Buying 8v or 16v Astra? Help!

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Sat 3 Mar 2007 10:13
Buying 8v or 16v Astra? Help! - jamiev
Hi,

I am currently looking to purchase a vauxhall astra up to 5 years old, petrol. Not sure on model yet.

Anyone advise on whether I should go for an 8v or 16v? I've heard bad reports on the 8v and read bad reports on 16v on here!

Please help!

Thanks
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Sat 3 Mar 2007 11:00
Buying 8v or 16v Astra? Help! - Number_Cruncher
I would say that the choice is easier if you are clear about what you want from the car.

If you want good acceleration performance, then, avoid the 8valve.

If you want a simpler, more reliable car which is much easier for DIY servicing, avoid the 16 valve.

In either case, you should look carefully at the cambelt - making sure that it has been changed appropriately. For both engines, it is also advisable to change the water pump at the same time, and specifically for the 16v engine, it is very important that the tensioners and idler pulleys are also changed.

Either engine can suffer from the odd gremlin, either coil packs or EGR valves, and there isn't much to choose between them on that score. As far as mechanical reliability goes, they are both OK. Their hydraulic tappets can become noisy if oil changes are left too long, or oil which is too viscous when cold is used, but this isn't usually a big problem. The 16v engines can use more oil than the 8v, but, as long as you make reasonably regular checks, you will be OK - just don't assume that it should ge between services without any checking!

Number_Cruncher
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Sat 3 Mar 2007 13:49
Buying 8v or 16v Astra? Help! - Galad
I have an eight valve 1.6 Astra (1996) with 140k on the clock from new. Cheaper to service than 16v and engine is still as sweet as a nut and quiet too. Cam belt change a must at every 40K. Engine has never let me down - had to replace overhead gasket at 80k.
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Sat 3 Mar 2007 15:26
Buying 8v or 16v Astra? Help! - yorkiebar
8v engine is older design and much more basic.

But way more reliable and less expensive to maintain/repair etc.

But 16v performance is better. If you want a performance car though, I wouldnt recommend it; its not an engine that likes abuse.

8v for me if it was for a general runabout car .
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Sat 3 Mar 2007 19:05
Buying 8v or 16v Astra? Help! - mare
I just bought my friend a 53 reg Astra club which is i believe 8v. I haven't driven it but for everyday runabout it seems to be fine.

Thread here:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?f=2&t=49...6

Got a 53 reg ex mobility car for just under £4,000. Very cheap newish car i thought.
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