Focus or Astra 1.6 AUTO

balsingh

Anybody driven a Focus or Astra auto around Y or 51 plate? Just wondering how they compare to the equivalent manual versions in terms of performance, economy, smoothness etc.

My mum has decided it has to be an auto- probably a 1.6 but maybe a 1.8 if economical enough! Not interested in a Diesel.

mjr600

1.6 Zetec Focus 3 door with alloys and air is what I bought for my mother last year, £6000

Ex-motability, 3yrs old, FSH, one motability owner and only 4,000 miles, it was really just like it had come from the showroom.

Small autos are hard to find have a look here...

https://www.carltoncarcentre.co.uk/exmotability.htm

gizmoleeds

balsingh wrote:

Not interested in a Diesel.

My mum got a diesel and never looked back - can travel 400 miles on £40 of fuel. Diesels are smooth and clean these days - it's like those lipton ice tea adverts - just give it a try!!

balsingh

Reason I dont want a diesel is that its usually 4p/litre more than unleaded ... and in a Focus 1.6, I'm told the average mpg is only about 5 more.

vansboy

You'll get more Astra for your money & a very competent car, too. The Focus is a more modern looking & perhaps better street cred, but, if it's value for money.....ASTRA!!

I bought one for Mrs V's Mum n Dad, 18months ago 01Y 38,000miles Club spec £4000 in Motability auction - this was on a good buying day, as they were making 5-700 more, but things CAN work in your favour, sometimes in auctions!!

Fuel economy is hard to get less than 30mpg & the performance is adequete, from 8v engine. You can get 16v, but more expensive if you need to consider insurance & if you have mechanical problems.

The thing I'd say to ANYONE going for Astra, sit in it & drive it for a couple of hours - the seat can de VERRRRY unsoportive, for some people & quite painful, was for me anyway.

You need minimum of Club trim level, for air conditioning, this is a 'must have' fitment these days.

Ask again, if you want to know more & check https://www.honestjohn.co.uk look in car by car breakdown section, on his site for lots hints n tips about EVERY car!!

VB

balsingh

I agree about the Astra seats - HATE them. The current Corsa has similar seats. I was always a Vauxhall faithfull - 2 cavaliers, 2 astras and a nova. I was put off Vauxhalls after a few uncomfortable journeys in the Astra due to the seats ... I hope the new shape Astra has nicer seats!

azz_3

Get yourself an astra.. would say manual.. dont know what the auto is like..

I get 410 miles from my astra mk4 1.6 sxi petrol!! .. and if i dont get my 410 miles from the full tank, i dont be happy ..

Astras are more reliable..

N9eav

All our police patrol cars are Focus 1.8 diesels. I can't speak for Auto, but I would say that I am well impressed with the preformance and smoothness of this model. Will even do 124mph. (Well that's what I have been told HHHmmm).