Hi just looking to buy one Today I saw a 1.6 cdti diesel and 1.4 turbo petrol elite, both is 2016 but petrol on is 1£ expensive, what is the best option? What engine is more reliable? I’m do about 70 miles a day motorway
Check out the forums to get an idea on reliability between the two. The diesel is pretty solid but you do get issues with the DPF. I’m not familiar enough with the petrol to advise. With that mileage the efficiency of the diesel might pay off. Depending on how you drive the petrol could return something in the mid 40’s to the gallon whereas the diesel should be mid 60’s. I tend to find smaller capacity petrols struggle to return decent figures if you drive them quite hard. Also do a comparison based on the cost at the pump and keep an eye on what the government might announce in the budget. It could impact one more than the other, who knows at the moment🤷🏻♂️ I would say however that generally people seem to be happy with whichever variant they go for so it probably comes down to general driving preference and runnings costs if you’re mileage is going to be higher. I’ll pin this up and see if anybody else has any feedback.
Thank you. If people are good enough to watch and comment then it’s the least I can try and do. I’m also genuinely interested in people’s thoughts and feedback and always happy to talk cars!
Just bought the exact same car. After testing some diesel Focus' and petrol 1.0 ecoboost ones, I drove the Astra 1.6 cdti sri and thought the difference was massive, cracking drive and a lot of car for your money, well recommended
That’s great. Interesting to hear your views in comparison to the Focus. I’m not a fan of really small capacity turbo engines but interesting that you tried the diesel Focus as well and still rated the Astra. Thanks for the feedback. I’ll pin it up, should be useful to others on here. 👍
I ran a 1.6 CDTi to 30K miles with zero issues. Same 106bhp engine as this, hit almost 80mpg on a long motorway run, averaging high 50s the rest of the time. What I'd call a workhorse car than a desirable one - I would have another without question, I thought it was brilliant.
Thanks for the feedback. That’s a solid figure on the long run! And saw high 50’s myself over the time I was using it with mixed driving. It’s always interesting to how other peoples experience stacks up. You summed it up nicely, a really good workhorse👍
Came to say that i bought the 1.6T. So much car for the money! I slapped on 30 MM eibach lowering springs to make it firmer around corners, gloss black roof wrap and gloss black wing mirrors, some heko wind delectors. Last bit is 8.5J 18" Alloys in gunmetal. Amazing car!
Good to hear. Interesting that you lowered it, I found it a pretty tidy handling car any way, that would make it very interesting down the twisty B roads 👍
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch the car handled good but I felt spooked at how springy and comfortable it was as logically it is a family hatchback. But the difference in driving dynamics from that one small tweak and the stability from the lowering and stiffness is night and day. It almost feels as oem plus, the comfort is still there but now feels immensely sharper.
Bought an Astra K 2016 1.6 ecoflex sri nav in DeCember 2020 for £7100 . Brilliant value for money. I'm getting a real world mpg of 62mpg average with mixed city, b roads and motorway driving. The cruise control is superb and the other tech make for great value. This is a great car for the value right now with the sweet spot of not too much milage, no road tax and truly economical. I recommend it highly. Also the sport button makes it fun and better for sitting in low gears in city driving without changing gear to often.
Buy an Astra K in Elite Nav spec and you have the best hatchback on the market right now. Some of the standard equipment (heated rear seats) isn’t even available as optional extras with the Focus and Golf.
I'm leasing one of these at £165 per month (down from £190 because covid I guess). Since 2018. The pace of 200psi is brilliant, and the ride quality much better than my old Skoda Octavia VRS estate. I only got shut of that because the lease deal on Astra was a bargain and the ride of the Skoda was too harsh... I will probably buy this end of the year as the Covid mileage is so low - some real low mileage bargains out there this year.
I've got this one, with the 1.4 Petrol. While it is not necessarily a sports car, that 'Sri' touch gives the suspension a wonderful stiffness (well balanced, comfortable) that I just love, combined with the seats and 'good feedback' steering, is lovely to drive. Add to it the generous amount of standard equipment, you get a lot of car for your £££
Thanks for the feedback. All good points and like you say, the SRI spec does elevate it enough to make it a bit more fun and it does seem to be a good spec. choice. How do you find the economy on the 1.4 petrol? The decision between petrol and diesel is important to a lot of people, particularly at the moment.
@@taylorthrall7321 I can’t pin this up as you put it as a reply. Post it as an original comment and I’ll pin it to the top and see if you can get any answers
First time back driving a Vauxhall in a long time! I was curious to see if they've moved things on. And at the price these second hand Vauxhall Astra's are selling for it seems like a bit of a bargain. But it's only a used car bargain if they're any good. So what did I think? Have a watch and let me know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
I've got a 2017 1.6t petrol sports tourer with nearly every extra apart from the rear camera - absolutely love it and got it for a bargain price at six months old. Those alloys really look nice.
2017 sports tourer 1.6T petrol, night and day between my last astra sports tourer, SRi trim too so that explains a lot!! (2015 1.6 petrol but no turbo, design trim). Mad being able to get up some of the steeper hills around here so much easier... while its been superb so far, (paid a total of about £10K factoring in the trade in, about 28,000 miles too so still a lot of life left in it yet) only flaw is that i cant seem to get great MPG out of it, i think im floating between 30 - 32 MPG in the city im at! Its got a smaller tank than the last one too (48 litre vs. 56 litre i think) so it does feels like it drains pretty noticeably/rapidly. Plus point is mine's got the start/stop at least so im learning to get that on as frequently as i can get away with to help the car economy a little Well worth it for the sport mode for me though tbh, makes it surprisingly fun and nippy even for a big estate! :) I would probably recommend the 1.4T, one of the 125/150 horsepower ones if you're going petrol for all that, reckon that'd still give you a nice torquey engine but better fuel economy. Can't speak for the diesels but ive read they're way less of a pain with regard to the DPF and the like than some other diesels out there. edit: to sum up id deffo say mine feels like a bargain, think from new some of the trims were £23k+ and now they're available used at less than 1/2 that sort of cost and without many miles on 'em either
Awesome feedback, thanks! I do like the tourer, good looking car. Interesting to hear about the MPG, not great although I'm finding this is an issue on a lot of turbo petrol engines. The MPG in real world driving doesn't always stack up well against manufacturers claims. Thanks for this, I'm sure people will appreciate feedback from an owner.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch ta for that! Yeah, i know looks will be something most people can judge for themselves but ive got the estate in white, looks sharp in the drive with the white trim etc. Its also kind of... more hatchbacky than estatey looking, haha - the previous one i had "looked" longer, deffo. I think its because theres less glass at the rear sections of the car on the sides, so makes it look a bit smaller/the curved bits of the roof section stick out more when looking at it side on Edited to clarify a little at the end there
Hi, just purchased a 21 plate Griffin edition. Personally I find it great looking, dual colour, decent interior and it really shifts. Have had this car before but traded it in for a crossland x which I found underwhelming and not nice to look at! Really happy with my Astra. Oh, great video!
Nice! Good spec. choice. Interesting to hear you jumped into a Crossland and back again. Hope you have plenty of happy miles in it. And thanks for watching 👍
I traded in my 2008 1.4 polo tdi last year for a 2015 1.6 Astra j l am loving having the extra cylinder making it a lot smoother then the polo i am also getting more mpg I went on a 500 miles trip mostly motor way and managed 66mpg have six Gears helps the drives seat is also comfortable with having lumbar support I also like paying no road tax
Good to hear. It is a good cruiser, I found I could cover a lot of miles very comfortably in it. There is something very satisfying about not paying any road tax😉
Great review thanks for the video. I’ve been debating between a corsa or an Astra for my 2nd car and I’m leaning towards a 1.4 Turbo petrol Astra after watching this video
Thanks for the feedback and for watching. Appreciate it! I haven't driven a Corsa for a while so it might not be completely fair for me to compare. I think it mainly comes down to usage. One person or a family, local driving, long distances, load lugger etc. etc. For me the Corsa is a little too small for what I would want. The Astra strikes a pretty good balance between practicality and not being too big.
