Nice New Vauxhalls

A cult following has grown up for the Vauxhall Astra car – which started off as an innocent enough family hatch back, has become one of the most sorted, tweaked, tuned and enjoyed of the modern breed of vehicles. Both the petrol and diesel derivatives have their followers, with typical sports improvements including tuning systems, special cams, bodywork, spoilers, wheels, tires, breaks – in fact all the usual sports improvements you would expect to make to a car.

But what of the car itself, and how does it cope with the extra tuning that its owners like to throw at it. In this article we’ll take a brief look at some of the most common problems with the car (not that it is unreliable at all as a rule), and give you a chance to pick them up before you actually experience problems with your Vauxhall Astra.

So typical problems flagged up by owners include:

Rear suspension springs tend to break. Well the solution here is to either fit after market shocks – much better road holding anyway. If you have lowered your Astra then you will have done this anyway, but it won’t happen until you have some significant mileage on the car. Further to the suspension issues, one owner mentions that if you start hearing creaks from the suspension it means that the bushes are drying out, and could be replaced or re-greased as required to get everything flowing smoothly again.

Rear disc brakes on Astra Sri models have been known to seize up – for brakes with Bosch calipers. The solution here is pretty simple, either keep your brakes well maintained, or replace them with Lucas calipers. This problem can also occur on some of the 1.8 and 2.0 Astra TDis – you have been warned.

Petrol Astras:

Engines with a cam-belt should have the water pump replaced at the same service intervals as the cam belt.

Diesel Astras:

The Astra 1.7 DTi has been known to have issues with the turbo and also the head gasket at around 80,000 – 100,000 miles. There are also occasional problems with the ECU burning out on this model, and glow plugs can fail leading to inevitable starting problems. This is easy enough to replace of course. Occasional problems with the alternator and the oil cooler have been experienced – but of course these can be experienced with any car.

On the 2.0 Dti Astra models, the turbos have also been known to cause problems at over 80,000 miles. Fuel injection pumps can also fail at a similar mileage particularly if poorer quality diesel has been used in the engine. Some Vauxhall Astra owners point to supermarket diesel being the main culprit here.

Problems will eventually be experienced with fuel injector seals and spill pipes, which will both lead to starting problems until rectified, also there can be EGR problems caused by clogging with soot.

However owners should not be put off by this page – it has to be said that overall the Vauxhall build quality is very good, and reliability from the astra models is fantastic. Systems for Vauxhall Diesel Tuning are readily available making it really easy to get the best out of the car.

There is an enthusiastic network of owners ready and willing to offer help and advice, plus Vauxhall enthusiasts such as ourselves like nothing more that to take half an hour off to discuss our Astras.

So enjoy your Vauxhall Astra car, be it petrol or diesel, and we’ll see you on the track!

Anna Barrington

Recently my wife seems to have become addicted to ordering things from the internet. Hardly a day goes by without there being a knock on the door and I am confronted with some miserable looking delivery driver struggling with a large box and muttering the words “sign here.” I am then obliged to attempt to sign one of those infuriating electronic delivery note machines. You know the ones that make your writing look like a child’s or as if you are using the wrong hand to sign with.

Increasingly more often these days when I check through our Bank statements I find a transaction I don’t recognise and immediately start panicking that someone has stolen our card details and gone off on a spending spree. The trouble with ordering things online is that it is sometimes difficult to see what you are actually buying .The highlight of which occurred recently when my wife announced that we should “bulk buy” items in order to save money. I reluctantly agreed to this (anything for a quiet life) but returned home to find a container of washing-up liquid in our porch which was the size of an oil drum and would be enough to keep a large catering establishment going for several months.

We’ve had this thing in the garage since June and the level doesn’t appear to have gone down at all yet. I am the first to admit that I loathe trudging around the shops but sometimes I point out that the item that cost us slightly less online actually ended up costing more by the time we have paid for the delivery.

