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[STEMO]

When I saw it 'in the flesh' it looked very boring, the graphite grey is just 'almost black' and it looked nothing.
But, while I was there, I spotted another. Test drove it, liked it, and I pick it up on Friday afternoon. I got more for mine than I thought, and the salesman's exact words were "We'll have no trouble retailing that. The colour is really unusual and it will stand out on the forecourt". 


I ended up with another astra, in a less boring colour, 2.0 diesel, automatic gearbox and elite spec. 3000 miles less and only £100 more. I pick it up at 3 o'clock Friday.


https://www.thecarpeople.co.uk/find-a-car/car-details/vauxhall-astra-wakefield-324696

Nice list of extras. 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I don't know what to say.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

When I saw it 'in the flesh' it looked very boring, the graphite grey is just 'almost black' and it looked nothing.
But, while I was there, I spotted another. Test drove it, liked it, and I pick it up on Friday afternoon. I got more for mine than I thought, and the salesman's exact words were "We'll have no trouble retailing that. The colour is really unusual and it will stand out on the forecourt". 


I ended up with another astra, in a less boring colour, 2.0 diesel, automatic gearbox and elite spec. 3000 miles less and only £100 more. I pick it up at 3 o'clock Friday.


https://www.thecarpeople.co.uk/find-a-car/car-details/vauxhall-astra-wakefield-324696

Nice list of extras. 

Deluded people everywhere.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

258 lb ft of torque is exactly the same as the mighty Signum.

Impressive.

[STEMO]

Just changed over the insurance...£68 extra, which is quite reasonable considering it was only £200 to start with and this car is quite pokey.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Just changed over the insurance...£68 extra, which is quite reasonable considering it was only £200 to start with and this car is quite pokey.

I'm worried about an old gentleman your age driving such a fast car.

Promise me you'll be careful, and promise me you won't drive after dark.

[tunnie]

You are going to notice that extra power!

[STEMO]

You are going to notice that extra power!

That was the general idea 

[Sir Tigger KC]

So two almost identical cars and you pick the one that is less economical and costs more to tax?      

Or is it just that you prefer an auto box? 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

You are going to notice that extra power!

That was the general idea 

Top speed is 133 MPH which is about the same as a 6.3 litre Jensen Interceptor from the sixties. A car that was capable of driving across Europe in a day with Sophia Loren behind the wheel.

That's progress for you.

[2boxerdogs]

You are going to notice that extra power!

That was the general idea 

Top speed is 133 MPH which is about the same as a 6.3 litre Jensen Interceptor from the sixties. A car that was capable of driving across Europe in a day with Sophia Loren behind the wheel.

That's progress for you.

.   



More likely to get your leg over in the Jensen.😀

[STEMO]

So two almost identical cars and you pick the one that is less economical and costs more to tax?      

Or is it just that you prefer an auto box? 

Don't ever call me 'old uncle STEMO' again. Others have commented on the increase in power and torque, and you go on about economy and tax....you old bastid. 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

You are going to notice that extra power!

That was the general idea 

Top speed is 133 MPH which is about the same as a 6.3 litre Jensen Interceptor from the sixties. A car that was capable of driving across Europe in a day with Sophia Loren behind the wheel.

That's progress for you.

.   



More likely to get your leg over in the Jensen.😀

Yep....and Sophia Loren would not be been seen dead in a diesel Astra.

[tunnie]

You are going to notice that extra power!

That was the general idea 

It's a good spec being Elite and with those age/plate/miles, I think that's very good value. 

From the lights, may not notice it as much, but open it up at once rolling   

Going to follow your new motor with interest, see how quickly it heats up and if you get any issues.

I'm a soot chucker convert, so I'd happily get MrsT a Zaf Tourer with this same lump in it. 

[Doctor Gollum]

You are going to notice that extra power!

That was the general idea 

Top speed is 133 MPH which is about the same as a 6.3 litre Jensen Interceptor from the sixties. A car that was capable of driving across Europe in a day with Sophia Loren behind the wheel.

That's progress for you.

.   