Purchased the 1.6 CDTi 134bhp in March 2023. 71k miles, for just over £8k (crazy how much prices have gone up). Great car, 55-66mpg. I'm aware of the timing chain gamble but hey, it is what it is and I'm happy to take the risk. I would be perfectly happy to have the chain replaced, costing somewhere between £800 and £1600 I believe.😦 I will be keeping this car for many miles and years and I can't imagine finding a vehicle like this for the cost without its own bespoke issues. At the time of my purchase this Astra was by far the best option for 8k-9k. I can understand the fear of reported faults so it's entirely up to the buyer I guess, but so far so good and only time will tell.
Thanks for the comment. Seems to be a common theme from owners, great value for money! And as you say, if you had to pay to get the chain sorted it would still be decent value. Keep us posted on how it fairs as a long termer.
I bought one 2 years ago, 17 plate 1.4 turbo petrol sri 150bhp, it only had 20000 on the clock, got most of the mod cons, So far it has been really nice to me fingers crossed!
Just bought one and will pick it up on Monday. The 1.6 CDTi with 110 bhp, from 2018, with about 110.000 km, Excite package. Yeah, it's not an exciting car, but it's the best with such specs and in this price range (I paid 8k euros for it). Your other options are older cars, or other models with a far more worst reputation for reliability.
My dads Astra 1999 gear box is still factory , what are you saying bro? Opel diesels suck , electronics can suck but the car is solid . Manual gearbox is solid bro.
I agree, never had a gearbox issue on my old Vauxhalls, they were solid. They just weren't a great gear change mechanism from a 'driver feel' point of view. The Astra I was driving here felt really well put together. Had about 30,000 miles on the clock and everything felt really well screwed together.
My 2013 Astra 1.7tdi SRI had to have gearbox rebuild at 52000 miles ,Transmission specialist who did the job said he does a lot of Vauxhalls bearings rotate in casing . Cost £1500.
Thinking about getting a 1.0T 2016, going for around £6500 right now , anyone had experience with that model? Can’t imagine it would be much different to this one.
From my experience just be a little careful on the economy claims of the 1.0T. This can vary quite a bit dependent on your driving style. If you have a heavy right foot you'll be well short of the MPG. Small capacity turbos tend to be good if you take it easy. If you press on, the MPG will usually fall off dramatically in comparison to the diesel. A car regularly full or passengers can also have the same impact so if it's going to be the family car, that's also worth keeping in mind. Other than the different characteristics of a petrol compared to a diesel, the fundamentals should all be the same. I'll pin this up. Hopefully somebody with some long term experience with a 1.0T can advise
This was a long time ago so I doubt it’s possible but worth an ask - I’m a recently passed driver who has this car, but I struggle with parking it. I learned in a Ford fiesta, and used to park perfectly every time without fail. Just can’t seem to do it in this one. I would love any sort of video tutorial on it as I feel like its turning circle is bigger than what I’m used to; and I’m constantly worrying about the size of the car!
Tricky, I don't have a vid I can point you towards and it's not something I can put together as I don't have the car. To be honest, I think it could be more about driving a different car and being a new driver. I takes time to get used to a new car, particularly if you only recently passed. Like anything, it takes time to develop your skillset and I always recommend people treat driving in the same way as any new skill. You passed your test, now is the time to properly learn and develop. Particularly with state of some peoples driving. it's not easy on the roads for a new driver nowadays. Now, all that being said, the Astra is a bigger car and if it has the larger wheels the turning circle could be a little worse. Fiesta's are a popular car for learning because of their size and easy manoeuvring, so don't panic! You just need to get used to the Astra and having nobody by your side to guide you. Now this will sound really boring. My recommendation, take yourself to an empty car park, on your own so nobody can give you any grief and practise for a while. I know it sounds obvious but so many people never bother to practice parking. Give yourself a few scenarios and practise. Honestly, you'll be a parking hero in no time!
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch I did exactly this (empty car park), and it helped :) I also talked with my instructor about it, who reminded me that I’ve always been too fast with steering - made more apparent by usually ending up too far away from where I intended to park, despite the reference points being accurate. So she’s suggested either slower steering turns, or putting less steering on. An example for parallel parking; instead of 1 turn left, 2 turns right - I’ve been advised to do 1 turn left, 1.5 turns right. I have yet to try it. :)
@@emilymoon6348 I was given some weird instructions as to how to parallel park, certain points to line up on in the mirrors etc. it went out of the window the minute I passed and got into a different car as nothing lined up the same way anymore! Sounds like you could be over doing it on the steering. However once you’re used to the car you’ll naturally understand the turning circle and with relaxed inputs and a slow/steady manoeuvre you should be able to make minor adjustments as you move. Sometimes, with a tight spot you back it up but it won’t be perfect, then pull it forward with some opposite lock and reverse again, this time at a shallower but more manageable angle. It doesn’t have to be one continuous perfect manoeuvre. As for the parallel parking, I personally don’t count the number of turns. And that number will be slightly different for every car. Again I think you need a little more time to get used to the Astra then everything else will become easier. IMO counting turns of the wheel means you’re overthinking it and not really getting a natural feel for the car. Get out and practise both for a few weeks. I honestly think that will pay dividends. Counting steering inputs is not the best way. It’s only my opinion obviously so you’ve got to go with works best for you. Good luck! And enjoy your new found freedom 😉
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch I like your view on it! This morning’s parking was horrendous, I was overthinking the size of the car and when to turn etc in a busy car park. I asked a stranger who was happy to help, to guide me in. The other times I parked today, I winged it because I’d had a long day and was kind of over it. Didn’t count the turns, used the mirror to guide me in, went reasonably quick, made the tiny adjustments - and didn’t have to correct it. (Reverse parking on the right against a high wall just outside of a turning circle - our street is too outdated and narrow, the spot where I park is both expected and accepted). Overthinking seems to be my worst enemy. Especially when it comes to parking next to other cars & the size of my car. But it is getting easier! :)
@@emilymoon6348give it time, keep practicing, and keep being thoughtful about yours and other peoples cars and you’ll get there. And most importantly, don’t panic! 😉
Agreed, it is mostly down to personal preference. You could argue for and against most cars in this bracket. I think the value of the Astra takes some beating
Hi Remove Before Launch, In January 2021 I took delivery of my new Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer SRI Nav 1.4 petrol 145 bhp auto, this car has the later 3 cylinder engine and may I suggest that if you get the chance to drive one then you should do so, I'm not sure about the 1.2 3 cylinder engine but, this 1.4 engine is actually very good and being an ex biker from the late 60's and 70's ( British classic bikes ) this engine sounds great when accelerating just like the classic bikes did and when cruising is very quiet. Being the SRI it is very well equipped, has very good steering and handles well and, on this later model the suspension has been slightly softened and is very comfortable. Before buying this car I had a 2019 Vauxhall Elite Nav 1.4 petrol auto with a 4 cylinder engine, but this later 3 cylinder engine has more pulling power and is much more economical, last June ( 2021 ) I did a round trip of 240 miles which included 120 miles of motorways and 120 miles of country roads and I averaged 56 miles to the gallon and that was with the air con on as it was a very hot day. All in all a very good car and great value for the money. I look forward to hearing your comments about this.
Big fan of Sports Tourers. I really like the look of cars in that format. It’s great to hear a comparison from somebody that’s had both engine types. I’ve always been a little sceptical about smaller engine capacities so it’s very interesting to get your feedback on it. Sounds like a cracking engine and that’s some solid mpg for a petrol engine! I’m going to have to try to get my hands on one somehow. It would be good to do a comparison. Also interesting to hear that it has a good engine note, which is rare nowadays. Something interesting about the sound from an engine with an uneven number of cylinders. A bit like the 5 cylinders in the Audis. Thanks for your comment. I’ll pin it up. Could be really helpful for others looking for a comparison between the engine types.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch Thank you for your reply. My car is the last of the 1.4 petrol 3 cylinder engines as Vauxhall have discontinued that engine ( something to do with emissions apparently ) and now mainly using the 1.2 petrol 3 cylinder engines, personally I would not have a 1.2 engine as I feel that is to small and having watched videos of the Astra with the 1.2 engine being road tested they are very noisy.
