Astra Diesel.

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Wed 2 Feb 2005 14:48
Astra Diesel. - BMDUBYA
Looking for a AStra Diesel, after reading the CBC, I'm looking for the views of people who have owned them, which is the best to go for in terms of speed and economy? I dont want anything that runs our of steam half way up an incline, so I'm looking at something around 99 bhp. There seems to have been a number of engines, also must be reliable. I do about 1000 miles a week.

Thanks in advance.
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Wed 2 Feb 2005 16:11
Astra Diesel. - mark
Hi BMDUBYA

The non Turbo Diesels are painfully slow, for my sins I did 100k in one a few years back. I would look for a TD version if you dont want to lose the will to live.

as always

Mark
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Wed 2 Feb 2005 16:41
Astra Diesel. - Vansboy
Assuming you don't mean NEW model, have you driven one, recently?

I was considering an estate version, 'cos they ARE very good value, but after driving one for a week (petrol auto 1.6, still returned mid 30's), my back was REALLY painfull.

It seems, unless you get sport seating, they only fit the same, minimul adjustment/supporting, seats. No lumber/height adjustment,even on CD trim, from what I could see.

I CERTAINLY couldn't put up with a car that caused so much pain - it REALLY was that bad!

& from previous experience, on the vans, turbo 1.7 was the one to choose. Make sure you change cambelt as a kit, the tensioners will be seized, or close to it.

I would imagine the 2ltr turbo, would be over powered, for size of the vehivcle, but fun!!

VB
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Wed 2 Feb 2005 18:24
Astra Diesel. - RichardP
Hi,

I run a 2003 Astra LS (older shape) 2.0 dti hatch (100HP) which is excellent. Goes well and returns approx 50-52 mpg. Only done 19K to date and had nothing wrong with it yet, not even changed a bulb....probably tempted fate now! I have also driven a collegues 1.7dti, 75hp (2002 model) and that was ok too.
Highly recommended. Had the same engine in a Vectra and that was good too - enough poke and no problems.

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Thu 3 Feb 2005 10:31
Astra Diesel. - Zenta
I run a 51 plate 1.7DTi , very reliable , 50ish mpg , but I must agree about the seats , lots of adjustment etc. but no support , you spend most of the journey trying to get comfy.
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Thu 3 Feb 2005 10:59
Astra Diesel. - BMDUBYA
Thanks very much for all the feedback, this is exactly what I was looking for. To clarify, it is not the new Astra, whichever MKnn that is, I've lost count:-))

I have to say that i am very surprised at the seating issue though. In the past I have had a number of Novas from a 1.2 to the Gsi, and a couple of Cavaliers, and always found Vauxhall to be comfortable, but I guess seating is a very individual thing?

I have driven an old 1.7td cav, and that was quite impressive, I can only assume the newer engines must have been an improvement?

I would be looking at spending around 5k, 6k max. So its looking like a 2.0 dti, however I would be interested in anyone who has driven the 2ltr and 1.7 ltr.
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