Mk4 Astra SRI

**Astra Dan** · 25-05-2009, 17:59

Ha. Well. Sold the GTE rag top when the novelty wore off pretty quick. Missed the air con, quietness and rust free-ness of the Saab, but not the fuel economy. Wanted something modern, with air con. Nippy, but not thirsty, usuable every day with the usual Vauxhall traits of reliability, cheapness to run, service and buy parts for etc.
So, what with me being Astra Dan, there was only one choice, a Mk4 Astra. Specifically the 2.0 SRI. A 2.2 was considered until after a few searches on Auto Trader and eBay turned up just as many dead timing chain related ones as runners, so I chose to stick with the tried and tested X20XEV. I had about 2k to spend, the strict critera was air con and under 100k mileage (for once!).
Not an awful lot about. First one we looked at was a two hour drive away and was frankly a bit dissapointing. OK it hadn't been valeted yet, but it was on the verge of scruffy. Some patchy paint work (it was black), laquer lifting on the spoiler, passenger seat broken, 96k miles.
Left that one. There was a red 2.2 in a garage literally down the road from me. A little more pricey, but only 55k miles. Engine seemed fine, A/C worked, but it was a little scruffy, too. Crease in driver's door, spoiler had faded, bumper dislodged, crap tyres, knackered brakes.
Left that one again. Then on Auto Trader there was a stunning dark blue 2.0 with 64k miles, Irmscher kit, trip computer and cruise. Again, a little pricey, but with those options and that mileage I was prepared to pay a little more. It was about 60 miles away, so took a while before I had the time to get there in opening times. First impressions were good. The car shone like new. Dealer was polite and knowledgeable, until I opened the driver's door. There was a new bonnet cable on the seat. "Oh yeah, I've not had that fitted yet, they always go on Astras.". Confused, I opened the bonnet and pointed to the clamp on the bonnet cable. "Why don't you loosen that bolt and take the slack up, then do the bolt back up?"
He looked a little sheepish and mumbled a bit. Things got worse. Broken o/s fog, n/s of front bumper had obviously hit something and broken and fallen off. One wing mirror had almost totally faded. Rear o/s arch had filler in it. A pretty good job, but a tiny bit of paint that hadn't been flatted off gave it away. The trip computer's display was a bit corrupted. Four holes in the dash from stupid phone kit. CDR500 in SAFE mode. Most annoyong was, dispite the low mileage, the driver's seat was totally worn through on the bolster, one the things that gets me the most. I totally fail to understand how that happens. Well, I know why, because people just don't think or care.
So left that one. I was getting a little disheartened by now, despite only having seen 3 cars. But so many were either very badly modified, had things wrong with them, or had really high miles so weren't even worth looking at.
Then this one appeared in my almost daily Auto Trader search. Sharon phoned the dealer up, checked the car was still there and that they were open on a Sunday. They were. Little village called Melmsbury, near Castle Combe off the M4, 104 miles. Black, one owner, FSH, 86k, totally standard.
The weather was good, and I had a good feeling. So did Sharon. We found it in the car park outside the dealership, so cold have a good poke about before disturbing the dealer from his flower arranging. We couldn't fault it. Paint was all good, drivers seat in perfect condition. With high sprits we went and spoke to the dealer, a very nice chap. He opened it and went off again to let us poke about some more. And we did. The back seats looked like they'd never been sat in, fronts looked as perfect as I first thought. Boot looked like it's not even seen heavy shopping. Tyres matched pairs, exhaust good, brakes newish looking. Engine grubby, which I like unless I'm the one doing the cleaning. Last service stamp was 3k miles ago in October. Had the car pass, too. On the road the car was faultless. Quiet, smooth. A/C worked which was nice as the dash said it was 22 degrees outside.
The dealer said he'd not take offers, so I duly gave him the asking price, quite happily. 3 months warranty too! Never had that before. Tempcover.com to the rescue again, and the drive home was superb. So quiet and easy to drive.
Here it is:

Future plans may be a total rip off of Steve Flatley's old one. Which means Irmscher kit and Omega MV6 wheels. Maybe 308s too.

Lets see if this makes it past 6 months!

**GTE 16v** · 25-05-2009, 18:07

Sweet

OHC · 25-05-2009, 18:17

I was expecting another Astra GTE lol

Mark_F · 25-05-2009, 18:20

Good read that mate. Never been a fan of those alloys, but the MV6 ones look lovely.

Big Col · 25-05-2009, 18:36

nice car. Identical to mine

LEE69 · 25-05-2009, 18:37

Looks very nice.

**Astra Dan** · 25-05-2009, 19:12

Good stuff, any problems to report Col?

Big Col · 25-05-2009, 19:21

touch wood mine has suffered none of the common problems - cracked manifold, broken rear springs, cam/crank sensors. Had to replace the front passenger side hub recently, the ABS sensor failed.

Mine is just coming up to 120K miles. Engine is still sweet. Still uses virtually no oil.

You got the F18 or the F23?

**Astra Dan** · 25-05-2009, 19:26

I think it's the F23, reverse under 5th (which I've always preferred). Cable change.

cambridge · 25-05-2009, 19:31

the manifold crack shouldnt be a problem on the 2.0 since its the 2.2 that suffers hofficically from that lol.

but broken rear springs is a popular one across the range oh and sticking rear calipers (cant remember if its bosch or lucas that are crap but I had to swap mine over)

Big Col · 25-05-2009, 19:32

yeah that's the F23. Earlier models had the F18. The F18 has been known to have a bit of a chocolate diff. The F18 was also known as a 'close ratio' box which meant 3rd and 4th were closer together. The F23 has each gear equally spaced apart.

If 2nd - 3rd feels a bit wooly then invest in a new front engine mount or a powerflex item.

Big Col · 25-05-2009, 19:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by cambridge

the manifold crack shouldnt be a problem on the 2.0 since its the 2.2 that suffers hofficically from that lol.

I disagree, the Astra G X20XEV exhaust manifold is well known for shearing its bolts and/or cracking the manifold.

cambridge · 25-05-2009, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Col

yeah that's the F23. Earlier models had the F18. The F18 has been known to have a bit of a chocolate diff. The F18 was also known as a 'close ratio' box which meant 3rd and 4th were closer together. The F23 has each gear equally spaced apart.

If 2nd - 3rd feels a bit wooly then invest in a new front engine mount or a powerflex item.

with a cable shift box, dead mounts shouldnt make a difference.... unless the engine is canted alllllllll the way over in extremes lol.

Big Col · 25-05-2009, 19:40

well the powerflex item certainly improved the gearchange quality on mine

**Melv** · 25-05-2009, 19:40

looks good Dan. Was contemplating the same model as and when the Mk3 1.8 Sport is sold eventually.

Sten · 25-05-2009, 19:43

Looks like a cracking example, nice find. I've had 3 mk4 Astras now and I can't fault them.

**Benn** · 25-05-2009, 20:15

Is very nice as i said, lowerd on mv6 rims, debadged grill and darker lights and the kit and it will looooook sweet.

**Astra Dan** · 25-05-2009, 20:17

I agree with Col, I've personally repaired two Ecotecs that had blowing manifolds.
Also agree F18s are total poo gearboxes.
Gearchange feels spot on to me, hopefully it'll stay that way.

I'm assuming mine's had a cam sensor, although the plug cover still fits OK. Someone's levered the panel out to access the diag socket, I'm just guessing it's for that reason.

Jack · 25-05-2009, 20:29

Looks very nice Dan!

Same engine as in my Vectra. When you get two spare minutes, blank off the EGR valve and give the ICV a squirt of penetrating oil.

gra11 · 25-05-2009, 21:40

Looks sweet as a nut mate

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Col

I disagree, the Astra G X20XEV exhaust manifold is well known for shearing its bolts and/or cracking the manifold.

Got to agree there just had to drill out one of mine and re-tap it because it had sheered. Quite a nerve racking job that one

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack

Looks very nice Dan!

Same engine as in my Vectra. When you get two spare minutes, blank off the EGR valve and give the ICV a squirt of penetrating oil.

