Topic: Corsa VXR or Astra Elite Auto (Read 4336 times)

Mikejr · « **on:** 14 October 2009, 17:55:52 »

Well, lost my job a few weeks ago and being 6 months from 'official' retirement think it unlikely that I'll get another

or in reality

Anyway, luckily I have a pension I can take which will help but really think the Omega now has to go

Now, with this pension I can take a tax free lump sum so was thinking about buying an Astra Elite Auto, 2008 low mileage BUT when I was 17 yrs old a mate was selling his Mini Cooper. I had a test drive and was astounded at the performance (At the time I had a 1947 Austin 8, headlights on mudguards and running boards for those old enough to recall) so the speed was a real eye opener. I was about to say yes, I'll have it, when my Dad said NO!! think he had visions of me 'chatting' with a tree, so that was the end of that. However since then I've always regretted not getting it.

Now the quandary, should I 'scratch the itch' and go for a Corsa VXR, again 2008, low mileage or go straight for the Astra?

I would expect to keep the Corsa for a max of 12 months when I would then, probably, go for the Astra.

The reason for, ultimately, getting an Auto is that I have rheumatoid arthritis and it saves all that pushing with the left foot. However, I believe the Corsa has a lot of torque so, hopefully, wont involve to much gear changing around town and it wont be a problem on long runs.

So, which way to go all ~~constructive~~

comments appreciated.

Andy B · « **Reply #1 on:** 14 October 2009, 19:03:41 »

Quote

.....
Now the quandary, should I 'scratch the itch' and go for a Corsa VXR, again 2008, low mileage or go straight for the Astra? ......

How about a test drive of both? I haven't driven one, but I would expect the suspension of the Corsa being quite hard. Would you not prefer the comfort of the Astra ..... you're not 17 any more

albitz · « **Reply #2 on:** 14 October 2009, 19:18:37 »

sounds like you have worked all your life.................so ,go with your heart rather than your head imo.

Martin_1962 · « **Reply #3 on:** 14 October 2009, 19:18:56 »

Sounds like a choice between toothache and piles.

Perhaps an auto VXR8 would be nicer

cem_devecioglu · « **Reply #4 on:** 14 October 2009, 20:01:19 »

my idea is to re-think about the 2 choices..

there are many alternatives in their price range..

but also you must decide you want comfort or performance..

hotel21 · « **Reply #5 on:** 14 October 2009, 20:55:31 »

Quote

Now the quandary, should I 'scratch the itch'.....

Get an original one, let the newbie upstarts fend for themselves....

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #6 on:** 14 October 2009, 21:51:36 »

There a good drive the VXR Corsas...but I would not want to live with one long term as my main motor

I can rate the Astra/Zafira Elites, nice level of kit and not a bad drive.

If you are starting to suffer a few joint issues then consider something along the lines of a Zafira or Meriva type thing as they are easier to get in and out of.

pedroMV6 · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 October 2009, 09:56:25 »

Quote

If you are starting to suffer a few joint issues then consider something along the lines of a Zafira or Meriva type thing as they are easier to get in and out of.

My thoughts too - but apparently, Merivas have dreadful steering problems and Vauxhall don't want to recall them, so that in itself puts me off them - good lookers for a small van though! Threads on VXON about them.
Zafira GSi Turbo is an animal and I beleive the VXR is moreso.

tunnie · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 October 2009, 10:00:48 »

i'd get neither, if i had that money to spend it would be either:

Vauxhall Monaro, BMW 530d 330d depending on my millage

Squealey · « **Reply #9 on:** 15 October 2009, 10:31:16 »

Why not really scratch the itch and get an original Mini Cooper.

Have it for a year and you'd probably make a small profit when it came to selling

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #10 on:** 15 October 2009, 10:51:01 »

Quote

Quote

If you are starting to suffer a few joint issues then consider something along the lines of a Zafira or Meriva type thing as they are easier to get in and out of.

My thoughts too - but apparently, Merivas have dreadful steering problems and Vauxhall don't want to recall them, so that in itself puts me off them - good lookers for a small van though! Threads on VXON about them.
Zafira GSi Turbo is an animal and I beleive the VXR is moreso.

Never known a Meriva with steering trouble......they are only a large Corsa (other than track rod ends which is general wear and tear on any car)

Mikejr · « **Reply #11 on:** 15 October 2009, 14:32:42 »

Quote

Perhaps an auto VXR8 would be nicer

No, don't think so Martin, purchase and running costs will be too much now that I've been 'forced' into retirement, really looking to downsize

pedroMV6 · « **Reply #12 on:** 15 October 2009, 14:44:21 »

Quote

Quote
Quote

If you are starting to suffer a few joint issues then consider something along the lines of a Zafira or Meriva type thing as they are easier to get in and out of.

