Test drive Opel Astra Sedan 1998 - 2008 Sedan

Cold calculation and nothing personal

The choice of pragmatics
 
The second -generation Astra saw the light in 1998. In Europe, the car is very popular, in terms of sales on equal terms, competing with golf and focus. We tasted the aster relatively recently - until 2001 sales went sluggishly. The fault of this was the inexpressive design of the car and the myth artificially created in Russia about the second -rate image of the Opel brand.
 
However, when choosing a 3-4-year-old golf-class model, high-parity discussions about the image and design are inferior to purely pragmatic considerations. When a car worth $ 9000-11,000 is purchased as a family, it should be as functional and minimally burdensome as possible.
 
Functionality in this case is understood to mean a sufficient capacity of the cabin, which is not guaranteed at all in the golf class. For example, the four of the golf, Octavia or Almer, go to the four - pleasure below the average. Astra, despite compact dimensions, has one of the most spacious salons in the classroom. Four people with a height of 180-185 cm feel quite comfortable here.
 
In terms of operating costs, Mark Opel has always been considered one of the cheapest. The only question is how successful or unsuccessful this or that model is in technical terms. If, for example, the mechanics spit from the front -line front -line frontiers, then they call the current Astra a car for the owner, and not for the service. In any case, if you put an astra and the previous verter of the same age for the same money, for themselves, Opelian servicemen will take Astra. This is probably talking about something ...
 
   
Opel-astra has one of the most spacious salons in the classroom
  
Many cars have a rear armrest with a folding hatch. You can transport long -meters without sacrificing one landing place
 
 
 
Opel no longer rust
 
The times when the poor corrosion resistance was an Achilles fifth car from Ruselsheim, have gone the past. The current Astra was the first Opel to receive a fully galvanized body with a 12-year guarantee from through corrosion. Therefore, traces of even light point rust on a 4-year-old machine can be exclusively a consequence of low-quality body repair.
 
   
 
Which of the bodies to choose depends on your needs in the transportation of Scarb. In three- and five -door hatchbacks, the trunk is initially small - 370 liters. But if necessary, the back of the sofa folds in parts. In the sedan, the casket is noticeably larger (460 liters), but you can’t put the box from under the big TV anymore. The wagon caravan is best adapted for household needs. With a folded sofa, the volume of its hold increases from 480 to an impressive 1,500 liters. At the same time, the luggage compartment in the caravan is planned very rationally: the floor is absolutely even, the step between it and the door threshold is absent, the fifth door is almost vertical. Perhaps this is one of the best station wagons in the classroom.
   
 
In terms of electrical equipment, Astra’s salon has become more reliable than its predecessors. If on other Opel, it was regularly necessary to change all kinds of buttons and switches due to the fact that the lamps of their backlight were burned, now it is made on eternal LEDs. Everything that relates to custom equipment (air conditioning, electric drives of glasses and mirrors, hatch, etc.), does not cause complaints. Sometimes there are malfunctions in the basic electrician, but these are trifles.
 
Check the cooling module
This is an electronic box responsible for controlling the engine cooling fan and air conditioning. A module is installed below the front bumper in front of the left wheel. In a collision (even with a solid snowdrift), the module can be damaged. In this case, the engine fan begins to turn on randomly, and a radiator symbol with a fan lights up on the dashboard. If only the module is damaged, its replacement will cost $ 130. But if the connector and wires are torn off, the amount will be $ 300. Restoring the car after an accident for sale, hacks often leave fragments of wires under the bumper. Then pay $ 300 to you.
 
Electrical equipment malfunctions
The only consumable part is the air temperature sensor overboard. It has been properly serving for about a year, after which some kind of gallest appears on the scoreboard. However, there is a penny sensor.
 
It happens that steering wheel switches - turns and wipers fail. But they are also inexpensive and change quickly. After the third or fourth Moscow winter, the mechanisms of the front and rear wipers can acidify from salt and dirt. If the front brushes begin to work tight, it is better not to delay the replacement of the trapezoid. Otherwise, the motor can fly.
 
The other two possible problems relate to the production machines until mid -1999. During this period, it is possible to fail the stove fan motor and a violation of contact in the connector of the seat belt. This connector is under the seat, and if it is often moved, contact can be a gap. In this case, the safety pillow malfunction indicator lights up on the panel. After restoration of contact in the Ophevsk technical center, it is necessary to remove the malfunction code from the computer.
 