My friend used to have an old Vauxhall van and was able to earn quite a good living making deliveries for companies who would otherwise make a loss by the time they had paid for the fuel and employing a driver etc. I would occasionally join him on his travels and entered the crazy world of the delivery driver which seemed to largely consist of getting up ridiculously early and then taking delight in waking other people up. It also involved being chased by dogs, having arguments with traffic wardens, countless road rage incidents and then getting penalised for not making deliveries at the correct time. All of which made me realise why van drivers drive like maniacs.

The Vauxhall was a good workhorse as I recall and it served us well for both work and play. I used it countless times to move house and we would regularly go to France and fill it up with as much cheap alcohol as we could, much to the annoyance of British customs as they couldn’t do anything about it. I became very attached to that van and it was always there through the good times and bad.

I was therefore saddened to hear when it was stolen from my friend’s garage. The problem was it was too big to fit completely into the garage and so stuck out slightly, this was its downfall and the van was never seen again, or so my friend thought. The day he received the cheque from the insurance company he was in the car park of a local supermarket and saw a gaunt, rat faced individual smoking a roll-up cigarette at the wheel of his beloved van. Although he had received the insurance money he felt aggrieved and by chance there happened to be a police officer nearby (a rarity indeed).He explained the situation to the police officer and the officer approached the vehicle. What happened next was like something out of a movie, the policeman tried to grab the keys as the van attempted to drive off and the officer was forced to jump onto the bonnet to avoid being run over, other officers and security guards smashed every window in the van and my friend pushed shopping trolleys in front of it to try and stop it, the van smashed through these and then rammed a police van which tried to block it. The police helicopter swooped down and by this time the van had four flat tyres, no windows or driver’s door. Amazingly the driver escaped but was later caught through DNA evidence obtained at the scene. Unfortunately that was the end of the van though!

Jon Barlow

To many mechanics it is well known that Vauxhall’s smaller ‘Economical’ car engines often are restricted and don’t fulfill their best performance. To the average Joe this means nothing but to everyone else it matters and so this article is on the modifying the car engine and several car parts to improve performance.

So what can you do, well firstly you can buy another car engine, both expensive and takes time. Secondly you could not buy an ‘ECOTEC’ car engine and hopefully you will get the full horsepower you deserve, or thirdly you can modify it by adding some other car parts and modifying current ones.

We like the latter and so which vauxhall part can be used. Well it’s not a vauxhall part but a Dbilas inlet manifold to enable binning of the restrictive inlet pipe work, but if vauxhall made one then we would buy it. As well as being cost effective you can also do it in an afternoon as long as you know about a car engine and have some good tools and are not afraid to dismantle you car engine.

The kit costs over £800 (including software) but if you’re going to use the car for a while it’s a good investment. My suggestion is to do on older cars with many miles on the clock because it will see the best benefit and could also use the new car parts which you are going to add.

Right so how can you fit the kit onto you car engine, well firstly several vauxhall parts must come off the engine to gain access to the original manifold before replacing the manifold, putting some extra vauxhall parts in (such as a MAP sensor and a new vauxhall alternator) and securing the vauxhall parts back up again before installing software on your ECU. Also some original car parts must be shortened or modified to accommodate the inlet manifold such as fuel tank breather.

In-depth steps of how to do this are in the February (2007) issue 67 of TOTAL VAUXHALL magazine with detailed instructions and pictures (and is where the inspiration for this article came from). Once the inlet is installed and the vauxhall parts secured you need to install the software on the ECU, which can be done in 2 ways.

Firstly after the ECU has been fitted and all the vauxhall parts secured you can drive the car down to Regal for the software to be installed. Secondly you could send your ECU to them and they will install the software for you (you do this before fixing the car parts back into place). Note this is included in the original price and no extra cost is needed, just time.

Once the conversion is complete you should feel an increased performance such as more responsive car and an increase of rpm (around 2000) and an extra 28bhp (according to TOTAL VAUXHALL magazine, issue 67) and other factors such as fuel efficiency and braking times should be unaffected. Basically your gaining free horsepower which was their in the first place you just did not know it and all by adding and modifying vauxhall parts and an afternoon of free time.

Car Sparefinder

The car market may be slow to get back on its feet, but the job market seems to be seeing ‘green shoots of recovery.’ This should mean that soon the car market should be thriving again and the man with a van will become a more common sight.

Regarding choosing the right van if you’re a decision-maker, here is a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best vehicle for your purposes.

What will you use it for?

- City driving
- Long haul (mostly motorways)
- Large loads
- Off-road
- Transporting colleagues

For each of these uses, you would require a different type of van depending on the nature of your business.

City Driving
The Corsavan is perfect for city driving. It’s as small as a normal corsa therefore easy to park in towns where space is somewhat limited. Interestingly enough, it is rather spacious inside so it will comfortably fit two fully grown men in the seats. Exceptionally taller drivers (6ft 4″ tall +) may disagree with this statement.

Fuel efficiency is often a problem for city vehicles as constant gear changes and stopping and starting is not great for fuel consumption. If this is an issue, it is helpful to know that car-derived vans such as the Corsavan are well suited to such driving. The clutch and gearbox are likely to wear quickly from lots of gear changes that is unfortunately necessary with city driving. It is advisable that drivers be alert to changes in these parts that may signal that they may soon require replacing. Corsavans are not suitable for delivering bulky or heavy items but they’re perfect for moving small loads or for tradesmen working on smaller jobs and typically attracts favourable reviews.

Alternatives include the Daihatsu Hijet or the Piaggo Porter although they are poor alternatives as they are more like small trucks rather than vehicles designed for running around town. Radio stations have chosen Corsavans for their out and about vehicles as they are small, nippy and surprisingly spacious. If you need more space, the Astravan is a larger alternative but not an equivalent due to the vehicle not being small enough to be described as a city car.

Long Haul
In fact, the Astravan is more suitable for long haul journeys than it is going around the city due to the length of the vehicle making it harder to park in crowded city centres but owners of these vans will happily admit that they would choose an Astravan again and again. Not only is it complimented for having a comfortable cab that is on par with the typical domestic vehicle, it handles well and is cost-efficient. The 2009 Astra which the Astravan is based on has fantastic NCAP safety results for an adult which is a big bonus although the pre-2009 models received very respectable ratings. Still, if you are transporting smaller goods across the country, the Astravan is the sensible choice for fuel economy but realistically, a bigger van may be needed for the job. In which case, the next step up is the Vauxhall Vivaro.

Unfortunately, the Vivaro has attracted less glowing reviews compared to the smaller Astravan. Main faults appear to be a weak gearbox and various other complaints relating to bearings on older models. Yet, the Vivaro has won the top award for ‘Best Medium Van’ seven times since 2001 in the Van Fleet World Awards which is an impressive feat which could indicate that only a vocal minority have experienced real problems. Often hailed as roomy and comfortable, the Vivaro does appear to be a great contender for long drives when you require space. Reviewers report that the engine can be rather noisy but quietens down once fifth gear is selected which suggests that the vehicle was intended for motorway use.

However, if you are planning on hiring a vehicle like the Vauxhall Vivaro, please check your driving licence. Drivers who passed their test before January 1997 are entitled to drive this vehicle but drivers who have passed their test since January 1997 need to pass an extra test to add the C1 classification to their licence. The Vivaro and its bigger brother, the Movano both are capable of carrying large loads but very large loads should be left to specialist fleets e.g. HGVs.

Off Road
If you are intending to do a lot of agricultural work or mostly operate in the country, the Vauxhall Frontera is a good choice. For those who do not have deep enough pockets to cover the purchase of a Jeep or Land Rover, the Vauxhall Frontera is a sensible and logical choice. Vauxhall have not made the Frontera since 2004, but second hand models are available for good 4X4 entry level vehicle. The cab is set lower than traditional 4X4s which gives it reasonable side protection. Unfortunately, the 2002 model that was tested by Euro NCAP described pedestrian safety as “dire” and that child occupant safety was questionable. Adults fared better but driver safety was impaired with front passenger results being marginally better. 2003 models are often recommended. Similar vehicles for similar money would be up to five years older for the same money but alternatives include the Mitsubishi Shogun and the Ford Maverick.

Transporting Colleagues
If you work with one other colleague, any of the aforementioned vans are suitable for two people, possibly with the exception of the Corsavan for two exceptionally taller occupants. The Vauxhall Movano seats 3 passengers and similar vehicles include the Ford Transit and the Mercedes Sprinter.

Other questions you need to consider:

- How much can you afford? Businesses have been known to collapse due to unwise vehicle choices which also include road tax, servicing and insurance.
- How long do you expect to keep it? If you only need a van for a short term, it may be best to consider rental as you will not have to cover the cost of depreciation or servicing etc.
- Will the van be used for towing? In which case the Frontera or the Vivaro/Movano are the better choices but may require extra classifications being added to your driving licence.
- How much time will be spent in the vehicle? If you are intending to drive the vehicle for many hours then comfort should be a big consideration.
- If something goes wrong, do you know where you can take your vehicle for genuine Vauxhall van parts?

The Vauxhall Corsa has been loved by UK drivers for over a decade often topping the charts for the most popular car in the UK. It is especially loved by new drivers for its low insurance costs, cheap running costs and nippy performance.

There is no doubt that such a loved car has hundreds of thousands of units floating around the UK car market which provide a great supply of cars for those that want to purchase one, but as with any second hand product, there are many lemons out there as well.

There are a number of things to watch out for when buying a used car as well as specific things to watch out for with certain models. It is no secret that older cars tend to rust but the earlier versions of the Corsa where particularly vulnerable to rusting, especially around the wheel arches.

One should always see the car before buying it so if you can, go see the car and make an extra effort to get down and dirty by getting on the floor and looking under the car at the under tray and at the wheel arches. You will literally need to get on the floor so bring some old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty!

Perhaps an obvious thing to look out for is the engine condition but let’s face it, who amongst us knows what a healthy engine looks like. Instead look at how clean the engine is. Chances are an owner that takes the time to clean the engine will have taken good care of it. Rust on any part of the engine is also a big no no to watch out for as well as general wear and tear which can be expected to some extent but is a sign that the engine might be approaching the end of its lifespan. If you really have no idea what you are looking for why not bring a friend who knows a little more about cars to look at the car with you.

The Corsa is a robust and well built car and should anything go wrong, parts are in large supply and comparatively cheap in comparison to other cars and models. However, this should not be an excuse for not inspecting your car before you buy it. Perhaps the best piece of advice is to buy a car from a certified Vauxhall dealer or from a website that provides history checks.

For a driving instructor, they need a dual control vehicle to do their job, so something like a dual control vauxhall corsa is the type of vehicle that they will want to get. There are some definite benefits of having a driving instructor car hire of a vehicle like this, which will be examined in this article.

Leasing a vehicle like this is a good idea, as a driver instructor’s vehicle can go through a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis, and to be able to trade it in within a year or two can be a good thing. When shopping for a dual control Vauxhall Corsa contract hire vehicle there are some things you want to make sure you check on.

Benefits of getting a dual control Vauxhall Corsa contract hire are:

* Comprehensive coverage on service, maintenance and mileage
* Variety of cars available for leasing
* A brand new car is available more often than on a regular lease
* Consistent costs month after month to make budgeting easier

There are other things you will want to discuss with the company where you are looking at getting your dual control Vauxhall Corsa contract hire vehicle from such as who pays for replacement tires, how often you are able to switch vehicles, who covers the different taxes involved and what happens at the end of the hire term. What options are included and which options do you have to pay for in order to get them in your vehicle? Here is an area that companies can do a bit of negotiating in, so you may be able to work one company against another to get a better deal.

Another thing to consider when looking at a company that you are considering for a dual control Vauxhall Corsa contract hire is what their business consists of. Do they deal only in driver instructor car hire or do they also have driver training at their location? If they also offer instruction, how do you know that you are getting the best prices you can from the company?

An important issue to consider is what happens if your vehicle is in an accident or something happens to it where it is not drivable for a considerable amount of time? This vehicle is likely how you make your money, so will the leasing company provide you with a replacement of some sort until you are able to get yours road worthy again? This may be a very important option to consider, and could make or break your decision as you may not be able to go more than a day or two without a vehicle.

