Regarding the dreaded "torque steer" : i don't know about you, but I tend to keep my hands on the wheel when flooring it. And the amount of force required to keep it straight is something a six-year-old can easily possess. And that coming from an owner of a 500 ps plus car (with wavetrack diff and rear antiroll bar). If you like it...invest in it. Pure fan car.
Bought one new in 2009. Left it stock. Torque steer is only a problem for those who can't deal with it. you understand your car you can overcome any imperfection
Like the video - great honest review. I've had my OPC Astra about 4 years, and there's over 220,000 km on the clock. The full rundown of issues I've had are: 1. Gearbox bearings needed to be replaced (done inside the last 6 months) - chocolate gearbox issue. 2. Blown flex section on exhaust - wear and tear on a 12-year old car 3. 19-inch wheels have cracked - probably not specific to the OPC wheels, but rather due to large wheels / low profile tyres 4. Intermittent issue with overboost - looks like it's the recirc valve / solenoid. 5. The radio acts funny - cuts out when turning a tight corner (probably a CANBUS issue) That's it - seriously. If you look after the car and don't rag it all over the road, it'll stay healthy.
I use to own 1 of these in red back in 2010 then I had my daughter so got rid BUT! She is 6 now and I'm gonna be looking for another soon can't wait. Best hatch I owned.
R77 DVR yeah I show my daughter pic of my old 1 and she says I should defo get another. My old 1 is on UA-cam if you type in Astra vxr hd wax, my reg was ls08epf bought it for my bday back in 2010 loved it.
Silver. Nice colour choice, not loads of those about! Enjoy the car man, glad the video could help and was the main reason for me making it in the first place. Hopefully have some more VXR content on route in due course.
Yeah looks pretty well in silver to be fair although it wasn't my prefered colour I'm really happy and absolutely loving the car. Its my first ever hot hatch and going from a Freelander td4 to a VXR on these Cornish/Devon roads is nothing short of immense. Cheers buddy
On my second vxr. Had a mint 2006 in silver, completely standard. Sold it June last year and regretted it as soon as I watched it drive away. Just bought a 2008 in the rare lightning silver, gunmetal grey wheels and piper exhaust. Brilliant fun, nice looking and practical. I love it.
This one has since been sold on. They do leave a mark on you for sure. I often think is it still going well and looking good for the new owner etc. Sometimes would like it back 🙈 The new car has been a good replacement for it though. It had big shoes to fill!
I am looking for one on the moment! God love the sound! And like the looks a lot. Witch exhaust system do you have? I am looking for cobra exhaust is that any good?
Hi mate. It's the Remus Turbo Back System. Probably one of the best going but rare and hard to get hole of these days! Cobra I'd personally avoid. Overly loud and just noisy. Have a look at Scorpion and Piper 👍🏼
Hello mate, nice motor 👌I own a Nurburgring edition running 400bhp/365lbft. Must admit torque steer is noticeable now for obvious reasons but I agree! When I was at 330bhp before going forged. I was very surprised at how little torque steer there was, considering no uprated diff. So if anyone buys a standard VXR from my experience, they should get no torque steer at all! Also, I’m very impressed with my gearbox too, considering it’s standard! Can’t say a bad word about it. The only thing I’ve done in that area is up rate to a lightweight flywheel and up rated the clutch. The main problem with the VXR in my experience is the dreaded Cim fault, messes with the horn, lights and radio. Other than that, considering it’s heavily modified. It’s been okay!
They're a great car! Had mine 2 years now. Only time I find torque steer abit of an issue is on bumpy country roads but adds to the fun. Alot of car for the money if you find a good one.
Cheers mate. Good to know this people is still doing what I intended it to this far on. Just get as younger, low mileage one that’s been looked after you can get. Don’t buy one for 3 grand from Facebook or limiter bash it like a Type R and you’ll do ok 👍🏼😂
@@TheRhodes76 just check for the common faults mentioned in this video and you can get a good one. I brought mine for £3700 with 92000 miles and no history and 1 key. 4 years later on 119000 miles the only problems iv had are a wheel bearing, coil spring, and a thermostat. I always service every 9 months since it was mapped and recommend upgrading the gearbox oil and my box is running fine with no issues. Great cars if you get a good one, but there are plenty of dogs for sale so be cautious ⚠️
Had Vauxhalls from the mid 80s to early 90s, including 3 Astras. Positives: High spec on models compared to likes of Ford. Smooth and underrated engines that were very torquey. Quality feel of interiors akin to VW. Solid bodywork and paint. Negatives: 'Clicky' gear changes that were slick if you knew how to use them but would be slaughtered by crap drivers if they were the previous owner. Driveshaft gaiters would split. Brakes always squealed. I was so finely tuned to it that I could tell when a Vauxhall was parking up ouitside the house. Off the lights an Astra 1.3 Mk II could embarass a lot of cars back then. The good ole days! After that I went big into Peugeot.
Mine is running 300bhp with 340lbs of torque. It's running a Stage 3 plus/Stage 3.5 setup which is effectively Stage 3 with the addition of a different inlet manifold and map to suit. To put it simply it's got a direct route intake and cone, Turbo Back Remus exhaust, Forge Front Mount intercooler and a Klassen inlet and the Rabbid Map. There's more to list but power wise that's it. They are a great car. I intend on doing a full feature vid on it soon with full walk around and description of the mods etc
R77 DVR what about standard are they still quick enough?? I’ve got a Astra h 1.9cdti Sri 150 at the moment with a remap putting out about 180 bhp and 275 lb ft of torque,will a standard vxr be close on performance?
Not sure if you can but I think you should do a review on the corsa Vxr 2007 plate and compare them iv seen alot of debates and I'm thinking which one is better as well but will help alot of buyers for which are in to minds got to say you do one Excellent job of reviews
+Shaz Ali thanks man. I would love to get hold of a Corsa VXR to shoot at some point for a vid and have a couple in mind. I can say though I have driven a few over the years along with other Astra H VXRs, Astra J VXRs and Insignia VXRs. I like the Corsa, it's not a bad little car at all but the Tuning potential is better with the Astra H, it's a slightly more grown up car and will be better than any Corsa with less money thrown at it in mods. That's not to say don't get one. I've driven mapped ones and they are good but I'd always take the Astra over it👍🏼
Thanks for the watching and glad it could help the decision process. Mines going now. Took a deposit this week. I’ve had 2 over 5 years and it’s been great. I’m not dead from the poor handling and nothing has gone wrong that has crucified me financially. They are good cars and great cars with a couple of mods 👍🏼
I had a burg edition. Fantastic reliable fast car, had it 6 years 80k miles, no issues. But once i bought my mk3 focus rs, and i still owned the vxr.... I soon realised how a proper car should handle. Lack of feedback in the vxr steering, only realised it once i went back in it after such confidence in the rs.
Yeah. I’d agree with that statement, tbh there is always going to be better out there no matter what is is you own, tbh having now owned my Golf R Estate for a few months it’s amazing what confidence 4 wheel drive gives you. That thing just ploughs on in the wet or dry and carries speed so well BUT....doesn’t give you those squeaky arse moments that the VXR does that make them really exciting to drive
Thanks for watching mate. They are great cars with a few mods chucked on. Problem is now they have got to an age where there are a fair few dogs about. I would be trying to look for something relatively low mileage 60k or less, good service history, it should have had a water pump and cambelt been done. If not factor the cost of having that done. Whining gearboxes with twitching gearsticks in 1st and/or 5th gear aren’t great but can be fixed from 300 to 600 quid provided they’ve not been left for too long. Smoky turbo’s or smoke from worm valve stem seals quite common ground now too. 5k should find you a good one. I would be personally minded to buy privately from an enthusiast as you will most likely get a better car for less money that’s been looked after. The trade seller cars at the lower end of the price range tend to be trouble with a capital T!
It’s a tough gig to find one not fucked 🤣 There’s the odd gem out there to be found though Just stay away from trade, the lure of a warranty is strong but they aren’t worth the paper they are printed on. You’ll end up over paying for the car, go private, save some dosh and simply keep 500-600 quid in the bank for a rainy day
Will keep a look out EP3 was supposedly very finely balanced, heard they ride harshly but I like the rawness I considered getting one, but on realising practicality wasn't important to me I pushed for the S2000 7 years on, the love affair is still strong 👍
R77 DVR that’s gutting! My dad had two Nurburgring’s when they first came out no.47 & no.53 (not at the same time) and I’ve always wanted one! He’s moved on from Vauxhall’s now but I’m 21 now and really debating it as I need to step up from my 1.0 eco boost 😬
Ahhhh Ford Man 😂 They are great. Problem is they don’t carry the reliability that say an EP3 would at higher mileage so they can get expensive on repairs with some that have been to the moon and bad. Finding a good one for good money is hard work nowadays the market is saturated with a lot of crap. My advice, try buy privately, from an enthusiast and avoid the dealers/trade... they seem to just polish turds and sell them for top dosh with a warranty not worth the paper it’s printed on. Get a good one privately for less dosh and save a little for a rainy day 👍🏼
Thank you for a great video dude, the story being they're not great handling then ironically tapping a pigeon just creased me up which I needed after someone wrote my Celica 190 off for me 💔 Thanks dude new subscriber I think 😁
Loved my old nurburgring, it had 300 bhp,quaife diff,uprgraded gearbox bearings,whiteline arb and dap r springs.never drove a standard one so couldn't say how much difference it all made.
Brilliant mature review I thoroughly enjoyed watching. This time last year I debated a vxr Nurburgring, it's been a car I always had a soft spot for, only the Burg edition mind. I decided to abandon the idea purely because of the typical comments you highlighted. I now own a DC5, but I do wonder what fun I would of had if I bought a Burg an whether I would of still been happy.
Glad it helped mate 👍🏼 that was my main aim when doing this vid. Even if I changed one persons mind it was worth doing but it seems to have been more popular than I ever thought it would be. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
The car itself has just unfortunately been a victim of some bad reviews and people always remember that. It’s a good car and a great car modified but people don’t see the good stuff before seeing the bad. Bit like an FN2 Type R...awesome car but because it’s was slagged by Clarkson everyone just remembers that 😡
@@R77DVR very true ,iv had mine 4 years now and still on original turbo and gearbox is fine "no gearstick movement" and with the anti roll bar fitted is a good handling car. Mine has been mapped at 290bhp and gets regular spirited driving but service regular with good oils and treat it good it will treat you the same. Bags of fun
darren micklewright glad to see another one loving these… this car has since gone but I’ve now got another one with 350bhp Stage 4.5 all forged… did a little video not long back.
Nice video, I own a Megane 225 which I think is in the same group as the VXR, I have no experience on VXR's ST's etc, I just wondered if you had a thoughts on how similar these cars are to each other, the reason I ask is I am looking at getting a new car as the Megane makes so much rattle in and around the cockpit
R77 DVR yeah I've always fancied one but fallen into the stigma of them handling cap etc, after watching your video I'm definitely thinking otherwise, I really like focus ST as well, the Megane is great to drive with a nice power delivery but really restricted on the final power I can get without spending thousands, I had a silver ep3 type r before the megane and it was without doubt the best driving car ever, so much fun
luke newsome that's what the aim of the video was for. To try and convince people like yourself not to fall into that trap. I have an EP3 Type R along side this and standard Vs standard with no intention of modifying then I'd take the Type R over an Astra but if you have the intention of modding and going more power and handling upgrades then the Astra is a very good viable option 👍🏼
I've never been that keen on these cars loved the sound but heard so many bad things about them. I friend of mine told me to test drive 1 so I did i bought it straight away absolutely love it I've owned it for 2 months now just puts a smile on my face every time I'm behind the wheel. I've just started to modify it complete exhaust with sports cat, cross over delete with filter and uprated top hat and a front mount intercooler. Who would you recommend for the remap and what gains would I be looking to get??
Good to know mate! Usual tuners really. Rabbid, SM Tuning, RS Tuning, Courtney Sport or RND Motorsport. Pick one of those and you won’t go far wrong bud. Mine was Rabbid tuned
I'm guessing since my Sri turbo with a k20leh sometimes struggles to go into gear I need to get it repaired it's done 170'000 kms I only just bought it
Used to hate these and i havnt even driven one. But having done the research on them, they actually seem like decent cars. I thought these where heavy but they are only about 15kg heavier than my EP3.
Not that much heavier and with a solid map another 200lbs/ft of torque. Thy aren't for everyone and I'd say if you've driven an EP3 it might not give you that great driving feel the EP3 does. But you are right, they do seem like decent cars. You only have to look at the Time Attack series. It's had loads of VXRs over the years as the tool of choice for a lot of drivers as it's good all rounder, good power and good handling once the right mods have been done 👍🏼 cheers for watching
Hi mate. I don’t have this car anymore I have another VXR though that’s a bit more mental! This was pretty much, Remus Turbo Back Exhaust, Forge Intercooler, Direct Route Air Feed and Cone plus a Klassen Inlet Manifold. It’s more commonly known as a Stage 3.5 or Stage 3+ build. For Stage 1 you don’t “need” any mods but you’d benefit from some breathing mods such as a direct route and cone or CDTi box Me personally… I’d forget Stage 1 or 2 and go Stage 3 immediately Parts can be had really cheap used nowadays
I never traveled for my first one. Was pretty lucky with that one. Travelled from Essex to Birmingham for my second (this one) For my third it looks like I’ll be doing a 410 mile round trip!!
I've always wanted one...I had a grey and a silver Astra SXI in that shape and I loved them...I have a mk6 golf now....one day....how much for a decent one?
Varies bud! You have Nurburgring Editions and VXR Racing editions that seem to hold value much better but the normal ones tend to be less and there are decent ones to be found from about 4.5-6k upwards. Don’t get me wrong good ones can be found for less but they tend to get scrappier lower than that and you’d be wasting a lot of time traveling around seeing ones and walking away if you were after the “right” one. Mine recently sold for 7350 which was very well spec’d, decent mods and a 2010 plate with 52k miles. Was snapped up by first bloke to see it and he’d been looking for a while! Best thing to do is hit Auto Trader, Pistonheads and EBay and see what’s out there. Always plenty about. I’ve not looked much in a while though 👍🏼
Ive had mine from new & its 11 years old now. The only problem I had was the usual whining 6th gear bearing in the M32 chocolate box, fortunately Warren at WG Motorworks (VXR Legend !) sorted it cheaply & within a few hours. The secret is changing the gearbox oil at regular intervals which to be fair i didnt do, so its really partly my fault. If you look after these cars, they will look after you !!
Had mine since brand new lol. Still under lifetime warranty. Just had a whole new engine, turbo, ecu etc at 22k miles due to turbo failure draining the oil through the exhaust. Not going to mod it purely because the warranty is priceless. If I can get away with fitting a whiteline however I'll definitely go for that.
@@R77DVR I hope so, just got a new subframe and suspension arms too due to corrosion. A friend offered me 4k for it lol saying mileage doesn't matter. I got every option available when I ordered it, just the 19" alloys are looking a bit rough and need repainting due to corrosion again. Car is immaculate and there's no way I'll be parting with it since the new engine etc. It's been in the garage since feb lol, hopefully get it back sometime this month. Repairs cost around 12k and counting so far lol, so glad I don't have to pay it. Was one of the last off the production line on a 60 plate, xmas 2010, ordered the final day available.
@@TheDigitalAura lol 4k for a low mileage 10reg with new engine . I was offered £3800 for mine and iv got 119000 on mine. You will be looking at about 8k for a low mileage in mint condition and it is increasing as getting rare as most are over 80000 now
I agree with you entirely R77, the torque steer is no where near as bad as people make out. Its more down to driver who don't actually learn to drtive one. As for the gear box , never an issue.
The reason these torque steer worse than other hot hatches is because they have more torque! It's not even a problem as long as you're actually holding the steering wheel.
Thanks mate. I’ve not tried the Megane but I hear it’s an awesome car tbf! I wouldn’t want to try and sway you towards the Astra as the Megane could quite possibly be the better car!
My gearbox whines only when i put it in reverse. Could this be a symptom on gearbox failure? i have no movement of the gear in any gear. Only a whine in reverse gear
Tbh it's not unknown for cars to whine in reverse. If you've no movement or whines in forward gears then you should be fine mate. Just keep your eye out for the gearstick twitching back in first gear as you release the clutch and twitching back and forth in 5th gear when on and off the throttle. Those are the 2 first symptoms along with a whine that you'll probably hear in gear when coasting
Love mine had gearbox done by WG motorworks last sept at 80k, wish i had known about the Whiteline ARB could of had it done there! as had travelled all the way from Leicestershire!
