Common problems with 1997 Astra 1.6 GLS?
Discussion
For the money they cost these days, the Astra F has few problems. Anything major just scrap the car and start again.
Minor irritants are things like Air Temperature sensors, dash pixels fading and the factory radio/cassette failing, but none of them are real problems.
Astra G seems to have bigger issues especially if you have a 1.8 Z18XE engine which is shared with the Zafira.
Minor irritants are things like Air Temperature sensors, dash pixels fading and the factory radio/cassette failing, but none of them are real problems.
Astra G seems to have bigger issues especially if you have a 1.8 Z18XE engine which is shared with the Zafira.
I have some experience of these cars, and it's competitors of the day, so I might be able to help advise...
Overall I think they are one of the best in it's category. Can be picked up for next to nothing these days and actually look quite smart with alloys and metallic paint. Never the best handling car in its class but seem to have held up better than the Escort and 306 as far as reliability is concerned. Quite nice inside and the controls are light and easy.
One major advantage, especially if you go for the 8v engine, is the fact that it is a non-interference engine - so the engine isn't ruined if the timing belt breaks. Parts also cost peanuts and I replaced the timing belt and water pump in about 2 hours with like 4 tools.
Also have hydraulic valve lifters which is quite unusual for an 8-valve, and therefore the engine sounds very quiet and refined.
As an old car, the oil changes get neglected and the crankcase breather fills the inlet manifold with gunk. This can clog up the throttle plate, idle speed valve and (on later models) the EGR valve. Cleaning or replacing these will often cure the stalling at junctions or hesitation at cruising speed problems.
Likewise the coolant doesn't get replaced and rusts the radiator causing leaks - They are only about £20 and again very easy to replace.
Probably the biggest thing to watch out for is rust. Back arches seem to go but the rest of the car is usually alright - If you find a rust free one then put some waxoyl in the rear arches and on the sills and should help keep it at bay.
Hope this helps, good luck!
Overall I think they are one of the best in it's category. Can be picked up for next to nothing these days and actually look quite smart with alloys and metallic paint. Never the best handling car in its class but seem to have held up better than the Escort and 306 as far as reliability is concerned. Quite nice inside and the controls are light and easy.
One major advantage, especially if you go for the 8v engine, is the fact that it is a non-interference engine - so the engine isn't ruined if the timing belt breaks. Parts also cost peanuts and I replaced the timing belt and water pump in about 2 hours with like 4 tools.
Also have hydraulic valve lifters which is quite unusual for an 8-valve, and therefore the engine sounds very quiet and refined.
As an old car, the oil changes get neglected and the crankcase breather fills the inlet manifold with gunk. This can clog up the throttle plate, idle speed valve and (on later models) the EGR valve. Cleaning or replacing these will often cure the stalling at junctions or hesitation at cruising speed problems.
Likewise the coolant doesn't get replaced and rusts the radiator causing leaks - They are only about £20 and again very easy to replace.
Probably the biggest thing to watch out for is rust. Back arches seem to go but the rest of the car is usually alright - If you find a rust free one then put some waxoyl in the rear arches and on the sills and should help keep it at bay.
Hope this helps, good luck!
I've had a couple of these myself and there's normally been one in my family, brilliant little things, my first one snapped it's timing belt due to a failed tensioner and bent one valve (they can do that!), it cost me about £50 and a few hours tinkering to get running again.
As mentioned, they're far better than the Escort, 306 and Golfs of the time IME.
As mentioned, they're far better than the Escort, 306 and Golfs of the time IME.
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