Vauxhall Astra - Why so many

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Wed 9 Nov 2016 21:22
Vauxhall Astra - Why so many - DirkThrust
I'm looking for an auto, about 2 to 3 years old, Focus size preferably but could be larger, minimum 2L Diesel.

When I search on Autotrader the vast majority of results are Astras with the odd Focus and a few other assorted makes.

Why are Astra autos so popular? Are these ex Motability or rental cars. I've heard mixed opinions of ex Motability cars but we've owned 2 now and they've been like new and mechanically faultless.

I would prefer a Focus over an Astra but they have the Powershift box which I believe ( perhaps wrongly ) is a dual clutch automated manual like the VAG DSG which doesn't have a good reputation.

Would either of these cars be a bad choice?

Thanks
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Wed 9 Nov 2016 21:29
Vauxhall Astra - Why so many - RT

Astras use an autobox by Aisin, part of Toyota, and have a good reputation as long as they're looked after - Ford used to use underspecified Jatco autoboxes which gained a poor reputation but switched to the Powershift, which is a Getrag DCT (not an automated manual).

Do you do enough miles to justify diesel, 15,000 upwards a year?

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Wed 9 Nov 2016 21:42
Vauxhall Astra - Why so many - DirkThrust
Unfortunately I'm doing about 20 to 25,000 at the moment depending where I'm working. I generally buy a car that's a few years old and run it until it's worn out so I guess Diesel is the better choice.

I would prefer a petrol but doing a lot of motorway miles, any petrol car with enough poke to be relaxing to drive is going to be thirsty. I'd be happy with 40 to 45 mpg though

Edited by DirkThrust on 09/11/2016 at 21:44

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Wed 9 Nov 2016 21:51
Vauxhall Astra - Why so many - Wackyracer
Are these ex Motability or rental cars. I've heard mixed opinions of ex Motability cars but we've owned 2 now and they've been like new and mechanically faultless.

I used to go to a local car auction where they sold some ex motability cars, the majority of those were not very good examples. Filthy inside and usually with a fair collection of body damage too.

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Wed 9 Nov 2016 22:29
Vauxhall Astra - Why so many - DirkThrust
A lot of the cars I'm seeing are very low mileage. Why on earth do people buy a 2 litre Diesel and do less than 5000 miles a year in it
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Wed 9 Nov 2016 23:41
Vauxhall Astra - Why so many - SLO76
Vauxhall supply a huge number of cars through the motabilty scheme, there's always been oversupply of automatics as a result. They'll have been serviced well but are all too often neglected and abused by keepers and families. Not all of course but the fact that a car is ex mobility isn't a plus point.

I used to sell for a Mitsubishi and Proton dealer in the 90's and you'd've been horrified at the condition of some of the mobility cars when they were returned to us. Bulk of them were stinking of fag ash, dirty, covered in dents and scratches and often been driven hard by younger members of the family who abused what they saw as a free car.

Astra auto uses a good gearbox but the 2.0 Fiat diesel isn't well regarded, ask any taxi driver with an Insignia with the same engine and you'll get a tale of woe ended with "I should've bought a Skoda." Petrol 1.6 is pretty vice free if looked after though it is slow. It's simple, robust and long lived. Shame the excellent Isuzu 1.7 diesel didn't have an auto option.

Thanks to that oversupply they're great value but don't expect it to be worth anything when you come to sell it, it's a keep it til you bin it car.

Edited by SLO76 on 09/11/2016 at 23:43

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Fri 18 Nov 2016 12:20
Vauxhall Astra - Why so many - daveyK_UK

Had a 65 plate astra auto 1.6 petrol on hire, was a nice drive, auto box was fine.

Lots more space inside than a ford focus which is cramped.

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Fri 18 Nov 2016 13:09
Vauxhall Astra - Why so many - craig-pd130

Had a 65 plate astra auto 1.6 petrol on hire, was a nice drive, auto box was fine.

Lots more space inside than a ford focus which is cramped.

Vx has raised its game (or at least, caught up with the opposition) with the Corsa / Astra.

The interiors and refinement are HUGE improvements on the previous versions

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Fri 18 Nov 2016 23:25
Vauxhall Astra - Why so many - DirkThrust
I've had an Astra 2.0 CDTI courtesy car from the insurance company and I've been impressed as well. It's a very nice car.

The only negatives I can find online are motoring journos saying "not as good as a Focus or Golf".

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Sat 19 Nov 2016 19:24
Vauxhall Astra - Why so many - daveyK_UK

I dont understqand the ford focus hype - yes it drives nicely, but its seriously cramped even the estate version which makes living with it and having regular passengers a problem.

current Astra is under-rated and a bit of a bargain.

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