Definitely worth doing done it not to long ago on the vectra and it seems to idle alot smoother now. With Vauxhall selling the blanking gaskets as well its such an easy job.

**Astra Dan** · 25-05-2009, 21:43

I'm not touching the ICV yet. It runs real damn smooth; I'd hate myself if I ruined it by mesing it up with oiling it when it doesn't need it. Although I agree it's probably inevitable.
As for the EGR valve, er, dunno! Didn't think this engine had one...

gra11 · 25-05-2009, 21:51

Yeah the xev's do have one and since its newer than my car I would expect it to have one aswell

Jack · 25-05-2009, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Astra Dan

As for the EGR valve, er, dunno! Didn't think this engine had one...

MSG · 25-05-2009, 22:32

Never mind the car!! (it is very nice though) but I for once enjoyed reading the long story!! (lol)

MSG · 25-05-2009, 22:35

Can't edit my posts.

but wanted to add this to the above post:

(There are many unlike you and I, who would just right a short post with 4 words "Look!! My New baby"

25-05-2009, 17:59	#1
Astra Dan Memberships / Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fareham, Hants. Drives: 1.3L GTE16V Mk4 SRI iTrader: (8) Posts: 15,413	Mk4 Astra SRI Ha. Well. Sold the GTE rag top when the novelty wore off pretty quick. Missed the air con, quietness and rust free-ness of the Saab, but not the fuel economy. Wanted something modern, with air con. Nippy, but not thirsty, usuable every day with the usual Vauxhall traits of reliability, cheapness to run, service and buy parts for etc. So, what with me being Astra Dan, there was only one choice, a Mk4 Astra. Specifically the 2.0 SRI. A 2.2 was considered until after a few searches on Auto Trader and eBay turned up just as many dead timing chain related ones as runners, so I chose to stick with the tried and tested X20XEV. I had about 2k to spend, the strict critera was air con and under 100k mileage (for once!). Not an awful lot about. First one we looked at was a two hour drive away and was frankly a bit dissapointing. OK it hadn't been valeted yet, but it was on the verge of scruffy. Some patchy paint work (it was black), laquer lifting on the spoiler, passenger seat broken, 96k miles. Left that one. There was a red 2.2 in a garage literally down the road from me. A little more pricey, but only 55k miles. Engine seemed fine, A/C worked, but it was a little scruffy, too. Crease in driver's door, spoiler had faded, bumper dislodged, crap tyres, knackered brakes. Left that one again. Then on Auto Trader there was a stunning dark blue 2.0 with 64k miles, Irmscher kit, trip computer and cruise. Again, a little pricey, but with those options and that mileage I was prepared to pay a little more. It was about 60 miles away, so took a while before I had the time to get there in opening times. First impressions were good. The car shone like new. Dealer was polite and knowledgeable, until I opened the driver's door. There was a new bonnet cable on the seat. "Oh yeah, I've not had that fitted yet, they always go on Astras.". Confused, I opened the bonnet and pointed to the clamp on the bonnet cable. "Why don't you loosen that bolt and take the slack up, then do the bolt back up?" He looked a little sheepish and mumbled a bit. Things got worse. Broken o/s fog, n/s of front bumper had obviously hit something and broken and fallen off. One wing mirror had almost totally faded. Rear o/s arch had filler in it. A pretty good job, but a tiny bit of paint that hadn't been flatted off gave it away. The trip computer's display was a bit corrupted. Four holes in the dash from stupid phone kit. CDR500 in SAFE mode. Most annoyong was, dispite the low mileage, the driver's seat was totally worn through on the bolster, one the things that gets me the most. I totally fail to understand how that happens. Well, I know why, because people just don't think or care. So left that one. I was getting a little disheartened by now, despite only having seen 3 cars. But so many were either very badly modified, had things wrong with them, or had really high miles so weren't even worth looking at. Then this one appeared in my almost daily Auto Trader search. Sharon phoned the dealer up, checked the car was still there and that they were open on a Sunday. They were. Little village called Melmsbury, near Castle Combe off the M4, 104 miles. Black, one owner, FSH, 86k, totally standard. The weather was good, and I had a good feeling. So did Sharon. We found it in the car park outside the dealership, so cold have a good poke about before disturbing the dealer from his flower arranging. We couldn't fault it. Paint was all good, drivers seat in perfect condition. With high sprits we went and spoke to the dealer, a very nice chap. He opened it and went off again to let us poke about some more. And we did. The back seats looked like they'd never been sat in, fronts looked as perfect as I first thought. Boot looked like it's not even seen heavy shopping. Tyres matched pairs, exhaust good, brakes newish looking. Engine grubby, which I like unless I'm the one doing the cleaning. Last service stamp was 3k miles ago in October. Had the car pass, too. On the road the car was faultless. Quiet, smooth. A/C worked which was nice as the dash said it was 22 degrees outside. The dealer said he'd not take offers, so I duly gave him the asking price, quite happily. 3 months warranty too! Never had that before. Tempcover.com to the rescue again, and the drive home was superb. So quiet and easy to drive. Here it is: Future plans may be a total rip off of Steve Flatley's old one. Which means Irmscher kit and Omega MV6 wheels. Maybe 308s too. Lets see if this makes it past 6 months! __________________ Click for info: Mk2 GTE16V Mk2 1.3L Mk4 2.0 SRI They're there, in their room.

