Opel Astra 2012/2013

peace2804

Hi Folks,

I am thinking about changing my car (Yes I know I haven't changed it yet), I am truly looking for a good deal and to buy a good car that won't let me down.

I came across the Swords Opel dealer's website, they have some good reductions on new 2012 cars http://www.airsideopel.ie/promotions/massive-savings-on-20122013-opels/1286 I am interested in the new Astra, there are so many versions (S, SC, SRI, SE, Elite).

I do about 10K miles a year, most of my trips are short (max 20 miles) and I do do the odd long trip every 2 months or so when traveling with my family.

I need a decent size car for 4 ppl, a decent boot for travelling (not massive but medium) and I don't like cars that are under powered. what's the best version of the Astra to go for? Cheers

MuppetCheck

If you're doing short hops I'd be slow to get a diesel. And the 1.4 astra are slow. Dog slow.

There's a 140bhp 1.4 petrol turbo but I'd say you might find it hard to find one in hatch or saloon. I drove a 1.3 diesel SC saloon for a month and thought it was alright. Interior was horribly basic, it was very soft going around corners and certainly not powerful. It was comfortable though and I regularly managed 50mpg without trying. One thing I really liked was how smooth it was even on broken road surfaces.

If you are going for one try and get an SRI, SE or elite model for a decent spec. Make sure it has bluetooth too - all have the buttons but it's an extra on all of them which is a bit stingy. Also remember that there is a larger discount on those cars from new so haggle to get as much as possible off - when I bought my GTC there was 4k difference between the cheapest and most expensive price.

bazz26

With that style of driving you are better off with a petrol car OP. Astra came with a few petrol engines: 1.4 litre non turbo/turbo and 1.6 litre non turbo/turbo. 1.4 turbo is the pick of the bunch with plenty of poke as are the SRi or Elite spec.

For example:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Opel/Astra/SRI-TURBO/25613424364587990/


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Opel/Astra/GTC-SPORT/36613732747507110/

MuppetCheck

Bear in mind that the 1.4t in the GTC will most likely be the 120 bhp version of that engine. I think there was a 140 in the higher Sri spec on Carzone recently. Only a small bit more expensive but this being Ireland and all...it's not that bad in 120 form though.

EDIT - Just noticed it's a 140:)

Leonard Hofstadter

MuppetCheck wrote: »

Bear in mind that the 1.4t in the GTC will most likely be the 120 bhp version of that engine. I think there was a 140 in the higher Sri spec on Carzone recently. Only a small bit more expensive but this being Ireland and all...it's not that bad in 120 form though.

EDIT - Just noticed it's a 140:)

120 should still be plenty in a car the size of an Astra. I think the 120 was the replacement for the 1.6 NA - they certainly have the same power output more or less. Anyhow the main thing is the OP doesn't buy a diesel;)!

MuppetCheck

captainspeed wrote: »

120 should still be plenty in a car the size of an Astra. I think the 120 was the replacement for the 1.6 NA - they certainly have the same power output more or less. Anyhow the main thing is the OP doesn't buy a diesel;)!

There's still a 1.6 N/A available. I wouldn't say it's plenty but does the job. It's only 500 extra for the 140 which isn't bad and they are heavy enough cars when you look at the new Leon, Golf etc. 120 is only in the GTC anyway which may not suit being a 3 door.