It is important that you find out if there are any restrictions on the lease that you sign. This could be in regards to mileage, repairs, who is allowed to drive the vehicle, insurance required or many other things. If you are not familiar with contract hire, make sure you read the fine print on the contract before you sign, or have someone else go over it on your behalf.

When making your final decision in regards to a dual control dual control Vauxhall Corsa contract hire, make sure that you understand what you are getting for what you are paying. Do not be afraid to negotiate for a better deal if you are not satisfied with what is being offered and be willing to walk away. Sometimes that will entice the salesperson to make you a better deal.

There’s no vehicle that is more well-equipped to get you through the winter season than a 4×4. 4×4s offer great handling, response and grip which Is exactly what you need to get you through the wet and windy winter conditions. This article runs through five of the best 4×4s around!

Vauxhall Antara – The Vauxhall Antara is a stylish car that has a good quality cabin and plenty of space to cope with the needs of large families and all their luggage. It offers quite a sharp and responsive drive and is perhaps not as cheap as some of its rivals. Unfortunately there is only one engine available and it is not as performance-orientated as some other cars, at slow speeds it’s not too noisy in the cabin, but as you hit the motorway the cabin gets a bit louder.

Mazda CX-7 – The CX-7 has extremely sporty looks and has a more distinctive shape compared to the other cars in this list. There’s plenty of room in the cabin and as you’d expect with a Mazda it’s extremely well built and equipped with quality materials. However, this 4×4 isn’t going to suit the automatic fans as it doesn’t come with an automatic option. A down point when buying a 4×4 is tax rates – and this one’s high!

Toyota RAV4 – Most RAV4s have four-wheel drive which makes it extremely handy off-road. It’s strong and well-equipped. If you don’t like your 4×4s too big then this one won’t be for you as it’s slightly bigger than the others. This 4×4 is more about being practical than comfortable – it’s not the best ride!

Land Rover Discovery – You can’t really beat the Discovery, it gives you everything it says it will. There’s enough cabin space to fit seven passengers, and it’s comfortable and classy too. Although it’s expensive to buy and run you do really get what you pay for which is why the Discovery is one of the best 4×4s you can buy. From the cabin the driver will have great visibility, and there are also lots of nifty storage areas to hide all your junk!

Nissan X-Trail – It’s affordable, great for going off-road, and has a great image – it looks mean. It has great ‘body movement’s to cope with bumpy roads and is an enjoyable drive. In terms of practicality it has a big enough boot, it seats 5 passengers and has good visibility. What’s more it’s reliable – the diesel version is recommended by most in the automotive industry.

I hope this article helps you find your dream 4×4!

Lucy Penn

One of the most notable and best features of a Vauxhall Astra is the fact that the vehicle is quite spacious. Many Astras may to you look a little dated these days, but the most interesting thing about it is the fact that its less expensive then models of the same brand. This is in the sense that a used Vauxhall Astra will be less consuming when it comes to fuel intake, given the fact that the engine is already used. Of importance here is also the fact that you could as well come across a top of the range vehicle, with all the features of a high quality car at an unbelievably low price.

It is usually always a requirement that a vehicle owner makes sure that his vehicle is well covered by a reputable insurance company. It may come as a surprise but for an Astra the value of insurance that you will be required to pay will be relatively low. This is due to the fact that the vehicle’s price is generally low. When it comes to maintenance, there are some Vauxhall Astra schemes which will see to it that as soon as you purchase a used Vauxhall Astra, all you will need to do is remit some little amount of money with them so that whenever there are any maintenance problems, the scheme will always take care of them.

Most of you might be tempted to think that a used Astra may not have some electronic elements that you might find in a new car these days, but the truth of the matter is that it is no different from a new one, and it will come complete with even an air conditioning system. Interestingly enough, you might even be surprised to come across one fitted with anti lock braking. Buying a used one can be a great way to save money in the long run as the depreciation of the car will be far less than that of a new one.

Of course one must be careful when buying a used car especially if the car is particularly old. The really old cars can have multiple problems simply due to their age as the components in the car start to fail one buy one. In these situations you might find yourself paying more to repair the car than how much you paid for the car. To avoid this, try buying cars that are less than 10 years old as this should provide you with a few more years of life before your car starts falling to bits.

