Opinions on 05 shape Astra SRI 2.0 turbo
Discussion
Am considering buying an 05/06 plate Astra SRI 2.0 turbo. Probably will be the 170bhp 5 door version as there are more around. Just wondering if anyone on here owns one or has driven one and their opinions on them, particularly performance, handling, mpg and reliability.
Also I have heard that a lot of the newer Vauxhall engines tend to get through a fair amount of oil, is this the case with the 2.0 turbos?
Also I have heard that a lot of the newer Vauxhall engines tend to get through a fair amount of oil, is this the case with the 2.0 turbos?
I have one of these but the 200bhp version. Had it 2.5 years and not missed a beat nor used a drop of oil. It's an 05 plate with 30k miles. Essentially the same car as the 170bhp version but with different engine software. The only turbo that I know of that failed was due to old/low oil and poor maintenance. Many have done 80,000+ without a hitch. Decent fully synth oil + filter changes on a regular basis (and letting the car cool for 30 secs after a long run) is the key to keeping the turbo running smoothly.
Earlier cars had issues with a control module in the steering column that renders the vehicle periodically immobile and/or does odd things with some of the electrics. Many were sorted under warranty but the problem can reappear. Irritations include lack of oddments space and the stupidly narrow boot entrance but that's about it.
There are plenty of the 170bhp versions around and about a third of these have the optional XP spoiler kit with 18" alloys if that's your thing. Specifications can vary wildly too with niceties such as leather seats, adaptive front lighting, panoramic sunroof, rear sensors, CD changer and sat nav fitted at random so it pays to look around. Basic standard spec non-XP cars seems to start around £5K but are a bit drab.
Fuel economy is not that great on urban routes but you should get 33-35mpg on a run. Not driven the 170bhp version but would say mine is "fairly swift" rather than quick so would imagine the 170bhp is roughly the same.
Have never explored the limits of the handling but day to day it corners/steers/brakes well enough for what I want.
Seems to fall below the radar for most buyers and many garages look blank when you tell them what it is. I would recommend it for the money and it will do what it says on the tin. Might not get you noticed and is definitely more of a "sleeper".
Earlier cars had issues with a control module in the steering column that renders the vehicle periodically immobile and/or does odd things with some of the electrics. Many were sorted under warranty but the problem can reappear. Irritations include lack of oddments space and the stupidly narrow boot entrance but that's about it.
There are plenty of the 170bhp versions around and about a third of these have the optional XP spoiler kit with 18" alloys if that's your thing. Specifications can vary wildly too with niceties such as leather seats, adaptive front lighting, panoramic sunroof, rear sensors, CD changer and sat nav fitted at random so it pays to look around. Basic standard spec non-XP cars seems to start around £5K but are a bit drab.
Fuel economy is not that great on urban routes but you should get 33-35mpg on a run. Not driven the 170bhp version but would say mine is "fairly swift" rather than quick so would imagine the 170bhp is roughly the same.
Have never explored the limits of the handling but day to day it corners/steers/brakes well enough for what I want.
Seems to fall below the radar for most buyers and many garages look blank when you tell them what it is. I would recommend it for the money and it will do what it says on the tin. Might not get you noticed and is definitely more of a "sleeper".
ive got the 170hp 3 door version and its been fine for me, ive had it 4 years now and its done 35k, only major issue ive had is recently the alarm has been going off every time i lock the doors using the buttons on the key, but not had a chance to get it looked at as im working 7days a week just now.
fuel economy isnt bad but it depends how you drive it, handling wise its fine, understeers a bit in the wet but that may be down to the tyres i have on being near the end of their usefullness!
other niggles have been the washer bottle freezing as its right at the front of the car and this can lead to fuses popping.
fuel economy isnt bad but it depends how you drive it, handling wise its fine, understeers a bit in the wet but that may be down to the tyres i have on being near the end of their usefullness!
other niggles have been the washer bottle freezing as its right at the front of the car and this can lead to fuses popping.
Nigello said:
The only turbo that I know of that failed was due to old/low oil and poor maintenance. Many have done 80,000+ without a hitch. Decent fully synth oil + filter changes on a regular basis (and letting the car cool for 30 secs after a long run) is the key to keeping the turbo running smoothly.
Yes I know that, you know that but in my experience the average Joe Public does not.Also was there not a point where Vauxhall moved to 20K mile service intervals? I've seen 5-6 year old, 80K-90K mile Astras for sale that have only been serviced every 20K miles.
Also was there not a point where Vauxhall moved to 20K mile service intervals? I've seen 5-6 year old, 80K-90K mile Astras for sale that have only been serviced every 20K miles.
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My service book is based on "Ecoflex" 20,000 mile/2 year service intervals but I am sure from 06 this was changed to 10,000 miles and this is what I adhere to. When my local indy keyed in my reg number to their computer it flagged up as 10,000 mile intervals as well. As you rightly say though, many owners will probably only service every 20,000 miles or 2 years. There is also an electronic "service indicator" that flashes up when the car allegedly senses a service is due. I reset mine in 2007 when I bought the car and the indicator did not come on again for another 16,500 miles, even though it had been serviced twice within that time.
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My service book is based on "Ecoflex" 20,000 mile/2 year service intervals but I am sure from 06 this was changed to 10,000 miles and this is what I adhere to. When my local indy keyed in my reg number to their computer it flagged up as 10,000 mile intervals as well. As you rightly say though, many owners will probably only service every 20,000 miles or 2 years. There is also an electronic "service indicator" that flashes up when the car allegedly senses a service is due. I reset mine in 2007 when I bought the car and the indicator did not come on again for another 16,500 miles, even though it had been serviced twice within that time.
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