1988 Vauxhall Astra GTE 16V 2.0
Summary:
It's 2nd to none
Faults:
Needs new shocks, so a suspension kit will have to be ordered soon I think.
General Comments:
I bought this car only a few weeks ago, but am very impressed with it so far. The shocks could do with changing, can be a bit bouncy at the moment. Apart from the shocks being on their way out the car is amazing, it's pretty much standard apart from a s/s exhaust and an induction kit.
The noise from the engine when you put your foot down puts an instant grin on your face. I've got a few mods in mind, apart from lowering and investing in a new set of wheels, I'm going to get it chipped and have a power cap to replace the SFi box. A set of twin 45's would be nice eventually, but don't know if I'd be able to afford the petrol bill, put 20 quid in the other day, done 80 miles and it had gone, they were 80 very fast and fun miles though. I did pay a bit more for mine than I set out to, but it was worth it, the rear arches are solid, and there are only a few slight bubbles of rust under the paint work e. g on the boot. If anyone has any tips on how to get the car up to 200bhp in the cheapest possible way they would be welcome. I found the seats very comfortable and supporting and although the dash is old fashioned what do people expect it's an old car. All I can say is if your looking out for a cheap, but rapid hot hatch that will take a beating and not let you down, get one of these.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th May, 2005
9th Dec 2005, 10:26
Sorry to hear about your car.
Still at least it must be comforting to know that if you'd driven it at 33 in a 30 you'd be prosecuted to the limit of the law, but some chav scrote can steal and wreck your car and the law aren't even interested in viewing the CCTV footage.
I know you're not making it up because the exact same thing happened to me a couple of years ago.
This country stinks.
10th Oct 2006, 09:25
Sad to hear that a loved car, especially a GTE got nicked by a spotty scrotum in need of some serious 're-educating'.
Someone tried stealing my GTE once, but luckily they got disturbed and ran off. Still, great to see that the police are doing a fine job and are deserving of our respect and cooperation at all times. What a joke they are.
8th Dec 2005, 12:01
This is the writer of the original review again, the GTE16v story came to a sad ending, it was stolen from the cinema car park whilst out a date, haven't heard anything since and the police aren't even bothering to look, they recon it doesn't warranty payin an officer to view the CCTV so my advice to the GTE owners out there, get a top notch alarm and immobiliser because mine was immobilised and they still had it away. Hope none of you have to experience this.