04-05 Opel Astra 1.4

Canonme

Hey guys, looking here to purcahse a 04-05 opel astra as my next car, i just wanted to ask a few questions before hand for those who knows or owns this type of car, Im going for a standard 1.4 which is enough for me, but what or if there are any common issues with the car ? is it reliable? cause was thinking of going with a 04 almera before then heard there were tons of issues like gearbox, timing chain, melting head lamps, is the astra a all round car with none of these types of manufacturing faults ?
cheers guys

bazz26

I'd go for the Astra over the Almera everytime. Fresher & safer design, 1.4 is nippy enough and they handle alot better than the Almera too.

Canonme

thanks for the response Bazzz, i know that the astra is a lot better, but i just wanted to find out if there are any manufacuring faults with the car or is it a good reliable that should not give any issues ? cause wouldnt want to be spend 5-6 grand and couple of months later something like gear box ( mechanical part that is expensive to replace ) goes out and also is the electrics ok on the car?,

bazz26

Check out some reviews on the likes of www.parkers.co.uk and www.honestjohn.co.uk. Note that the Astra is sold as a Vauxhall in the UK.

Canonme

I have already checked them out, they just do a general overview of the car in regards to handling, comfort etc, i was going to ask for some personal experiences who has known if any issue with it, if everything is good on a general basis i would have no issues.

Ardennes1944

afaik the new astra are very reliable. looking at a gtc myself

bazz26

Well your talking about a 5 or 6 year old car so there is no guarantees, it really depends on how the car was treated and maintained by the previous owner(s). Even the most reliable cars can be a disaster if they were not cared for by their previous owners. The best thing to do is have the car checked over by a mechanic prior to buying it.

Canonme

yea i think you are, that is what i will actually do, by the way a question that i wanted to know, are the 04 astra 1.4 have timing belts or chains?

bazz26

Canonme wrote: »

yea i think you are, that is what i will actually do, by the way a question that i wanted to know, are the 04 astra 1.4 have timing belts or chains?

I think they changed the engine in that model Astra from 2004, I think it is a chain but not 100% sure to be honest. The best thing to do is ring the service department of your local Opel dealer and they will tell you.

shamwari

The Astra G fitted with the Z14XE all have belt driven cams. AFAIK that engine was also carried over into the first run of the newer Astra H. Reliability of that engine is much improved over those built for earlier cars. The Astra always was a good handler and and rode well.

Canonme

thanks shamwari, sorry i didnt really understand, so for the model that im descibing, is it with the chains or the belts?

shamwari

If it is this type astra then the 1.4's all have belts. I don't know about the newer type after this, but as far as I know, they may still be a belt. As suggested above, ring Opel and ask!

mickredirl

I have been driving opel astra's around for 9 years now... I am now the happy owner of a 2010 model... They are a great car.. Best car buy u can get.

Roro4Brit

I have a 04 silver one - newer model. Bought it in 06/07 have 42k miles on it now. Great car I must say, never any problems with it. I keep it serviced and she ticks over nicely.

I keep the interior spotless and I have to say the dash has aged very well. Still love the layout and when I have it washed and waxed it looks good still. Not bad to be able to say after 6 years.

I'll be selling it on early '11 and going for the twintop if you wanna hold off til then

Caolan1

Canonme,
Check out donedeal.ie as well as other advertising sites, they have a good all round selection. I have my 2004 Vauxhall Astra with AirCon good spec. low milage on it for sale at the moment.I hope I haven't stepped over the mark by advertising here, Mods I apoligise in advance if I have. PM me if you want any more details.
Regards.

poitinstill

Ive been thinking about getting an astra. was looking at the 1.3 tdci estate from UK I know its low on power but i need space and i need disel more than i need much power. Are vauxhall and opel just a badge change or are there any quality issues in the differnce. thanks

guinnessfan

Canonme wrote: »

thanks shamwari, sorry i didnt really understand, so for the model that im descibing, is it with the chains or the belts?

I have an 2007 1.4 club - it has a belt. The car has been very reliable and economical to run.

bazz26

poitinstill wrote: »

Ive been thinking about getting an astra. was looking at the 1.3 tdci estate from UK I know its low on power but i need space and i need disel more than i need much power. Are vauxhall and opel just a badge change or are there any quality issues in the differnce. thanks

The Astra was also available in 1.7 and 1.9 diesel. The 1.9 is rare here but plentiful in the UK. Opels and Vauxhalls are pretty much the same cars just built in different places. The only strange think is that here in Ireland a Vauxhall would be worth alot less than a similar Opel come resale time.

Lucifer

The Astra G model (1998-2004) in a 1.4 is either a X14XE or Z14XE which both have timing belts, changed at either 40,000 miles or 4 years.

The Astra H model (2004-2009) in a 1.4 is a Z14XEP engine which has a timing chain.

guinnessfan wrote: »

I have an 2007 1.4 club - it has a belt. The car has been very reliable and economical to run.

If its a 2007 and a 1.4 it has a chain.

Here is a list of engines for that model
1.3 Diesel - Chain
1.4 Petrol - Chain
1.6 Petrol - Belt
1.7 Diesel - Belt
1.8 Petrol - Belt
1.9 Diesel - Belt

patrickc

Lucifer wrote: »

The Astra G model (1998-2004) in a 1.4 is either a X14XE or Z14XE which both have timing belts, changed at either 40,000 miles or 4 years.

The Astra H model (2004-2009) in a 1.4 is a Z14XEP engine which has a timing chain.





If its a 2007 and a 1.4 it has a chain.

Here is a list of engines for that model
1.3 Diesel - Chain
1.4 Petrol - Chain
1.6 Petrol - Belt
1.7 Diesel - Belt
1.8 Petrol - Belt
1.9 Diesel - Belt
2.0T Petrol - Chain

Lucifier do you know if this is correct the 1.6 petrol (2005) belt interval is 10 years or 100000 kilometres

Lucifer

patrickc wrote: »

Lucifier do you know if this is correct the 1.6 petrol (2005) belt interval is 10 years or 100000 kilometres

Provided yours is the new model (you could still get Astra G Convertibles in 2005) yours is a Z16XEP engine and the recommended interval is every 10 years / 90,000 mls/150,000 km

patrickc

Lucifer wrote: »

Provided yours is the new model (you could still get Astra G Convertibles in 2005) yours is a Z16XEP engine and the recommended interval is every 10 years / 90,000 mls/150,000 km

yeh it's the other half's and it's the new model thanks