Notices
Other Marques Non-Subaru Vehicles

Vauxhall Astra VXR

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 1, 2012 | 12:51 AM
  #1  
LSherratt's Avatar
LSherratt
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,380
Likes: 2
From: On a farm
Default Vauxhall Astra VXR

After realising 3 months ago that a subaru wasn't really my cup of tea, I've finally bought a new car and absolutely love it!

Picked her up on Saturday and have only just got round to cleaning it and taking a few quick snaps. Yes, it's front wheel drive








This one was taken as soon as I got home after a 201 mile drive home


Last edited by LSherratt; May 1, 2012 at 01:06 AM.
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 12:57 AM
  #2  
craigo's Avatar
craigo
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 0
From: surrey/west sussex
Default

Any good reason you would buy one of those. Looks, economy, performance, pulling power ?
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 01:05 AM
  #3  
LSherratt's Avatar
LSherratt
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,380
Likes: 2
From: On a farm
Default

I think they look beautiful and the interier is very nice inside. It has comfy heated full leather seats, built-in satnav, xenon lights which turn slightly when you turn the steering wheel, keyless entry, push/stop start, etc. The astra VXR's are a 2 litre turbo and she goes very fast. I've upgraded from a 1.4 litre Peugeot 206 to this 240bhp machine so it's certainly fast enough for me! According to the stats it does 0-60 in 6.2 seconds and it pulls awesome when the turbo kicks in just after 3000rpm. It should do a combined mpg of 32.

I'm only 21 years old and this seemed to be pretty much the best vehicle that filled my criteria without the insurance or tax being stupidly expensive. I was deciding between a Focus ST and this, but after reading all the reviews, the ST sounded like a boring car, but a lot more refiened; I wanted something a bit more fun

Last edited by LSherratt; May 1, 2012 at 01:09 AM.
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 01:15 AM
  #4  
craigo's Avatar
craigo
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 0
From: surrey/west sussex
Default

So your only main issue was with insurance being 21. Umm, tough being young. We have all been there. Still, thats a heck of a car for a 21 year old. What did that cost on insurance ?
Not being rude mate, but is a subaru forum the right place to come show off a vauxhall....
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 01:19 AM
  #5  
LSherratt's Avatar
LSherratt
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,380
Likes: 2
From: On a farm
Default

Haha well it is "Other Marques" so I thought why not ...anyway, Vauxhall are producing pretty good cars these days.

I joined these forums back in September with the full intention of buying a Hawkeye STI, but realised that paying £2450 a year on tax and insurance was quite simply, stupid. Insurance on this isn't too bad really for what she is ....just under £1000 with both my parents as named drivers which brought the quote down by about £600
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 01:20 AM
  #6  
Yellow R's Avatar
Yellow R
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 611
Likes: 0
From: England
Default

Beautiful VxR mate I had one last year when I was 20 the car was great to drive and never did me wrong,I posted some pics on the link below, I sold it now and back on a subaru type r much more fun lol but might get another VxR as a second car as I do miss it

http://s1063.photobucket.com/albums/...&current=8.jpg
http://s1063.photobucket.com/albums/...urrent=733.jpg
http://s1063.photobucket.com/albums/...current=12.jpg
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 01:27 AM
  #7  
craigo's Avatar
craigo
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 0
From: surrey/west sussex
Default

Fair play mate, best of luck
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 05:53 AM
  #8  
Jamescsti's Avatar
Jamescsti
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,016
Likes: 0
Default

Nothing boring about the focus st mate, I picked one up at the weekend, it's more refined than the scooby I owned but it's an awesome car to drive. The sound when you put your foot down is amazing.
I looked at the Vxr but went back to my roots with ford.