What is the price
Replacement of a temperature sensor of $ 15, replacement of the steering switch $ 45 The replacement of the front wiper mechanism $ 140 $ 140 replacement of the rear wiper $ 145 fan motor replacement $ 170
 
Gorgeous eco -texts
Most likely, under the hood of Astra will be one of the 16-valve engines of the Ecootex family. Until 2001, their characteristics were as follows: 1.4 liters (90 hp); 1.6 l (101 l. P.); 1.8 l (116 hp) and 2.0 l (136 h.). The first is rare - it is definitely not enough for Astra. The most powerful 2-liter also needs to be looked for. Usually they equip sports versions with a low suspension, a short gearbox and anatomical seats. Therefore, the case will probably have to have one or one or eight.
 
Eco -texts are characterized by exemplary efficiency and impressive dynamics for their volume. The 101-horsepower 1.6-liter engine is especially good- it feels like a different 1.8 liter.
 
By the time of the appearance of the Eco -Telecate family, the engines of the Ecootechnician were almost completely eliminated from control electronics. There was only their proprietary exactingness to the terms for replacing the timing belt and the quality of the oil.
 
From the engines of the old 8-valve generation, Astra got a 75-horsepower 1.6 liter. It is clear that with such characteristics he will arrange only a very calm driver. However, at the bottom of the 8-valve is quite burdened and there is enough of it in the city.
 
In operation, an 8-valve veteran is very unpretentious, and in maintenance it costs cheaper than ecoteces (in particular, when replacing the timing belt). However, it is advisable to avoid buying a car with such an engine of 1998 - early 1999. During this period, the engine control unit did not differ reliability - a good thing is expensive.
 
It is better not to take a diesel aster
In addition to gasoline engines, a turbodiesel of 1.7 liters (68 liters) and 2.0 l (82 l.) Were installed on the astra. No matter how attractive in the technical condition or price diesel astra, it is better not to contact her. Since the opening with diesel engines to Russia was officially delivered, neither the mechanics of the branded technical centers, nor the specialized dieselists know these engines. And problems with diesel in our conditions are more than likely.
 
The service life of the timing belt is 60,000 km !!!
For engines of the eco -grip family, the timing belt is ordered to change after 120,000 km. From what ceiling this figure is taken, it is incomprehensible. The belt is guaranteed only for 60 thousand. And by this time his videos are also suitable. If the belt breaks, the valves will meet with the pistons and your wallet will lose weight at $ 1,500 at once. Therefore, the belt with the rollers must be changed immediately after the purchase of the car, and subsequently perform this operation strictly after 60,000 km. If when removing the timing belt, the play of the water pump shaft is found, it makes sense to change the latter immediately, so that after some time it is not necessary to pay again for the removal and installation of the belt. Typically, the pump serves about 90,000 km.
 
In addition to planned, then after 15,000 km, asters engines most often require replacing the spark plugs. On our gasoline they serve 20,000-30,000 km. Moreover, on eco-texts, instead of the 2-electrode suppositories provided for by the instructions, it is advisable to install 5-electrode 1214 011 (there is a special service ballot on this occasion). The former can even be new after a cold start. In addition, in our conditions, it is recommended to prevent the injection injectors every 30,000 km every 30,000 km.
 
After 3-4 years on all engines, one can expect the failure of the belt of the drive belt of auxiliary units, thermostat and generator. In the same period, the 8-valve engine will probably require replacement of high-voltage wires, and idle speeds may swim at a 1.8-liter eco-coat. In the latter case, in some technical centers, the throttle of $ 310 is sent to the throttle body. In fact, you can do with much less blood.
 
Among the age unpredictable, but possible expenses, you can note the flow of the cooling radiator (most likely just a marriage) and the failure of the 8-valve engine control unit on early releases.
 
In the end, one important advice: do not save on the quality of oil with eco -tech engines. If you fill in good synthetics (for example, mobile-radiom formula), there will be no problems. Otherwise, on the bushings of valves, so far out, they begin to freeze (poor launch, shooting at an air filter or muffler) and, as a result, burn their saddles. At the early stage, the carbon felts can be removed with a special additive. If it does not help, opening the engine and repair of the block head.
 
What is the price
Replacing the spark plugs $ 27 Furnaces of timing belt with rollers (8-valve/16-valve) $ 145/220 replacement of a water pump (simultaneously with a timing belt) $ 85 replacement of a drive belt tensioner $ 330 $ 50 replacement $ 50, replacement of high-voltage wires (1, 6 8-valve.) $ 86 replacement of a cooling radiator $ 315 MOT CARKE OF CONTROL OF MOUNTER $ 800
 
Mechanics or machine gun?
Both gearboxes are present on the market in approximately equal quantities. There are no complaints about the reliability of them, so the choice depends solely on personal preferences.
 
In a manual box when switching from II to I, the lever can rest. This is not a defect, but a feature that you will have to put up with. The oil in the mechanics is flooded for the entire service life, although after 5-6 years it is still better to replace it. Moreover, it is necessary to use only the branded Opel transmission.
 
