Thoughts on Saturn Astra

[Pesca]

I am looking for some information on the Saturn Astra, mostly feedbacks from users.

I want to get rid of my Rogue, not because I don't like it (quite the contrary actually), but because it doesn't fit in our family planning: No need of this big of a car as a compact car is enough for our needs as second car (used mainly as a daily driver car). Plus, we are looking to free a little bit of money doing the swap.

We had in the past the new generation Honda Civic (one sedan and one coupe) and I didn't like the sedan (loved the coupe). I like the Honda fit but my wife not, and the problem it is hard to find one used and at a good price. BTW, I need a 4 door as I have a toddler to carry.

So I ended up looking at the Astra and the reviews are good, and could probably get one on the cheap side (saw one with less than 6,000 miles at 12,000$CAD, several below 14,000$CAD).

EPA numbers are not stellar (mostly bad) but it seems real figures are way better. Can users confirm that statement?

Also, do you think I can still find some unsold ones at dealers or they are all gone by now? Is there a way to find out without calling every dealers in the neighborhood (website)? What type of models do you recommend me looking for? What options are interesting to have?

Parts wise, I know engine wise I won't have any problem finding parts, but what about exterior parts like headlights and rear light assemblies (I have a hobby of retrofitting lights in cars)?

Thanks a lot in advance for all your help and advices.

 

[ryan2022]

I think you'll always be able to find parts for Saturn cars, but I might be mistaken.

As for the car itself, I think they've done well, and they're a great car to drive.

I tested one when they came out, and really enjoyed the test drive. The Civic's base engine, feels a little livelier though. Maybe once they've broken in they're stronger. Definetly a smooth engine though, and I wouldn't go as far as to call it underpowered.

Id consider one for sure/.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Pesca
Plus, we are looking to free a little bit of money doing the swap.

How much is an '08 Rogue worth in Canada?

Out here, it's about $15k for a private party sell, about $14k for trade-in. So, i'm not sure if you'd be able to free much, if anything.

Sorry for the OT.

All in all, I think Astra is a nice looking car, in and out. I'd much rather drive Astra than a Rogue.

 

[Pesca]

Mine, low mileage with a lot of goodies on it, I should have between 20 and 21K$CAD from what I have seen on the internet.

Net after paying back Nissan finance, I should get about 3-4k$CAD in my wallet, but it is more in the everyday use/care of the car that I will gain in the long run. Why pay more than you need on a car?
I thought it would become our primary car at the end of the Odyssey lease but my wife believes it will be too small to bring 5 people (4 adults, 1 child) on holiday trips, so we will look at a Honda Accord/ Toyota Camry/ Subaru Legacy /Ford Fusion type of car as primary car in a few years.

That is the goal, anyway.

 

[JustinH]

The only thing that I worry about that car is that there is no chevy clone currently made that can share parts.

My saturn ion is the same deal as a cobalt. The malibu and the aura are the same.

I don't worry about getting parts, but they may charge a premium for a dead platform and a dead brand.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

You will find a lot of real world experience over at Saturnfansforums.

http://saturnfans3.saturnfans.com/~saturnfa/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=107


One member Spencerb was thinking of selling his. He has a small child and was having problems with the child's seat. Here is the thread:

http://saturnfans3.saturnfans.com/~saturnfa/forums/showthread.php?t=146478


Spencerb is a nice guy. You may want to PM him for info if needed. If you do get a Astra Saturnfans will be a great resource for years to come.

 

[Nick R]

I wish there was a better Cavalier/sunfire info repository than j-body.org.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

Originally Posted By: rudolphna
I wish there was a better Cavalier/sunfire info repository than j-body.org.


Saturnfans is like DYI heaven. I would be lost or have a smaller bank account without it. Before finding that site DYI meant "Destroy It Yourself".

 

[JetStar]

I had an Astra for about 18 months. It was a star silver XR3, loaded, leather, 5-speed manual 18" summer performance wheels /tires. I loved the car, but it didn't suit my needs. I ended up trading it in on a new Toyota Tacoma. The car never had any warranty issues whatsoever. Drove and handled very well. In the summer I'd get about 31-32 MPG which would drop down to 27-29 in the winter. Probably 70% Hwy and 30% City driving. I really liked the fit and finnish on the car. The Interior was very nice with excellent materials, no rattles, smelled good inside too. The doors sounded real good when closed, not like a tin can. Some people have complained about the non-intuitave heater and radio controls, but you get used to it. If there was one thing I could have changed, it would have been engine displacemenmt. It needed a little more power, and lower RPM's on the highway. I've heard of a few people having to wait on parts on Saturnfans. The car is sold in the UK as a Vauxhall, A Holden in Austrailia, An Opel in Europe, and as a Chevy in South America and Mexico. Parts shouldn't be an issue everywhere but here in the US. There are a few parts exclusive to the saturn beyond badges and grilles. IIRC the bumpers and covers are different.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: rudolphna
I wish there was a better Cavalier/sunfire info repository than j-body.org.



Eh, it used to be good. Most of the members who were well versed in the platform have moved on.


Worse case, you could always PM me. I've had quite a few Js already, and plan to run my last two into the ground.....

 

[Nick R]

Which engines do you have in your j-s, dave?

 

[dishdude]

A friend of mine has a 5 door XR, it is really a nice car. He has the panoramic moonroof with the power shade, very neat option!

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: rudolphna
Which engines do you have in your j-s, dave?




The current two have the 2.2 Ecotecs. (03,04)


But I've had pretty much all the J engines, or worked on one....

 

[Stanley Rockafeller]

Fantastic car! the only car I ever considered buying new, regardless of the depreciation.

Fit, finish and handling on par with any VW/Audi product (without the dreaded VW failures).

I had 2 while in Germany. Both were hard top convertables. the first was a 1.6 while the second was a 1.8. Top speed on the Autostrasse (Autobahn) was only about 180kph with the 1.6 but the car got a little unstable at those speeds. never got around to trying the 1.8 to see top stop speed.

In europe, they have several powertrain configurations to choose from, while we only got the 1.8 gas with auto or manual.


Aside from the power drawback, there really isn't any reason to not go with this car, esp if you're looking for somethign in this category/price range.

 

[MrCritical]

Opel parts are gonna cost you. Expensive timing belt replacement at 105k miles.