Random, I'm in the same neck of the woods. The RARB is dead easy to do with some basic hand tools, a pair of ramps to put the rear wheels on and an appropriate sized drill bit to enlarge the holes in the spring seats. One of the easiest mods to do to an Astra G or H, and hands down the best handling mod money can buy for these.
Top vid mate and honest review 👏 I Love my VXR its the best and most exciting car I've ever owned and I'm only running 250ish Bhp. Whiteline RARB on the list and hopefully 300 bhp by summer 💣💥🔥🔥 only if you hit a lumpy bit of road when powering up i find it a bit twitchy otherwise no Torque steer even with ESP Off imo. Modern drivers rely way too much on ''ecu control' for handling and get scared of driving the car with its stabilisers off. They're really missing out on the real handling capabilities and fun the car has too offer. Bit of an essay lol but I hope you understand the message I'm trying to convey. Cheers Pete.
They’re not the best handling cars, however it’s nowhere near as bad as people claim (thanks to Clarkson). For straight line speed they’re top of their class for the time
Couldn’t agree more... However that RARB and a set of Coilovers and the handling becomes a different story... as it would on any car tbf!!! Thanks for watching bud 👍🏼
@@R77DVR absolutely. Got a RARB on mine and just lowered on springs. The tyres on it aren’t the best so it struggles to get power down but handling wise it’s absolutely sound! No worries man, thank you for the reply 👌
@@R77DVR awesome man. Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve only had the car a month and the tyres were the previous owners job. Not something I’d go for myself, no point in running 280bhp and having crap tyres that can’t put it down lol
You’ve got the right idea at least! The Eagle F1s are superb... I don’t have the car in this video anymore but have since got another one but the new one is Stage 4.5 and 350bhp.... got Eagles F1s on that and it does just fine 👍🏼
I’ve always loved how they look once lowered and love how they sound. Reliability is what puts me off so if it was my money I would go for a golf gti, leon cupra or focus st 225. On a separate note this is the first I’ve watched of yours and I’ve subscribed so I’m going to watch the ep3 one now
+Birmingham racing thanks for the sub man. Reliability isn't that bad at all. As said in the vid the gearboxes aren't ideal but they aren't ridiculous to put right when you catch the symptoms early. 👍🏼
I had a nice shiny red one and i crashed it 😔doing 100mph in county lanes i now drive like a granddad but it was all down to over confidence and lack of driving ability but now i have got a astra h sri 2.0 turbo based on the vxr engine see (my vids if your interested) i got to say i miss the hell out of it was best car i ever owed just dont want to crash one again and loose all that money or my life the fear is real lol awesome car, you got a gem there look after it 😉 i love it 👍 nice review mate
I am looking to get a corsa vxr or a Astra VXR but am no sure wot one is better as Sumone said the corsa has more common faults that go wrong with it.a don’t really no much about cars so though I would ask.eni info would be much appreciated.cheers
Every car has its common faults unfortunately. I have driven the Corsa and whilst it's good I prefer the Astra so it's all down to personal preference. That said. Whilst they share the same gearbox they don't share the same engine. The Z20LEH in the Astra is a relatively solid unit if looked after and has forged Pistons where the Corsa has cast ones. The Corsa does require more spent on the engine to achieve the sort of power that the Astra will do on standard internals. You are best off driving both and seeing what you think. Both can be bought for relatively low money nowadays
R77 DVR thanks for replying so fast.the Astra is the one I really wanted but wanted to give the corsa a chance.by what you have said I can definitely see myself getting one.thanks again 👍🏻
I have an Astra, and like the look of the Corsas... But no way I'm giving up all that torque to swap to a little 1.6. Very good peak power figures, but I think I'd miss the huge lazy midrange torque.
Richard Lowes hi mate. I have it set on full hard at the moment but I tend to move it back to soft during the wetter colder winter months. Coupled with B14 Coilovers on mine it tends to be a little sketchy on the back when wet on hard. Only a 10 min job so will be changing it soon 👍🏼
Great video. I have got a now become rare 2 litre sri 1999 3 door in red and had it 14 years and had the gearbox done at 76,000 and has been perfect since.(123,000 miles) Change the gearbox oil with fully synthetic 1-2 years and had no problems since. Getting a vxr early next year.(:-) Just one question R77 DVR does the whiteline anti-roll bar make the ride a lot harder.
+1066gaz Sounds nice man! No, it doesn't make any difference to ride comfort whatsoever. It just sorts out the rear end and eradicate loads of understeer and is adjustable depending on what you want and the time of year. Soft to medium soft for winter use and medium hard to hard for summer usage. One of very few mods to make such a massive difference with zero negative effect elsewhere! 👍🏼
Had one for 3 years brilliant car loved it to bits only issue I had was the stem seals going and oddly the heater fan went twice. Gearbox was silent as like you said oil changes on the m32 are cheap and easy
Glad to see this video is still being watched... this car gone now but now in another one that’s 357bhp and all sorts of goodies. Glad you are liking it. Thanks for watching mate 👍🏼
For the money, ie a 10 plate with 40k for example, priced at under £10,000 they are ok. For the same money, you are looking at a 100,000 miles + M135i albeit on a newer 13 plate. Personally I know which I'd have, because I prefer RWD, more power, better quality interior, and reliability. But, each to their own.
Torque steer ? I haven't noticed anything about that. I used to have a Golf GTI, that one had some serious TS issues. And the Golf had less power than a VXR. But obviously, any FWD performance car will have some TS.
Morten Kapa yep, it’s existent in any FWD high powered hatch/car but it’s nowhere near as bad as what people say it is on these.... If you get a little it can be sorted with simple throttle control! 👍🏼
I loved my Astra vxr h , until the turbo packed up then gearbox following by the stem seals and finally too top it off icing on the cake steering rack and drive shafts :( nice vid thoo ✌️
I think half those things going wrong on any car would be enough to put you off it. Sorry to hear you had a bad run of luck bud! Thanks for watching mate 👍🏼
R77 DVR cheers mate I’m determined not to be put off and just carry on going with the car Mrs obv don’t agree lol Shame about pigeon bud at least it was a vxr could have worse like a bus😂
Looks like it squirms a bit, but not like the example Clarkson drove on Top Gear, or in fact my Dad’s old MG Montego Turbo, which would literally put you in a hedge when the turbo kicked in.
It’s a bit lively and a bit of a handful, but it’s to be expected with 350bhp and a similar torque figure too with FWD... That said I’m not looking for perfection... It’s pretty dramatic at that’s what I was after 👍🏼
@@R77DVR If you know how to handle it and you drive responsibly, it can be fun. The problem with the Montego was it was completely unpredictable. You never knew which way the torque steer would fling the thing. It could literally rip the wheel out if your hands.
Was one of my first vids. Planning upgrading the kit at some point but currently having a break away from the vids due to ill health.. once that shits out the way new vids and new gear on route. Thanks for the feedback 👍🏼
Yep. Unfortunately like with a lot of cars depreciating to affordable prices they are beginning to fall into the wrong hands and not being cared for and looked after as they should be.
yeah, same with a lot of cars. I like how the VXR has a bit of drama to it, especially tuned, don't want something too 'safe' else it feels boring. I have subbed! Found you via the C63 FB Group, am a C63 owner myself (check my Vids :) )
The Astra doesn’t have a rear sway/roll bar as standard. Because of that there’s loads of roll in the rear and for reasons that I’m not even qualified or intelligent enough to explain it all equals understeer at the front on the Astra. By fitting a whiteline rear anti roll bar or RARB for short the Mk5 H Astra is transformed. It really is night and day and makes it a good handling car. It’s worth having a google and read up on. Don’t just take my word for it. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
Just looking for one now don’t know to go completely untouched or fully moded I thought your scent wasn’t local as I lived in Leicester a lot of my life but from here and moved back you drove past mine and the wife’s old pub the kings arms
From Donny originally but lived round there for 10 years and in London for 7 before that. Personally I’d go modded. Modded doesn’t necessarily mean messed with and there are usually some good ones to be had. Standard are being hard to find these days and a standard engine bay doesn’t mean it’s been standard all it’s life and returned back and previously been parted out. I would look for a tidy modded example that’s preferably had the gearbox refurbed, Cam belt and water pump done and decent history. If you are on Instagram follow me and chuck me a DM if you want any pointers of what else to look out for 👍🏼
Cheers appreciate that I’ve found one in Oldham with everything done even the lsd and anti roll 6500 with 70 on clock I’ll add you and show you some pics want a reasonable priced rocket just to play with
You see I only ever experienced that once in the wet without the RARB and it had awful tyres fitted at the time. This was with my first one. It was the silly amount of understeer that it had that made it bordering on dangerous at time’s.... I’d be turning right or left hard and just carrying on going straight 😂 RARB sorts it all out though Thanks for watching mate. I’ve just picked up a new one which there will be a short vid on this week 👍🏼
Best performance to value ratio, cheap parts but you must do yourself - VXR Quite quick, Quite cheap, Quite reliable - Ford ST Best performance to reliability, abit more expensive - Golf gti Solid, fancy and cheaply reliable (until things break) - Cupra Ultimate Vtec power, economy doesn't matter - Type R
Good assessment there mate. Astra VXR bang for buck is up there! Type R though for value and all round run is great value too. Can't comment on the others as not been in one or driven one but fancy a go in them all at some point!
