Feeling Guilty

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 07 Apr 2011, 19:31

As I've purchased a non PSA car

Unfortunately, the PSA group do not make what I wanted, well they do but not in my price / age range and I wanted a non multiplexed / non complicated vehicle too. Without going into specifics it was difficult to find one with a reasonable to high trim level and an 8 valve engine rather than a quartet per cylinder as apart from base spec most have silly engines fitted.

Although I'll still be around, not going anywhere.

Unread post by **myglaren** » 07 Apr 2011, 19:48

Intriguing Andy!
You are allowed to whisper the name -

then run like hell.

Cortina?

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 07 Apr 2011, 20:33

Astra 1.6 Auto (with the older 8v unit)

* runs away *

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 07 Apr 2011, 20:40

Are you keeping the 205 Andy?

I trust despite going to the dark side you'll still visit here, your knowledge is invaluable and we'd hate to loose you

You should have had a look at a selection of Xantias. I'm sure something in the range would have floated your boat..

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 07 Apr 2011, 20:42

Is it the curvy shape? I hope not from my experience!
Back in '97 I had the displeasure of having to drive a 1.4 Astra estate for work, with a twisted driving position that used to kill my back (one of the reasons I left the job was they wouldn't let me use my Xantia instead).
It used to try and stall at 70mph on the motorway, yet Vauxhall couldn't find any faults logged despite the ECU warning light come on.
One of the many times it was in the garage they gave me a 1.6 Auto, unless I was going down hill or passed by a lorry I could not do 70mph as it would get to about 65, change gears, struggle and slow down, change down, get to about 65 and repeat.
Of course chances are the Vauxhall garage were just as useless at servicing it than they were at servicing my company car, which would explain why it was so bad.
TBH the "sporty" Vectra I was given while my Xantia had some bodywork repaired was horrible too, and NTL's diesel Astra's were ok, the seating position was slightly improved, but the only really good Vauxhall I've driven was my first car, a Mk2 Cavalier 1.3 (which everyone thought was a 1.6 as it used to shift).
Mustn't let Danielle see me posting this, her mum worked for Vauxhall and they're lethally loyal

Hope yours is a good one!

Re the 205, you cannot let one of the last decent Peugeots go!

Unread post by **myglaren** » 07 Apr 2011, 20:50

Well, you pays your money and you takes your choice Andy.

As Jim has said, I hope it won't make you a stranger to the forum, your knowledge and advice is always valuable and welcome.

My brother had an Astra GTE for a long time. He loved it and Xac's mention of an uncomfortable seat is strange as my brother has excessively painful spinal injuries but never complained about the seats.
It was always bloody freezing though, heater matrix problem that didn't improve with a new one.
Hope yours will be better than that.

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 07 Apr 2011, 22:07

you could have gone for a dersh (2CV ) and on an AMI supper chassis with a 1300 GS lump under the bonnet, this way you could still have the 8V, but you would get a smile on your face every time you go out in it

regards malcolm

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 08 Apr 2011, 09:35

Thanks all.

No, I won't be "leaving"

It's a "Y" plate not sure what shape you count that as, I think "G" they call it.

I noted a new EGR valve and have read best to change it yearly ( ! ) to avoid problems, although I have a vague idea of jamming it closed.

Xantia, now that was a thought although a little bit too big for my general use, parking space is at a tight premium here so slightly smaller = better usually.

In an ideal world, I'd of wanted either a 306XUD Auto or a Xsara XUD Auto, (a donor ZX Auto will loan the correct parts I'm sure) I did consider putting one together but time and especially space its not a practical option.

But no I don't plan on going anywhere, I may be back in the PSA ownership in a year or so anyway.

stevenc75 · Unread post by **stevenc75** » 08 Apr 2011, 10:15

I'll give it less than a year. I have dabbled with other marques since I first discover PSA cars and always came back quickly. Even the the small, most basic Peugeots or Citroens can put a smile on your face. An Astra won't. My guess is you'll find it a frustrating car to live with. Good luck with it though.

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 08 Apr 2011, 10:19

You could well be right.

I've had two before a long time ago, the first one was the worst car ever (turned out it was bent and not straitened very well, rear wheels locking at random due to bearing loading anyone?) I did not know any better back then. T'was a very long time ago.

The second one was the last of the MK2's, apart from not being able to get parts to fit (brakes especially, had nova + MK3 stuff fitted at the factory), even the main dealer would be caught out as it was really really one of the last few, was a paragon of reliability although it rusted away from the inside out before my eyes

My little 205 has no rust / rot and no signs of it either, should be good for someone for a good few years.

pug_owner2002 · Unread post by **pug_owner2002** » 08 Apr 2011, 18:10

spider wrote:
It's a "Y" plate not sure what shape you count that as, I think "G" they call it.

I noted a new EGR valve and have read best to change it yearly ( ! ) to avoid problems, although I have a vague idea of jamming it closed.

That'll be the MK4 then. We had a Y reg, 1.6, 8 valve one a few years back, to be fair it wasn't a bad car. We had problems with the EGR valve wehn we first brought it (The car broke down on the way home from buying it from the garage

). It was repaired under the warranty, but still didn't feel quite right. In the end to keep me happy the garage booked it into the local Vauxhall dealership and the EGR was blanked off and removed from the software. Wow what a difference that made, was really glad it was done!

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 08 Apr 2011, 18:31

I have heard similar. The software update will kill the EGR and Vauxhall themselves supply a genuine blanking plate.

However, I've also heard the auto's cannot have that update as they have a different ECU, anyway lets not worry about that (yet)