Had mine for 5 years. When I look at all the other cars in the car park at work, this is still one of the best looking that still turns heads today. Nothing else out that could replace it in my eyes
It was a great car and I loved every minute of owning it, the new car offer was just too good to pass up. I always regret not doing more videos with it though
you still got it? how you finding it? im weighing up buying one, can get one for around 10 grand now - either one of these or an audi s1, focus st or megane rs.
Hi Paul, awesome video! I'm also an Astra VXR owner, a 2017 (67) in White w/ Aero Pack. I've had it for over 2 years now and it's been brilliant. All points you made we're so accurate and what a car it is! Yes it's not cheap to run, goes through front tyres like crazy and mine also had the Air Con fail (all fixed under warranty thankfully) but what a fun bit of kit!
Thanks mate appreciate it, I loved every minute of owning it apart from the aircon problem during a heat wave lol I’m at the point at the minute were I’m unsure if I miss owning it
Hi Paul. I've watched the video last night, watch a run of VXR videos lately. Yours was first class, you did a great job of filming the Pier Head area, and the footage and comments of your time with the car was excellent, so well narrated. I have a 1.4 Turbo Astra Limited Edition, not in the same league as a VXR but an excellent car as a daily driver, hope the new one is as good. Thanks.
Vxr is a drivers car it’s not to flashy it’s not loaded with tech and dsg but they are still highly tuneable even a date 1 for the every day driver sounds great and doesn’t break the bank I’ll always like the older vxrs❤
I’ve got a 15 plate one, I love it to bits but what I will say is the turbo lag is annoying! So thinking of a stage 1 map just to give it that low down kick bit more, but once it’s going it’s gone lol, petrol price is just something else! Can put £20 a day no problem just doing short journeys!
Hi Paul, hope ye well. Just to let you know I've traded in my Astra MY2017 VXR for a Jag F Type R in black with carbon pack. I miss the Astra for it's feel on the road and the AFL's. They were that good. I noticed the difference right away driving the Jag in the dark. The Jag is heavier, have not got the confidence in it as yet, but I trade everything for the power and the noise, it's mentally quick also! But I do miss my Astra, liked it a lot that's why I kept it for 5 years!!!
Must be just me but I can't seem to spot the difference in the face-lift between your 2018 and my 2013. Also my AC stopped working too, plus my heated seats sometimes have a mind of their own. Still love it to bits especially because of the rarity of this particular VXR.
Hi Paul, thanks for another great and intelligent video, I love your honest and unbiased option particularly as I am looking at getting one of these or an ST3 right now. It's such a close call but I think the looks of the car are just stunning. There's so much mixed opinion on these and even after driving both cars I still can't make my mind up! You're a top man and will continue to look out for your videos. all the best mate.
I'm glad you enjoyed your time with the VXR. It's always sad to say goodbye to a car when it's been a good one. I'm still like my VXR very much and intend to keep it for a while yet. I've seen the video of your new car, very nice, I'm sure it will be a fun car to own.
Has yours been reliable? I'm looking at getting one soon. Never had a vauxhall but I like these. I'd be looking at a 14 or 15 plate with under 50k on it. Want it as both a daily and for weekends. Would be getting rid of my corsa daily and bmw weekender for it.
Mine has been reliable in the 2 years I've owned it. I did have an issue where the engine management light came on and I had a noticable reduction in power. The issue was fixed at a Vauxhall dealer, it was something to do with the variable valve timing. The part cost about £80 and I think I was only charged about 1 hour labour. Mine is a 63 plate and has done 21000 miles, it's generally only used at weekends.
Hi Paul,what a awesome video,shame to see this VXR go,I've had mine four years this year and what I miss about my next car would be the CD player,it may be out of date but that's me.
Hi Paul, good to see ya, but sorry to say the J is going, I've toyed with getting something else myself but I think it still looks good. Mine as said is a carbon flash MY2017 fully loaded. The engine & gearbox have had upgrades. I have just fitted the 4H-TECH short shifter and it feels what it should have been from the get go. Car is just out of warranty so I'm about to have some fun with upgrades etc. You're right about the tyres, I'm just about done on my second fronts, but when new stick to around 50 mph for first few hundred miles (it is hard) to allow tyres to bed in, but I really don't care. I've not had a peep out of mine, been fine. The only issue that annoys the beejeezus out of me is the air pressure sensors, I want to turn them off! I believe Merc drivers have the same issue especially as colder mornings are approaching. Look forward to see what you get, I was looking at an F-Type 280 S but I just didn't feel right in it and the J sat next to one looked more inviting lol. Cheers bud.