Thank you. Tricky. So, for a first car and if you've only just started driving, I always recommend buying something cheap and get something better for your second car. Make all your mistakes in the cheap car. Now I've got my 'Dad speech' out of the way I'll try to answer your actual question! I would say it mainly comes down to preference. People will argue for and against both cars. I find the Focus holds it's money a little better which means you'll probably get something a bit older with a few more miles on the clock but then it will probably retain a little more when it comes to selling. There's a good chance the Astra will have a higher spec. and be a bit newer for the same money. Dynamically the Focus always tended to be better but the latest Astra has definitely moved things on a lot. I honestly don't think there is that much between them. I'd definitely consider insurance and running costs. If one is significantly cheaper than the other I would let that be a factor in your decision making process. If not, then I would just go for which one you prefer the look and feel of. Try and take both for a test drive if you can, you'll often find one just feels more right to you than the other. If you're going to spend a significant amount of your hard earned cash then at least try to spend it on the one you're happiest about owning. And, take your time finding the best one you can for your money. Don't rush to jump in the first one you come across, there are plenty to choose from, it's a buyers market! Hope that helps and sorry it's not a definite answer but I find when you've got two cars to choose from that a very similar it ultimately boils down to personal preference.
@@lefthooked5602 as I driving since 2020,so far letting me down on roundabouts, I know it's not a 6.3 v8 biturbo G-wagen, but, as vauxhall and 999cm3 with turbo, really does amazing start, not bad for far distance, as drove to Belgium
Driving dynamics are mostly irrelevant if you don’t live on a circuit. I’d rather have compliance for driving in the Uk than feedback and engagement (not very useful driving to work really). Anyway nice review and good car!
Thank you👍 Agreed, compliance is key, particularly with the state of UK roads. I think it all comes down to personal usage and preference. I do like a spirited drive on the right roads and if you only have one car then to have compliance and handling is ideal. Some manufacturers manage to offer both. I think the Astra offered a pretty decent balance.
BE CAREFUL DONT BUY THE ASTRA 2016 onwards. Poor engine design which causing them to have weak pistons that can go at any point. Costing thousands to replace. Not sure if they’ve fixed this but my 66 plate 1.4 turbo elite has this issue now. They should have recalled all cars and replaced these with the stronger pistons they now have. Mines been fully serviced every 6 months and done less than 28k miles. I bought it used 9 months ago and because it’s 4 years old it’s out of manufacturers warranty. I’m stuck on what to do to be honest. Just thought I’d warn you all so you don’t get fucked over like me. Still waiting for Vauxhall to come back to me but not holding out any hope they will take responsibility.
That’s not good to hear! Is that across the board or just petrol do you know? It’s not something I’ve heard of but I’m not a long term owner so haven’t researched reliability in any significant depth. Be interested to hear if anybody else is having the same issue?!
@@peb17 I’m bit too sure about the automatic model unfortunately. Finally have my car back and Vauxhall agreed to pay more then half of the cost. To me shows some guilt on the whole situation. Od just be careful and make sure you get one with warranty left on it.
Thinking of the Elite NAV 1.6T petrol as my second car, hot hatch performance, all the creature comforts leathers, big nav screan and heated seats. Decent overall styling and nice balanced size? For 9k less than 20k miles for an 18 plate. Bruh shut up and take my money haha.
Hahaha, they're hard resist. That is a lot of car for the money. I don't have experience with the Petrol engine but Scott's comment, that I've pinned to the top here, says it's pretty nippy. I really do think they tick a lot of boxes and are often, unfairly overlooked. I don't like to commit peoples money for them but I don't think you could go too far wrong with that.
As I commented above I have one of these as you describe above, it's a bargain on these low milers. Only negative is low mpg (30's) but I drive it a bit keenly. Also I am on my second touch screen replacement since new - common warranty claim.
Hi i just got a 2019(18 plate) VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.6 TECH LINE NAV CDTI ECOTEC S/S 5d 109 BHP 64,300 miles full service history etc drives well but can you tell me if these are reliable cars and are the engines good?
I’ll pin this up and see if anybody with more experience has any answers. I know the owner of the one used in this video and overall it’s been pretty solid. Accept for the EGR valve which has been changed and seems to need a regular clear out. That’s a re-occurring issue which is frustrating. They’re not the only ones from what I’ve heard. The rest of the engine has been solid so far though. They coming up to about 70,000 miles. Let’s see if anybody else can give you some feedback
I actually purchased my Astra J 2011 in September 2011 brand new. Over the years it's had a few issues like, cd player gets cd stuck, this actually happened within the 1st month of getting the car and it was replaced for free (used usb since). With scheduled maintenance and normal driving i can tell you the car has been very much reliable. Currently I have just clocked 91K miles and that's with motorway driving mostly. Now I don't have the latest car like in the video or your model, but looking at my example I would say that yours would be reliable, dependent on your driving and maintenance.
The other issues I have had was the heating burnt out, and the window washer bottle perished due to some other issue with the washer system. Apart from this I can't thank my astra enough for putting up with me 😂
I never got to really drive it in the dark so didn’t get to experience the headlights ability. Doesn’t sound great! That is juicy. This is one of my major gripes about small capacity engines. Ticks all the right boxes on paper but doesn’t always translate into good, real world stats! Thanks for the feedback.
This is the 2nd 1.4T petrol 150 bhp SRI. Great car, handling, mpg. Good car second hand for the money. But the headlights are shocking. The biggest letdown. Such a shame.
Thanks for watching and the feedback. My understanding is there were problems on some of the early petrol engines. I haven't read about piston issues on the diesels. Forums mainly seem to be focused on the 1.4T engine. I've heard a big cause was down to the oil used but don't quote me on this. Definitely something to be aware of and check on an earlier petrol car. As for how common this is, I'm not to sure, I can't find a definitive figure.
Just seen your videos for the first time. I too do videos for youtube using the rode wireless go, all my cars have been vauxhalls, zafira, vectra,astras,corsa etc love them always decent depending on how its been looked after. I am looking and getting a new car to replace my 2014 astra j 1.6 petrol in the new year which i cant wait for. Like the content will be following 😁
Good to hear. Rode Wireless is a great bit of kit although I still haven't mastered where to put it yet. Too close, too far, too loud, too quiet!!! I've always been a bit of a Vauxhall fan. I think they get unfairly slated a lot of the time. What's next on the list? Thanks for the sub. I'll be following.
Thanks for the message. That's a tricky one. I can't comment directly on how the petrol versions drive as I've only driven the diesel. In part I think it comes down to personal preference and usage. If you're doing a lot of miles then a diesel usually makes financial sense. I also find small capacity turbo petrols can be thirsty if driven quite hard. The diesel with its better torque curve usually makes a good case for general, every day driving. Whereas petrol engines can be a bit more engaging if you're looking for a bit of fun. I think it really comes down to how you're going to use it. Sorry I can't give a definitive answer but I haven't driven a petrol version so it would be wrong of me to say which one is better. Hopefully some owners might see this question and be able to help.
Hi. As @Rayco mentioned in the comments here, look into Dexos 1 Gen 2 oil. It's been developed for smaller capacity turbo engines. It helps prevent LSPI (low speed pre ignitoin) which can cause damage. If you check it out they also claim it reduces turbo deposits, oxidisation and improves fuel economy. Worth paying attention to. I've pinned your comment as well so hopefully you'll get some feedback from some owners. Hope you enjoy your new car 👍
@removebeforelaunch for someone like me who has only been driving Astra's since 2005, what car would you recommend to move away from Astra? Currently Astra J 1.6 Peteol going strong for me.
That's a tricky question to answer as so much depends on personal circumstances, budget, priorities and personal preference. If you just want the same but a different manufacturer then it's the usual suspects, Focus, Golf, etc. So the question is, what's important to you for your next car?
@RemoveBeforeLaunch so the thing I like about Astra hatchback is the way it's got nice space in the drivers seat aswell as behind the driver. The Astra always has that hidden punch, when needed it can go fast. The main thing I like is the infotainment and modern cockpit, speedometer etc. However I don't like the electric handbrakes , I don't know but I prefer to have a big lever to pull.