My thoughts too - but apparently, Merivas have dreadful steering problems and Vauxhall don't want to recall them, so that in itself puts me off them - good lookers for a small van though! Threads on VXON about them.
Zafira GSi Turbo is an animal and I beleive the VXR is moreso.

Never known a Meriva with steering trouble......they are only a large Corsa (other than track rod ends which is general wear and tear on any car)

http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/showthread.php?t=97438

http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/showthread.php?t=198177

http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/showthread.php?t=137385

I'm sure there are more threads like this on VXON, as I thought about buying one in the spring (slapped myself hard and came out of it PDQ!).
They seem to have engine cutting out problems too, as I recall.

Mikejr · « **Reply #13 on:** 15 October 2009, 14:44:37 »

Quote

Quote
.....
Now the quandary, should I 'scratch the itch' and go for a Corsa VXR, again 2008, low mileage or go straight for the Astra? ......

Would you not prefer the comfort of the Astra ..... you're not 17 any more

Correct on both counts Andy (age & comfort)

BUT still have this hankering to try something sporty even if only for a few months

pedroMV6 · « **Reply #14 on:** 15 October 2009, 14:49:18 »

Quote

Why not really scratch the itch and get an original Mini Cooper.

Have it for a year and you'd probably make a small profit when it came to selling

Sounds like a good plan!

Mikejr · « **Reply #15 on:** 15 October 2009, 15:18:42 »

Quote

Why not really scratch the itch and get an original Mini Cooper.

Have it for a year and you'd probably make a small profit when it came to selling

Yes, you're probably right but have now got used to more comfort and goodies e.g. aircon, decent headlights, comfortable seats, decent heating/ventilation etc so afraid that will be a no no

ngrainqey · « **Reply #16 on:** 15 October 2009, 16:45:49 »

have you considered something like a volvo C30 D5 gear"gay"tronic? they're about the same size as the new golf and the D5's quite a good engine

cem_devecioglu · « **Reply #17 on:** 15 October 2009, 20:59:16 »

Quote

i'd get neither, if i had that money to spend it would be either:

Vauxhall Monaro, BMW 530d 330d depending on my millage

I was meaning to say that

530d good machine, comfy, good performance and economic to run..

tunnie · « **Reply #18 on:** 15 October 2009, 21:07:55 »

Quote

Quote
i'd get neither, if i had that money to spend it would be either:

Vauxhall Monaro, BMW 530d 330d depending on my millage

I was meaning to say that

530d good machine, comfy, good performance and economic to run..

Yup - Sadly they carry the usual BMW price tag, but if the bike is anything to go buy, its worth it!

tunnie · « **Reply #19 on:** 15 October 2009, 21:12:30 »

this would be my ideal replacement:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200940342716198/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/bmw/model/5_series/fuel-type/diesel/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/postcode/nn136er/page/1?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fnn136er%2Fmake%2Fbmw%2Fmodel%2F5_series%2Ffuel-type%2Fdiesel%2Fengine-size-cars%2F3l_to_3-9l%2Fmaximum-mileage%2Fup_to_80000_miles%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F1&anchor=advert200940342716198&logcode=p

cem_devecioglu · « **Reply #20 on:** 15 October 2009, 21:42:52 »

Quote

this would be my ideal replacement:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200940342716198/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/bmw/model/5_series/fuel-type/diesel/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/postcode/nn136er/page/1?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fnn136er%2Fmake%2Fbmw%2Fmodel%2F5_series%2Ffuel-type%2Fdiesel%2Fengine-size-cars%2F3l_to_3-9l%2Fmaximum-mileage%2Fup_to_80000_miles%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F1&anchor=advert200940342716198&logcode=p

yep.. but I would go for a white or silver color..easy to keep clean..

Andy B · « **Reply #21 on:** 15 October 2009, 22:04:48 »

But ........ the OP wants to choose between Corsa or Astra!

Martin_1962 · « **Reply #22 on:** 15 October 2009, 22:58:35 »

Quote

But ........ the OP wants to choose between Corsa or Astra!

Piles or toothache

Andy B · « **Reply #23 on:** 15 October 2009, 23:04:10 »

Quote

Quote
But ........ the OP wants to choose between Corsa or Astra!

Piles or toothache

Vamps · « **Reply #24 on:** 15 October 2009, 23:43:06 »

Quote

Quote
Why not really scratch the itch and get an original Mini Cooper.

Have it for a year and you'd probably make a small profit when it came to selling

Yes, you're probably right but have now got used to more comfort and goodies e.g. aircon, decent headlights, comfortable seats, decent heating/ventilation etc so afraid that will be a no no

But you are looking for a quick thrill before getting sensible, reliving a lost childhood, even the later RSP Coopers offer loads of fun, keep for a year for some winter and then summer fun, sell on and then get boring.....