25-05-2009, 18:07	#2
GTE 16v Administrator Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Southampton Drives: GTE 16v/Tigra/Van iTrader: (1) Posts: 5,883	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... Sweet

25-05-2009, 18:17	#3
OHC MIGClub Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Durham Drives: Into things iTrader: (1) Posts: 1,987	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... I was expecting another Astra GTE lol __________________ Putting the fun in dysfunctional since 1986 Breaking Nova

25-05-2009, 18:20	#4
Mark_F MIGWeb User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: East Ayrshire Drives: Litre bikes :o iTrader: (37) Posts: 6,493	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... Good read that mate. Never been a fan of those alloys, but the MV6 ones look lovely. __________________ Sandwiches and laminated printouts!? You widnae get this at AVA...

25-05-2009, 18:36	#5
Big Col MIGWeb User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: North Ayrshire Drives: '00 Astra 2.0 SRi iTrader: (0) Posts: 8,782	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... nice car. Identical to mine __________________ Vauxhall history : 13S \| 14NV \| C16XE \| X20XEV

25-05-2009, 18:37	#6
LEE69 MIGClub Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: C:/UK/Devon/Torquay Drives: Leon Cupra 20VT iTrader: (44) Posts: 45,266	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... Looks very nice.

25-05-2009, 19:12	#7
Astra Dan Memberships / Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fareham, Hants. Drives: 1.3L GTE16V Mk4 SRI iTrader: (8) Posts: 15,413	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... Good stuff, any problems to report Col?

25-05-2009, 19:21	#8
Big Col MIGWeb User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: North Ayrshire Drives: '00 Astra 2.0 SRi iTrader: (0) Posts: 8,782	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... touch wood mine has suffered none of the common problems - cracked manifold, broken rear springs, cam/crank sensors. Had to replace the front passenger side hub recently, the ABS sensor failed. Mine is just coming up to 120K miles. Engine is still sweet. Still uses virtually no oil. You got the F18 or the F23?

25-05-2009, 19:26	#9
Astra Dan Memberships / Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fareham, Hants. Drives: 1.3L GTE16V Mk4 SRI iTrader: (8) Posts: 15,413	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... I think it's the F23, reverse under 5th (which I've always preferred). Cable change.

25-05-2009, 19:31	#10
cambridge MIGClub Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Bishops Stortford Drives: 2 seat 2.2 vxl iTrader: (4) Posts: 10,734	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... the manifold crack shouldnt be a problem on the 2.0 since its the 2.2 that suffers hofficically from that lol. but broken rear springs is a popular one across the range oh and sticking rear calipers (cant remember if its bosch or lucas that are crap but I had to swap mine over) __________________ http://slindborg.hostei.com/ Gearbox calc, Top speed, compression ratio, engine capacity, 1.4 tuning guide, Wheel offset calculator Fixed broken gearbox calc :)

25-05-2009, 19:32	#11
Big Col MIGWeb User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: North Ayrshire Drives: '00 Astra 2.0 SRi iTrader: (0) Posts: 8,782	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... yeah that's the F23. Earlier models had the F18. The F18 has been known to have a bit of a chocolate diff. The F18 was also known as a 'close ratio' box which meant 3rd and 4th were closer together. The F23 has each gear equally spaced apart. If 2nd - 3rd feels a bit wooly then invest in a new front engine mount or a powerflex item.

