Wales
by Joske Vermeule, September 1
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Forums39
Topics49,872
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Most Online1,063
Jun 14th, 2026
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,383 Likes: 14
Talk Morgan Addict
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Talk Morgan Addict
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,383 Likes: 14 |
I know they get a lot of criticism but my son who is very poor at looking after cars had a new Astra Sport (bank of mom and dad) in 2006, he recently changed it for a Mazda 4x4 but in all the years he owned it and over 100,000 neglected miles required a headlight bulb and a wiper blade in all his MOT's. It started every time and never let him down, maybe he was lucky?
BR Colin
Who used to be a Spanner Juggler
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 12,263 Likes: 320
Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
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Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 12,263 Likes: 320 |
I'm sure the modern ones are very good, but I had a K-reg (1993) diesel Astra Van for a while, and it was the worst piece of misbegotten junk it has ever been my misfortune to own.
In terms of reliability, comfort, running costs and durability it was significantly worse then any other vehicle I've ever owned - even my Austin Allegro!
The only other Vauxhall I've driven since was a rental Insignia, and that felt like driving a pill box, the visibility was very poor.
They make good engines, though!
Tim H.
1986 4/4 VVTi Sport, 2002 LR Defender, 2022 Mini Cooper SE
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,575 Likes: 55
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,575 Likes: 55 |
Forgot to say; I had a Mk2 Astra GTE years ago and loved it - particularly the electronic dash. I remember the sports seats being very comfortable but I was considerably younger then!
Morgan Plus 4
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Brompton M6L
Giant TCX Advanced
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,466 Likes: 171
Charter Member
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Charter Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,466 Likes: 171 |
I have had lots of experience with Vauxhalls (I once worked for a firm with an all Vauxhall car policy).
The cars are OK - and some (Omega Elite) were excellent in their day.
The dealers (last time I used one was 2001) were universally dreadful. At the firm with the all Vauxhall policy, we ran 200 cars. Most people used non-franchised places for servicing as soon as the cars were out of warranty - and PHH All Star as they were then approved of this.
Paul
Costock, UK
Plus Four 75th - Furka Rouge - Pip
Disco 5
Teddy - 17h1 Irish Draught cross
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 239
L - Learner Plates On
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OP
L - Learner Plates On
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 239 |
 Changed my previous Elite Nav auto for this. This one is Elite Nav again, but with the 1.6cdti 160 BiTurbo engine. The second turbo widens the powerband nicely, and drops the 0-60 by 1 second. With this engine you also get a Watt's Link rear axle. The one also has the fantastic LED Matrix headlights and the Driving Assistance Pack (emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, stuff like that). Weird to be driving a manual again, but it's fun.  I also love the Deep Sky Blue paint; it suits the car well I think. If I were to buy one for the long term I would probably skip the 18" wheels and stick with the 17s. They compromise the ride a bit, and add more road noise.
Joe T '96 Morgan +8 4.6 '68 Pontiac Firebird Twitter
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,402 Likes: 258
formerly known as Hugh Jorgan Has a lot to Say!
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formerly known as Hugh Jorgan Has a lot to Say!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,402 Likes: 258 |
I rented one in the summer for a long one way journey because it was cheaper than the train fare for me and shmbo.
I was really impressed.
I'm a BMW fan, I've had 10(!!!), currently got a 435i coupe, (love it), so maybe I'm the worst kind of driver on the road, apart from Audi drivers perhaps…..
I was amazed by the fit and finish of the cabin in the Astra. The spec was good and it drove really well.
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,545 Likes: 132
Needs to Get Out More!
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Needs to Get Out More!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,545 Likes: 132 |
I have owned one Vauxhall. It was my first "car". Well, a van really. Bedford HA. Based on the box Viva. It was in storage at coachbuilders and my dad did a deal with the assessor to save on storage fees  New wing, bonnet, screen. Dent pushed out in roof. Resprayed with sample of Permabel paint from a rep. On the road for £105. Awesome little thing. 100k miles later sold for £80. Front transverse leafspring repaired once, head off for decoke. Replaced gearbox with a newer one (deal done). Only negative were front drum brakes! 
Plus Four MY23 Furka Rouge
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,575 Likes: 55
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,575 Likes: 55 |
Changed my previous Elite Nav auto for this. This one is Elite Nav again, but with the 1.6cdti 160 BiTurbo engine. The second turbo widens the powerband nicely, and drops the 0-60 by 1 second. With this engine you also get a Watt's Link rear axle. The one also has the fantastic LED Matrix headlights and the Driving Assistance Pack (emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, stuff like that). Weird to be driving a manual again, but it's fun. I also love the Deep Sky Blue paint; it suits the car well I think. If I were to buy one for the long term I would probably skip the 18" wheels and stick with the 17s. They compromise the ride a bit, and add more road noise. I've never understood the appeal of low profile tyres. They're noisier, give a harsher ride, are more liable to 'kerbing', and cost more (including the larger wheels needed to fit them on). Apparently they are somehow more 'sporty' and Top Gear types seem to find them aesthetically pleasing.
Morgan Plus 4
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Brompton M6L
Giant TCX Advanced
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,545 Likes: 132
Needs to Get Out More!
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Needs to Get Out More!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,545 Likes: 132 |
There is a customised van in our town...possibly transit or VW...with very thin low profile wheels. I am amazed that it is driveable, especially on our town's roads with more traffic calming devices than I could count.
Plus Four MY23 Furka Rouge
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 456
Learner Plates Off!
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Learner Plates Off!
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 456 |
Remember folks, every Astra is built in England.
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