Hey Chris nice to see you back in the comment section, I’ve been back and forth about cancelling the new car and keeping the Astra but for the deal I got it’s time to move on and let someone else enjoy the VXR. Nice to see you still enjoying yours
@@PaulRankinYT I am enjoying it bud, there are quicker cars and as you said, these are quite rare where I am, is that a good thing or bad? Still, it seems a little exclusive though lol Good luck with your next choice bud.
Thanks Chris appreciate it mate, 3 VXR’s over a few years it’s just time for me to save some money and try something new, I may return to one in a few years
I have a Corsa VXR, it’s my first car! I love it to bits, I know a lot of people hate on them but fuck the haters! I might get one of these next 👀 once I build up some no claims and bring my insurance down! I date this motor and other VXR’s
I own the Astra GTC Sri turbo, the best car I have ever owned. I was going to get the VXR in a few years but I have just seen a video of the Tesla Model X... DAMN! haha
Paul do you regret selling the astra? im weighing up buying one - theyre about 10 grand for one now, weighing up either an astra vxr, audi s1, focus st, megane rs OR as a mad choice and a lot cheaper a kia pro ceed gt!
You know what mate, I hated the drive to the dealership knowing it was going, I loved every second of ownership, had no issues at all apart from the fact it loved tyres. Do I regret it though………. I’d say no tbh but only because I jumped into an ST Edition
Old school performance car.....circa 2011/12. So.....compare it with its peers m'lad. And it kicked arse in all respects, 9 way adjustable Recaro seats (certified by the German Orthopedic Soc), dual climate control, most powerfull 4 cyl engine, mechanical LSD and hydraulic power steering, Watt's link rear suspension, Bi-Xenon adaptive forward lighting, 7 speaker Infinity sound system with subwoofer in the boot, advanced front HyperStruts suspension setup, Brembo brakes (355×32 mm cross drilled discs, 4 piston calipers) on 20 inch diamond cut alloys. 245/35. Same nm as its generation v8 M3, i.e. 400 quoted. My stock 2013 OPC delivered 212 kw and 438 nm on a propperly calibrated Dyno. Three way adjustable ZF Sachs gaz-filled dampers, ABS and ESP. So what if it does not have Apple connectivety? 🤷♂️ Take it up a twisty mountain pass then you will discover its reason for existing (and earn respect from the bulk of later day performance cars in much mucb higher price brackets).
Hi there.iv. Got a 2016 Astra j. Vxr had it two years then the engine blew a con rod at 27.000 mile on clock.wtf.lucky I had gold warranty on the car so I managed to get a brand new engine fitted bye Vauxhall not a recon engine.me to don't know if I should keep it or get shut.all the best pal
I don’t disagree just think when they done the little facelift they could of updated the system inside to allow for Apple CarPlay etc rather than keeping the same system from 2012
@@PaulRankinYT I still think your crazy saying good bye to it mate Iv had many different cars from Renault to Audi but had 3 Vauxhall’s and all 3 have been Mechanically awesome and tbh the price to get them fixed if something was to go wrong isn’t that bad compared to say an Audi s3 then Audi are gonna chop your hands off 😂 but Iv got a 14 plate gtc vxr and could never push myself to get rid of it 😂
@@Iil_Rocco my only issue and it’s my issue is a like shiny new toys, I never keep a car longer than 2/3 years max. The VXR was superb but it was costing me a fortune on the monthly payments, if the monthly payments were significantly lower than I probably would of kept it a little while longer
Personal opinion, but even though this model is what 8/9 years old, my opinion is it's one of the very best if not the best looking hot hatch on the road, I love mine!
Who saw that coming?
any ideas of whats going to replace the Astra, drop them here
I already know don’t I... can I say it here?
You probably do........... Ermmmmm ermmmm ermmmm message me your guess first lol
I reckon you bought a Focus ST in white 😁.