@@asaad786 I understand, I'd prefer the lever handbrake sometimes. The problem is, as the cars get newer and the specification higher, you're more likely to get an electric handbrake. The only thing I would say is you do get used to it. It sounds to me like you're happy with the Astra so it's going to be tricky to find an alternative with better spec. at the same price point. You do tend to get a lot of car for the money with an Astra. So, you could go for something German but you'll need to up the budget to get a similar spec.. From experience, a Focus I don't think will seem to dissimilar to what you've got, so it's more of the same. Perhaps looking at something from one of the manufacturers from the Far East, Kia, Honda etc. They do tend to load their cars up with more tech and spec. reliability can be pretty decent and the price point is usually reasonable. And then really you need to go and take a look to see if they offer you enough space. It's never easy trying to find the perfect car. And lastly, if you really like your Astra, you get a newer one. It might be 'another' Astra but if you really like them then you're probably going to like the newer version.
Man the opening music nearly made me deaf! And what do you remove before launch? 🤔 Sounds like a similar name to that other channel remove before race... Good review though
Yeah, sorry about that. Slight editing glitch! I like to wake people up at the beginning😳 it’s a reference to aircraft, remove before flight etc. There are slightly different long term ideas for the channel which will lend themselves a little better to the name. An Astra being launched doesn’t quite paint the same picture. And yep, another slight oversight with there being a rather popular channel with a similar name! I don’t think they have too much to worry about though😉 Thanks for the feedback👍
Really love driving this car. Drives really smooth but had a crush unfortunately just last week when . Its hard for me to get to work. A minor damage but the insurance had to write it off. I'm fuming 😤. #teamcarless
Sorry to hear that. Never great to have a crash, particularly when it’s a car you really like. I’m surprised how quick some insurance companies are to write cars off nowadays. Hope you find something equally as nice to replace it.
My understanding is, it's a timing chain and all being well, a low mileage car shouldn't need to have it changed for a long time. Varying reports suggest anything between 70,000 to 100,000 miles. Having said that, forums always carry horror stories, but then I don't know a car that doesn't have a forum full of disasters. I personally don't have any direct experience. I'll pin your comment up and hope somebody can give you some advice from their own actual experience.
Does anyone have the Vauxhall Astra 2018 (67 Reg) 1.6 CDTi Diesel reliability Does anyone have this model and engine, and if so how many miles per gallon are you achieving when on a motorway/highway and how reliable is the car with this engine. For my work, I'd be able to do enough mike's to let the DPF regenerate
Got about 35k miles on my 17 plate one got the 1.6 biturbo diesel in it its known to be a little more hungry on fuel to the 110 and 136hp 1.6l models I'd get about 65mpg on motorway driving normally I know one of the other 1.6 engine models gets high into the 70s but I stuck with the biturbo for the extra power and torque
@@Jason-uk9cx only just seen your comment. Interesting to hear about the bi-turbo. Wondered how much thirstier it would be. That’s still a pretty impressive MPG and worth it for the extra poke IMO.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch after trying them all the bi turbo is by far the best to sacrifice a couple mpg for the extra amount of poke you get along with the low end torque compared to the others its a easy choice plus on the 17 plate there is no ad blue so don't have to deal with that compared to the other models but iv got a overall mpg of 53 and I do a decent mix of motorway and town driving
Yep. Hopefully this will help with some of the longer term issues associated with the new smaller capacity engines. Although it does highlight the shortcomings of these smaller engines. Also, a lot of owners are not aware of these oils and the reason for using them.
Hi. I was loaned this car to test so I can't give an honest answer from an owners perspective. However, this wasn't a new car, it was several years old and had about 40,000 miles on the clock and I didn't notice any annoying squeaks or rattles. I was pretty impressed with how it was put together. I'll pin your comment and hopefully some Astra owners can add some feedback here.
Hi Les I've had an Astra SRI Nav 1.6cdti for nearly 4 years. Great motor to have. Only issue i had was the MOT failed due to excess play in the steering rack. I spoke to Vauxhall and they covered 60% of the cost due to it being a common issue. I discussed if it would be a recall issue but they were undecided but potentially might be. Other than that the car has been a dream really. Not an issue with it.
I've a 2018 1.4t Sri astra, been a good reliable car but had to get drivers seat replaced as creaked and squeaked when driving and then the pedal box needed replaced but when refitting the trim around the steering column they must not have done it right as had to take it back because there then was a slight rattle from the plastics that wasn't there before... All sorted under warranty and in reality the squeaks where more of a niggle than an issue
@@bubblehead46 yeah, I’m hearing more and more about this being a problem area. It seems a clean through only does so much before the warning light will come back on and a decent, long drive may clear it but only for so long. It does seem to be an annoying reoccurring issue for people.
The current models are now sharing engines but I’m not sure this one did. I stand to be corrected by somebody in the know but I can’t find anything saying the first diesels were shared.
Yeah in struggling on weather to get the 1.0t ecoflex or the 1.4t, 1.0 seems to be fast enough and is lighter and more economical but wondering if the extra power will make much difference
From experience, it depends on your driving style. Small capacity turbo engines look more economical on paper but in real world driving, it doesn't always translate. If you drive slow and steady everywhere it may work out better but if you like to put your foot down a little I would go for the larger capacity. A heavy right foot in a 1.0t may surprise you as to how uneconomical it is. I'd try to test out both options if you get the chance.
Yea to the steering wheel, obviously😉 I’m not entirely sure on the details, it was about the time Peugeot and Vauxhall were talking about sharing platforms but the PSA Group didn’t fully take ownership of Vauxhall until 2017 I think. The Astra was being designed and built by then so I’m not sure what did and didn’t come through from Peugeot on this model. Certainly the later facelift models switched engines etc. which I assume are shared across the whole group now. Somebody else may have a definitive answer on this?
Hi just looking to buy one
Today I saw a 1.6 cdti diesel and 1.4 turbo petrol elite, both is 2016 but petrol on is 1£ expensive, what is the best option? What engine is more reliable? I’m do about 70 miles a day motorway
Check out the forums to get an idea on reliability between the two. The diesel is pretty solid but you do get issues with the DPF. I’m not familiar enough with the petrol to advise. With that mileage the efficiency of the diesel might pay off. Depending on how you drive the petrol could return something in the mid 40’s to the gallon whereas the diesel should be mid 60’s. I tend to find smaller capacity petrols struggle to return decent figures if you drive them quite hard. Also do a comparison based on the cost at the pump and keep an eye on what the government might announce in the budget. It could impact one more than the other, who knows at the moment🤷🏻♂️ I would say however that generally people seem to be happy with whichever variant they go for so it probably comes down to general driving preference and runnings costs if you’re mileage is going to be higher. I’ll pin this up and see if anybody else has any feedback.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch I got a diesel I’m happy with the car so far
@@alberto.coutinho that’s great. Hope it goes well and you enjoy it 👍
This guy is replying to comments 5 months later, respect!
Thank you. If people are good enough to watch and comment then it’s the least I can try and do. I’m also genuinely interested in people’s thoughts and feedback and always happy to talk cars!
Just bought the exact same car. After testing some diesel Focus' and petrol 1.0 ecoboost ones, I drove the Astra 1.6 cdti sri and thought the difference was massive, cracking drive and a lot of car for your money, well recommended
That’s great. Interesting to hear your views in comparison to the Focus. I’m not a fan of really small capacity turbo engines but interesting that you tried the diesel Focus as well and still rated the Astra. Thanks for the feedback. I’ll pin it up, should be useful to others on here. 👍
Anyone who has the 2018 Astra... Let me know how it is, I'm thinking of getting the Diesel 1.6 CDTi 110 Horse power. What is this car like?
Hi im about to buy this car same yeat, how has it treated you??!
@@lefthooked5602 still very impressed with the overall experience, very well balanced car, you'll not regret it.
I ran a 1.6 CDTi to 30K miles with zero issues. Same 106bhp engine as this, hit almost 80mpg on a long motorway run, averaging high 50s the rest of the time. What I'd call a workhorse car than a desirable one - I would have another without question, I thought it was brilliant.
Thanks for the feedback. That’s a solid figure on the long run! And saw high 50’s myself over the time I was using it with mixed driving. It’s always interesting to how other peoples experience stacks up. You summed it up nicely, a really good workhorse👍
Came to say that i bought the 1.6T. So much car for the money! I slapped on 30 MM eibach lowering springs to make it firmer around corners, gloss black roof wrap and gloss black wing mirrors, some heko wind delectors. Last bit is 8.5J 18" Alloys in gunmetal. Amazing car!