25-05-2009, 19:40	#14
Big Col MIGWeb User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: North Ayrshire Drives: '00 Astra 2.0 SRi iTrader: (0) Posts: 8,782	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... well the powerflex item certainly improved the gearchange quality on mine

25-05-2009, 19:40	#15
Melv Scotland Regional Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: KEITH (N.E. SCOTLAND Drives: 1.2 Corsa C18XE soon iTrader: (16) Posts: 6,560	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... looks good Dan. Was contemplating the same model as and when the Mk3 1.8 Sport is sold eventually. __________________ Bear Scotland - Hibernating for the winter!

25-05-2009, 19:43	#16
Sten MIGWeb User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Glasgow Drives: Astra G 1.6 16v iTrader: (0) Posts: 1,871	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... Looks like a cracking example, nice find. I've had 3 mk4 Astras now and I can't fault them. __________________ >>>>>>Sten<<<<<< Previous Astras: 1994 Cesaro 1.8 16v \| 2002 SXi 1.6 16v \| 2001 Coupé 2.0 Turbo

25-05-2009, 20:15	#17
Benn MIG Regions / South Central Regional Coordinator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Fareham,Hants Drives: A shineeeey Let Nova iTrader: (25) Posts: 46,690	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... Is very nice as i said, lowerd on mv6 rims, debadged grill and darker lights and the kit and it will looooook sweet. __________________ Man I just stopped caring, the music is blaring I feel you glaring, why wont you stop staring?

25-05-2009, 20:17	#18
Astra Dan Memberships / Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fareham, Hants. Drives: 1.3L GTE16V Mk4 SRI iTrader: (8) Posts: 15,413	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... I agree with Col, I've personally repaired two Ecotecs that had blowing manifolds. Also agree F18s are total poo gearboxes. Gearchange feels spot on to me, hopefully it'll stay that way. I'm assuming mine's had a cam sensor, although the plug cover still fits OK. Someone's levered the panel out to access the diag socket, I'm just guessing it's for that reason.

25-05-2009, 20:29	#19
Jack MIGClub Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Staffordshire Drives: Mondeo TDDI iTrader: (16) Posts: 16,035	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... Looks very nice Dan! Same engine as in my Vectra. When you get two spare minutes, blank off the EGR valve and give the ICV a squirt of penetrating oil.

25-05-2009, 21:43	#21
Astra Dan Memberships / Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fareham, Hants. Drives: 1.3L GTE16V Mk4 SRI iTrader: (8) Posts: 15,413	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... I'm not touching the ICV yet. It runs real damn smooth; I'd hate myself if I ruined it by mesing it up with oiling it when it doesn't need it. Although I agree it's probably inevitable. As for the EGR valve, er, dunno! Didn't think this engine had one...

25-05-2009, 21:51	#22
gra11 MIGWeb User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: nr Dunbar, Scotland Drives: Vectra / Corsa iTrader: (4) Posts: 1,342	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... Yeah the xev's do have one and since its newer than my car I would expect it to have one aswell

25-05-2009, 22:32	#24
MSG MIGClub Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: London Drives: Calibra 16V 2L P Reg iTrader: (5) Posts: 13,519	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... Never mind the car!! (it is very nice though) but I for once enjoyed reading the long story!! (lol) __________________ Scientists must be so dumbos, if they can't prove the existence of God, the evidence is everywhere, they just can't figure it out! God help them!

25-05-2009, 22:35	#25
MSG MIGClub Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: London Drives: Calibra 16V 2L P Reg iTrader: (5) Posts: 13,519	Re: Oh Look, Another New Astra... Can't edit my posts. but wanted to add this to the above post: (There are many unlike you and I, who would just right a short post with 4 words "Look!! My New baby"