That’s 2 guesses up to now, I wonder who’s going to be right
@@PaulRankinYT Chevrolet Camaro
Had mine for 5 years. When I look at all the other cars in the car park at work, this is still one of the best looking that still turns heads today. Nothing else out that could replace it in my eyes
It was a great car and I loved every minute of owning it, the new car offer was just too good to pass up.
I always regret not doing more videos with it though
you still got it? how you finding it? im weighing up buying one, can get one for around 10 grand now - either one of these or an audi s1, focus st or megane rs.
@@s1dew1nd3r4 Yes I still have it. Still love it. Don't do to many miles so it's still mint with low miles.
Any major issues or problems in 5 years?
@ricardoferreira2038 I've had no issues with mine at all. 43k on the clock. Still a wonderful car.
Hi Paul, awesome video! I'm also an Astra VXR owner, a 2017 (67) in White w/ Aero Pack. I've had it for over 2 years now and it's been brilliant. All points you made we're so accurate and what a car it is! Yes it's not cheap to run, goes through front tyres like crazy and mine also had the Air Con fail (all fixed under warranty thankfully) but what a fun bit of kit!
Thanks mate appreciate it, I loved every minute of owning it apart from the aircon problem during a heat wave lol
I’m at the point at the minute were I’m unsure if I miss owning it
Discontinued 2015.....
It didn’t the one I had was a 2018, it stopped production in 2019
Hi Paul. I've watched the video last night, watch a run of VXR videos lately. Yours was first class, you did a great job of filming the Pier Head area, and the footage and comments of your time with the car was excellent, so well narrated. I have a 1.4 Turbo Astra Limited Edition, not in the same league as a VXR but an excellent car as a daily driver, hope the new one is as good. Thanks.
Vxr is a drivers car it’s not to flashy it’s not loaded with tech and dsg but they are still highly tuneable even a date 1 for the every day driver sounds great and doesn’t break the bank I’ll always like the older vxrs❤
I’ve got a 15 plate one, I love it to bits but what I will say is the turbo lag is annoying! So thinking of a stage 1 map just to give it that low down kick bit more, but once it’s going it’s gone lol, petrol price is just something else! Can put £20 a day no problem just doing short journeys!
I miss mine was such a good car, yeah petrol is an absolute nightmare at the min for these cars
@@PaulRankinYT I am eyeing a GTC 1.4T petrol why is it a nightmare? Like to know please.
@@PabitraPadhyFuel Prices im guessing
Hi Paul, hope ye well. Just to let you know I've traded in my Astra MY2017 VXR for a Jag F Type R in black with carbon pack. I miss the Astra for it's feel on the road and the AFL's. They were that good. I noticed the difference right away driving the Jag in the dark. The Jag is heavier, have not got the confidence in it as yet, but I trade everything for the power and the noise, it's mentally quick also! But I do miss my Astra, liked it a lot that's why I kept it for 5 years!!!
Wow an F-Type, I will read your email first thing in the morning. I bet it’s absolutely mega, congrats mate
Hi Paul, good to see you're doing well. Thanks for another great video
Greetings from Skelmersdale
Thanks Mark appreciate it mate
Must be just me but I can't seem to spot the difference in the face-lift between your 2018 and my 2013. Also my AC stopped working too, plus my heated seats sometimes have a mind of their own. Still love it to bits especially because of the rarity of this particular VXR.
Mainly the grill mate and loss of some bits, I still love mine but the offer was too good to pass up right now
Air con pump gone ? 600 squid genuine
Hi Paul, thanks for another great and intelligent video, I love your honest and unbiased option particularly as I am looking at getting one of these or an ST3 right now. It's such a close call but I think the looks of the car are just stunning. There's so much mixed opinion on these and even after driving both cars I still can't make my mind up! You're a top man and will continue to look out for your videos. all the best mate.
Currently have a 2007 astra as my first car. Planning on getting one later in future when they decrease in price.
won't be far off now I don't think as it took a while for the dealership to sell mine and had to lower the price a few times
I'm glad you enjoyed your time with the VXR. It's always sad to say goodbye to a car when it's been a good one.
I'm still like my VXR very much and intend to keep it for a while yet.
I've seen the video of your new car, very nice, I'm sure it will be a fun car to own.