Good to hear. Interesting that you lowered it, I found it a pretty tidy handling car any way, that would make it very interesting down the twisty B roads 👍
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch the car handled good but I felt spooked at how springy and comfortable it was as logically it is a family hatchback. But the difference in driving dynamics from that one small tweak and the stability from the lowering and stiffness is night and day. It almost feels as oem plus, the comfort is still there but now feels immensely sharper.
@@dukafit7981 interesting to hear how much it’s improved it.
Anyone who has this car... Let me know how it is, I'm thinking of getting the Diesel 1.6 CDTi 110 Horse power. What is this car like?
Bought an Astra K 2016 1.6 ecoflex sri nav in DeCember 2020 for £7100 . Brilliant value for money. I'm getting a real world mpg of 62mpg average with mixed city, b roads and motorway driving. The cruise control is superb and the other tech make for great value. This is a great car for the value right now with the sweet spot of not too much milage, no road tax and truly economical. I recommend it highly. Also the sport button makes it fun and better for sitting in low gears in city driving without changing gear to often.
They are a lot of car for the money and a really good all rounder.
Also have the same car, and just as you said, very economical, solid car.
@@ibrahimnalbant7635 The feedback from people who own them seems to be pretty positive across the board.
Anyone who has this car... Let me know how it is, I'm thinking of getting the Diesel 1.6 CDTi 110 Horse power. What is this car like?
Buy an Astra K in Elite Nav spec and you have the best hatchback on the market right now. Some of the standard equipment (heated rear seats) isn’t even available as optional extras with the Focus and Golf.
That is a lot of spec. for the money!
I'm leasing one of these at £165 per month (down from £190 because covid I guess). Since 2018. The pace of 200psi is brilliant, and the ride quality much better than my old Skoda Octavia VRS estate. I only got shut of that because the lease deal on Astra was a bargain and the ride of the Skoda was too harsh... I will probably buy this end of the year as the Covid mileage is so low - some real low mileage bargains out there this year.
I've got this one, with the 1.4 Petrol. While it is not necessarily a sports car, that 'Sri' touch gives the suspension a wonderful stiffness (well balanced, comfortable) that I just love, combined with the seats and 'good feedback' steering, is lovely to drive. Add to it the generous amount of standard equipment, you get a lot of car for your £££
Thanks for the feedback. All good points and like you say, the SRI spec does elevate it enough to make it a bit more fun and it does seem to be a good spec. choice. How do you find the economy on the 1.4 petrol? The decision between petrol and diesel is important to a lot of people, particularly at the moment.
@@Jason-uk9cx that’s not bad for a petrol but that diesel figure is epic! 👍
Anyone who has this car... Let me know how it is, I'm thinking of getting the Diesel 1.6 CDTi 110 Horse power. What is this car like?
@@taylorthrall7321 stay away from Diesel buddy. In no time you will regret it (or maybe not)
@@taylorthrall7321 I can’t pin this up as you put it as a reply. Post it as an original comment and I’ll pin it to the top and see if you can get any answers
First time back driving a Vauxhall in a long time! I was curious to see if they've moved things on. And at the price these second hand Vauxhall Astra's are selling for it seems like a bit of a bargain. But it's only a used car bargain if they're any good. So what did I think? Have a watch and let me know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
I've got a 2017 1.6t petrol sports tourer with nearly every extra apart from the rear camera - absolutely love it and got it for a bargain price at six months old. Those alloys really look nice.
@@andylove9961 nice, glad you’re loving it. Always liked the look and shape of the tourer 👍
2017 sports tourer 1.6T petrol, night and day between my last astra sports tourer, SRi trim too so that explains a lot!! (2015 1.6 petrol but no turbo, design trim). Mad being able to get up some of the steeper hills around here so much easier...
while its been superb so far, (paid a total of about £10K factoring in the trade in, about 28,000 miles too so still a lot of life left in it yet) only flaw is that i cant seem to get great MPG out of it, i think im floating between 30 - 32 MPG in the city im at! Its got a smaller tank than the last one too (48 litre vs. 56 litre i think) so it does feels like it drains pretty noticeably/rapidly. Plus point is mine's got the start/stop at least so im learning to get that on as frequently as i can get away with to help the car economy a little
Well worth it for the sport mode for me though tbh, makes it surprisingly fun and nippy even for a big estate! :)
I would probably recommend the 1.4T, one of the 125/150 horsepower ones if you're going petrol for all that, reckon that'd still give you a nice torquey engine but better fuel economy. Can't speak for the diesels but ive read they're way less of a pain with regard to the DPF and the like than some other diesels out there.
edit: to sum up id deffo say mine feels like a bargain, think from new some of the trims were £23k+ and now they're available used at less than 1/2 that sort of cost and without many miles on 'em either
Awesome feedback, thanks! I do like the tourer, good looking car. Interesting to hear about the MPG, not great although I'm finding this is an issue on a lot of turbo petrol engines. The MPG in real world driving doesn't always stack up well against manufacturers claims. Thanks for this, I'm sure people will appreciate feedback from an owner.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch ta for that! Yeah, i know looks will be something most people can judge for themselves but ive got the estate in white, looks sharp in the drive with the white trim etc. Its also kind of... more hatchbacky than estatey looking, haha - the previous one i had "looked" longer, deffo. I think its because theres less glass at the rear sections of the car on the sides, so makes it look a bit smaller/the curved bits of the roof section stick out more when looking at it side on
Edited to clarify a little at the end there
Hi, just purchased a 21 plate Griffin edition. Personally I find it great looking, dual colour, decent interior and it really shifts. Have had this car before but traded it in for a crossland x which I found underwhelming and not nice to look at! Really happy with my Astra. Oh, great video!
Nice! Good spec. choice. Interesting to hear you jumped into a Crossland and back again. Hope you have plenty of happy miles in it. And thanks for watching 👍
I traded in my 2008 1.4 polo tdi last year for a 2015 1.6 Astra j l am loving having the extra cylinder making it a lot smoother then the polo i am also getting more mpg I went on a 500 miles trip mostly motor way and managed 66mpg have six Gears helps the drives seat is also comfortable with having lumbar support I also like paying no road tax
Good to hear. It is a good cruiser, I found I could cover a lot of miles very comfortably in it. There is something very satisfying about not paying any road tax😉
Great review thanks for the video. I’ve been debating between a corsa or an Astra for my 2nd car and I’m leaning towards a 1.4 Turbo petrol Astra after watching this video
Thanks for the feedback and for watching. Appreciate it! I haven't driven a Corsa for a while so it might not be completely fair for me to compare. I think it mainly comes down to usage. One person or a family, local driving, long distances, load lugger etc. etc. For me the Corsa is a little too small for what I would want. The Astra strikes a pretty good balance between practicality and not being too big.
I would recommend them,I love mine.
@@beastyboyBlue That's good to hear
Astra a trusted grafter everyone who I know say it does the job
Yep, I think they’re often unfairly overlooked
The 136ps 1.6 is a pretty decent power output. And its a cdti not a tdi. Plus can manage 70 mpg on a long motorway run.
Max I get in my petrol is 42/3mpg on motorway. Combined 21mpg tested on full tank.
Purchased the 1.6 CDTi 134bhp in March 2023. 71k miles, for just over £8k (crazy how much prices have gone up).
Great car, 55-66mpg. I'm aware of the timing chain gamble but hey, it is what it is and I'm happy to take the risk. I would be perfectly happy to have the chain replaced, costing somewhere between £800 and £1600 I believe.😦 I will be keeping this car for many miles and years and I can't imagine finding a vehicle like this for the cost without its own bespoke issues.
At the time of my purchase this Astra was by far the best option for 8k-9k. I can understand the fear of reported faults so it's entirely up to the buyer I guess, but so far so good and only time will tell.
Thanks for the comment. Seems to be a common theme from owners, great value for money! And as you say, if you had to pay to get the chain sorted it would still be decent value. Keep us posted on how it fairs as a long termer.
I bought one 2 years ago, 17 plate 1.4 turbo petrol sri 150bhp, it only had 20000 on the clock, got most of the mod cons, So far it has been really nice to me fingers crossed!