Nice looking car though fella and nothing wrong with fwd. the people who criticise it haven't tried it usually.
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 07:27 AM
  #9  
chief-long-shin's Avatar
chief-long-shin
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 684
Likes: 0
From: Cambs
Default

Wow 21 - I wish I had that cash at that age . Should have go easy loan lol
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 01:29 PM
  #10  
LSherratt's Avatar
LSherratt
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,380
Likes: 2
From: On a farm
Default

Cheers fellas
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 04:34 PM
  #11  
Jamescsti's Avatar
Jamescsti
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,016
Likes: 0
Default

I think you did well to get insurance too. I'm 31 and to insure my focus st I had to take the wife off the policy as the insurer wouldn't cover anyone under 30.
Keeps the wife out of the st though. Lol
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 04:42 PM
  #12  
The Trooper 1815's Avatar
The Trooper 1815
18 June 1815 - Waterloo
iTrader: (31)
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 19,156
Likes: 15
From: To the valley men!
Default

Originally Posted by LSherratt
Haha well it is "Other Marques" so I thought why not ...anyway, Vauxhall are producing pretty good cars these days.

I joined these forums back in September with the full intention of buying a Hawkeye STI, but realised that paying £2450 a year on tax and insurance was quite simply, stupid. Insurance on this isn't too bad really for what she is ....just under £1000 with both my parents as named drivers which brought the quote down by about £600
I take it your the main driver?
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 04:43 PM
  #13  
jayallen's Avatar
jayallen
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (31)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,899
Likes: 0
From: The Fabulist Hunter
Default

I looked at both the ST and VXR because i wanted a normal-ish car. I couldnt decide which one to go for so posted a thread up here looking for advice, got some great advice but decided against both cars and bought an EVO...lol
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 06:04 PM
  #14  
LSherratt's Avatar
LSherratt
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,380
Likes: 2
From: On a farm
Default

Originally Posted by The Trooper 1815
I take it your the main driver?
Yeh I'm the main driver
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 06:16 PM
  #15  
Blue and Gold's Avatar
Blue and Gold
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 0
From: In my impreza
Default

Originally Posted by jayallen
I looked at both the ST and VXR because i wanted a normal-ish car. I couldnt decide which one to go for so posted a thread up here looking for advice, got some great advice but decided against both cars and bought an EVO...lol
And a fine choice that was I very nearly did the same after selling my blob sti just after Christmas, however I decided I couldn't be without a scooby in my life so bought a jdm blob sti this time round
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 06:23 PM
  #16  
scooby1929's Avatar
scooby1929
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
From: Norn Iron
Default

I drove one of these and while they
are a nice car i hated the torque steer hard to beat 4wd especially in in the wet
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 07:30 PM
  #17  
Aaron1978's Avatar
Aaron1978
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 0
From: Moved to the Darkside
Default

I got rid of my STI almost two years ago due to having a company car and not using it. Was bored of not having a sporty car to drive and ended up buying a Astra VXR Racing edition last August. Lovely car and pretty decent in bone dry conditions, but the slightest hint of damp/wetness Had the Remus exhaust factory fitted from new. Anyway I sold it a week ago as it just felt boring and I never had any desire to drive it and only did 3000 miles in 9 months and that included 10 or so trips from Hull to Manchester. 240-260 miles was my average. All in all, beautiful car just not something to go to after owning a Subaru.

Aaron


Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 07:50 PM
  #18  
Norman Dog's Avatar
Norman Dog
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 24
From: South Shields Tyne & Wear
Default

240BHP & fwd in the wet? I can imagine that to be a bit of a handful.

This really shitty weather we're having lately makes me glad to own a Subaru.
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 07:54 PM
  #19  
nick172sport's Avatar
nick172sport
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,594
Likes: 0
From: on sunny ibiza ocean beach
Default

you should have waited for the new model september
Reply
Old May 1, 2012 | 08:12 PM
  #20  
LSherratt's Avatar
LSherratt
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,380
Likes: 2
From: On a farm
Default

Originally Posted by nick172sport
you should have waited for the new model september
Lol and how do you think at the age of 21 I can afford a new model Astra VXR? I'm against car finance and don't believe in buying things out of your limit


I haven't really driving her much in the wet, but I've very careful at the moment and not the one to drive stupidly fast in poor conditions, because I just don't have the experience It was dry over the weekend and I put my foot down on a nice bit of road and it certianly impressed me!