They just need stuffing up once that's done there sweet. If your going to compare it to an st then the st have a rear roll bar as standard the astra dont once u put one on there's no difference
Probably as much as a risk of people who do videos in “Mexico” but you can clearly see that it’s nowhere near Mexico and just looks like a cool November night in Birmingham 😂
if its a 20L CDTI ITS A F40 gearbox I THINK. GOT ONE IN MY 2005 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi MAP TO 200BHP 230000 MILES ON IT MY LAD GOT GTC 20 CDTI IT GOT A F40 BOX
From my experience of owning one the 02 sensor is a problem Gearbox Anti roll bar is badly needed. On thr good side the only performance car i would pick ove it is te rs265 megane. A simple remap and a phew cheap modifications is the difference between beating a 333bhp focus st225 and staying up with a bmw m4 and one or too odd porsches. Most definetly a car i will get again.
Yep. Agreed. Been through a few 02 Sensors across the three I’ve now owned. Thanks for watching, still can’t believe people still watch this video all these years on!
What are you comparing to? I think 300bhp out of a 2.0 on stock internals is pretty respectable, and the "area under the curve" is fantastic with a huge amount of torque. They're quite a lazy low revving engine for a sporty car, hence the peak power figures aren't astronomical. But forged internals and loads of options for turbos ranging from K06 hybrids upto big garrett setups means you can go for as much power as you want.
lee g owned one for 4 years with 450hp+ driven 130.000km never ones had gearbox failure, and it saw loads af drag racing (burnout in 2 gear to heat up the sticky tiers) top speed runs and more, it had quife limited slip diff put in after just 10-15.000km and i had no issues with it, just regular maintance
Regarding the dreaded "torque steer" : i don't know about you, but I tend to keep my hands on the wheel when flooring it. And the amount of force required to keep it straight is something a six-year-old can easily possess. And that coming from an owner of a 500 ps plus car (with wavetrack diff and rear antiroll bar). If you like it...invest in it. Pure fan car.
Utter truth 👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼
My new one is 350bhp with a K06…. It’s not an issue as you say
Bought one new in 2009. Left it stock. Torque steer is only a problem for those who can't deal with it. you understand your car you can overcome any imperfection
Torque steer is fun in my opinion
I love these cars. I have an blue 2007 one myself and it always puts a smile on my face.
I have one to mate. Good sports car to have like!😂
Snap I got one too lol 😂
I have a 2006 twinport if that how it's called
I think the torque steer is great, long as you keep an eye on it saves having to turn the wheel half as much at low speeds
Like the video - great honest review. I've had my OPC Astra about 4 years, and there's over 220,000 km on the clock. The full rundown of issues I've had are:
1. Gearbox bearings needed to be replaced (done inside the last 6 months) - chocolate gearbox issue.
2. Blown flex section on exhaust - wear and tear on a 12-year old car
3. 19-inch wheels have cracked - probably not specific to the OPC wheels, but rather due to large wheels / low profile tyres
4. Intermittent issue with overboost - looks like it's the recirc valve / solenoid.
5. The radio acts funny - cuts out when turning a tight corner (probably a CANBUS issue)
That's it - seriously. If you look after the car and don't rag it all over the road, it'll stay healthy.
Good going!!!
I use to own 1 of these in red back in 2010 then I had my daughter so got rid BUT! She is 6 now and I'm gonna be looking for another soon can't wait. Best hatch I owned.
tilly0191 do it mate. My 4 & 8 year old love mine 👍🏼
R77 DVR yeah I show my daughter pic of my old 1 and she says I should defo get another. My old 1 is on UA-cam if you type in Astra vxr hd wax, my reg was ls08epf bought it for my bday back in 2010 loved it.
It was all red when i bought it and got wheels rear diffuser sprayed black.
Love the astra h vxr personally and anyone wanting to avoid the gearbox issue there is a gearbox end casing upgrade available with bigger end bearing.
Great real world review. Thanks. I never considered one for all the reasons you address.
Superbracey they are wicked cars they just need a few mods to unlock the fun
excellent video keep it up just thinking to get vxr astra or corsa vxr
I've just bought one in silver and I love it, this video helped a lot with my decision cheers mate
Silver. Nice colour choice, not loads of those about! Enjoy the car man, glad the video could help and was the main reason for me making it in the first place. Hopefully have some more VXR content on route in due course.
Yeah looks pretty well in silver to be fair although it wasn't my prefered colour I'm really happy and absolutely loving the car. Its my first ever hot hatch and going from a Freelander td4 to a VXR on these Cornish/Devon roads is nothing short of immense. Cheers buddy
On my second vxr. Had a mint 2006 in silver, completely standard. Sold it June last year and regretted it as soon as I watched it drive away. Just bought a 2008 in the rare lightning silver, gunmetal grey wheels and piper exhaust. Brilliant fun, nice looking and practical. I love it.
This one has since been sold on. They do leave a mark on you for sure. I often think is it still going well and looking good for the new owner etc. Sometimes would like it back 🙈
The new car has been a good replacement for it though. It had big shoes to fill!
Nice to see you on UA-cam Ryan!
I am looking for one on the moment! God love the sound! And like the looks a lot. Witch exhaust system do you have? I am looking for cobra exhaust is that any good?
Hi mate. It's the Remus Turbo Back System. Probably one of the best going but rare and hard to get hole of these days! Cobra I'd personally avoid. Overly loud and just noisy. Have a look at Scorpion and Piper 👍🏼
Great video I’m currently looking to buy one mid dec
I bought a Opel Astra H OPC (VXR with RHD ;) ) last year and I love it!!
getting one in February cannot wait wanted one for years
Good luck in your search mate 👍🏼
Great video, absolutely love my VXR too!
Thank you very much for watching mate! Great cars! 👌🏼
Nice video. And I must agree with you. They are really great cars and one of the best if there is a power/price/fun comparing
Pity that its a winter here and my VXR is closed in garage till spring time :D
Hello mate, nice motor 👌I own a Nurburgring edition running 400bhp/365lbft. Must admit torque steer is noticeable now for obvious reasons but I agree! When I was at 330bhp before going forged. I was very surprised at how little torque steer there was, considering no uprated diff. So if anyone buys a standard VXR from my experience, they should get no torque steer at all!
Also, I’m very impressed with my gearbox too, considering it’s standard! Can’t say a bad word about it. The only thing I’ve done in that area is up rate to a lightweight flywheel and up rated the clutch.
The main problem with the VXR in my experience is the dreaded Cim fault, messes with the horn, lights and radio. Other than that, considering it’s heavily modified. It’s been okay!
Very nice. For what is asked of the gearbox I don’t think it’s too bad either tbh. Had the CIM go on my last one....luckily paid for under warranty 🙈
Great video, keep up the good work.
Vauxhallmadness UK cheers!!!
Great review!! 👌
Thanks man. I am probably going to do a full feature on this car at some point.
They're a great car! Had mine 2 years now. Only time I find torque steer abit of an issue is on bumpy country roads but adds to the fun. Alot of car for the money if you find a good one.
Also just realised Jamie FYD used your car for a review
Bloody hell mate, thanks for sharing! You my friend have changed my mind on these and greatly appreciate you doing this video! New subscriber lad 👊👊
Cheers mate. Good to know this people is still doing what I intended it to this far on.
Just get as younger, low mileage one that’s been looked after you can get.