Sounds like a nice spec. Good to hear you’re enjoying it. Hope it keeps serving you well🤞
Had the 200bhp model for 6yrs. Great torque. Will be sad to move it on
@@robertlees7528 can imagine the 200bhp version had some pretty decent performance 👍
Just bought one and will pick it up on Monday. The 1.6 CDTi with 110 bhp, from 2018, with about 110.000 km, Excite package.
Yeah, it's not an exciting car, but it's the best with such specs and in this price range (I paid 8k euros for it). Your other options are older cars, or other models with a far more worst reputation for reliability.
You do get a lot of car and specification for the money. Enjoy!
My dads Astra 1999 gear box is still factory , what are you saying bro? Opel diesels suck , electronics can suck but the car is solid . Manual gearbox is solid bro.
I agree, never had a gearbox issue on my old Vauxhalls, they were solid. They just weren't a great gear change mechanism from a 'driver feel' point of view. The Astra I was driving here felt really well put together. Had about 30,000 miles on the clock and everything felt really well screwed together.
My 2013 Astra 1.7tdi SRI had to have gearbox rebuild at 52000 miles ,Transmission specialist who did the job said he does a lot of Vauxhalls bearings rotate in casing . Cost £1500.
Where the astra beats the Focus is comfort. Great car.
I've just brought a 1.4 turbo sri petrol one and it's really nice
Nice choice! How do you find the engine? Be interesting to get your thoughts on it, it will help others make a decision on the best engine for them.
Thinking about getting a 1.0T 2016, going for around £6500 right now , anyone had experience with that model? Can’t imagine it would be much different to this one.
From my experience just be a little careful on the economy claims of the 1.0T. This can vary quite a bit dependent on your driving style. If you have a heavy right foot you'll be well short of the MPG. Small capacity turbos tend to be good if you take it easy. If you press on, the MPG will usually fall off dramatically in comparison to the diesel. A car regularly full or passengers can also have the same impact so if it's going to be the family car, that's also worth keeping in mind. Other than the different characteristics of a petrol compared to a diesel, the fundamentals should all be the same. I'll pin this up. Hopefully somebody with some long term experience with a 1.0T can advise
This was a long time ago so I doubt it’s possible but worth an ask - I’m a recently passed driver who has this car, but I struggle with parking it. I learned in a Ford fiesta, and used to park perfectly every time without fail. Just can’t seem to do it in this one. I would love any sort of video tutorial on it as I feel like its turning circle is bigger than what I’m used to; and I’m constantly worrying about the size of the car!
Tricky, I don't have a vid I can point you towards and it's not something I can put together as I don't have the car. To be honest, I think it could be more about driving a different car and being a new driver. I takes time to get used to a new car, particularly if you only recently passed. Like anything, it takes time to develop your skillset and I always recommend people treat driving in the same way as any new skill. You passed your test, now is the time to properly learn and develop. Particularly with state of some peoples driving. it's not easy on the roads for a new driver nowadays. Now, all that being said, the Astra is a bigger car and if it has the larger wheels the turning circle could be a little worse. Fiesta's are a popular car for learning because of their size and easy manoeuvring, so don't panic! You just need to get used to the Astra and having nobody by your side to guide you. Now this will sound really boring. My recommendation, take yourself to an empty car park, on your own so nobody can give you any grief and practise for a while. I know it sounds obvious but so many people never bother to practice parking. Give yourself a few scenarios and practise. Honestly, you'll be a parking hero in no time!
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch I did exactly this (empty car park), and it helped :) I also talked with my instructor about it, who reminded me that I’ve always been too fast with steering - made more apparent by usually ending up too far away from where I intended to park, despite the reference points being accurate. So she’s suggested either slower steering turns, or putting less steering on. An example for parallel parking; instead of 1 turn left, 2 turns right - I’ve been advised to do 1 turn left, 1.5 turns right.
I have yet to try it. :)
@@emilymoon6348 I was given some weird instructions as to how to parallel park, certain points to line up on in the mirrors etc. it went out of the window the minute I passed and got into a different car as nothing lined up the same way anymore! Sounds like you could be over doing it on the steering. However once you’re used to the car you’ll naturally understand the turning circle and with relaxed inputs and a slow/steady manoeuvre you should be able to make minor adjustments as you move. Sometimes, with a tight spot you back it up but it won’t be perfect, then pull it forward with some opposite lock and reverse again, this time at a shallower but more manageable angle. It doesn’t have to be one continuous perfect manoeuvre. As for the parallel parking, I personally don’t count the number of turns. And that number will be slightly different for every car. Again I think you need a little more time to get used to the Astra then everything else will become easier. IMO counting turns of the wheel means you’re overthinking it and not really getting a natural feel for the car. Get out and practise both for a few weeks. I honestly think that will pay dividends. Counting steering inputs is not the best way. It’s only my opinion obviously so you’ve got to go with works best for you. Good luck! And enjoy your new found freedom 😉
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch I like your view on it! This morning’s parking was horrendous, I was overthinking the size of the car and when to turn etc in a busy car park. I asked a stranger who was happy to help, to guide me in. The other times I parked today, I winged it because I’d had a long day and was kind of over it. Didn’t count the turns, used the mirror to guide me in, went reasonably quick, made the tiny adjustments - and didn’t have to correct it. (Reverse parking on the right against a high wall just outside of a turning circle - our street is too outdated and narrow, the spot where I park is both expected and accepted).
Overthinking seems to be my worst enemy. Especially when it comes to parking next to other cars & the size of my car. But it is getting easier! :)
@@emilymoon6348give it time, keep practicing, and keep being thoughtful about yours and other peoples cars and you’ll get there. And most importantly, don’t panic! 😉
Interested which competitior is better? As far as hatchbacks go it's as good as and more down to preference or badge favour.
Agreed, it is mostly down to personal preference. You could argue for and against most cars in this bracket. I think the value of the Astra takes some beating
I have a white Sri Turbo 1.4 150,I love how responsive it is ,looks nice and drives well
Good to hear you're enjoying it
I'm thinking about buying one of these at the weekend, any engine issues at all?
@@veerloren had for 14 months with no issues 17 plate
Hi Remove Before Launch, In January 2021 I took delivery of my new Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer SRI Nav 1.4 petrol 145 bhp auto, this car has the later 3 cylinder engine and may I suggest that if you get the chance to drive one then you should do so, I'm not sure about the 1.2 3 cylinder engine but, this 1.4 engine is actually very good and being an ex biker from the late 60's and 70's ( British classic bikes ) this engine sounds great when accelerating just like the classic bikes did and when cruising is very quiet. Being the SRI it is very well equipped, has very good steering and handles well and, on this later model the suspension has been slightly softened and is very comfortable. Before buying this car I had a 2019 Vauxhall Elite Nav 1.4 petrol auto with a 4 cylinder engine, but this later 3 cylinder engine has more pulling power and is much more economical, last June ( 2021 ) I did a round trip of 240 miles which included 120 miles of motorways and 120 miles of country roads and I averaged 56 miles to the gallon and that was with the air con on as it was a very hot day. All in all a very good car and great value for the money. I look forward to hearing your comments about this.
Big fan of Sports Tourers. I really like the look of cars in that format. It’s great to hear a comparison from somebody that’s had both engine types. I’ve always been a little sceptical about smaller engine capacities so it’s very interesting to get your feedback on it. Sounds like a cracking engine and that’s some solid mpg for a petrol engine! I’m going to have to try to get my hands on one somehow. It would be good to do a comparison. Also interesting to hear that it has a good engine note, which is rare nowadays. Something interesting about the sound from an engine with an uneven number of cylinders. A bit like the 5 cylinders in the Audis. Thanks for your comment. I’ll pin it up. Could be really helpful for others looking for a comparison between the engine types.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch Thank you for your reply. My car is the last of the 1.4 petrol 3 cylinder engines as Vauxhall have discontinued that engine ( something to do with emissions apparently ) and now mainly using the 1.2 petrol 3 cylinder engines, personally I would not have a 1.2 engine as I feel that is to small and having watched videos of the Astra with the 1.2 engine being road tested they are very noisy.
Great review ! I’m looking for a 1.6 diesel 2016 astra as my first car would you say I get a 1.5 diesel focus 2015 instead ?
