Kev_mk3
21-12-2005, 04:04 PM
*can you sticky this please* ( borrowed off mig web )
Buyers Guide
Although the following guide concentrates on the MK3 Astra GSi, many of the areas covered are also applicable to all other MK3 Astra's.
Engine:
(note that although the engine pictured has a Ecotec spark plug cover, its is infact a C20XE engine. Ecotecs all have straight spark plug covers as opposed to the L-shaped type)
One very common and known problem on the C20XE engine (2.0 16V from 92-95) is that it is known for heads to have both cracking and porous problems, which result in replacement cylinder heads being required. The easiest way to check for this is to look for a browny sludge in the coolant bottle. Be wary of any car you go to see that's had freshly changed coolant.
The 2.0 16V is a very good and strong engine, and if well maintained and looked after will go for 200k without any major problems. Unfortunately many cars have suffered neglect and haven't been serviced regularly, take the car for a drive accelerate hard then lift off, and check for blue smoke at the rear, this is a sign that engine work will be required.
The exhaust manifolds tend to be very good on these cars, one area to check is the sprung coupling on the downpipe which is situated just behind the sump, if this is cracked the manifold will need replacing, used ones cost around £50.
Once you have bought your car, one thing that I would strongly recommend is carrying out a cambelt change, regardless of when the previous owner told you when it was last changed. While changing the belt check the pulleys. There was a very big problem with early plastic pulleys (more so on Ecotec engines) where by they broke up causing major engine damage.
The 2.0 16v engine is very well known for its oil leak, the saying "if its not got an oil leak, check you have oil" is not far off the mark. The main area oil leaks come from on these engine is the oil sump. It can be time consuming to repair due to the manifold having to be removed to take the sump off so use as a bargaining point. Another area to look at is the cam cover gasket which is also known to leak.
Check for leaks around the power steering rack, the bellows on the ends will swell and eventually burst, the only cure for this is a replacement power steering rack. If you decide to replace the rack on an early 1992 car then go for a later 1994 spec item as this is a slightly uprated quick rack.
Check that the car has the catalytic converter fitted and also that its working, as a replacement CAT will cost around £200
Suspension:
Front suspension - the front suspension on these cars is the same as that fitted to the MK3 Cavalier and Calibra. The main problems are from the rear bush on the wishbone which is notorious for splitting (especially on lowered cars). Also check for jacking on the wishbone as this damages the wishbone.
Listen for a knocking noise from underneath, this will probably be and anti roll bar link, this sits just behind the front wheels so easy to check.
With high mileage cars dampers may start to feel soggy, especially on early 1992 cars as these had soft dampers, Vauxhall upgraded the dampers on the 1993 onward cars which made them slightly stiffer, but again these feel soggy at high mileage.
Bodywork:
The main area to look for rust on the GSi, (as with most Vauxhalls), is around the rear wheel arch's. Due to their design mud and water collect on the inside and they rust from the inside out. The only real cure for this is replacement rear arch's which costs a lot to put right. Also look for rust around the bottom of the tailgate and around the black panel situated between the rear lights, as well as just below the window rubbers on the edge of the doors.
One known problem is for the sunroof is for the rubber to perish around it, check for damp seats and any staining of the headlining, this is expensive to sort as it requires a full sunroof as rubbers cant be replaced individually.
Check both the headlight and fog lights for any cracks, fog lights alone cost around £100 each to replace.
Interior:
An instant giveaway of a high mileage car is worn seat bolsters on the drivers seat as well as the padding starting to sag on the base of the drivers seat.
Check that the multi-function display above the radio is working and fully illuminated as these are expensive to replace.
One thing I would recommend doing before parting with any money when buying a car is carrying out a full HPI check, this will let you know of any dubious past the car may have, and also gives you a come back should the car not turn out to be what it appears.
Buyers Guide
Although the following guide concentrates on the MK3 Astra GSi, many of the areas covered are also applicable to all other MK3 Astra's.
Engine:
(note that although the engine pictured has a Ecotec spark plug cover, its is infact a C20XE engine. Ecotecs all have straight spark plug covers as opposed to the L-shaped type)
One very common and known problem on the C20XE engine (2.0 16V from 92-95) is that it is known for heads to have both cracking and porous problems, which result in replacement cylinder heads being required. The easiest way to check for this is to look for a browny sludge in the coolant bottle. Be wary of any car you go to see that's had freshly changed coolant.
The 2.0 16V is a very good and strong engine, and if well maintained and looked after will go for 200k without any major problems. Unfortunately many cars have suffered neglect and haven't been serviced regularly, take the car for a drive accelerate hard then lift off, and check for blue smoke at the rear, this is a sign that engine work will be required.
The exhaust manifolds tend to be very good on these cars, one area to check is the sprung coupling on the downpipe which is situated just behind the sump, if this is cracked the manifold will need replacing, used ones cost around £50.
Once you have bought your car, one thing that I would strongly recommend is carrying out a cambelt change, regardless of when the previous owner told you when it was last changed. While changing the belt check the pulleys. There was a very big problem with early plastic pulleys (more so on Ecotec engines) where by they broke up causing major engine damage.
The 2.0 16v engine is very well known for its oil leak, the saying "if its not got an oil leak, check you have oil" is not far off the mark. The main area oil leaks come from on these engine is the oil sump. It can be time consuming to repair due to the manifold having to be removed to take the sump off so use as a bargaining point. Another area to look at is the cam cover gasket which is also known to leak.
Check for leaks around the power steering rack, the bellows on the ends will swell and eventually burst, the only cure for this is a replacement power steering rack. If you decide to replace the rack on an early 1992 car then go for a later 1994 spec item as this is a slightly uprated quick rack.
Check that the car has the catalytic converter fitted and also that its working, as a replacement CAT will cost around £200
Suspension:
Front suspension - the front suspension on these cars is the same as that fitted to the MK3 Cavalier and Calibra. The main problems are from the rear bush on the wishbone which is notorious for splitting (especially on lowered cars). Also check for jacking on the wishbone as this damages the wishbone.
Listen for a knocking noise from underneath, this will probably be and anti roll bar link, this sits just behind the front wheels so easy to check.
With high mileage cars dampers may start to feel soggy, especially on early 1992 cars as these had soft dampers, Vauxhall upgraded the dampers on the 1993 onward cars which made them slightly stiffer, but again these feel soggy at high mileage.
Bodywork:
The main area to look for rust on the GSi, (as with most Vauxhalls), is around the rear wheel arch's. Due to their design mud and water collect on the inside and they rust from the inside out. The only real cure for this is replacement rear arch's which costs a lot to put right. Also look for rust around the bottom of the tailgate and around the black panel situated between the rear lights, as well as just below the window rubbers on the edge of the doors.
One known problem is for the sunroof is for the rubber to perish around it, check for damp seats and any staining of the headlining, this is expensive to sort as it requires a full sunroof as rubbers cant be replaced individually.
Check both the headlight and fog lights for any cracks, fog lights alone cost around £100 each to replace.
Interior:
An instant giveaway of a high mileage car is worn seat bolsters on the drivers seat as well as the padding starting to sag on the base of the drivers seat.
Check that the multi-function display above the radio is working and fully illuminated as these are expensive to replace.
One thing I would recommend doing before parting with any money when buying a car is carrying out a full HPI check, this will let you know of any dubious past the car may have, and also gives you a come back should the car not turn out to be what it appears.