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #25 on:** 16 October 2009, 09:40:59 »

If you want a final shot of fun......VX220 Turbo.....a proper sports car, not some beefed up hot hatch

cem_devecioglu · « **Reply #26 on:** 16 October 2009, 10:04:50 »

Quote

If you want a final shot of fun......VX220 Turbo.....a proper sports car, not some beefed up hot hatch

and an impressive design..

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #27 on:** 16 October 2009, 10:18:45 »

And you are unlikely to lose money on it over 1 year!

hoody · « **Reply #28 on:** 17 October 2009, 10:21:05 »

you could compromise
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200936341100063/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/saab/model/9-3/price-from/10000/price-to/11000/keywords/aero/postcode/pa29rd/page/2?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fpa29rd%2Fmake%2Fsaab%2Fmodel%2F9-3%2Fkeywords%2Faero%2Fprice-from%2F10000%2Fprice-to%2F11000%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F2&anchor=advert200936341100063&logcode=p

nearly a vauxhall

tunnie · « **Reply #29 on:** 17 October 2009, 14:21:11 »

Quote

you could compromise
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200936341100063/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/saab/model/9-3/price-from/10000/price-to/11000/keywords/aero/postcode/pa29rd/page/2?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fpa29rd%2Fmake%2Fsaab%2Fmodel%2F9-3%2Fkeywords%2Faero%2Fprice-from%2F10000%2Fprice-to%2F11000%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F2&anchor=advert200936341100063&logcode=p

nearly a vauxhall

Can think of better cars i would spend 10k on

Mikejr · « **Reply #30 on:** 17 October 2009, 15:44:33 »

Quote

Quote
you could compromise
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200936341100063/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/saab/model/9-3/price-from/10000/price-to/11000/keywords/aero/postcode/pa29rd/page/2?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fpa29rd%2Fmake%2Fsaab%2Fmodel%2F9-3%2Fkeywords%2Faero%2Fprice-from%2F10000%2Fprice-to%2F11000%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F2&anchor=advert200936341100063&logcode=p

nearly a vauxhall

Can think of better cars i would spend 10k on

Go on then tunnie

as long as its not a beamer, not to keen on them.

tunnie · « **Reply #31 on:** 17 October 2009, 15:52:16 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
you could compromise
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200936341100063/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/saab/model/9-3/price-from/10000/price-to/11000/keywords/aero/postcode/pa29rd/page/2?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fpa29rd%2Fmake%2Fsaab%2Fmodel%2F9-3%2Fkeywords%2Faero%2Fprice-from%2F10000%2Fprice-to%2F11000%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F2&anchor=advert200936341100063&logcode=p

nearly a vauxhall

Can think of better cars i would spend 10k on

Go on then tunnie as long as its not a beamer, not to keen on them.

Off the top of my head...

Jag XJR (old shape)
Mk5 Golf GTi
Monaro (5.7 version 6.0's are 15k)
Vw Pheaton

Mikejr · « **Reply #32 on:** 17 October 2009, 16:25:24 »

Quote

have you considered something like a volvo C30 D5 gear"gay"tronic? they're about the same size as the new golf and the D5's quite a good engine

No, I hadn't but will certainly have a look, thanks

Mikejr · « **Reply #33 on:** 17 October 2009, 17:21:49 »

Quote

Quote

Quote
Why not really scratch the itch and get an original Mini Cooper.

Have it for a year and you'd probably make a small profit when it came to selling

Yes, you're probably right but have now got used to more comfort and goodies e.g. aircon, decent headlights, comfortable seats, decent heating/ventilation etc so afraid that will be a no no

But you are looking for a quick thrill before getting sensible, reliving a lost childhood, even the later RSP Coopers offer loads of fun, keep for a year for some winter and then summer fun, sell on and then get boring.....

Got it in one

From reading reviews the VXR Corsas seem marginally better. Or I may even consider the Focus ST but don't really want a Ford, guess your (as in my) preference for cars is based on previous experience of the manufacturer and I had bad experiences with both Fords that I owned in my younger years

cem_devecioglu · « **Reply #34 on:** 17 October 2009, 19:04:54 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
Quote
you could compromise
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200936341100063/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/saab/model/9-3/price-from/10000/price-to/11000/keywords/aero/postcode/pa29rd/page/2?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fpa29rd%2Fmake%2Fsaab%2Fmodel%2F9-3%2Fkeywords%2Faero%2Fprice-from%2F10000%2Fprice-to%2F11000%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F2&anchor=advert200936341100063&logcode=p

nearly a vauxhall

Can think of better cars i would spend 10k on

Go on then tunnie as long as its not a beamer, not to keen on them.

