Looking at Vauxhall Astra

cyclonebri1

Sorry may have been a bit "blunt".

Listen to what people have said, don't take it as gospel becuase it isn't.

Make your own mind up is what I actually tried to say, albeit poorly.

For me the Astra is dated, under spected and old fashioned, and thats from a lifelong VX fan.

Again apologies, no offence intended

Soubrette

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

Sorry may have been a bit "blunt".

Listen to what people have said, don't take it as gospel becuase it isn't.

Make your own mind up is what I actually tried to say, albeit poorly.

For me the Astra is dated, under spected and old fashioned, and thats from a lifelong VX fan.

Again apologies, no offence intended

No offence taken - I hope I didn't come across that way

I've never spent so much on car (I say I, it's the OHs money ) and I want to research all aspects - I've been on the internet reading reviews but there is nothing like reading first hand experiences and MSE is excellent at people providing this and advice.

I'm looking at other sources of info as well as test drives etc.

Test drove the Ford Focus today - only a 1.6 petrol. Seemed more money for less car. It was a 2007 model and the body work was way more battered than the Astra. Didn't seem as big and comfortable inside the front, boot space was good (we have a big dog so need to go for a hatchback with a reasonable boot). I really liked the head rests at the back - 3 proper ones which fold down.

Looked at the Hyundai Getz - way too small, our dog's head would be smooshed against the glass but the salesman pointed us in the direction of the i30. He tried to sell us a new one as they have a trade in deal at the moment but on looking at it more closely our current car is too old and we're not the sort of people who look after cars so don't want to pay a premium for a new one. Will keep an eye on their website to see if an auto comes up to test drive.

Aim to look at the Kia Ce'ed next week and hopefully test drive that. I'm attracted by the 7 year warranty although the Focus salesman said it was proof they thought something would go wrong (I'm getting used to this salespeak )