Opel Astra H Caravan

The original Astra debuted in 1991. But within a few years, it had acquired a reputation as a dubious machine.

Review

The original Astra debuted in 1991. But within a few years, it had acquired a reputation as a dubious machine. The second generation with the G index was not without its flaws. The main thing is weak protection against corrosion. These cars are too old to corrosion often. The exception is not even the tubes of the brake system.

The H-index Astra, which launched in 2004, is something completely different. The good driving manners of the predecessor became even better, as did the quality. The wagon with the traditional name Caravan was available from the very beginning. He was very popular in Europe. First of all, thanks to a large trunk, capable of holding up to 1540 liters of luggage.

But the car is famous not only for its capacity, but also for its reliability, confirmed by the wear resistance test conducted by the German magazine Auto Bild, during which the Astra 1.9 CDTI successfully passed the mark of 200,000 km. At the same time, after the control analysis of the car into small details, the experts’ verdict was as follows: “The engine and transmission will serve another 100,000 km without problems, and this is not the limit!”

Engines and transmission

In terms of engines, the choice is simple. If you are not going to drive a lot and with full load, then the optimal will be a 1.6-liter gasoline unit with a capacity of 105 hp / Z16XEP, and since 2007 115 hp / Z16XER. The latter is characterized by the presence of couplings of changes in the gas distribution phases on both shafts. In addition, vortex valves from the intake manifold were removed. The motor has a temporary type of timing system drive, the replacement of which is provided every 90,000 km. The best, perhaps, will be the engine capacity of 1.8 liters. 1.4-liter engine in this generation suffers from the short service life of the timing system chain and premature wear of piston rings. Both are associated with poor-quality oil and with delaying the timing of oil replacement. For those who are moving, a more economical and powerful 1.9 CDTI is recommended in versions from 100 to 150 hp. This engine is created by Fiat. 8-valve version is considered reliable and hardy. This is not the case with the 16-valve variation, where EGR and particulate filter problems regularly occur. When inspecting the turbodiesel after 200,000 km, traces of coolant leakage and a faulty exhaust manifold were found. The nozzles on diesel engines, provided they are refueled with air-conditioned fuel, easily step over the 200,000 kilometer barrier. In any case, no serious deviations in parameters beyond the permissible limits were detected at the test stand during the inspections of Bosch nozzles. Reputation diesel versions spoils manual transmission M32 - prematurely worn bearings shafts. Repairs are quite expensive.

Walking

Chassis Opel Caravan is set for comfortable driving and has high reserves. ESP is included in standard equipment. The only knot in the running room that often wears out are the steering tips. Over time, the steering rack begins to leak. The new rake will cost 1,000 euros.

Another problem of the Astra H suspension, which occurs at large runs, is the destruction of springs on the front and rear axles. A pair of original springs will pull for 400 euros.

Shock absorbers often reach up to 200,000 km. But be careful with the rare electronic suspension IDS Plus or Flex Plus. The magnetoreological principle of changing the stiffness of shock absorbers is good exactly as long as you do not have to change expensive shock absorbers. Replace electronic shock absorbers can be conventional, but the electronics will not leave this moment without attention, highlighting the message of malfunction.

Other problems and malfunctions

The body of Opel Astra N Caravan is fully galvanized. However, on age specimens appear foci of corrosion on the lower edges of doors, trunk doors and inside wheel arches. As a rule, to eliminate them requires a minimum of effort and money.

Fortunately, since Opel invested a lot of money to implement new methods of protection against corrosion, there are no rust foci in the cavities, even when dirt gets there.

The salon looks decent even after 200,000 km. The front seats have a large area and provide good side support.

After 5-6 years (200 000 km) can stubborn lock hood.

On cars with a diesel engine, it is soaked in diesel fuel and over time softens and deforms the seal of the fueling neck cover.

After 5-6 years, in most cases, a muffler replacement is required. Fortunately, there are good and inexpensive analogues.

Since September 2008, air conditioning has joined the list of serial equipment. Unfortunately, the air conditioner compressor is also not among the centenarians. The main reason for its failure is an electromagnetic coupling. The new GM air conditioner compressor is not cheap – about 900 euros.

Review

• The second generation with the G index was not without its flaws. The main thing is weak protection against corrosion.
• These cars are too old to corrosion often.
• But the car is famous not only for its capacity, but also for its reliability, confirmed by the wear resistance test conducted by the German magazine Auto Bild, during which Astra 1.
• At the same time, after the control analysis of the car into small details, the experts’ verdict was as follows: “The engine and transmission will serve another 100,000 km without problems, and this is not the limit!”

Engines and transmission

• The motor has a temporary type of timing system drive, the replacement of which is provided every 90,000 km.
• The 1.4-liter engine in this generation suffers due to the short life of the timing system chain and premature wear of the piston rings.
• For those who are moving, a more economical and powerful 1.9 CDTI is recommended in versions from 100 to 150 hp. This engine is made by Fiat.
• This is not the case with the 16-valve variation, where EGR and particulate filter problems regularly occur.
• When inspecting the turbodiesel after 200,000 km, traces of coolant leakage and a faulty exhaust manifold were found.
• In any case, no serious deviations in parameters beyond the permissible limits were detected at the test stand during the inspections of Bosch nozzles.
• Reputation diesel versions spoils manual transmission M32 - prematurely worn bearings shafts. Repairs are quite expensive.
• The F17 automatic transmission should be avoided.

Walking

• Another problem of the Astra H suspension, which occurs at large runs, is the destruction of springs on the front and rear axles.
• The magnetoreological principle of changing the stiffness of shock absorbers is good exactly as long as you do not have to change expensive shock absorbers.
• Replace electronic shock absorbers can be conventional, but the electronics will not leave this moment without attention, highlighting the message of malfunction.

Other problems and malfunctions

• However, on age specimens appear foci of corrosion on the lower edges of doors, trunk doors and inside wheel arches.
• Fortunately, since Opel invested a lot of money to implement new methods of protection against corrosion, there are no rust foci in the cavities, even when dirt gets there.
• After 5-6 years, in most cases, a muffler replacement is required.
• The main reason for its failure is an electromagnetic coupling.

The Opel Astra H Caravan is not a bad car, but the corrosion on older models that appears over time devalues the overall positive image.

• The second generation with the G index was not without its flaws. The main thing is weak protection against corrosion.
• Engines and transmission: The motor has a temporary type of timing system drive, which is replaced every 90,000 km.
• Driving: Another Astra H suspension problem encountered at large runs is the destruction of springs on the front and rear axles.
• Other problems and malfunctions: However, on age specimens, corrosion foci appear on the lower edges of doors, trunk doors and inside wheel arches.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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