Is 3k shed money
Discussion
Want a reliable car with a big boot can't do diesel as only do small miles. Ideally want to avoid a turbos as this are expensive if go wrong. I was looking at an astra. Was looking at a 2015 astra J. Am I best of paying abit over total shed money to try get abit more reliability. I be using it for transporting tools so don't want anything too fancy.
From a reliability perspective, whether at £1500 or £3000, you're probably working on luck more than anything else.
Quite a bit of the difference in price will be down to cosmetic appearance at that age of car. Given it sounds like you're intending to use it as a work van, this would be an ideal opportunity to buy an otherwise roadworthy car with minor accident damage, such as a small dent in a wing or score down a side door, or one which has a tatty back seat and boot area due to the previous owner having a dog. Both would be much cheaper than something most people would be happy to run as a family car.
Quite a bit of the difference in price will be down to cosmetic appearance at that age of car. Given it sounds like you're intending to use it as a work van, this would be an ideal opportunity to buy an otherwise roadworthy car with minor accident damage, such as a small dent in a wing or score down a side door, or one which has a tatty back seat and boot area due to the previous owner having a dog. Both would be much cheaper than something most people would be happy to run as a family car.
2011 60-reg Chevrolet Cruze owner. Had it for 5 years now as a shed and the 1.6 petrol Ecotec engine, whilst not particularly geared towards performance, has been robust despite having taken quite a hammering from previous owner neglect. I've fixed it enough for not that much, and I'm in no rush to get rid of it.
The J300 is largely an Astra J under the bonnet and chassis. There are some occasional minor differences in OEM part numbers, whilst some are shared with other GM cars, but I've never had an issue sourcing any spare parts, new or second-hand.
The reviews when it was new were largely unfair, IMO. The interior is a functional but nice place to be, the brakes are spot on, steering and handling nimble and precise, and the seating and suspension are pretty comfy. Great [GM] air conditioning as mentioned above.
A reliable 'budget' alternative GM/Vauxhall car, in all.
Only downside to mine is that it's a saloon so not 100% practical if you're loading certain items, although the rear seats do fold down very well. As per the first paragraph, the 1.6 isn't meant for speed, but maybe a 1.8 could be the best balance to look for. You could probably source an estate or hatchback version for less than £2,500.
The J300 is largely an Astra J under the bonnet and chassis. There are some occasional minor differences in OEM part numbers, whilst some are shared with other GM cars, but I've never had an issue sourcing any spare parts, new or second-hand.
The reviews when it was new were largely unfair, IMO. The interior is a functional but nice place to be, the brakes are spot on, steering and handling nimble and precise, and the seating and suspension are pretty comfy. Great [GM] air conditioning as mentioned above.
A reliable 'budget' alternative GM/Vauxhall car, in all.
Only downside to mine is that it's a saloon so not 100% practical if you're loading certain items, although the rear seats do fold down very well. As per the first paragraph, the 1.6 isn't meant for speed, but maybe a 1.8 could be the best balance to look for. You could probably source an estate or hatchback version for less than £2,500.
N/A Ecotec's in the Astras (1.4/1.6) are pretty solid engines, just look out for coolant issues and thermostats, 1.4 runs a chain I think. They run hot naturally, and its the reason why many dont have undertrays at the front compared to the diesels (to aid cooling) but this also helps them not rust by hiding moisture.
Same with the 1.8 Insignias and Vectras, they dont have undertrays the petrols.
Also, dont discount a Vectra or Insignia 1.8 Ecotec either, pretty solid things and horrendously cheap, and absolute loud luggers - plenty in this price range they were the 'King of the Rep mobiles' for a reason!
Same with the 1.8 Insignias and Vectras, they dont have undertrays the petrols.
Also, dont discount a Vectra or Insignia 1.8 Ecotec either, pretty solid things and horrendously cheap, and absolute loud luggers - plenty in this price range they were the 'King of the Rep mobiles' for a reason!
Matt11 said:
Want a reliable car with a big boot can't do diesel as only do small miles. Ideally want to avoid a turbos as this are expensive if go wrong. I was looking at an astra. Was looking at a 2015 astra J. Am I best of paying abit over total shed money to try get abit more reliability. I be using it for transporting tools so don't want anything too fancy.
It's not shed money & you can buy a good reliable car for that money.The 1.8 Vectra is a good option at this price point, look out for a facelift model:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202609306...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202610136...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202609286...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202610227...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202610136...
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