Thanks mate, it was a great car no doubt about it, the deal was just too good to pass up
Have you done any mods to your VXR?
@@PaulRankinYT It's completely standard at the moment, I may do a few mods in the future however!
Has yours been reliable? I'm looking at getting one soon. Never had a vauxhall but I like these. I'd be looking at a 14 or 15 plate with under 50k on it. Want it as both a daily and for weekends. Would be getting rid of my corsa daily and bmw weekender for it.
Never had any issues that involved a lot of time at the dealership only the Aircon pipe failing twice which is common
Mine has been reliable in the 2 years I've owned it. I did have an issue where the engine management light came on and I had a noticable reduction in power. The issue was fixed at a Vauxhall dealer, it was something to do with the variable valve timing. The part cost about £80 and I think I was only charged about 1 hour labour.
Mine is a 63 plate and has done 21000 miles, it's generally only used at weekends.
Hi Paul,what a awesome video,shame to see this VXR go,I've had mine four years this year and what I miss about my next car would be the CD player,it may be out of date but that's me.
Thanks Ste, yeah seems the way most cars are going now CD player as optional extras
Hi Paul, good to see ya, but sorry to say the J is going, I've toyed with getting something else myself but I think it still looks good. Mine as said is a carbon flash MY2017 fully loaded. The engine & gearbox have had upgrades. I have just fitted the 4H-TECH short shifter and it feels what it should have been from the get go. Car is just out of warranty so I'm about to have some fun with upgrades etc. You're right about the tyres, I'm just about done on my second fronts, but when new stick to around 50 mph for first few hundred miles (it is hard) to allow tyres to bed in, but I really don't care. I've not had a peep out of mine, been fine. The only issue that annoys the beejeezus out of me is the air pressure sensors, I want to turn them off! I believe Merc drivers have the same issue especially as colder mornings are approaching. Look forward to see what you get, I was looking at an F-Type 280 S but I just didn't feel right in it and the J sat next to one looked more inviting lol. Cheers bud.
Hey Chris nice to see you back in the comment section, I’ve been back and forth about cancelling the new car and keeping the Astra but for the deal I got it’s time to move on and let someone else enjoy the VXR. Nice to see you still enjoying yours
@@PaulRankinYT I am enjoying it bud, there are quicker cars and as you said, these are quite rare where I am, is that a good thing or bad? Still, it seems a little exclusive though lol Good luck with your next choice bud.
Thanks Chris appreciate it mate, 3 VXR’s over a few years it’s just time for me to save some money and try something new, I may return to one in a few years
Hi guys, how's the engine reliability of these ? Looking to get a 2013 model
Had no issues engine wise with mine but it was a 2018
I have a Corsa VXR, it’s my first car! I love it to bits, I know a lot of people hate on them but fuck the haters! I might get one of these next 👀 once I build up some no claims and bring my insurance down! I date this motor and other VXR’s
I loved both my Corsa VXR’s, my blue one more than my white one
It’s a nice car,I have to watch and see what happens.
I own the Astra GTC Sri turbo, the best car I have ever owned. I was going to get the VXR in a few years but I have just seen a video of the Tesla Model X... DAMN! haha
Paul do you regret selling the astra? im weighing up buying one - theyre about 10 grand for one now, weighing up either an astra vxr, audi s1, focus st, megane rs OR as a mad choice and a lot cheaper a kia pro ceed gt!
You know what mate, I hated the drive to the dealership knowing it was going, I loved every second of ownership, had no issues at all apart from the fact it loved tyres. Do I regret it though………. I’d say no tbh but only because I jumped into an ST Edition
@@PaulRankinYT yeah I get you mate sometimes you don't wanna sell but it makes common sense to I get that.
