Vauxhall Astra H 1.3 CDTI

Kilty_2

Anyone driven one of these? Not expecting it to set the world on fire but can't help but think it might be a bit sluggish :rotfl:

Considering one to replace my 1.5 Nissan Almera which isn't exactly quick.

Anything to look out for when buying?

blue_haddock

We have Fiat Doblo vans at work which have the same engine. Even in one of those with nothing being carried they are not quick, in a bigger, heavier Astra it will be dog slow! It's not too bad for pottering round town but out on the open road there is a serious lack of power and if you sit at 70 then the mpg really suffers.

I'd personally give it a miss if i was looking.

oldagetraveller

I've not driven an Astra with that engine but a Meriva and Corsa. In the Corsa it was fine but the Meriva was dire. I'm not particularly bothered about mega acceleration/power but even for me the Meriva was very sluggish! As previous poster, around town o.k. maybe but not for any distance travel or motorway speeds.
If you like the Astra then I'd go for a bigger engine - if you want Diesel then the 1.7 will be better.

Kilty_2

It's the 90bhp 6 speed variant they use in the Astra - same as in the Corsa D.

I'm going to test drive one tomorrow so I'll give some feedback with my opinion when I do. Also looking at 1.6 petrols which I know will be better to drive but are around £1000 more to buy (strangely) and are more expensive to run. Obviously if it can't pull it's way out of a paper bag it's no good, but I might as well give it a fair chance

Would love a 1.9 CDTI 150 but my insurance says no :rotfl:

Anyone got any buying tips for an Astra H in general - common problems, etc?

Exemplar

The 1.3 Diesel unit is also used by Fiat. Its a well proven, reliable unit that does deliver great MPG. It wont 'set the world on fire' but it will last well. The six speed box is excellent. The H astra is, again, a good unit and as long as the one you are looking at has history and comes with warranty they are a good purchase. We had a couple on our forecourt last year and they both flew off! One had 80k on with a full dealer history and really, really drove well. In my humble opinion I would avoid the 1.7 engine as its very, very old now and (I believe) is actually a very old Isuzu unit that dates back 15? years. That and the fact that it sounds like a bag of spanners being thrown down the road......

rev_henry

I was going to suggest looking at the 1.7 also, but alcot reminded me - is this not the same engine they used in the corsa B? Now that is getting on a bit. Although it is tried and tested. My dad used to have a Panda with that 1.3 engine (its actually nearer a 1.2 in cc's strangely) and it did great mpg and was ok. I imagine with the extra 20bhp and gear in the astra it would also be ok. Just ok though, nothing special. I had noticed these were very cheap. There will be a huge jump in road tax between the 1.3 CDTI and 1.6 petrol remember. Probably £30 - £100something.

Exemplar

Just a reminder about the H there was a major facelift January 2007? Revised rear lights, dash trim but more importantly rear suspension!

Kilty_2

Well I test drove one today - and bought it :T

Bit sluggish off the line but I'm not going to be drag racing it so does it matter? Responsive enough through the gears, drives like I'd expect a diesel would. It's not exactly fast but will suit my needs and I'm sure will cruise along well in the 6th gear on the motorway .

I'm happy - it's cheaper to run than the petrol too (£120 tax going down to £90 in April, instead of £155 - and the insurance will be cheaper - then there's the obvious diesel economy).

2005 55 plate with 44k on the clock in Club trim. Can't wait

Exemplar

well done mate