Off the top of my head...

Jag XJR (old shape)
Mk5 Golf GTi
Monaro (5.7 version 6.0's are 15k)
Vw Pheaton

yep..good cars.. Golf GTI is a comfy hot hatch also.. and very reliable..

May be ford not desired but I would also think of Focus ST.. 5 cylinder turbo volvo engine..and well balanced chasis..

tunnie · « **Reply #35 on:** 17 October 2009, 19:06:49 »

i think the Phaeton is the most interesting of that list, its basically a Bentley for VW money, they were 60k new, now 10-15k gets you a good example.

cem_devecioglu · « **Reply #36 on:** 17 October 2009, 19:11:17 »

Quote

i think the Phaeton is the most interesting of that list, its basically a Bentley for VW money, they were 60k new, now 10-15k gets you a good example.

Phaetons ok ..The only problem is its even bigger than miggy..So parking would be a nightmare in the city, me thinks..

tunnie · « **Reply #37 on:** 17 October 2009, 19:20:00 »

Quote

Quote
i think the Phaeton is the most interesting of that list, its basically a Bentley for VW money, they were 60k new, now 10-15k gets you a good example.

Phaetons ok ..The only problem is its even bigger than miggy..So parking would be a nightmare in the city, me thinks..

cem, size matters

cem_devecioglu · « **Reply #38 on:** 17 October 2009, 19:21:26 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
i think the Phaeton is the most interesting of that list, its basically a Bentley for VW money, they were 60k new, now 10-15k gets you a good example.

Phaetons ok ..The only problem is its even bigger than miggy..So parking would be a nightmare in the city, me thinks..

cem, size matters

yep.. but this one is really a monster ,

The Phaeton is 203.7 in (5.17 m) long

, 74.9 in (1.9 m) wide and 57.1 in (1.45 m) high. It has a curb weight of 5,194 lb (2,356 kg

) for the V8 and 5,399 lb (2,449 kg) for the W12.

tunnie · « **Reply #39 on:** 17 October 2009, 19:22:32 »

yup, seen them on the road, big cruisers. I would have to go TDi route, W12 would be nice but i doubt i could cope with single figure mpg

cem_devecioglu · « **Reply #40 on:** 17 October 2009, 19:25:25 »

cover it with some armour and install a cannon , you have a real battle tank

tunnie · « **Reply #41 on:** 17 October 2009, 19:35:32 »

cheap tanks, dropped even further since i last looked

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+PHAETON/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-240-4294948303-4294966886/advert.action?R=200928337689884&distance=61&postcode=NN136ER&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=PHAETON&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2005&vehicleRegLetter=55

cem_devecioglu · « **Reply #42 on:** 17 October 2009, 19:42:58 »

Quote

cheap tanks, dropped even further since i last looked

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+PHAETON/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-240-4294948303-4294966886/advert.action?R=200928337689884&distance=61&postcode=NN136ER&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=PHAETON&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2005&vehicleRegLetter=55

when I see the prices of cars in UK, I start to think what the hell I'm doing here

ps: off to wash to cars..

AndyVXR300 · « **Reply #43 on:** 17 October 2009, 20:13:47 »

VXR Astra every time to be honest, fun fun and even more fun everytime

Quick reliable and cheap to run...........

tunnie · « **Reply #44 on:** 17 October 2009, 20:50:45 »

Quote

Quote
cheap tanks, dropped even further since i last looked

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+PHAETON/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-240-4294948303-4294966886/advert.action?R=200928337689884&distance=61&postcode=NN136ER&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=PHAETON&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2005&vehicleRegLetter=55

when I see the prices of cars in UK, I start to think what the hell I'm doing here

ps: off to wash to cars..

When your back, find a loop hole in the import laws, and lets go into business

cem_devecioglu · « **Reply #45 on:** 17 October 2009, 21:26:26 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
cheap tanks, dropped even further since i last looked

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+PHAETON/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-240-4294948303-4294966886/advert.action?R=200928337689884&distance=61&postcode=NN136ER&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=PHAETON&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2005&vehicleRegLetter=55

when I see the prices of cars in UK, I start to think what the hell I'm doing here

ps: off to wash to cars..

When your back, find a loop hole in the import laws, and lets go into business

for long time I was searching for that..

News:

Author Topic: Corsa VXR or Astra Elite Auto (Read 4336 times)

albitz

Martin_1962

cem_devecioglu

cem_devecioglu

cem_devecioglu

Martin_1962

cem_devecioglu

cem_devecioglu

cem_devecioglu

cem_devecioglu

cem_devecioglu

cem_devecioglu

cem_devecioglu