Thank you. Tricky. So, for a first car and if you've only just started driving, I always recommend buying something cheap and get something better for your second car. Make all your mistakes in the cheap car. Now I've got my 'Dad speech' out of the way I'll try to answer your actual question! I would say it mainly comes down to preference. People will argue for and against both cars. I find the Focus holds it's money a little better which means you'll probably get something a bit older with a few more miles on the clock but then it will probably retain a little more when it comes to selling. There's a good chance the Astra will have a higher spec. and be a bit newer for the same money. Dynamically the Focus always tended to be better but the latest Astra has definitely moved things on a lot. I honestly don't think there is that much between them. I'd definitely consider insurance and running costs. If one is significantly cheaper than the other I would let that be a factor in your decision making process. If not, then I would just go for which one you prefer the look and feel of. Try and take both for a test drive if you can, you'll often find one just feels more right to you than the other. If you're going to spend a significant amount of your hard earned cash then at least try to spend it on the one you're happiest about owning. And, take your time finding the best one you can for your money. Don't rush to jump in the first one you come across, there are plenty to choose from, it's a buyers market! Hope that helps and sorry it's not a definite answer but I find when you've got two cars to choose from that a very similar it ultimately boils down to personal preference.
I have 2016 1l ecoflex Sri, include nav,soft and sharp,auto start,and more,city driving 36.5 mpg motorway around 55 -56 mpg
Thanks for the feedback, interesting to hear how the 1tr is in comparison. Nice spec. and that’s a pretty good return on the mpg 👍
Hi im about to buy this car same yeat, how has it treated you??!
@@lefthooked5602 as I driving since 2020,so far letting me down on roundabouts, I know it's not a 6.3 v8 biturbo G-wagen, but, as vauxhall and 999cm3 with turbo, really does amazing start, not bad for far distance, as drove to Belgium
Driving dynamics are mostly irrelevant if you don’t live on a circuit. I’d rather have compliance for driving in the Uk than feedback and engagement (not very useful driving to work really). Anyway nice review and good car!
Thank you👍 Agreed, compliance is key, particularly with the state of UK roads. I think it all comes down to personal usage and preference. I do like a spirited drive on the right roads and if you only have one car then to have compliance and handling is ideal. Some manufacturers manage to offer both. I think the Astra offered a pretty decent balance.
BE CAREFUL DONT BUY THE ASTRA 2016 onwards. Poor engine design which causing them to have weak pistons that can go at any point. Costing thousands to replace. Not sure if they’ve fixed this but my 66 plate 1.4 turbo elite has this issue now. They should have recalled all cars and replaced these with the stronger pistons they now have. Mines been fully serviced every 6 months and done less than 28k miles. I bought it used 9 months ago and because it’s 4 years old it’s out of manufacturers warranty. I’m stuck on what to do to be honest. Just thought I’d warn you all so you don’t get fucked over like me. Still waiting for Vauxhall to come back to me but not holding out any hope they will take responsibility.
That’s not good to hear! Is that across the board or just petrol do you know? It’s not something I’ve heard of but I’m not a long term owner so haven’t researched reliability in any significant depth. Be interested to hear if anybody else is having the same issue?!
Hi, thanks for the heads up, I'm thinking about getting a 1.4i automatic and am now having 2nd thoughts?
@@peb17 I’m bit too sure about the automatic model unfortunately. Finally have my car back and Vauxhall agreed to pay more then half of the cost. To me shows some guilt on the whole situation. Od just be careful and make sure you get one with warranty left on it.
Thinking of the Elite NAV 1.6T petrol as my second car, hot hatch performance, all the creature comforts leathers, big nav screan and heated seats. Decent overall styling and nice balanced size? For 9k less than 20k miles for an 18 plate. Bruh shut up and take my money haha.
Hahaha, they're hard resist. That is a lot of car for the money. I don't have experience with the Petrol engine but Scott's comment, that I've pinned to the top here, says it's pretty nippy. I really do think they tick a lot of boxes and are often, unfairly overlooked. I don't like to commit peoples money for them but I don't think you could go too far wrong with that.
As I commented above I have one of these as you describe above, it's a bargain on these low milers. Only negative is low mpg (30's) but I drive it a bit keenly. Also I am on my second touch screen replacement since new - common warranty claim.
Hi i just got a 2019(18 plate) VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.6 TECH LINE NAV CDTI ECOTEC S/S 5d 109 BHP 64,300 miles full service history etc drives well but can you tell me if these are reliable cars and are the engines good?
I’ll pin this up and see if anybody with more experience has any answers. I know the owner of the one used in this video and overall it’s been pretty solid. Accept for the EGR valve which has been changed and seems to need a regular clear out. That’s a re-occurring issue which is frustrating. They’re not the only ones from what I’ve heard. The rest of the engine has been solid so far though. They coming up to about 70,000 miles. Let’s see if anybody else can give you some feedback
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch thank you so much
I actually purchased my Astra J 2011 in September 2011 brand new. Over the years it's had a few issues like, cd player gets cd stuck, this actually happened within the 1st month of getting the car and it was replaced for free (used usb since). With scheduled maintenance and normal driving i can tell you the car has been very much reliable. Currently I have just clocked 91K miles and that's with motorway driving mostly. Now I don't have the latest car like in the video or your model, but looking at my example I would say that yours would be reliable, dependent on your driving and maintenance.
The other issues I have had was the heating burnt out, and the window washer bottle perished due to some other issue with the washer system. Apart from this I can't thank my astra enough for putting up with me 😂
Dire headlights on this car - it may as well have candles for bulbs. Mine does 21mpg but is 1.4 150bhp automatic. Nice drive but juicy.
I never got to really drive it in the dark so didn’t get to experience the headlights ability. Doesn’t sound great! That is juicy. This is one of my major gripes about small capacity engines. Ticks all the right boxes on paper but doesn’t always translate into good, real world stats! Thanks for the feedback.
This is the 2nd 1.4T petrol 150 bhp SRI. Great car, handling, mpg. Good car second hand for the money. But the headlights are shocking. The biggest letdown. Such a shame.
Agree with the headlights. It's a wonder they are legal. Such a shame as I think it's one of the most underrated cars around.
How common are piston problems on this car? Good review!
Thanks for watching and the feedback. My understanding is there were problems on some of the early petrol engines. I haven't read about piston issues on the diesels. Forums mainly seem to be focused on the 1.4T engine. I've heard a big cause was down to the oil used but don't quote me on this. Definitely something to be aware of and check on an earlier petrol car. As for how common this is, I'm not to sure, I can't find a definitive figure.
OK thanks
Just seen your videos for the first time. I too do videos for youtube using the rode wireless go, all my cars have been vauxhalls, zafira, vectra,astras,corsa etc love them always decent depending on how its been looked after. I am looking and getting a new car to replace my 2014 astra j 1.6 petrol in the new year which i cant wait for. Like the content will be following 😁
Good to hear. Rode Wireless is a great bit of kit although I still haven't mastered where to put it yet. Too close, too far, too loud, too quiet!!! I've always been a bit of a Vauxhall fan. I think they get unfairly slated a lot of the time. What's next on the list? Thanks for the sub. I'll be following.
Petrol Orr Diesel? Which will be the best?
Thanks for the message. That's a tricky one. I can't comment directly on how the petrol versions drive as I've only driven the diesel. In part I think it comes down to personal preference and usage. If you're doing a lot of miles then a diesel usually makes financial sense. I also find small capacity turbo petrols can be thirsty if driven quite hard. The diesel with its better torque curve usually makes a good case for general, every day driving. Whereas petrol engines can be a bit more engaging if you're looking for a bit of fun. I think it really comes down to how you're going to use it. Sorry I can't give a definitive answer but I haven't driven a petrol version so it would be wrong of me to say which one is better. Hopefully some owners might see this question and be able to help.
Thank you 🙏.
Hey guys, Ive just bought a second-hand 2018 1.4L Petrol Turbo model. Any tips you can give would be great 👍
Hi. As @Rayco mentioned in the comments here, look into Dexos 1 Gen 2 oil. It's been developed for smaller capacity turbo engines. It helps prevent LSPI (low speed pre ignitoin) which can cause damage. If you check it out they also claim it reduces turbo deposits, oxidisation and improves fuel economy. Worth paying attention to. I've pinned your comment as well so hopefully you'll get some feedback from some owners. Hope you enjoy your new car 👍
@Remove Before Launch Thank you for pinning the comment. I appreciate it.