Don’t buy one for 3 grand from Facebook or limiter bash it like a Type R and you’ll do ok 👍🏼😂
@@R77DVR cheers buddy, appreciated 🤗
@@TheRhodes76 just check for the common faults mentioned in this video and you can get a good one. I brought mine for £3700 with 92000 miles and no history and 1 key. 4 years later on 119000 miles the only problems iv had are a wheel bearing, coil spring, and a thermostat. I always service every 9 months since it was mapped and recommend upgrading the gearbox oil and my box is running fine with no issues. Great cars if you get a good one, but there are plenty of dogs for sale so be cautious ⚠️
Had Vauxhalls from the mid 80s to early 90s, including 3 Astras.
Positives: High spec on models compared to likes of Ford. Smooth and underrated engines that were very torquey. Quality feel of interiors akin to VW. Solid bodywork and paint.
Negatives: 'Clicky' gear changes that were slick if you knew how to use them but would be slaughtered by crap drivers if they were the previous owner. Driveshaft gaiters would split. Brakes always squealed. I was so finely tuned to it that I could tell when a Vauxhall was parking up ouitside the house.
Off the lights an Astra 1.3 Mk II could embarass a lot of cars back then. The good ole days! After that I went big into Peugeot.
Great video...I’ve been thinking for a while about getting one of these...what power is yours running cos it looked quick?
Mine is running 300bhp with 340lbs of torque. It's running a Stage 3 plus/Stage 3.5 setup which is effectively Stage 3 with the addition of a different inlet manifold and map to suit. To put it simply it's got a direct route intake and cone, Turbo Back Remus exhaust, Forge Front Mount intercooler and a Klassen inlet and the Rabbid Map. There's more to list but power wise that's it.
They are a great car. I intend on doing a full feature vid on it soon with full walk around and description of the mods etc
R77 DVR what about standard are they still quick enough?? I’ve got a Astra h 1.9cdti Sri 150 at the moment with a remap putting out about 180 bhp and 275 lb ft of torque,will a standard vxr be close on performance?
Mike Ast I think as standard they are pretty "mehhh" if you get me. They are awesome when tinkered with and Tuned though!
In 2005 when released 240ps out of fwd 2 litre was really something
Had a brand new arden blue on 19”s in 2007
What a car
Not sure if you can but I think you should do a review on the corsa Vxr 2007 plate and compare them iv seen alot of debates and I'm thinking which one is better as well but will help alot of buyers for which are in to minds got to say you do one Excellent job of reviews
+Shaz Ali thanks man. I would love to get hold of a Corsa VXR to shoot at some point for a vid and have a couple in mind. I can say though I have driven a few over the years along with other Astra H VXRs, Astra J VXRs and Insignia VXRs. I like the Corsa, it's not a bad little car at all but the Tuning potential is better with the Astra H, it's a slightly more grown up car and will be better than any Corsa with less money thrown at it in mods. That's not to say don't get one. I've driven mapped ones and they are good but I'd always take the Astra over it👍🏼
Thinking of upgrading from my MK6 ST150 (I’m in Australia so its the XR4), and thinking of one of these.... great review mate.
Thanks for the watching and glad it could help the decision process. Mines going now. Took a deposit this week. I’ve had 2 over 5 years and it’s been great. I’m not dead from the poor handling and nothing has gone wrong that has crucified me financially. They are good cars and great cars with a couple of mods 👍🏼
Mine was superb regal map eibach springs biggest exspenseq was tyres
I had a burg edition. Fantastic reliable fast car, had it 6 years 80k miles, no issues. But once i bought my mk3 focus rs, and i still owned the vxr.... I soon realised how a proper car should handle. Lack of feedback in the vxr steering, only realised it once i went back in it after such confidence in the rs.
Yeah. I’d agree with that statement, tbh there is always going to be better out there no matter what is is you own, tbh having now owned my Golf R Estate for a few months it’s amazing what confidence 4 wheel drive gives you. That thing just ploughs on in the wet or dry and carries speed so well BUT....doesn’t give you those squeaky arse moments that the VXR does that make them really exciting to drive
Thinking of getting one of these for my next car, think you’ve definitely persuaded me but what are the things to look out for when getting one?
Thanks for watching mate. They are great cars with a few mods chucked on.
Problem is now they have got to an age where there are a fair few dogs about.
I would be trying to look for something relatively low mileage 60k or less, good service history, it should have had a water pump and cambelt been done. If not factor the cost of having that done. Whining gearboxes with twitching gearsticks in 1st and/or 5th gear aren’t great but can be fixed from 300 to 600 quid provided they’ve not been left for too long.
Smoky turbo’s or smoke from worm valve stem seals quite common ground now too.
5k should find you a good one. I would be personally minded to buy privately from an enthusiast as you will most likely get a better car for less money that’s been looked after. The trade seller cars at the lower end of the price range tend to be trouble with a capital T!
R77 DVR thanks a lot mate I’ll keep looking an bare these things in mind and hopefully find one that isnt fucked😂
It’s a tough gig to find one not fucked 🤣
There’s the odd gem out there to be found though
Just stay away from trade, the lure of a warranty is strong but they aren’t worth the paper they are printed on. You’ll end up over paying for the car, go private, save some dosh and simply keep 500-600 quid in the bank for a rainy day
Will keep a look out
EP3 was supposedly very finely balanced, heard they ride harshly but I like the rawness
I considered getting one, but on realising practicality wasn't important to me I pushed for the S2000
7 years on, the love affair is still strong 👍
S2000.....another I need to have a go in!
Love this video, looking to get one!
Thanks mate. Thanks for watching too.
Great cars. Miss this one, sold it nearly 2 years ago
Fancy another now!
R77 DVR that’s gutting! My dad had two Nurburgring’s when they first came out no.47 & no.53 (not at the same time) and I’ve always wanted one! He’s moved on from Vauxhall’s now but I’m 21 now and really debating it as I need to step up from my 1.0 eco boost 😬
Ahhhh Ford Man 😂
They are great. Problem is they don’t carry the reliability that say an EP3 would at higher mileage so they can get expensive on repairs with some that have been to the moon and bad.
Finding a good one for good money is hard work nowadays the market is saturated with a lot of crap.
My advice, try buy privately, from an enthusiast and avoid the dealers/trade... they seem to just polish turds and sell them for top dosh with a warranty not worth the paper it’s printed on. Get a good one privately for less dosh and save a little for a rainy day 👍🏼
R77 DVR yeah will defiantly look privately, really want a standard one but I’m sure that’s going to be a challenge to find!
Thank you for a great video dude, the story being they're not great handling then ironically tapping a pigeon just creased me up which I needed after someone wrote my Celica 190 off for me 💔
Thanks dude new subscriber I think 😁
Cheers man! Hope you sort out the car and happy I could provide a laugh 👍🏼
Loved my old nurburgring, it had 300 bhp,quaife diff,uprgraded gearbox bearings,whiteline arb and dap r springs.never drove a standard one so couldn't say how much difference it all made.
Night and day difference bud! Cheers for watching
Hey dude just subbed ..
My channel is on my astra 1.6 sxi ... I love it. But really want a vxr keep up the content dude
Thanks man. Much appreciated
Brilliant mature review I thoroughly enjoyed watching. This time last year I debated a vxr Nurburgring, it's been a car I always had a soft spot for, only the Burg edition mind. I decided to abandon the idea purely because of the typical comments you highlighted. I now own a DC5, but I do wonder what fun I would of had if I bought a Burg an whether I would of still been happy.
We need to meet up. I want a DC5 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
R77 DVR it arrived from Japan around 2/3 weeks ago. Would be awesome putting two together!
Wow, jealous 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
Give me a follow on Insta. Same tag. If we can make something happen in the future would be great 👍🏼
Great video. Really changed my mind on buying one was so worried about the box going
Glad it helped mate 👍🏼 that was my main aim when doing this vid. Even if I changed one persons mind it was worth doing but it seems to have been more popular than I ever thought it would be. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
R77 DVR spot on mate glad you covered the issues tho a lot of people talk online and that’s what put me off
The car itself has just unfortunately been a victim of some bad reviews and people always remember that. It’s a good car and a great car modified but people don’t see the good stuff before seeing the bad. Bit like an FN2 Type R...awesome car but because it’s was slagged by Clarkson everyone just remembers that 😡
@@R77DVR very true ,iv had mine 4 years now and still on original turbo and gearbox is fine "no gearstick movement" and with the anti roll bar fitted is a good handling car. Mine has been mapped at 290bhp and gets regular spirited driving but service regular with good oils and treat it good it will treat you the same. Bags of fun
darren micklewright glad to see another one loving these… this car has since gone but I’ve now got another one with 350bhp Stage 4.5 all forged… did a little video not long back.