@@s1dew1nd3r4 definitely a great car for the money, it only had 1500 miles on when I picked it up
So tempted...so tempted...great video btw pal 👍🏼
Thanks mate, it’s a great car no doubt about it plus a lot of owners say they wouldn’t part with theirs at all
Old school performance car.....circa 2011/12. So.....compare it with its peers m'lad. And it kicked arse in all respects, 9 way adjustable Recaro seats (certified by the German Orthopedic Soc), dual climate control, most powerfull 4 cyl engine, mechanical LSD and hydraulic power steering, Watt's link rear suspension, Bi-Xenon adaptive forward lighting, 7 speaker Infinity sound system with subwoofer in the boot, advanced front HyperStruts suspension setup, Brembo brakes (355×32 mm cross drilled discs, 4 piston calipers) on 20 inch diamond cut alloys. 245/35. Same nm as its generation v8 M3, i.e. 400 quoted. My stock 2013 OPC delivered 212 kw and 438 nm on a propperly calibrated Dyno. Three way adjustable ZF Sachs gaz-filled dampers, ABS and ESP. So what if it does not have Apple connectivety? 🤷♂️ Take it up a twisty mountain pass then you will discover its reason for existing (and earn respect from the bulk of later day performance cars in much mucb higher price brackets).
And might I add, on crappy 95 octane SA fuel.
Hi there.iv. Got a 2016 Astra j. Vxr had it two years then the engine blew a con rod at 27.000 mile on clock.wtf.lucky I had gold warranty on the car so I managed to get a brand new engine fitted bye Vauxhall not a recon engine.me to don't know if I should keep it or get shut.all the best pal
Sorry to hear that mate but good job you had that gold warranty, they are fantastic cars to drive and sound great
If anyone got any advice should I keep or get shut drop us a line.
If it’s had a new engine rebuild I’d be tempted to keep it but we’re all different maybe start the search for something new
Will probably. Keep mine is in black with a few mods..cheers
Vxr for life
I’ve had 3 it’s time for a little change
Looking forward to the new car.i had an astra h vxr a while back great car
Thanks mate, the H was an awesome car, what colour was it?
@@PaulRankinYT black with the 19"alloys.loved the leather recaros .handled pretty well too.own a 2014 m135i now.
Nice are they any good? I loved the test drive in the new 140i but the payments were crazy high
@@PaulRankinYT part exed the astra for the BMW and got a really good pcp monthly.i have the auto dont regret changing from manual.
Nice, my next one will probably be an auto
🔥🏆
Old lookin………..still one of the best looking hot hatches out there 10 years later full stop!
I don’t disagree just think when they done the little facelift they could of updated the system inside to allow for Apple CarPlay etc rather than keeping the same system from 2012
Lovely motor would love one but went with a insignia 🙈🙈
What Insignia did you go with?
@@PaulRankinYT only a diesel the 160 but im deleting the dpf and getting a stage 1 its a work horse i couldnt afford the vxr
Happy days, they do great as workhorse cars
You missed out the competition mode bro
Tbh mate it’s not a mode that’s widely publicised on the VXR and not a mode I enjoyed being in, I maybe tried it twice throughout my entire ownership
@@PaulRankinYT I still think your crazy saying good bye to it mate Iv had many different cars from Renault to Audi but had 3 Vauxhall’s and all 3 have been Mechanically awesome and tbh the price to get them fixed if something was to go wrong isn’t that bad compared to say an Audi s3 then Audi are gonna chop your hands off 😂 but Iv got a 14 plate gtc vxr and could never push myself to get rid of it 😂
@@Iil_Rocco my only issue and it’s my issue is a like shiny new toys, I never keep a car longer than 2/3 years max. The VXR was superb but it was costing me a fortune on the monthly payments, if the monthly payments were significantly lower than I probably would of kept it a little while longer
@@PaulRankinYT ah I hear you on that one mate
@@Iil_Rocco I wouldn’t say there cheap to get fixed lol, new clutch and dual mass fly wheel cost me £2k
I dont care this vehicle just has that wow look, not always about bmw mercs or audis.
I do miss this car
"APR wasn't 0". Me in another EU country: APR 8.24% is LOW !
No where in this video did I say my APR was 0, as it was a used car, my new car however was 0% Apr
Gutted
Why mate?
😦👏✋ 🌟🌟🌟💎💙
What a load of waffle it's a astra from one of the worse car makers around
Wouldn’t say the worst, just not known for great service. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion thanks for watching
ugliest Astra ever made
Just your opinion, I don’t believe it is
Personal opinion, but even though this model is what 8/9 years old, my opinion is it's one of the very best if not the best looking hot hatch on the road, I love mine!
Wrong!!! What is ugliest? Your maw!!!!
@@marklowey5906 you still got yours? im looking at either one of these vxr astras, audi s1, focus st or megane rs.