Is Saturn Astra Worth Buying?

[bunginherent]

Economically and practicality wise, do you guys recommend Astra?

[Bill Murray]

Not sure about the parts situation as it was a short term sale in the US (2 years I think).
The engine and trans are pretty decent.
So many times it comes down to the condition and history of a particular car.

I just bought an Ion with 132000 miles from Chicago which doesn't sound very appealing, but it was owned by a 74 year old lady who spent all the winters in Florida and most of the miles are interstate cruising, all the maintenance was done by dealers to the book, and the interior literally looks brand new.

[eric08]

I will echo the assessment of the powertrain. A very reliable combination, especially in a time period that had many shaky offerings. Parts are more of a hassle in that you're best off to plan ahead as much as possible and source from the net since many stores don't stock much for it. Gas mileage in low 30s consistently, nimble handling and solid braking abilities have made it a good choice overall, I think. It has its quirks but none of them are major issues and are well documented here.

Also agreed that if it has been well maintained and rust/mileage are right then there isn't a reason to shy away from it.

[Astra08]

Parts are obtainable, but they often have to be ordered.

Reliability for me after 11 years of ownership has been good, except for the transmission, which required some work.

[ProOpel]

I got my Astra early in Feb 2020 with 115k on the odometer. I use it for work and I've put thousands of miles, right now at 148k. I take care of it. Bought it after reading this forum and checking reliability on other sources. A friend of mine in Spain also had an 08 Opel Astra (same thing) and it was a good car for them.

haven't had any major issues with the car other than having to get a new manifold exhaust (catalytic is part of the manifold hence why) and alternator - which are maintenance parts anyway.

The engine is shared with the Chevy Cruze, so parts are still made for it and can often be found at your local store depending on where you live. A few other components you may need to find overseas on ebay or through a junkyard.

I'd say it's been comparable to my previous 08 Honda Civic in regards to reliability and maintenance. Only thing the Honda had was better quality interior and no timing belt (personal preference). My interior cracks and makes noises all the time. Not sure if it's my car or just cheap plastics.

[AstraFasta]

There is a russian astra site that has fixes for some popular interior squeeks. I remember fixes for the steering wheel and glove box, in particular but there might be more.

The site is referenced in this forums somewhere so do a search.

[Banton27]

its worth buying especially because you can find them cheaper now, but here in Canada the parts are either not available or insane expensive, so its either scrap yard, order on ebay or rock auto etc . ei my ignition pack went and the oem one was over $500 just the part ,i bought an aftermarket that lasted half a year, then bought the oem ac delco from USA, been good for years now. Also my rear springs were bad , same deal over $400 here, i got bot shipped to me from UK for i think $160 . So for Canada its just about replacement parts and finding them reasonable.

[FreedomSoftware]

Bought mine 4 years ago. Besides some preventative maintenance, the only time I have ever had a major issue was the coil pack going bad 45 min from home. Its never left me stranded. I've driven it every day since I bought it and its made a a few big trips to other states. Manual trans though. I know the autos have some issues

[bunginherent]

Guys, thanks for your input. I am considering that the major issue, well based from the posts are related to parts and its shipment, but overall it is good.

Probably would check for options.

[ProOpel]

Originally Posted by AstraFasta

There is a russian astra site that has fixes for some popular interior squeeks. I remember fixes for the steering wheel and glove box, in particular but there might be more.

The site is referenced in this forums somewhere so do a search.

In colder weather the interior squeeks are getting super annoying! The top plastic cover (the one that should have had an option to store things, such as glasses!) is tremendously squeeky. I gotta find that site lol

