Advice on Astra SXI?

coolmoose

Hey all,

Went car shopping today with a friend, she has her heart set on a 04 Astra SXI. Seems like a nice car, pretty good spec too considering. Just wondering if there is anything she should be looking out for?

1.4 SXI, 16" alloys, a/c, r/c/l, e/w, e/m, front fogs, recaro seats...nice little package, 40k miles, €14k.

Its from a dealer, so she'll have some form of warranty peace of mind, but it'd be nice to hear any opinions/advice?

Thanks, alan.

colm_mcm

sounds about right price wise earlier this year for a new model SXI. what's the story with Recaro seats?

Would hold off till new year and get an 05 model for the same money

BostonB

Try the indicators first. They are very annoying.

colm_mcm

yeah, they sound like that tennis video game from the 80's

bip -bop bip - bop

really annoying!

BostonB

I meant they are one touch indicators. But they are a pain as they don't cancel as you'd expect.

coolmoose

oh holding off for the new year ain't an option for her, her lil ol corsa is on the way out! :P and ya, driving around today with the bip-bop-bip-bop makes me appreciate the tick-tock german efficiency of my 5er!

so what kinda rep does the astra sxi have? seems to get good reviews online from what i've seen

coolmoose

BostonB wrote: »

I meant they are one touch indicators. But they are a pain as they don't cancel as you'd expect.

Ah ya, know what you mean, that was slightly annoying today, but i won;t be driving it! haha!

coolmoose

colm_mcm wrote: »

what's the story with Recaro seats?

dunno, has different seats with a little recaro cloth badge on them compared to the astra life and club which she also looked at. they're like sports seats, more comfy alrite i must say!

carpainter

I sometimes drive my wife's 06 Astra SXi 5 door and a work colleague owns a 3 door model. My wife has had no major problems with her car, which she's had from new. There were some very minor faults with the car which were quickly repaired under warranty (these occured in the first 6 months of ownership). The car is comfortable and enjoyable to drive with a good firm ride. Road holding and cornering is very good, thanks to the 16" tyres and the lowered suspension. The cabin interior is nice and the materials are all of good quality; there have been no problems with any of the controls etc. I don't like the "one touch" indicators, they take some getting used to, but that's a minor complaint. The radio controls are located on the steering wheel, which is great. On the down side: the boot is not the most generous and is a little narrow; there are no cubby holes in the cabin for storing drinks etc. All told I'd highly rate this car, I think it looks good and any of the reviews I've read have been very positive; we did a lot of research before buying this car. My colleague's 3 door car is sportier looking but I think it might be regarded as a bit of a "hairdresser's car" although he doesn't agree!

kluivert

www.astra-sport.co.uk

Opel build strong engines. I have a 1999 1.4 Club with 110,500 miles I love the car I will keep it till it stops.

I reckon I will see another 100k from it.

Opel - check the oil. Keep it filled it oil and it runs and runs and runs.

BostonB

I like the current Astra. Someone in our family has one. Nice to drive handles well, feels well built. One thing that would put me off is the ECU problems Opel have had on the past and the inability of Opel dealers to fix this, and other minor problems.

colm_mcm

the engine sounds horrible. makes a clicking noise. Can always her an Astra or Corsa before I see them.

BostonB

colm_mcm wrote: »

the engine sounds horrible. makes a clicking noise. Can always her an Astra or Corsa before I see them.

Never heard that on one.

JoeA3

A bit like the old Fiestas/Escorts from early '90's? Horrible clappety noise from the engines!

BostonB

Lots of cars (not just Opels) have hydraulic tappets that get noisy when they've done a good few miles. Is that what you mean?