Clutch with proper circulation serves for a long time - about 200,000 km. But when the time comes to change it, the account for repairs can shock you - $ 730. This amount is explained by inadequately high against the background of other Opel spare parts by the cost of a set of clutch ($ 500) and the complexity of its replacement (7.5 Normal chassis). A non -original set of adhesion to the astra cannot be found. Therefore, even if you buy the original in a small company (about 20% cheaper than that of the dealer) and change it in a garage workshop, it is unlikely to be cheaper than $ 550. So if the clutch replacement falls on your share, it makes sense to prophylactically change the rear oil seal of the crankshaft with it. So that later you do not have to pay for a laborious job again.
 
The Japanese automatic machine with electronic control has two additional modes: sports and winter. The latter helps out great in the snow and dirt. The oil in the box is ordered to change after 60,000 km, and if you do not take into account that everything can be broken, it is quite reliable.
 
Do not go bankrupt on the suspension
There are no frankly weak places in the suspension of Astra (the fact that the front stabilizer racks go 30,000-45,000 km - a phenomenon normal for foreign cars). But you will not be able to pass investments in the chassis. Details whose average service life is 60,000-90,000 km (ball supports, steering rods and tips, upper supports of the front shock absorbers), at least once you change.
 
Given that at the time of purchase the car had already run a lot, you will probably have to spend money on replacing shock absorbers and brake discs. By the way, the front shock absorbers must be changed along with their upper supports. Since even the supports are half as much as shock absorbers from the conveyor, the old one does not live long. If you change everything in the complex, the work on replacing supports will enter the price of replacement of shock absorbers. Shock absorbers themselves are better to buy reinforced - from a package for bad roads.
 
But, for example, the replacement of the silent blocks of the front and rear suspensions may be shifted to the shoulders of the next owner. If even on our roads they go about 200,000 km, then you will pass your 60-90 thousand after more than hundreds of Europe.
 
The steering can puzzle with trolleybus howls during the rotation of the steering wheel. It's OK. Such an accompaniment is quite permissible for the steering electro -hydraulic amplifier installed on the aster. By the way, only the branded Ophevskoye is used for him (the usual dextron is by no means!).
 
There are no special problems with brakes either. Disks do not jar and withstand three sets of pads, ABS sensors are reliable. But if the rear brakes are disk, it is advisable to clean it on each from the dirt and lubricate the rotary pistons of the parking brake. Over time, they acidify in a inhibited position, and the rear pads along with the disks are eaten very quickly.
 
There are not many possible unscheduled expenses on the chassis. The steering rack flows or is extremely rare. But if this will happen, it will have to be changed. If you overload the car, the rear springs will probably burst. The bearings of wheeled hubs on the aster along our roads go more than 150 thousand. But if it happens to catch a strong blow, you will have to buy a hub assembly for $ 220. Alas, bearings are not supplied separately to spare parts.
 
Buy?
As you can see, Astra turned out to be quite reliable and not particularly burdensome in operation. Frankly weak places in it are few (except that the generator and timing belt with rollers are not durable enough). And given the traditional availability of spare parts and the moderate value of the corporate service, even the owner of a 3-4-year-old car will be able to contact the dealer technical center if necessary. True, there are unreasonably expensive details for astra (clutch, steering rack, wheel hub), but there are few of them and all of them belong to the units of a long service. Therefore, in general, the Astra should be recognized as a successful model that can be recommended for the secondary market.
 
Especially trouble-free and cheap in the content of Astra looks in the first 3-4 years after moving from the conveyor. It is not surprising that Russian owners are not in a hurry to part with their cars. To date, Astra in the secondary market is represented mainly by cars brought from Europe. Prices are quite smooth. 2000 machines in good condition cost $ 10,000-11,500, and 1999-a thousand cheaper. On the one hand, it is really a little more expensive than Vazovskaya 16-valve dozens in the suite. But, on the other hand, already from $ 13,000 you can buy a new Astra - with a guarantee, in the Russian specification (enhanced suspension with increased road clearance and steel protection of the motor compartment). You think ...
 
If you are satisfied with a sedan or hatchback (new ones are the cheapest) in a simple configuration and you are able to pull up, you definitely need to purchase a new car. In the next three years, it will save most of the $ 3000 that were overpayed during the purchase. It is reasonable to buy a used astra if it is not empty. For example, a caravan with a machine gun, in a rich configuration. For $ 11,500, such a car will not knock out anyway, and it would cost a new one $ 16,000-18,000. Motivation is already appearing.
 
Alexander Konov
 
We thank the technical center SIA-Sever for the help in preparing the material
 

A source: Magazine "Limousine" [07/03]