More room to get your leg over in the Astra estate though.😀

Fixed

[TD]

Nice car Steve 

Tho the ad is misleading, states cloth trim.....clearly leather 

It will probably do the same mpg as your bile green astra.....maybe a bit less being an auto  But who cares 

[henryd]

very nice Steve,like the colour

[Sir Tigger KC]

So two almost identical cars and you pick the one that is less economical and costs more to tax?      

Or is it just that you prefer an auto box? 

Don't ever call me 'old uncle STEMO' again. Others have commented on the increase in power and torque, and you go on about economy and tax....you old bastid. 

I thought senility was setting in. 

[ronnyd]

very nice Steve,like the colour

+1, I usually like the grey colour but that one looks better on the Astra.

[TheBoy]

You are going to notice that extra power!

That was the general idea 

Top speed is 133 MPH which is about the same as a 6.3 litre Jensen Interceptor from the sixties. A car that was capable of driving across Europe in a day with Sophia Loren behind the wheel.

That's progress for you.

.   

More likely to get your leg over in the Jensen.😀

The bloke who's shagging the bird over the road has one, amongst many other interesting cars, and I reckon he's getting plenty...

[Auto Addict]

Enjoy

[STEMO]

Thanks for all of your replies, I'm looking forward to picking it up tomorrow 

My first thought was to come back from Wakefield down the M1 and give it the beans, but the automatic speed limiter is coming with me. 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Thanks for all of your replies, I'm looking forward to picking it up tomorrow 

My first thought was to come back from Wakefield down the M1 and give it the beans, but the automatic speed limiter is coming with me. 

It'll feel like a missile compare to your arthritic 1.4.

A turbo and an extra 600 cc will make a big difference. You may actually be able to overtake slower moving traffic now.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Pity you couldn't pick a colour we can take the piss out of.

[Viral_Jim]

A turbo and an extra 600 cc will make a big difference. You may actually be able to find some slower moving traffic now.

FTFY 

All joking assist Steve it looks a very tidy car 

[STEMO]

Got it up to about 85 on the test drive before the salesman started looking a bit twitchy. I will have to be careful, though, the motorways round here are always busy and, therefore, always speed limited with overhead gantry cameras.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Got it up to about 85 on the test drive before the salesman started looking a bit twitchy. I will have to be careful, though, the motorways round here are always busy and, therefore, always speed limited with overhead gantry cameras.

I always tell the salesman I'd rather drive it on my own.

They've all  been fine with that including a good thrash in a 2017 F-Type and a 2017 E63.

I must have an honest face.

......typo. E63 should read C63.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Being a scouser I imagine the salesman thinks you'll 'borrow' the car for an extended length of time.  

[STEMO]

Apparently, for insurance reasons, that is not allowed in the rougher parts of the country such as here. 

[STEMO]

Cross-posted....but to the same end 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Apparently, for insurance reasons, that is not allowed in the rougher parts of the country such as here. 

They usually take a copy of my driving licence and the keys to my car but nothing other than that.

[Varche]

Look forward to hearing how you rate it. We are looking at a 2 litre diesel auto tomorrow.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Apparently, for insurance reasons, that is not allowed in the rougher parts of the country such as here. 

Salesman speak for 'we don't trust you. You look like you'll have it away'

[Sir Tigger KC]

Got it up to about 85 on the test drive before the salesman started looking a bit twitchy. I will have to be careful, though, the motorways round here are always busy and, therefore, always speed limited with overhead gantry cameras.

I always tell the salesman I'd rather drive it on my own.

They've all  been fine with that including a good thrash in a 2017 F-Type and a 2017 E63.

I must have an honest face.

......typo. E63 should read C63.

Less risky leaving your Jag XFR as a security deposit, than a snot green Astra. 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Got it up to about 85 on the test drive before the salesman started looking a bit twitchy. I will have to be careful, though, the motorways round here are always busy and, therefore, always speed limited with overhead gantry cameras.

I always tell the salesman I'd rather drive it on my own.

They've all  been fine with that including a good thrash in a 2017 F-Type and a 2017 E63.