Ive owned 3 and done them.all.up and gone on tracks i love them they are very fun when tuned right
Couldn’t agree more mate. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
@@R77DVR no worries carnt wait see more !
Nice video, I own a Megane 225 which I think is in the same group as the VXR, I have no experience on VXR's ST's etc, I just wondered if you had a thoughts on how similar these cars are to each other, the reason I ask is I am looking at getting a new car as the Megane makes so much rattle in and around the cockpit
luke newsome I couldn't possibly comment mate as I've never drove the Megane 225. Thinking of a VXR then?
R77 DVR yeah I've always fancied one but fallen into the stigma of them handling cap etc, after watching your video I'm definitely thinking otherwise, I really like focus ST as well, the Megane is great to drive with a nice power delivery but really restricted on the final power I can get without spending thousands, I had a silver ep3 type r before the megane and it was without doubt the best driving car ever, so much fun
luke newsome that's what the aim of the video was for. To try and convince people like yourself not to fall into that trap. I have an EP3 Type R along side this and standard Vs standard with no intention of modifying then I'd take the Type R over an Astra but if you have the intention of modding and going more power and handling upgrades then the Astra is a very good viable option 👍🏼
I've never been that keen on these cars loved the sound but heard so many bad things about them. I friend of mine told me to test drive 1 so I did i bought it straight away absolutely love it I've owned it for 2 months now just puts a smile on my face every time I'm behind the wheel. I've just started to modify it complete exhaust with sports cat, cross over delete with filter and uprated top hat and a front mount intercooler. Who would you recommend for the remap and what gains would I be looking to get??
Good to know mate!
Usual tuners really. Rabbid, SM Tuning, RS Tuning, Courtney Sport or RND Motorsport.
Pick one of those and you won’t go far wrong bud.
Mine was Rabbid tuned
Spot on, best VXR vid online!
Thanks mate!!
I'm guessing since my Sri turbo with a k20leh sometimes struggles to go into gear I need to get it repaired it's done 170'000 kms I only just bought it
Can’t recall what gearbox they run but worth taking to a specialist to get looked at 👍🏼
@@R77DVR mines a Holden astra think it's the same 6speed as vxr both made in Belgium plus I put in a cheeky vxr turbo bit bigger
Used to hate these and i havnt even driven one. But having done the research on them, they actually seem like decent cars. I thought these where heavy but they are only about 15kg heavier than my EP3.
Not that much heavier and with a solid map another 200lbs/ft of torque. Thy aren't for everyone and I'd say if you've driven an EP3 it might not give you that great driving feel the EP3 does. But you are right, they do seem like decent cars. You only have to look at the Time Attack series. It's had loads of VXRs over the years as the tool of choice for a lot of drivers as it's good all rounder, good power and good handling once the right mods have been done 👍🏼 cheers for watching
Ditto. I've even referred back to a 12 year old Evo review on them and they're well regarded. I must have suffered badge snobbery.
Superbracey only good with an lsd
What mods you got in this Astra please and wat do you need For a stage 1 remap
Hi mate. I don’t have this car anymore I have another VXR though that’s a bit more mental!
This was pretty much, Remus Turbo Back Exhaust, Forge Intercooler, Direct Route Air Feed and Cone plus a Klassen Inlet Manifold. It’s more commonly known as a Stage 3.5 or Stage 3+ build.
For Stage 1 you don’t “need” any mods but you’d benefit from some breathing mods such as a direct route and cone or CDTi box
Me personally… I’d forget Stage 1 or 2 and go Stage 3 immediately
Parts can be had really cheap used nowadays
I've got a sri 2.0 turbo and look now for a vxr and it is hard to find a good one good video mate new sub here 👍
Thanks mate. This ones sold about 18 months ago...
Now I’m in your shoes... on the hunt for another and it’s no easy task.
Loads of shitters around!
@@R77DVR looks like am going to have to travel Abit for one mate
I never traveled for my first one. Was pretty lucky with that one.
Travelled from Essex to Birmingham for my second (this one)
For my third it looks like I’ll be doing a 410 mile round trip!!
I've always wanted one...I had a grey and a silver Astra SXI in that shape and I loved them...I have a mk6 golf now....one day....how much for a decent one?
Varies bud! You have Nurburgring Editions and VXR Racing editions that seem to hold value much better but the normal ones tend to be less and there are decent ones to be found from about 4.5-6k upwards.
Don’t get me wrong good ones can be found for less but they tend to get scrappier lower than that and you’d be wasting a lot of time traveling around seeing ones and walking away if you were after the “right” one.
Mine recently sold for 7350 which was very well spec’d, decent mods and a 2010 plate with 52k miles. Was snapped up by first bloke to see it and he’d been looking for a while!
Best thing to do is hit Auto Trader, Pistonheads and EBay and see what’s out there. Always plenty about. I’ve not looked much in a while though 👍🏼
@@R77DVR thanks man
Ive had mine from new & its 11 years old now. The only problem I had was the usual whining 6th gear bearing in the M32 chocolate box, fortunately Warren at WG Motorworks (VXR Legend !) sorted it cheaply & within a few hours. The secret is changing the gearbox oil at regular intervals which to be fair i didnt do, so its really partly my fault. If you look after these cars, they will look after you !!
Couldn’t agree more mate. Miss mine this has long gone unfortunately. So tempted to do it all again for the 3rd time though!
Had mine since brand new lol. Still under lifetime warranty. Just had a whole new engine, turbo, ecu etc at 22k miles due to turbo failure draining the oil through the exhaust. Not going to mod it purely because the warranty is priceless. If I can get away with fitting a whiteline however I'll definitely go for that.
Wow! That’s some small mileage. Keep hold of it. The standard low milers are becoming hard to come by and will only go up in value!
@@R77DVR I hope so, just got a new subframe and suspension arms too due to corrosion. A friend offered me 4k for it lol saying mileage doesn't matter. I got every option available when I ordered it, just the 19" alloys are looking a bit rough and need repainting due to corrosion again. Car is immaculate and there's no way I'll be parting with it since the new engine etc. It's been in the garage since feb lol, hopefully get it back sometime this month. Repairs cost around 12k and counting so far lol, so glad I don't have to pay it. Was one of the last off the production line on a 60 plate, xmas 2010, ordered the final day available.
@@TheDigitalAura lol 4k for a low mileage 10reg with new engine . I was offered £3800 for mine and iv got 119000 on mine. You will be looking at about 8k for a low mileage in mint condition and it is increasing as getting rare as most are over 80000 now
What's your typical mpg running steady?
25-30 👌🏼 although doing 60 on the motorway you can get 40-45. About 8 mpg on track 😂
I agree with you entirely R77, the torque steer is no where near as bad as people make out. Its more down to driver who don't actually learn to drtive one. As for the gear box , never an issue.
I put the majority of negative comments about these cars purely down the badge snobbery to be quite honest. Thanks for watching mate 👍🏼
The reason these torque steer worse than other hot hatches is because they have more torque! It's not even a problem as long as you're actually holding the steering wheel.
Cor, I really dunno wether to get the Astra VXR or Megane rs.
Good video btw
Thanks mate. I’ve not tried the Megane but I hear it’s an awesome car tbf! I wouldn’t want to try and sway you towards the Astra as the Megane could quite possibly be the better car!
Ive got a vxr too but drove the RS .....the RS is the winner hands down
I had a Nurburgring edition in Australia
It is the best hot hatch
My gearbox whines only when i put it in reverse. Could this be a symptom on gearbox failure? i have no movement of the gear in any gear. Only a whine in reverse gear
Tbh it's not unknown for cars to whine in reverse. If you've no movement or whines in forward gears then you should be fine mate. Just keep your eye out for the gearstick twitching back in first gear as you release the clutch and twitching back and forth in 5th gear when on and off the throttle. Those are the 2 first symptoms along with a whine that you'll probably hear in gear when coasting
R77 DVR thanks a lot mate✌
Nae bother 👌🏼
Love mine had gearbox done by WG motorworks last sept at 80k, wish i had known about the Whiteline ARB could of had it done there! as had travelled all the way from Leicestershire!
+Julie Parkinson very easy fit for any local garage and a must do to these cars!