[AstraFasta]

http://www.astra-h.ru/salon.html

https://translate.google.com/transla...search&pto=aue

Elimination of defects

"Crickets" near the glove box
"Cricket" glove compartment cover
"Crickets" near the lighting plafond
"Cricket" in the B-pillar Opel Astra GTC
"Crickets" in the instrument cluster Opel Astra N
"Crickets" of the center console Opel Astra N
"Cricket" radiator cooling tube
"Cricket" 7 speaker Opel Astra H
"Cricket" of the clutch pedal spring Opel Astra N
"Cricket" with a hatch in the Opel Astra H
"Cricket" lumbar seat in the Opel Astra H
Knocking air filter mounting in Opel Astra H
Aerodynamic whistle in the cabin
Squeak in the rear suspension Opel Astra H
Soundproofing roof Opel Astra
Soundproofing wheel arches Opel Astra H or Zafira
Noise insulation with polyurethane foam Opel Astra N or Opel Zafira B
Soundproofing rear doors Opel Astra H
Unpleasant smell from the air conditioner Opel Astra H or Zafira B
Opel Astra H or Zafira B door lock adjustment
Getting rid of water in the rapids of the Opel Astra
Recirculation damper
Repair of torn off mud flaps on Opel Astra
Repair of the CIM-module on the Opel Astra

[ProOpel]

Originally Posted by AstraFasta

http://www.astra-h.ru/salon.html

https://translate.google.com/transla...search&pto=aue

Elimination of defects

"Crickets" near the glove box
"Cricket" glove compartment cover
"Crickets" near the lighting plafond
"Cricket" in the B-pillar Opel Astra GTC
"Crickets" in the instrument cluster Opel Astra N
"Crickets" of the center console Opel Astra N
"Cricket" radiator cooling tube
"Cricket" 7 speaker Opel Astra H
"Cricket" of the clutch pedal spring Opel Astra N
"Cricket" with a hatch in the Opel Astra H
"Cricket" lumbar seat in the Opel Astra H
Knocking air filter mounting in Opel Astra H
Aerodynamic whistle in the cabin
Squeak in the rear suspension Opel Astra H
Soundproofing roof Opel Astra
Soundproofing wheel arches Opel Astra H or Zafira
Noise insulation with polyurethane foam Opel Astra N or Opel Zafira B
Soundproofing rear doors Opel Astra H
Unpleasant smell from the air conditioner Opel Astra H or Zafira B
Opel Astra H or Zafira B door lock adjustment
Getting rid of water in the rapids of the Opel Astra
Recirculation damper
Repair of torn off mud flaps on Opel Astra
Repair of the CIM-module on the Opel Astra

Thanks for the link!

Dang, that's a lot. I once fixed the squeak on the hatch door and it works. Just have to do all the rest lol.

[ProOpel]

Man, I love that link! The dreaded cricket sound coming from the center console now can be found!

The one for "cooled glove box" is fantastic! In our Alabama climate this will be a must do!: https://translate.google.com/transla...search&pto=aue

[bunginherent]

Originally Posted by AstraFasta

http://www.astra-h.ru/salon.html

https://translate.google.com/transla...search&pto=aue

Elimination of defects

"Crickets" near the glove box
"Cricket" glove compartment cover
"Crickets" near the lighting plafond
"Cricket" in the B-pillar Opel Astra GTC
"Crickets" in the instrument cluster Opel Astra N
"Crickets" of the center console Opel Astra N
"Cricket" radiator cooling tube
"Cricket" 7 speaker Opel Astra H
"Cricket" of the clutch pedal spring Opel Astra N
"Cricket" with a hatch in the Opel Astra H
"Cricket" lumbar seat in the Opel Astra H
Knocking air filter mounting in Opel Astra H
Aerodynamic whistle in the cabin
Squeak in the rear suspension Opel Astra H
Soundproofing roof Opel Astra
Soundproofing wheel arches Opel Astra H or Zafira
Noise insulation with polyurethane foam Opel Astra N or Opel Zafira B
Soundproofing rear doors Opel Astra H
Unpleasant smell from the air conditioner Opel Astra H or Zafira B
Opel Astra H or Zafira B door lock adjustment
Getting rid of water in the rapids of the Opel Astra
Recirculation damper
Repair of torn off mud flaps on Opel Astra
Repair of the CIM-module on the Opel Astra

This is absolutely informative! Thanks man

[KarlieBo2]

I have never had any issues with mine, but I drive like a grandma and am fairly easy to please. That list posted by astrafasta is something else, I had just learned to live with some of those sounds, as every vehicle I have ever owned has had some quirks lol.