Talk me out of it?

[S1m0n]

Decided to give up the company car and buy my own. Been looking for a couple of months and still can't see anything I like better for interior/exterior style, economy and value for money than the Astra. So far I have got as far as the 1.6 diesel in black but can't quite decide on SRI, Elite or vx-line. Not going to buy new but hope to pick something up very nearly new. Your thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated or just talk me out of it.

[trueblue_ips]

I'm like you. Looking for a nearly new 1.6t petrol. For the new petrols, you can only get the 16.t now in VX-line or Elite spec.
Nearly new ones are extremely hard to find.

[S1m0n]

I believe we may may be geographically close too at least we support the same football team I suspect

[davidw]

I'd definitely recommend the 1.6T. I've had mine for a year now and not had a single issue with it. I have a feeling they put more effort into the development of it.

[S1m0n]

Unfortunately fuel economy will be the deciding factor hence the diesel.

[BRUCE225]

If you like a car that you don't see the same model day in day out get a VX-Line, I live in Yorkshire travel the M62 everyday if I see one a month that's a shock.... Then add the spec you want.

[cooldad]

Unfortunately fuel economy will be the deciding factor hence the diesel.

Agree with Davidw about the 1.6T petrol (but then I would, wouldn't I? ).

It depends what sort of driving you're going to do. I had a 1.7CDTi Astra J before I bought my K and I was very disappointed with the fuel economy - expecting much better for a diesel. I was only doing relatively short journeys, but even on more extended routes, i was still expecting better. I believe the new diesels are much improved in that regard.

You'd be surprised at how good the petrol consumption is on the 1.6T. It merely depends what you want and, yes, the 1.6 petrol is hard to find on the used market.

[trueblue_ips]

My username a giveaway then s1m0n LOL.
Cooldad, the one thing I have prioritised which I won't compromise on is the 1.6t petrol. I only do about 4K a year, mostly urban, so not that fussed about fuel economy. People spend hundreds a months on financing a car then obsess about spending an extra £20 a month on fuel. Different I suppose if you do about £20K.
I think I'm now settled on a 1.6T VX Line in Summit White with the parking sensors and possibly intellilux. I would prefer to buy nearly new but that spec is impossible to find used so I may for the first time in my life buy a brand new car. Maybe everyone should have at least one brand new car in their lifetime. Yes, depreciation ain't great but at least you get exactly what you want and it's yours from brand new.

[trueblue_ips]

@cooldad, how do you find the 18" rims? I would prefer 17" if the ride is smoother but VX line only has 18".

[moleyjoel]

I don’t think I’ve seen anyone unhappy with their 1.6t, myself included. I have the 18” alloys too and the ride is still very comfortable. I’ve got a spine problem so was was worried about ride comfort but can say it’s the most comfortable ride of any car I’ve had!

I also do about 4,000 miles a year, mainly around town with a few motorway journeys a month. I regularly get around 30-35mpg (calculated).

Also, I noticed you may ‘possibly’ get IntelliLux...so many people on this forum kick themselves and wish they’d got them, so if your budget can stretch for them, definitely go for it, you won’t be disappointed!