I must have an honest face.

......typo. E63 should read C63.

Less risky leaving your Jag XFR as a security deposit, than a snot green Astra. 

Apparently a most desirable colour according to the salesman........and I'm sure he wouldn't tell porkies.

[Sir Tigger KC]

Got it up to about 85 on the test drive before the salesman started looking a bit twitchy. I will have to be careful, though, the motorways round here are always busy and, therefore, always speed limited with overhead gantry cameras.

I always tell the salesman I'd rather drive it on my own.

They've all  been fine with that including a good thrash in a 2017 F-Type and a 2017 E63.

I must have an honest face.

......typo. E63 should read C63.

Less risky leaving your Jag XFR as a security deposit, than a snot green Astra. 

Apparently a most desirable colour according to the salesman........and I'm sure he wouldn't tell porkies.

Probably the same salesman that flogged it to him in the first place! 

[Doctor Gollum]

Apparently, for insurance reasons, that is not allowed in the rougher parts of the country such as here. 

They usually take a copy of my driving licence and the keys to the wifes Corsa but nothing other than that.

Once a crafty sod...

[STEMO]

Got it up to about 85 on the test drive before the salesman started looking a bit twitchy. I will have to be careful, though, the motorways round here are always busy and, therefore, always speed limited with overhead gantry cameras.

I always tell the salesman I'd rather drive it on my own.

They've all  been fine with that including a good thrash in a 2017 F-Type and a 2017 E63.

I must have an honest face.

......typo. E63 should read C63.

Less risky leaving your Jag XFR as a security deposit, than a snot green Astra. 

Apparently a most desirable colour according to the salesman........and I'm sure he wouldn't tell porkies.

Probably the same salesman that flogged it to him in the first place! 

I'm going to miss seeing that lovely green hue when I glance through the misted glass in my back door. It looks like summer all the time. 

[tunnie]

Now you've had it a few days, can I ask how quickly it heats up from cold, to full temp?

It's around 5 to 8 mins for my VW before gauge is in the middle.

[STEMO]

Now you've had it a few days, can I ask how quickly it heats up from cold, to full temp?

It's around 5 to 8 mins for my VW before gauge is in the middle.

About 5 mins, but it's not been below 18° during the day since I bought it.
This engine seems to retain a lot of heat. After an hours walk, the gauge is still near the middle and, when I lifted the bonnet (see below) the heat hit me in the face.

Poxy metal bar to hold the bonnet up, no hydraulic strut.

[tunnie]

Now you've had it a few days, can I ask how quickly it heats up from cold, to full temp?

It's around 5 to 8 mins for my VW before gauge is in the middle.

About 5 mins, but it's not been below 18° during the day since I bought it.
This engine seems to retain a lot of heat. After an hours walk, the gauge is still near the middle and, when I lifted the bonnet (see below) the heat hit me in the face.

Poxy metal bar to hold the bonnet up, no hydraulic strut.

That's good, I need to test drive the 1.4T and time that. Leaning more to diesel Zaf now. 

[Andy H]

Now you've had it a few days, can I ask how quickly it heats up from cold, to full temp?

It's around 5 to 8 mins for my VW before gauge is in the middle.

VW temperature gauges lie, They are programmed to point bang in the middle unless the engine is either cold or overheating badly.

Try plugging VCDS in and compare the coolant temperature and the gauge indicated temperature as the engine warms up from cold...........

[STEMO]

Now you've had it a few days, can I ask how quickly it heats up from cold, to full temp?

It's around 5 to 8 mins for my VW before gauge is in the middle.

VW temperature gauges lie, They are programmed to point bang in the middle unless the engine is either cold or overheating badly.

Try plugging VCDS in and compare the coolant temperature and the gauge indicated temperature as the engine warms up from cold...........

All modern temperature gauges lie, including my astra. I can go back as far as my MGZT, that was exactly the same. The astra H didn't even have a temperature guard.

[Kevin Wood]

Yep, no point whatsoever in believing the dashboard gauge on a modern car. Or an old car, for that matter, but for different reasons.