Vauxhall Astra H (2004 - 2009) - Ownership experiences 1.6 VVT/1.4/1.7TD

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Tue 29 Jan 2008 20:03
Ownership experiences 1.6 VVT/1.4/1.7TD - Ian71
Hello,

I am thinking about purchasing one of these cars later this year and would like to know what sort of ownership experiences people have had. I am thinking about buying one around a year old, and probably will go for the 1.6 VVT engine. Most likely, this will be in SXi, Design or one of the special edition trims.

I would be particularly interested in views on this engine as it does appear to be new-ish, so would like to know if there are any problems, usual fuel consumption etc. I have not ruled out the 1.4 (looks OK on paper...) or the 1.7 TD, but this is likely to be more expensive to buy; not sure my mileage (<14k) would justify a diesel.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated - thank you in advance!
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Tue 29 Jan 2008 20:11
Ownership experiences 1.6 VVT/1.4/1.7TD - De Smythe
By all means wait for feedback on here but would recommend you also check out the Astra Owners Network website in their forum for model H.

The questions you ask are all covered on there in some detail in one thread or another. Failing that just ask any questions you want and you will get plenty of helpful and generally unbiased responses.

The 1.6 VVT engine in SXi trim has a lot of fans in particular.
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Tue 29 Jan 2008 20:57
Ownership experiences 1.6 VVT/1.4/1.7TD - Dynamic Dave
you also check out the Astra Owners Network


As well as the car by car breakdown here.
www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm

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Wed 30 Jan 2008 15:55
Ownership experiences 1.6 VVT/1.4/1.7TD - EoinM
Drove a 1.4 Astra recently while test driving cars to replace my own and i found it a major disappointment. sounded rough and stained most of the time. i have to say having also driven the 90 PS 1.3 cdti its a great car. punches well above its weight and can apparently be easily remapped to 110-115 PS...
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Thu 31 Jan 2008 08:29
Ownership experiences 1.6 VVT/1.4/1.7TD - Ian71
Thank you for the responses so far.

I have ruled out the 1.4, but the 1.6 and the 1.7TD are still in the picture. My local VX dealer is able to do some quite spectacular discounts on Astras (£4-5k!) and this does not relate to pre-reg cars either.

So, I seem to recall in another thread that there was a comment about the 1.7TD being 'worn out at 90k'; does this refer to the current engine offered in the Astra? I do know by current standards its a bit off the best, but it will probably do me fine. I am looking for the car to be a long term purchase so I would like to think it would go the distance.

I would still appreciate some views regarding the 1.7TD and the 1.6VVT. Thank you for the pointers to other forums; they look a bit boy racer-ish, but I will give them a go too.
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