Last edited by LSherratt; May 1, 2012 at 08:13 PM.
Reply
Old May 2, 2012 | 12:17 AM
  #21  
Razorwrx1's Avatar
Razorwrx1
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (21)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,757
Likes: 0
From: Manchester
Default

Nice car fella, love the blue n black. At 21 I had Honda del sol Vti, wish I had your's lol. I am going 13 yrs ago
Reply
Old May 2, 2012 | 08:42 PM
  #22  
robby's Avatar
robby
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,127
Likes: 1
Default

I had 1 during the snow last year - even with a Dreamscience remap i made it to work on time every day (running on the 19"s).
The DS remap is awsome - pick up a 2nd hand handset off ebay for £300 with a few lives left on it and when you sell the car you can resell the handset for what you payed for it

Reply
Old May 2, 2012 | 09:40 PM
  #23  
graeme jones's Avatar
graeme jones
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
From: wirral,merseyside
Default

A lad I worked with had a nice Blue one which he loves but all accounts they understeer quite bad. Like any FWD performance car they do struggle getting the power down. What you have to remember is in the wet you won't or shouldn't be driving quick anyway and how often do you use 0-60mph more like 30mph+ acceleration.
Reply
Old May 3, 2012 | 11:55 AM
  #24  
ScoobyDoo555's Avatar
ScoobyDoo555
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,217
Likes: 0
From: Does it matter?
Default

nice looking car you got there.
Reply
Old May 3, 2012 | 01:19 PM
  #25  
ScoobySteve69's Avatar
ScoobySteve69
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 4,636
Likes: 1
From: North Wales.
Default

Originally Posted by jayallen
I looked at both the ST and VXR because i wanted a normal-ish car. I couldnt decide which one to go for so posted a thread up here looking for advice, got some great advice but decided against both cars and bought an EVO...lol
Reply
Old May 3, 2012 | 01:22 PM
  #26  
Tidgy's Avatar
Tidgy
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 23,118
Likes: 150
From: Notts
Default

typical hatch, FWD, nuff said. lol
Reply
Old May 3, 2012 | 10:25 PM
  #27  
graeme jones's Avatar
graeme jones
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
From: wirral,merseyside
Default

Originally Posted by Tidgy
typical hatch, FWD, nuff said. lol
Same old stuff lol

Although when I had my WRX the AWD was great for grip and excellent in snow it isn't the be all and end all. Depends on the type of driving you do.
Reply
Old May 10, 2012 | 09:32 PM
  #28  
slash920's Avatar
slash920
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
From: wales
Default

i would pick the vxr over the st, fair play to the vauxhalls the fuel economy isnt too bad should get 30. fords are poo on fuel must be the ecus.
Reply
Old May 10, 2012 | 10:39 PM
  #29  
LSherratt's Avatar
LSherratt
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,380
Likes: 2
From: On a farm
Default

Originally Posted by slash920
i would pick the vxr over the st, fair play to the vauxhalls the fuel economy isnt too bad should get 30. fords are poo on fuel must be the ecus.
That's another reason why I chose the VXR ...after reading the ST forums, most people struggle to reach 25mpg due to the 2.5litre engine, whereas the VXR does 30mpg, and 35mpg motorway cruising.
Reply
Old May 11, 2012 | 07:06 AM
  #30  
Jamescsti's Avatar
Jamescsti
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,016
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by LSherratt
That's another reason why I chose the VXR ...after reading the ST forums, most people struggle to reach 25mpg due to the 2.5litre engine, whereas the VXR does 30mpg, and 35mpg motorway cruising.
No one should buy either car if they are concerned about fuel costs IMO.
If that's the case then buy a diesel.
Reply



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:11 AM.