New Car ... Decision Time

[SteveB_NI]

I've been debating a new car for some time, and last night decided to test drive an Astra Sport SXi 3dr ... very impressed.

 

The car felt really good to drive, nice & safe and also benefits from (In my opinion) really nice looks. I negotiated a very good deal (4 yr 0% finance) for the 1.4 SXi...

 

now a part of me wants a larger 1.6 engine, but I found the 1.4 an obvious improvement over my 1.1 Peugeot 106. It seemed nippy enough for my immediate needs.

 

Need to let the dealer know by Fri afternoon at latest - otherwise deal doesn't exist any more Going to test drive it again on Thurs evening.

 

Anyone else have one / driven one?

[tscnmuk]

They are a very nice car (my better half drives one, albeit the 2.0). Can't really fault it for what it is, however word of warning - 1.4? Just don't. Massivlely massively underpowered for the size of car and if you ever need to take it on a long run it will cripple you.

 

Apart from that, go for it, nice car.

[bishopsgarthstockton]

1.4 would struggle with the size of the car, 2.0 would be better option if finnances can stretch other wise the 1.6

[SteveB_NI]

There is no 2.0 version of the SXi anymore - its been replaced by the 1.6 VVT (Variable Valve Timing) - which is practically identical I believe.

 

1.4 16v Sport Hatch: Max speed 112mph 0-60mph 12.7secs 46.3 Combined MPG.

 

1.6i 16v VVT Sport Hatch: Max speed: 120mph 0-60mph 10.8secs 43.5 Combined MPG.

 

Price wise...

 

1.4: List price from Vauxhall was £14,765 - I was offered it for £13,500 - which I negotiated down to £13,300. (4 yr 0% finance).

 

1.6: List price from Vauxhall was £15,415 - I was offered it for £14,150 - I didn't negotiate this down but I could try to get it for £13,950.

 

Insurance wise the 1.6 is 2 groups higher, but I keep thinking to myself I should go for that one due to the new improved engine, plus to help "future proof" the car a bit longer.

 

Does that make sense??

[mattx]

Cars - PAH.

Get a motorbike - much more fun.

[SteveB_NI]

Update: Just phoned car dealer & arranged an appointment to test drive the 1.6 (never driven it before) and the 1.4 again. Given the small sized difference in price, it may be worthwhile going for the 1.6.

[TechMonkey]

Yeah, having had a 1.3 escort before, you won't notice it until you really need it or are loaded up (by which I mean 4 or 5 up not just baggage). Also hills will kill it and again if you are loaded up it will really hit.

[SteveB_NI]

Thats a good point - the motorway which I seem to spend half my life on is very steep in places & could place quite a strain on it.

 

We'll see what happens tomorrow - going to phone insurance soon to see if there is much difference.

[bishopsgarthstockton]

i went from a 1.1 saxo to a pug 106 1.6 16V GTI then crashed it

[Quackers]

My friend bought an MG a few years ago from new, he thought the 1.4 would be a good idea, since tax is cheaper, and insurance. 3 years on he regrets it, he has no over taking power when on the motorway, when 4 people are in around town its sluggish.

 

I've never had anything less than a 1.9, but 1.4 does sound scary.

[ChrisH]

Cars - PAH.

Get a motorbike - much more fun.

 

Hmm I am off work today because I stubbed my foot at an awkward angle doing about 50 the other day, going round a bend. Didnt realise I was so far over else I would have lifted my foot onto the peg more I am assuming that is what did it but it didnt start hurting for about a day after and after a day hobbling round work yesterday it hurts so much now I wouldnt be able to drive my car

[Skoggmeiger]

£14k for a vauxhall?

[mattx]

Well if you lived close to me Chris I would let you ride bitch.....

Hope your foot recovers soon.

[strawberry]

i went from a 1.1 saxo to a pug 106 1.6 16V GTI then crashed it

 

you did the decent thing

 

i test drove a saxo vts and lost the rear end on a roundabout, was like driving a go kart!. Difference between french cars and german cars in terms of brakes and clutch are huge!