To find a used Vauxhall Astra visit carsource.co.uk and search through thousands of used Vauxhall Astra cars all over the UK.

Buying a used Vauxhall Vectra car will not only help you save some money, but will also offer you a service you will appreciate. This is a family car that is comfortable, stylish, sporty, and its consumption of gasoline is lower compared to most cars. Used Vectra cars are popular with most people and you too can get one from the many that are up for sale. However, you need to contact a reliable dealer so that they can help you secure a used Vauxhall Vectra which is in good condition.

Although they may vary, most Vauxhall Vectra cars all have airbags both for the passenger and the driver. This means that in case of an accident both of you will be protected from the impact. They also have electric front windows, and some may have even the back windows controlled electrically. Air conditioning is also a feature of many of these cars and this feature is especially important during winter and summer, when the weather patterns are severe. You can also buy one with cruise control, a provision that even some of the latest cars do not have. These features are just some of those which place this car in its own unique class. However, a used Vauxhall Vectra may look attractive and with all the ideal features, but the most important thing is to know its mileage. The mileage of the car will help you know how much it has been used, as well as the distance it has covered in its lifespan. In fact the mileage of a used Vectra will greatly influence its final price. For example a used Vauxhall Vectra with a mileage of around 81, 859 kilometers, may sell for up to 5, 716 Euros. Such a car uses diesel, and may also have heated electric door mirrors

Nevertheless, the prices and features of such a car will vary, depending on how its owner took care of it and how it was serviced. The only way to buy a used Vauxhall Vectra is not by contacting car dealers, but you can also do so online. This is because there are numerous sites that can help you buy the ideal car you want. The good thing about going online is that you will compare the prices and finally settle for the car you feel is most suitable for you. You will get all the relevant information concerning the car.

Find your next used Vauxhall Vectra by viewing the used Vauxhall Vectra search and look through 1000’s of history checked Vectras for sale sold directly by respected official Vauxhall dealers across the UK.

Even the car connoisseurs can get a little flummoxed when deciding which used Vauxhall car they ultimately like best. With so much choice, each complete with the trusted Vauxhall name, drivers might feel just a little bit spoilt for choice to say the least. Plus, drivers love the fact that buying used means they can save lots of money. With the tough part being decision-making which model is best, here’s a quick breakdown about which ones are likely to appeal:

Used Vauxhall Insignia

Although a relatively new model, this is a car that drivers will find great savings on when they buy used. This executive-style 5-door vehicle is kitted out with the latest mod cons and its gleaming looks put it on the same level as a BMW or Audi. The good thing though is that a used Vauxhall Insignia costs much less! Luxury style is affordable with a used car, and this is what makes buying used so instantly appealing.

Used Vauxhall Corsa

The Corsa; perhaps the most popular small car of all time? Well, it stands a good chance of being up there with the best, and whether it’s a new style Corsa or a cheap old run-around, there is something for everyone to fall in love with at a garage full of used Vauxhall Corsas. People often find it difficult to decide between a Corsa and an Astra because they are quite similar, whereas something like the Insignia is reserved for the more adventurous car buyer looking for a really impressive motor, perhaps as a business car.

Used Vauxhall Vectra

Although larger than a small hatchback, the Vauxhall Vectra always appeals, as it is a typical family car. There are some great deals on used Vauxhall Vectras these days, and it doesn’t matter what age of vehicle you’re looking for, there always suitable options at your local used Vauxhall cars garage.

These are just some of the popular used Vauxhall cars that people have trouble deciding which they want to buy. The key is understanding what the purpose of the car is, so that you can make a worthwhile decision. If its needed for mainly business, a Vauxhall Insignia is an ideal choice. If its for trips round town, a used Vauxhall Corsa is likely to be the better option. For families looking for space and a smooth ride, the used Vauxhall Vectra should be considered.

To buy any type of Vauxhall car, be sure to visit this very popular site dealing in Used Vauxhall Cars. Visit http://www.allsmallcars.co.uk today.