Will get some of the oil and use it. Hopefully, once I get the car.
@removebeforelaunch for someone like me who has only been driving Astra's since 2005, what car would you recommend to move away from Astra? Currently Astra J 1.6 Peteol going strong for me.
That's a tricky question to answer as so much depends on personal circumstances, budget, priorities and personal preference. If you just want the same but a different manufacturer then it's the usual suspects, Focus, Golf, etc. So the question is, what's important to you for your next car?
@RemoveBeforeLaunch so the thing I like about Astra hatchback is the way it's got nice space in the drivers seat aswell as behind the driver. The Astra always has that hidden punch, when needed it can go fast. The main thing I like is the infotainment and modern cockpit, speedometer etc. However I don't like the electric handbrakes , I don't know but I prefer to have a big lever to pull.
@@asaad786 I understand, I'd prefer the lever handbrake sometimes. The problem is, as the cars get newer and the specification higher, you're more likely to get an electric handbrake. The only thing I would say is you do get used to it. It sounds to me like you're happy with the Astra so it's going to be tricky to find an alternative with better spec. at the same price point. You do tend to get a lot of car for the money with an Astra. So, you could go for something German but you'll need to up the budget to get a similar spec.. From experience, a Focus I don't think will seem to dissimilar to what you've got, so it's more of the same. Perhaps looking at something from one of the manufacturers from the Far East, Kia, Honda etc. They do tend to load their cars up with more tech and spec. reliability can be pretty decent and the price point is usually reasonable. And then really you need to go and take a look to see if they offer you enough space. It's never easy trying to find the perfect car. And lastly, if you really like your Astra, you get a newer one. It might be 'another' Astra but if you really like them then you're probably going to like the newer version.
Man the opening music nearly made me deaf! And what do you remove before launch? 🤔 Sounds like a similar name to that other channel remove before race... Good review though
Yeah, sorry about that. Slight editing glitch! I like to wake people up at the beginning😳 it’s a reference to aircraft, remove before flight etc. There are slightly different long term ideas for the channel which will lend themselves a little better to the name. An Astra being launched doesn’t quite paint the same picture. And yep, another slight oversight with there being a rather popular channel with a similar name! I don’t think they have too much to worry about though😉 Thanks for the feedback👍
Really love driving this car. Drives really smooth but had a crush unfortunately just last week when . Its hard for me to get to work. A minor damage but the insurance had to write it off. I'm fuming 😤. #teamcarless
Sorry to hear that. Never great to have a crash, particularly when it’s a car you really like. I’m surprised how quick some insurance companies are to write cars off nowadays. Hope you find something equally as nice to replace it.
Much better than A3 and golf. Not from a tainted brand. But is it as good as the new focus?
Would be an interesting comparison. I haven’t had a chance to try to latest Focus yet.
wifi sadly is not available anymore on this astra models due to onstar services being cancelled
Interesting. I wonder why they did that. Does the dawn of 5G make car wifi redundant🤔
Countries sorry about the misspelled word
Looking to buy one of these does anyone have any info regarding timing belt or chain issues I’m looking to buy a low mileage vehicle
My understanding is, it's a timing chain and all being well, a low mileage car shouldn't need to have it changed for a long time. Varying reports suggest anything between 70,000 to 100,000 miles. Having said that, forums always carry horror stories, but then I don't know a car that doesn't have a forum full of disasters. I personally don't have any direct experience. I'll pin your comment up and hope somebody can give you some advice from their own actual experience.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch thanks for your reply much appreciated
Does anyone have the Vauxhall Astra 2018 (67 Reg) 1.6 CDTi Diesel reliability
Does anyone have this model and engine, and if so how many miles per gallon are you achieving when on a motorway/highway and how reliable is the car with this engine.
For my work, I'd be able to do enough mike's to let the DPF regenerate
Got about 35k miles on my 17 plate one got the 1.6 biturbo diesel in it its known to be a little more hungry on fuel to the 110 and 136hp 1.6l models I'd get about 65mpg on motorway driving normally I know one of the other 1.6 engine models gets high into the 70s but I stuck with the biturbo for the extra power and torque
@@Jason-uk9cx only just seen your comment. Interesting to hear about the bi-turbo. Wondered how much thirstier it would be. That’s still a pretty impressive MPG and worth it for the extra poke IMO.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch after trying them all the bi turbo is by far the best to sacrifice a couple mpg for the extra amount of poke you get along with the low end torque compared to the others its a easy choice plus on the 17 plate there is no ad blue so don't have to deal with that compared to the other models but iv got a overall mpg of 53 and I do a decent mix of motorway and town driving
@@Jason-uk9cx makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the feedback.
So helpful, thanks!!
You’re welcome
Dont forget oil dexo1 2gen
Yep. Hopefully this will help with some of the longer term issues associated with the new smaller capacity engines. Although it does highlight the shortcomings of these smaller engines. Also, a lot of owners are not aware of these oils and the reason for using them.
Hello, is the steering electrical?
yes, it's an electric system
hi interested in the astra there have been reports of lots of rattles have you had any problems
Hi. I was loaned this car to test so I can't give an honest answer from an owners perspective. However, this wasn't a new car, it was several years old and had about 40,000 miles on the clock and I didn't notice any annoying squeaks or rattles. I was pretty impressed with how it was put together. I'll pin your comment and hopefully some Astra owners can add some feedback here.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch ok thanks
Hi Les
I've had an Astra SRI Nav 1.6cdti for nearly 4 years. Great motor to have. Only issue i had was the MOT failed due to excess play in the steering rack. I spoke to Vauxhall and they covered 60% of the cost due to it being a common issue. I discussed if it would be a recall issue but they were undecided but potentially might be.
Other than that the car has been a dream really. Not an issue with it.
@@randomj6188 hi thanks for the info
I've a 2018 1.4t Sri astra, been a good reliable car but had to get drivers seat replaced as creaked and squeaked when driving and then the pedal box needed replaced but when refitting the trim around the steering column they must not have done it right as had to take it back because there then was a slight rattle from the plastics that wasn't there before... All sorted under warranty and in reality the squeaks where more of a niggle than an issue
Get rid of the DPF, then the engine would be good
@@bubblehead46 yeah, I’m hearing more and more about this being a problem area. It seems a clean through only does so much before the warning light will come back on and a decent, long drive may clear it but only for so long. It does seem to be an annoying reoccurring issue for people.
since it's made by Peugeot, is this 1.6 diesel the same as the legendary HDI ?
The current models are now sharing engines but I’m not sure this one did. I stand to be corrected by somebody in the know but I can’t find anything saying the first diesels were shared.
The original Ks are not Peugeot engines. Only the newer ones are, I believe 2019 onwards?
@@Leethemetalwarrior that’s what I seemed to find we had look for info.
That loud music in the intro - change it!
Noted for the future Joey. Too late to change it on this one though.
Noise diesel. What a surprise. Buy a petrol, they are far more fun to drive and don't destroy our lungs.
Yeah in struggling on weather to get the 1.0t ecoflex or the 1.4t, 1.0 seems to be fast enough and is lighter and more economical but wondering if the extra power will make much difference
From experience, it depends on your driving style. Small capacity turbo engines look more economical on paper but in real world driving, it doesn't always translate. If you drive slow and steady everywhere it may work out better but if you like to put your foot down a little I would go for the larger capacity. A heavy right foot in a 1.0t may surprise you as to how uneconomical it is. I'd try to test out both options if you get the chance.
The estates are great
It’s a good looking estate as well 👍
Those older Astra cars are not as powerful with the latest technology as the 2019 models.
Good to know👍
could we say this is a Peugeot with the steering wheel in the right place?
Yea to the steering wheel, obviously😉 I’m not entirely sure on the details, it was about the time Peugeot and Vauxhall were talking about sharing platforms but the PSA Group didn’t fully take ownership of Vauxhall until 2017 I think. The Astra was being designed and built by then so I’m not sure what did and didn’t come through from Peugeot on this model. Certainly the later facelift models switched engines etc. which I assume are shared across the whole group now. Somebody else may have a definitive answer on this?