Thanks will get it done
Random, I'm in the same neck of the woods. The RARB is dead easy to do with some basic hand tools, a pair of ramps to put the rear wheels on and an appropriate sized drill bit to enlarge the holes in the spring seats. One of the easiest mods to do to an Astra G or H, and hands down the best handling mod money can buy for these.
Top vid mate and honest review 👏 I Love my VXR its the best and most exciting car I've ever owned and I'm only running 250ish Bhp. Whiteline RARB on the list and hopefully 300 bhp by summer 💣💥🔥🔥 only if you hit a lumpy bit of road when powering up i find it a bit twitchy otherwise no Torque steer even with ESP Off imo. Modern drivers rely way too much on ''ecu control' for handling and get scared of driving the car with its stabilisers off. They're really missing out on the real handling capabilities and fun the car has too offer. Bit of an essay lol but I hope you understand the message I'm trying to convey. Cheers Pete.
Check out the vid on my latest Astra. 350bhp K06 one 🔥 that’s a handful 😂
@@R77DVR Will do M8 - Sounds exciting 😀 🔥🔥
They’re not the best handling cars, however it’s nowhere near as bad as people claim (thanks to Clarkson). For straight line speed they’re top of their class for the time
Couldn’t agree more...
However that RARB and a set of Coilovers and the handling becomes a different story... as it would on any car tbf!!!
Thanks for watching bud 👍🏼
@@R77DVR absolutely. Got a RARB on mine and just lowered on springs. The tyres on it aren’t the best so it struggles to get power down but handling wise it’s absolutely sound! No worries man, thank you for the reply 👌
Get some Eagle F1s or some Vredestein Vortis/Sessantas if on more of a budget. They will see you right 👍🏼
@@R77DVR awesome man. Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve only had the car a month and the tyres were the previous owners job. Not something I’d go for myself, no point in running 280bhp and having crap tyres that can’t put it down lol
You’ve got the right idea at least! The Eagle F1s are superb... I don’t have the car in this video anymore but have since got another one but the new one is Stage 4.5 and 350bhp.... got Eagles F1s on that and it does just fine 👍🏼
I’ve always loved how they look once lowered and love how they sound. Reliability is what puts me off so if it was my money I would go for a golf gti, leon cupra or focus st 225. On a separate note this is the first I’ve watched of yours and I’ve subscribed so I’m going to watch the ep3 one now
+Birmingham racing thanks for the sub man. Reliability isn't that bad at all. As said in the vid the gearboxes aren't ideal but they aren't ridiculous to put right when you catch the symptoms early. 👍🏼
R77 DVR depends on how it’s been treated really but I see too many chavs abusing them that’s what puts me off
Fast Vauxhalls do have a bad image. They do sort of incite you to drive like a yob though, with that power and sound X')
I had a nice shiny red one and i crashed it 😔doing 100mph in county lanes i now drive like a granddad but it was all down to over confidence and lack of driving ability but now i have got a astra h sri 2.0 turbo based on the vxr engine see (my vids if your interested) i got to say i miss the hell out of it was best car i ever owed just dont want to crash one again and loose all that money or my life the fear is real lol awesome car, you got a gem there look after it 😉 i love it 👍 nice review mate
+RJH VAUXHALL cheers mate 👍🏼 I'll be sure to have a look.
I am looking to get a corsa vxr or a Astra VXR but am no sure wot one is better as Sumone said the corsa has more common faults that go wrong with it.a don’t really no much about cars so though I would ask.eni info would be much appreciated.cheers
Every car has its common faults unfortunately.
I have driven the Corsa and whilst it's good I prefer the Astra so it's all down to personal preference.
That said. Whilst they share the same gearbox they don't share the same engine. The Z20LEH in the Astra is a relatively solid unit if looked after and has forged Pistons where the Corsa has cast ones. The Corsa does require more spent on the engine to achieve the sort of power that the Astra will do on standard internals.
You are best off driving both and seeing what you think. Both can be bought for relatively low money nowadays
R77 DVR thanks for replying so fast.the Astra is the one I really wanted but wanted to give the corsa a chance.by what you have said I can definitely see myself getting one.thanks again 👍🏻
No bother 👍🏼
I have an Astra, and like the look of the Corsas... But no way I'm giving up all that torque to swap to a little 1.6. Very good peak power figures, but I think I'd miss the huge lazy midrange torque.
noxious89123 niceone 👍🏻 defo got ma heart set on the Astra 🙂
Hi what setting did you have the anti roll bar on?
Richard Lowes hi mate. I have it set on full hard at the moment but I tend to move it back to soft during the wetter colder winter months. Coupled with B14 Coilovers on mine it tends to be a little sketchy on the back when wet on hard. Only a 10 min job so will be changing it soon 👍🏼
R77 DVR Thanks mate thinking of getting one for my astra vxr
Richard Lowes stop thinking and just get one mate. The really do make night and day difference 👍🏼
Richard Lowes full hard love the oversteer very controllable. can surprise you on greasy/winter roundabouts
+Dean Campbell deffo! Worth swapping down to soft for the colder months
Great video.
I have got a now become rare 2 litre sri 1999 3 door in red and had it 14 years and had the gearbox done at 76,000 and has been perfect since.(123,000 miles)
Change the gearbox oil with fully synthetic 1-2 years and had no problems since.
Getting a vxr early next year.(:-)
Just one question R77 DVR does the whiteline anti-roll bar make the ride a lot harder.
+1066gaz Sounds nice man! No, it doesn't make any difference to ride comfort whatsoever. It just sorts out the rear end and eradicate loads of understeer and is adjustable depending on what you want and the time of year. Soft to medium soft for winter use and medium hard to hard for summer usage. One of very few mods to make such a massive difference with zero negative effect elsewhere! 👍🏼
R77 DVR Very useful info that is.
I will have to defo buy one when i get a vxr.(:-)
+1066gaz as I said in the vid... first thing you have to do!
Subcribe if you can, plenty more VXR content coming 👍🏼
Subscribed.(:-)
Had one for 3 years brilliant car loved it to bits only issue I had was the stem seals going and oddly the heater fan went twice. Gearbox was silent as like you said oil changes on the m32 are cheap and easy
+Andy Norris very easy...this ones due a change again soon, probably adding a gearbox breather too 👍🏼
I just bought one in blue. Unbelievable car.
Glad you are enjoying it mate. They have their issues like most cars but don’t get the praise they deserve tbh!
After almost 3 years of owning it very happy.
I have a anti roll bar for sale £130 unopened. A great mod for the vxr
We in 2021 and i got my self one , and simply can't fault it, so far so good , little mods got 328bhp and it is a little monster
Glad to see this video is still being watched... this car gone now but now in another one that’s 357bhp and all sorts of goodies. Glad you are liking it. Thanks for watching mate 👍🏼
I have a 1.9CDTI and love it, problem i have is seems as the gearbox is made out of swiss cheese haha. Thinking of turning it into a 4 door OPC
Flatzoid FE same box! They aren’t great!
Great, now I want an Astra VXR (:
Good cars! Miss this one 👍🏼
For the money, ie a 10 plate with 40k for example, priced at under £10,000 they are ok.
For the same money, you are looking at a 100,000 miles + M135i albeit on a newer 13 plate.
Personally I know which I'd have, because I prefer RWD, more power, better quality interior, and reliability. But, each to their own.
Couldn’t argue with that comment tbf mate.
That’s a car that does intrigue me tbf so I’d love to have a go in one.
I love vxr my mum and dad have got a Astra vxd that has got everything that a vxr has but it’s a diesel it’s 220 bhp
Nice. Thanks for watching 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
Torque steer ? I haven't noticed anything about that. I used to have a Golf GTI, that one had some serious TS issues. And the Golf had less power than a VXR. But obviously, any FWD performance car will have some TS.
Morten Kapa yep, it’s existent in any FWD high powered hatch/car but it’s nowhere near as bad as what people say it is on these....
If you get a little it can be sorted with simple throttle control! 👍🏼
I loved my Astra vxr h , until the turbo packed up then gearbox following by the stem seals and finally too top it off icing on the cake steering rack and drive shafts :( nice vid thoo ✌️
I think half those things going wrong on any car would be enough to put you off it.
Sorry to hear you had a bad run of luck bud!
Thanks for watching mate 👍🏼
R77 DVR cheers mate I’m determined not to be put off and just carry on going with the car Mrs obv don’t agree lol Shame about pigeon bud at least it was a vxr could have worse like a bus😂
Fuck the pigeon 😂
The car is good for the price range and a great pocket rocket I'm thinking of buying 1 instead of focus st
I’m tempted to get another mate at some point tbh!
