Advice on any of these cars..

TacticalFish

TacticalFish

TacticalFish

Associate
Joined
6 May 2016
Posts
693
So I'm currently looking at (all 2006 onwards):

207 1.6 THP Gti
Colt 1.5 CZT
Astra SRI 1.9CTI (or possibly the 1.8VVT)
Astra 1.6 Turbo

And I thought this was interesting..

As you can see the theme is hot hatch (a term I hate), I'm looking for something that's going to be reliable, somewhat nippy, FSH ideally, and not terrible on fuel/ tax/ insurance. All for between 2-2.5K, I know, paltry. I'll have to make compromises somewhere, appreciate that.

Has anyone owned any of the above/ can comment on things to look out for?

I really like the look of the 207's (no idea why), however Peugeot reliability puts me off somewhat. I imagine Astra's/ Colts would be the most reliable, with the cheaper parts.

I did drive an older 1.5 non-turbo Colt before, and didn't enjoy it, so think they're going off the list.

Anything else to consider? Not a fan of Fiesta ST's...
 
Generally not the biggest fan of Fords.. They are probably a serious contender, but I think finding one that's not been abused, modified, and looked after properly might be tricky.
 
So you got a choice of boring or dreadful (or both). Hmm...

If forced to pick from that list I think the only one I'd take is the Colt.
 
I would pick the astra 1.8 VVT over the others, no turbos to go wrong, and it won't eat its aweful M32 gearbox (which is pretty much made out of chocolate and tinfoil) which the turbo astra of that age tend to.

Have you considered a 1.8 petrol civic type-s (FN series)?
 
Shock horror, 2K budget doesn't buy the OP an amazing car.

I have a 07 1.9CDTI SRI Astra, the 150bhp version. Closer to 190 with a 50bhp tuning box and more torque's.
Shows up many other equivalents whilst easily managing 50 mpg.
Whilst I'm looking to replace soon, it's been a good car; spacious inside for passengers, fair boot space and relatively cheap to repair.

Things to watch out for with them are the 'chocolate BMW M32 gearbox' prone to fail, DMF failure and inlet manifold blockages.
 
If you care about driving dynamics then the Focus is much better car. The steering is far superior. The seats are less hard too. However there are little touches on the Astra which were missing on the Focus.

I had a 2007 1.6 Zetec Climate
My friend had 2004 1.4 Astra H

Astra had one touch open and close Windows - Focus didn't
Astra has a screen in the centre console which displayed trip computer/radio information - my trip display was the little digital milometer box under the speedo.
Astra had a flippy keyfob - Focus didn't
When you unlocked the Astra doors from the keyfob it illuminated the number plate bulbs - Focus didn't
Astra CD player accepted MP3 CDs - Focus didn't

These are minor issues, even more so now they've reached 2k price point. However at the time, these things stood out for me and annoyed me a bit lol. However I loved my Focus and wouldn't choose an Astra over one.
 
Dont you want something fun? Plenty of fun nimble cars for your price range. Dont fancy something like a RS Clio or megane?
 
Nasher said:
If forced to pick from that list I think the only one I'd take is the Colt.
Click to expand...

Out of interest, why is that?

[TW]Fox said:
I don't understand how this differs from the Astra.
Click to expand...

It doesn't really, I just feel an ST is more likely to have had a more traumatic life, on average. Can anyone comment of the reliability of them?

DazQ87 said:
I would pick the astra 1.8 VVT over the others, no turbos to go wrong, and it won't eat its aweful M32 gearbox (which is pretty much made out of chocolate and tinfoil) which the turbo astra of that age tend to.

Have you considered a 1.8 petrol civic type-s (FN series)?
Click to expand...

I agree on the turbo point, I've had them fail on me before. If I do buy anything turbo, I'd make sure I had money saved for the eventuality.

I hadn't actually considered a Civic, seems like one of the more sensible options. At my budget though it looks like there are scarce pickings.

NeoVo said:
Things to watch out for with them are the 'chocolate BMW M32 gearbox' prone to fail, DMF failure and inlet manifold blockages.
Click to expand...

Thank you, that's very helpful and the kind of insight I need. So am I looking for something that's had the gearbox replaced, or just put factor it in to the long term cost of ownership?

TS7 said:
If you care about driving dynamics then the Focus is much better car. The steering is far superior. The seats are less hard too. However there are little touches on the Astra which were missing on the Focus.
Click to expand...

Not sure when a Focus was mentioned, do you mean Fiesta ST? I do care about driving dynamics, so this is valuable insight (assuming we are talking about the same car).

Rybo89 said:
Dont you want something fun? Plenty of fun nimble cars for your price range. Dont fancy something like a RS Clio or megane?
Click to expand...

I do, but reliability is more a concern for me at the moment as my commute is increasing. Which would be my primary concern with an RS Clio or Megane.

Thanks for the responses all, I guess with my budget, I'm going to be taking a gamble on whatever I buy. I'm just looking for the best odds really...

No thoughts about the Pug? Are they that bad? :p
 
How about a Suzuki swift sport? Not rapid at 125bhp but it's well reviewed as a bare bones hot hatch experience. After a quick look on piston heads it looks like you could pick up an early model 2007/2008 for close to your budget .
 
MeAnBoY said:
How about a Suzuki swift sport? Not rapid at 125bhp but it's well reviewed as a bare bones hot hatch experience. After a quick look on piston heads it looks like you could pick up an early model 2007/2008 for close to your budget .
Click to expand...

Good shout, I had briefly considered them, and being Suzuki's they should be reliable. Chain driven as well!
 
Try not to use 2k, Astra and reliable too often in the same sentence. :p

I've known many Astra's in my time and reliable is not a term I'd use! Although where about's are you? A friend of mine is (I think still) selling a 200bhp Astra for 2.5 grand I believe.
 
Anything cheap and reasonably pokey has a chance of being abused. Fiesta ST just has a 2.0 duratec like you'd find in a Focus or Mondeo of the same age, it's nothing special but it is reliable.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom