Hey guys, I'm in the market for a used performance bargain.
I've narrowed it down to the 2015 + Holden Astra VXR or the 2013 + Opel Astra OPC
Thoughts?
Any Holden Astra VXR or Opel Astra OPC owners out there?
Used Holden Astra VXR or Opel Astra OPC?
BTP1993 on 17/08/2017 - 22:51
Last edited 18/08/2017 - 12:53 by 1 other user
Last edited 18/08/2017 - 12:53 by 1 other user
Comments
first, get a job with westpac … then we'll talk cars.
+1 I got that reference ;)
I had a chance to drive a heap of different new cars recently, i quite liked the new i30, particularly in the manual transmission, really enjoyed driving it, was miles ahead of the similar accent which just felt terribly cheap and nasty to drive, unfortunately no experience with Astra or mazda 3.
I'm a car fanatic
Don't buy new if you want fun
These offers amazing value for money for someone who likes cars.
These were $40k+ brand new! And go like a shower of shit but have the brembo brakes to pull you up.
Disclaimer: former Holden salesman, obviously not any more
I'm sure there's similar offerings from VW/Ford etc too :)
There's a reason Holden is closing its doors. Japanese and Koreans know what's up.
Disclaimer: Not all Holdens are bad but I wouldn't be proud to own and drive a 40k Astra. If you want a car that was once expensive and isn't anymore just get a 2002 BMW 7 series… $180,000 now only $12,000.
Holden are closing local production where it was too expensive, they're not 'closing their doors'. If that was the case you'd also be against Ford and Toyota yeah?
Have you driven both the Astra and the new i30? For me it's a choice of those 2. The Mazda 3 is a bit dated now.
"I'm a car fanatic"
why are you asking that question here then?
Car fanatic and looking to buy a Hyundai!?
You are a car fanatic and yet you are looking at three of the most common/bland hatchbacks? Please go back and review your position of 'car fanatic'.
I've been told Holden cars are expensive to service and the parts are most likely more expensive than Japanese cars
The Astra comes with roadside assist because you'll need it.
Given the choices, i would go Mazda 3.C'mon now, give OP a break, fanatic could mean keeping cars clean, it's not necessarily a performance thing.
subaru xv
VW Golf
Honda Civic
Corolla
VW R32.
It is a little older than the two you listed but it is a good first performance car.
NA 3.2L v6 on AWD.
Downside is it is thirsty and front heavy. More than makes up for it with torque and responsiveness.
The Astra VXR is a good prop too. Lots of third party parts if sourced from UK. Downside is the lack of local support.
Renault Clio RS
Avoid Korean imports , in which case id go for a Mazda 3 mps (wolf in sheeps clothing just look at the kws) or a Corolla sportivo
Astra is European, except the new 5 door sedan
Merged from Buying a Holden Astra VXR or Opel Astra OPC. Thoughts?
Hey guys,
I'm closely looking at purchasing a 2015+ Holden Astra VXR or the 2013 Opel Astra OPC.
Not sure if its better to buy through a dealer or privately.
Thoughts?
Any Astra owners out there want to shed some light on these cars?
Any gripes or issues I need to be aware of?Cheers.
Reliability they are ok.
I think brakes are very expensive.
Also consider the Renault Megane RS250/265
Hey there did you end up getting the Astra VXR?
Hey there,
I ended up grabbing a 2017 Astra RS-V instead.
I think the RSV is definitely the better choice, even if it's a little less VROOM compared to the VXR or OPC.
@CMH: Honestly it's such a great underrated car.
A shame it never sold in the volumes intended.
And the engine is seriously a cracker. I'll be holding onto it for a while I think.
@BTP1993: I own an RS, and I've test-driven the VXR and OPC when first released.
Power-wise they definitely have more than the RSV, and you can feel it. However I don't think it's that much more that it's negatives outweigh it. For one, the reduced weight on the RSV helps minimise that difference in power as reported by specs. Fuel consumption is way better on the RSV, especially since it doesn't require 98. Also buying such an old sports-model car the question of how hard it's been flogged (and how well maintained) is a biggie.
And yes, it is very underrated. I bought it when they were trying to clear the excess Astras in '17/'18 when they overestimated how many they were going to sell. Got a good bargain then.
Going to put on some nice tyres in January, been waiting for the stock tyres to wear out to justify the cost. Should be a lot more fun then. (Pirellis P-Zero).
@CMH: Oh definitely man.
I still admire and always wonder if I could go an Astra VXR. But being a two door, non existent rear vision and a older interior are the negatives. Especially as the oldest VXR would be MY17 so you're already getting up there with age.
1.6 turbo in the RS-V runs great. I've got mine in manual spec so always fun to throw it around in the suburban streets.
Oh nice man, I just clocked over 40k on my first tyres and went for Michelin PS4s. SO MUCH BETTER. More planted and definitely quieter on bitumen too. Highly recommend!
@BTP1993: Yeah, I was tossing up between the PS4s, Bridgestone Assymetrics, and the P-zero, and the Black Friday special just sealed the deal.
I don't think I drive that close to the limits of the car to appreciate the subtle differences between them…. And any of them will perform better than the stock tyres currently on (can't remember which, but was a mid-range tyre).
And +1 on Manual. So much fun, although can't rev in first gear too high - has difficulty going into second if I do. Tell me if you have the same issue (say, >5k RPM?).
@CMH: Stock tyres are a Bridgestone spec. They're okay but delicate in the wet and loud on coarse bitumen.
Hmm I can't say I've had that issue. I'll have a play tomorrow and let you know.
But yeah overall I'm loving the car. Hoping Opel may return down the track and bring the new look Astra in. I like it, different but still Astra DNA in it. And physical buttons for the interior too!!
I think the only thing holding these back is the weight.
Yep they're bloody heavy the VXR but still loads of fun
Very happy with my Mazda 3 Maxx Hatch - naturally aspirated engine much nicer than the competition