Vauxhall Astra 1.4

caffers3

I'm looking at buying an Astra in Northern Ireland. What are peoples experience with the VRT calculator on the Revenue website? The model I'm looking at isn't on the list, but would there be much difference between the different variants?

I'm looking at a 2013 reg 1.4L for about £7,000 with about 28,000 miles on the clock. If the VRT calculator is roughly right, that could come in at under €10k in total. Appreciate any advice on this as I haven't a clue about cars.

Also, I've no insurance at all at the minute so not sure how difficult that'd be to sort so that the car could be driven back down.

Thanks

bazz26

VRT calculator is a rough guide only. If the specific model is not on the VRT website then there is a strong possibility that when you present it for VRT appraisal the NCT will have to go to Revenue for a VRT figure. This takes upto 10 working days as Revenue need to contact the manufacturer for details of the car.

Insurance could be tricky if you don't already have a policy to do a transfer to the UK registration. You would have to ring around and enquire. Might be easier to get someone else with a policy of their own to transfer their insurance temporarily and them drive it down for you until it can be put on Irish plates at which time you can get your own policy on the car with Irish plates.

colm_mcm

The newer type Astras are painful in 1.4 form, They're a very heavy car.
Unless it's a 1.4 turbo?

grogi

colm_mcm wrote: »

The newer type Astras are painful in 1.4 form, They're a very heavy car.
Unless it's a 1.4 turbo?

I agree - Astra J is heavy... But I would not call them the newer type Astra anymore... Newer Astra K is light and agile, actually an excellent car.

colm_mcm

I wasn't sure when the model changed on them, 2010 ish?

grogi

colm_mcm wrote: »

I wasn't sure when the model changed on them, 2010 ish?

2009 and 2015

caffers3

bazz26 wrote: »

VRT calculator is a rough guide only. If the specific model is not on the VRT website then there is a strong possibility that when you present it for VRT appraisal the NCT will have to go to Revenue for a VRT figure. This takes upto 10 working days as Revenue need to contact the manufacturer for details of the car.

Insurance could be tricky if you don't already have a policy to do a transfer to the UK registration. You would have to ring around and enquire. Might be easier to get someone else with a policy of their own to transfer their insurance temporarily and them drive it down for you until it can be put on Irish plates at which time you can get your own policy on the car with Irish plates.

colm_mcm wrote: »

The newer type Astras are painful in 1.4 form, They're a very heavy car.
Unless it's a 1.4 turbo?

Thanks for the feedback lads. It's not a turbo, and unfortunately the newer model is out of my price range.

Gashmuncher

The 1.4 Astra is under powered and wouldn't pull the socks off your granny. Go for a bigger engine.

bazz26

You should test drive one down here first and see if you can live with the poor performance. What car are you coming from?

caffers3

Yeah, that's probably the best bet. Last car was a 1.4 petrol Peugeot 307.

bazz26

It probably won't feel any quicker than the 307.

caffers3

That wouldn't matter a whole lot to me to be honest. It'll be used mostly for short trips and then just the odd trip down the country. The 307 was fine for me speed wise, just had a lot of hassle with the engine so just want something solid and reliable now.

colm_mcm

The 1.4 in the Astra wouldn't be known for being overly robust.
Auris 1.33 or Civic 1.4 or creed/i30 would be a better bet.

colm_mcm

The 1.4 in the Astra wouldn't be known for being overly robust.
Auris 1.33 or Civic 1.4 or creed/i30 would be a better bet.

caffers3

colm_mcm wrote: »

The 1.4 in the Astra wouldn't be known for being overly robust.
Auris 1.33 or Civic 1.4 or creed/i30 would be a better bet.

Thanks, I had a look at the i30 and I like the look of it.

What would you make of this? Good deal or not? Price includes VRT and getting the car put onto Irish plates.

http://www.carsireland.ie/car-dealers/county/dublin/hillside-garage/detail.php?ad_id=1624443&r=s.php%3F%26g%3D0%26z%3D8

colm_mcm

Mileage seems genuine.
Here is the mot history.
I'd be paying attention to the front end of the car, if it's had any work, failed on one headlight being misaligned. Get a check (both electronically online and in person by a mechanic) done on any car you buy.

Registration number: LR62JGZ

Vehicle makeHYUNDAI I30 ACTIVE
Date first used11 October 2012
Fuel typePetrol
ColourWhite

MOT history of this vehicle
Test date10 October 2016
Expiry date20 October 2017
Test ResultPass
Odometer reading52,344 miles
MOT test number2777 4114 7509

Test date10 October 2016
Test ResultFail
Odometer reading52,344 miles
MOT test number5545 1068 8330
Reason(s) for failure
offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Test date21 October 2015
Expiry date20 October 2016
Test ResultPass
Odometer reading41,497 miles
MOT test number5259 5682 5124

Test date17 October 2015
Test ResultFail
Odometer reading41,487 miles
MOT test number3943 9316 7407
Reason(s) for failure
offside rear brakes release unevenly (3.7.B.4)
offside rear rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)
rear rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)
offside rear brake caliper locking device insecure (3.5.1l)
Advisory notice item(s)
o/s rear brake disc severly discoloured