[ChrisC]

I drive my 1.8 16v xantia, and i can't imagine driving anything smaller, maybe a 1.6 considering the performance now would match my one these days, but even though i drive town mostly, knowing if i need to hit the speed that I can is reasuring. Also when boy racers think their little 1.0 106 can outrun mine, they get a bit of a shock. :evil

 

Chris

[rhyds]

Appart from the raw power disadvantage a 1.4 astra would have, remember that smaller engines tend to need "working" harder, i'm always swapping cogs in my 1100 metro if I want full power, a 1.6 would be a much better bet.

[crc-ict]

Do yourself a favour - get the bigger engine!

 

I just upgraded from a 1.2 old-style Clio to a 1.4 New Clio - the 1.4 costs quite a bit more than the 1.2, and tax and petrol is more, but the extra power is worth it.

 

As far as I can see, the bottom engine rating in most models is pushing it if you want to move much faster than a milk float.

[rhyds]

Do yourself a favour - get the bigger engine!

 

I just upgraded from a 1.2 old-style Clio to a 1.4 New Clio - the 1.4 costs quite a bit more than the 1.2, and tax and petrol is more, but the extra power is worth it.

 

As far as I can see, the bottom engine rating in most models is pushing it if you want to move much faster than a milk float.

 

Indeed, a perfect example was the 1.3 Ford Sierra or the 1.4 Cavalier, just enough power in either to move the car...

[Guest]

Have Agree with the comments about engine size. Currently have a Seat Leon SX (05) which is 1.6 and that feels the strain when its 5 up and has a full boot. Wouldn't go for anything less. How I miss my V6

 

Now this will have all the power you need. Test drove it on Friday :twisted: Awsome!

[Oops_my_bad]

Is this a new one? If so you have a bit longer than Friday to get the 0% finance offer that the dealer is bullshitting you with..

 

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/retailoffers/retailoffersbrandwise.do?method=getRetailOfferDetailsForABrand&brandId=&brandName=astra&offer=0

[SteveB_NI]

TeddyKGB yes, it's a new one I'm interested in.

 

I know the deal is on for longer, but I have managed to get the dealer down to an even lower price - which I really didn't expect due to the 0% finance. This is the deal I meant is open until Friday.

 

I'm going tomorrow (today) to test drive the 1.6. If the price is right for that one, the cheque book will be coming out!

 

By the way, TeddyKGB thanks for pointing that out to me anyways - much appreciated.

[Homer]

i have an astra sxi aswell mate.

 

mines not the same though, not a sport hatch as its 5dr and its a 1.7 diesel instead of petrol.

 

goes well though, but you can notice a difference between 1 and 4 passengers in the car.

 

handles brilliantly, and for a car so common still gets a few looks.

 

 

ive driven the 1.6 petrol aswell, i didnt like it too much. it didnt have the power or fizz that my rover 400 had (also 1.6) so... if i didnt think much of the .6 then id dread to think of the 1.4 mate.

 

try them both though!

[Midget]

Jesus £14k on an astra? I'm looking at spending that on a 3yo 5.7L Monaro.

Get the bigger engine, you will very quickly tire of being tailgated onto the motorway up sliproads by people with cars that can actually do 70mph

 

I started with a 1.5L Diesel 106 (around the same power as the 1.1L) and moved onto a 2.2L Pug Coupe and still want more power for quicker, safer overtakes. I couldn't imagine how scared I'd feel trying to overtake whilst in a 1.4L Barge like the Astra.

 

If you really MUST get an astra (there are much better cars out there) get a 2nd hand 2L Turbo SRi (2006 for ~£10-11k).

[Homer]

mmmmm monaro... DOOOO EEEEET!!

[kearton]

STOP TALKING ABOUT MONAROS!

I'd just managed to talk myself OUT of getting one (after I talked myself out of getting a VXR8.. defo can't afford that)

 

*sob*Iwantone*sob*