
Owned a Cav with an Ecotec
Three Idle Control valves
Three camshaft censors.
In the end I got fed up with bits always going wrong and sold it.
Anyone I know, with a Vauxhall, with an Ecotec engine fitted has had near enough constand problems with it.
TBH, in that sort of price bracket I would buy a Focus every time.
Didn't know the Ecotec cams were that "hot"
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I've got one as a commuter car. It's now 5 years old and done about 105k miles.
It still feels like a new car, no rattles, interior has worn well etc.
The only problems I've experienced is a broken air con fan, 2 broken rear springs and a corroded oil filter thingy. Apart from that it's servicing and consumables.
I keep thinking about buying another car, but this is worth nothing and there is nothing wrong with it, so all I'd do is spend money I don't need to.
It still feels like a new car, no rattles, interior has worn well etc.
The only problems I've experienced is a broken air con fan, 2 broken rear springs and a corroded oil filter thingy. Apart from that it's servicing and consumables.
I keep thinking about buying another car, but this is worth nothing and there is nothing wrong with it, so all I'd do is spend money I don't need to.
#14
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the car my scoob replaced was a astra sri 1.8 16v, great little car served me well. try and get 3 door with irmsher bodykit if you can, factory fit so considered option not mod
#15
I must say I agree with the comments about the ecotec engine.
I had 2 cam sensors on my M reg Cavalier sri 2.0 ecotec and the abs sensors showed a fault sometimes. My dashboard displayed more lights then the blackpool illuminations!! Not impressed with the ecotec one little bit. Just my 2p.
Mark
I had 2 cam sensors on my M reg Cavalier sri 2.0 ecotec and the abs sensors showed a fault sometimes. My dashboard displayed more lights then the blackpool illuminations!! Not impressed with the ecotec one little bit. Just my 2p.
Mark
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So what are my options, bearing in mind il have around £1500 for one, i was just thinking about a 1.6i but i presume there not the ecotec jobbies?
I have found a couple of nice astras on autotrader, S reg 1.6i with 57k for £1250
I have found a couple of nice astras on autotrader, S reg 1.6i with 57k for £1250
#18
Originally Posted by Mr.Manchester
So what are my options, bearing in mind il have around £1500 for one, i was just thinking about a 1.6i but i presume there not the ecotec jobbies?
I have found a couple of nice astras on autotrader, S reg 1.6i with 57k for £1250
I have found a couple of nice astras on autotrader, S reg 1.6i with 57k for £1250
TBH I would save up an extra £1.5K and buy a nice 99/00 Focus.
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Originally Posted by Smiler
To be honest a move from a R Escort to a S Astra .... I can't see the point.
TBH I would save up an extra £1.5K and buy a nice 99/00 Focus.
TBH I would save up an extra £1.5K and buy a nice 99/00 Focus.
#21
Used to have a new 2.0 SRi back in 99 (T plate). Great car, great looking in dark blue, went well. Never had any problems with it in 2 years. They look a bit dated now compared to Civic etc. All in all a good buy though.
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Originally Posted by TopBanana
What's wrong with a Focus? Especially as you're a 'Ford man'
Had various fords for the past 7 years
#26
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Originally Posted by powerwrx
the only view on fords ive got is usualy the one through my rear view when i leave them standin.lol
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I can't comment on 'legacy' ECOTEC issues.
Sensors come and go in modern cars, it's a part of the ownership experience. For the record, I had one sensor go, a mate's car lost one and went into limp home mode and I had the aforementioned ABS issues. Had the airbag light come on once, too.
IMO the Astra's better screwed together and the interior will stay looking good for longer. I'll not slag off the Focus. Ultimately, it handles a bit better and is maybe a bit quicker, like for like. In terms of build quality, it's not quite up to the Vauxhall's standards though. They spent their money on the neat touches and rear suspension, Vauxhall spent it on slightly better materials.
J.
Sensors come and go in modern cars, it's a part of the ownership experience. For the record, I had one sensor go, a mate's car lost one and went into limp home mode and I had the aforementioned ABS issues. Had the airbag light come on once, too.
IMO the Astra's better screwed together and the interior will stay looking good for longer. I'll not slag off the Focus. Ultimately, it handles a bit better and is maybe a bit quicker, like for like. In terms of build quality, it's not quite up to the Vauxhall's standards though. They spent their money on the neat touches and rear suspension, Vauxhall spent it on slightly better materials.
J.
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Originally Posted by powerwrx
yeah i have and blew that away too
Believe it or not, scoobys arent the be all and end all of the "fast car" scene, ive seen many a 13 year old cosworth blow away brand new STi's
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my mate bought a 01y plate sri, he loved the car. it got stolen and was pretty miffed. The only problem he had with car was the timing chain snapped. it cost him around the £500 mark. It didnt put him off the astra tho, hes now looking for another one. I dont think this is a common problem with the astra but id just thaught id let you know.