Get a Volvo instead with T5 engine forget the focus
Looks like it squirms a bit, but not like the example Clarkson drove on Top Gear, or in fact my Dad’s old MG Montego Turbo, which would literally put you in a hedge when the turbo kicked in.
It’s a bit lively and a bit of a handful, but it’s to be expected with 350bhp and a similar torque figure too with FWD...
That said I’m not looking for perfection...
It’s pretty dramatic at that’s what I was after 👍🏼
@@R77DVR If you know how to handle it and you drive responsibly, it can be fun. The problem with the Montego was it was completely unpredictable. You never knew which way the torque steer would fling the thing. It could literally rip the wheel out if your hands.
Is this one mapped mate
Hi mate, this is my old one!
Was 297 bhp, “Stage 3.5”
Mic would be handy
Was one of my first vids. Planning upgrading the kit at some point but currently having a break away from the vids due to ill health.. once that shits out the way new vids and new gear on route. Thanks for the feedback 👍🏼
Well said. Just wait for the keyboard warriors to leave a comment or 2. Should be funny.
Better than the Corsa vxr. My Astra is the bollocks 👊🏼👊🏼
I like them, have seen an awful lot of them coughing blue smoke though!
Yep. Unfortunately like with a lot of cars depreciating to affordable prices they are beginning to fall into the wrong hands and not being cared for and looked after as they should be.
yeah, same with a lot of cars.
I like how the VXR has a bit of drama to it, especially tuned, don't want something too 'safe' else it feels boring.
I have subbed! Found you via the C63 FB Group, am a C63 owner myself (check my Vids :) )
Thanks man, will do. Yeah. The do have a bit of drama and are very good fun and so underrated
I knew you were going to the anti roll bar before you even said it he's right though
+twig614sm the first mod anyone should do and one of the best!
Hi i took a test drive in a astra vxr and gave it the beans their was hardly any torque steer my 206 gti (engine mods not standard 😉) has more torque
Nice! Thanks for feeding back on the comments.
Another person not believing the bullshit!
What is an anti roll bar
The Astra doesn’t have a rear sway/roll bar as standard. Because of that there’s loads of roll in the rear and for reasons that I’m not even qualified or intelligent enough to explain it all equals understeer at the front on the Astra.
By fitting a whiteline rear anti roll bar or RARB for short the Mk5 H Astra is transformed. It really is night and day and makes it a good handling car.
It’s worth having a google and read up on. Don’t just take my word for it.
Thanks for watching 👍🏼
Love these cars even better your driving my local roads
My old local roads unfortunately. Since moved back up north and it’s an old car now too....it’s missed
Just looking for one now don’t know to go completely untouched or fully moded I thought your scent wasn’t local as I lived in Leicester a lot of my life but from here and moved back you drove past mine and the wife’s old pub the kings arms
From Donny originally but lived round there for 10 years and in London for 7 before that.
Personally I’d go modded.
Modded doesn’t necessarily mean messed with and there are usually some good ones to be had.
Standard are being hard to find these days and a standard engine bay doesn’t mean it’s been standard all it’s life and returned back and previously been parted out. I would look for a tidy modded example that’s preferably had the gearbox refurbed, Cam belt and water pump done and decent history.
If you are on Instagram follow me and chuck me a DM if you want any pointers of what else to look out for 👍🏼
Cheers appreciate that I’ve found one in Oldham with everything done even the lsd and anti roll 6500 with 70 on clock I’ll add you and show you some pics want a reasonable priced rocket just to play with
my vxr is running is 300bhp, no real ts and my gear box has done 100,000 miles with no problems.
Good to know there’s a success story out there. Great cars shame they get the grief they do
I dunno what all the fuss is about I quite like the VXR it pulls good
Yep, mine always pulled well!
I think only thing I hate is the back end will slip out but as you said rarb is the best
You see I only ever experienced that once in the wet without the RARB and it had awful tyres fitted at the time. This was with my first one.
It was the silly amount of understeer that it had that made it bordering on dangerous at time’s.... I’d be turning right or left hard and just carrying on going straight 😂
RARB sorts it all out though
Thanks for watching mate.
I’ve just picked up a new one which there will be a short vid on this week 👍🏼
@@R77DVR i only ever drove mine in the wet like a wolly to test drive it im use to the corsa vxr got in this and nesrly killed me self lol
Best performance to value ratio, cheap parts but you must do yourself - VXR
Quite quick, Quite cheap, Quite reliable - Ford ST
Best performance to reliability, abit more expensive - Golf gti
Solid, fancy and cheaply reliable (until things break) - Cupra
Ultimate Vtec power, economy doesn't matter - Type R
Good assessment there mate. Astra VXR bang for buck is up there!
Type R though for value and all round run is great value too.
Can't comment on the others as not been in one or driven one but fancy a go in them all at some point!
R77 DVR type r so reliable you can boost em up to fuel guzzlers, 3rd older gen type r the best
I love mine I just think I should of kept the corsa vxr :/
Detail boy are the Corsa vxr Good compared? I'm looking for one not sure I like how small and nimble the Corsa is.....
I do indeed smaller more nimble to throw around ☺
I went back 2 s corsa lol
i had a mk 5 vxr best car i ever had now got a mk 6
They really are that good. That was my main purpose with this vid as they just seem to get shat on from all angles
They just need stuffing up once that's done there sweet. If your going to compare it to an st then the st have a rear roll bar as standard the astra dont once u put one on there's no difference
Need to try the ST. Never been in one!
Can people actually get done for showing speed in these types of videos? I've noticed most POV type videos always have the speed blurred.
Probably as much as a risk of people who do videos in “Mexico” but you can clearly see that it’s nowhere near Mexico and just looks like a cool November night in Birmingham 😂
I own an Opel astra GTC with 94k on it and the gearbox works fine
One of the lucky ones! They can be good and can be bad. Bit of a lotto
if its a 20L CDTI ITS A F40 gearbox I THINK.
GOT ONE IN MY 2005 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi MAP TO 200BHP 230000 MILES ON IT MY LAD GOT GTC 20 CDTI IT GOT A F40 BOX
is that car stock.
No it wasn’t mate. It was what’s known on the Vaux scene as a Stage 3.5 or Stage 3 +
297 bhp, 350lbs/ft had coilovers and other bits too
Standard astra vxr turbo ?? What bhp u running buddy
Yup. Standard K04. 300.5bhp on the last dyno run
Car got sold today though 😢
@@R77DVR have you still got your type r ?
Yep. Kept that, have got something to replace the VXR
@@R77DVR slap a supercharger on the ep3 lol
Lmao. You never know. New car I’m chuffed to bits with. Couple of vids coming soon. Been busy moving house and having another kid 🙈
Just the 1.6 bad engine👍🏻 but thats a comfort than any car from this class and more quiet
i love mine and does it shift oh yes
From my experience of owning one the 02 sensor is a problem
Gearbox
Anti roll bar is badly needed.
On thr good side the only performance car i would pick ove it is te rs265 megane. A simple remap and a phew cheap modifications is the difference between beating a 333bhp focus st225 and staying up with a bmw m4 and one or too odd porsches. Most definetly a car i will get again.
Yep. Agreed. Been through a few 02 Sensors across the three I’ve now owned.
Thanks for watching, still can’t believe people still watch this video all these years on!
@@R77DVR just dying to buy mine back again🤣
@@evanenright367 my latest one is my third one… love them. Did a short vid on the new one a while back. Worth a watch
Sound lovely but don’t get much power out of a map compared to other cars ??
Power...maybe not. Torque yes!
What are you comparing to? I think 300bhp out of a 2.0 on stock internals is pretty respectable, and the "area under the curve" is fantastic with a huge amount of torque. They're quite a lazy low revving engine for a sporty car, hence the peak power figures aren't astronomical. But forged internals and loads of options for turbos ranging from K06 hybrids upto big garrett setups means you can go for as much power as you want.
Torque steer is fun not bothered about that... Under steer however is not fun.. Oh and it's got a gearbox made by the milkybar kid
lee g owned one for 4 years with 450hp+ driven 130.000km never ones had gearbox failure, and it saw loads af drag racing (burnout in 2 gear to heat up the sticky tiers) top speed runs and more, it had quife limited slip diff put in after just 10-15.000km and i had no issues with it, just regular maintance