Opel Astra H 2004 - 2009 - Used, experience, failures

In the used car market, the Astra is a safe and relatively inexpensive choice.

The Astra H was a revelation, its enormous improvement over the annoying style of previous models, its success in ridding itself of the diseases of its predecessors, F and G, and righting its not-so-flattering reputation.

Opel  The Astra has always been somewhat overshadowed by VW Golf, despite its many advantages and its very good price. When it was launched in 2004 Opel Astra H the third generation of the popular hatchback, the car market seemed to have the ambition and strength to seriously undermine Golf hegemony. The Russelsheim car is a major breakthrough for the company and shows a modern design combined with high quality performance, which immediately became its strong trump card, which attracts many fans. By and large, the Opel Astra H is truly becoming a car that is now more affordable and sought after in the used car market, attracting a modern look and a variety of engines and bodywork.

In the half-car market, the Opel Astra continues the tradition of the famous Cadet, having recently experienced the fourth generation and has started to compete with its compact competitors in the market. Its strength is also a good relationship between the purchase price and the quality of workmanship and equipment. Users praise German reliability. Although omissions are happening, but astra, even older generations are still in good shape.

The Opel Astra is a reasonable German compact previously linked to average driving performance and the prospect of attracting customers for cheap running costs. The third generation of this model is a small revolution, which has a dynamic design and more powerful engines, but also higher maintenance costs.

The Opel Astra H has never been able to seriously shake the VW Golf bestseller, which has to do with its qualities and the bad reputation of its two predecessors.

There are five body styles to choose from.

The material of the Opel Astra H is good, while the layout is ergonomically deficient. The vents are located on top of the center console, which means that the stereo and ventilation switches are low, plus the climate controls are confusing.

There is a huge amount of space in the cabin, and even with the front seats back, there is still more than enough space. The entrance to the rear trunk is compromised by large tail lights. The boot has 350 liters.

The stereo is very good. All models except the base have a seven-speaker audio system with stereo radio and CD player.

The interior of the Opel Astra H is seeing tangible progress on Opel's quality of materials used, especially over the previous generation of models. However, especially in samples from the first years of production of the Opel Astra H, one can often hear noise or rattle from the dashboard, especially around the steering wheel. In keeping with the look of the board, the Astra H also showed an interesting design, though a little rough and too much plastic. The coolant temperature indicator is missing. Replaced that lamp, which lights up when the engine overheats (hopefully not too late).

In addition to the sleek interior, the Opel Astra H has a solidly built and fully galvanized body, which offers no chance of corrosion (forget those Opel and rust stories). However, before buying the Astra H it is advisable to look in the chrome strip on the back where corrosion sometimes occurs, but it is more cosmetic in nature. Another feature of the place you should not miss is the top front suspension, where constructive interference collects water and rust occurs.

Six airbags and a stability control system are standard on the Astra. At the Euro NCAP crash test, the model in terms of passenger protection, including child safety, was convincing. All in all, that was enough for a maximum rating of five stars.

Opel Astra H - Engines

The Opel Astra H engine list is wide and the list has included as many as 22 different engine versions over the years.

The choice of engines is wide, some are new, some have been significantly modified and some taken from the previous model. It starts with a 1,4-liter 85hp petrol engine, with a 1.6-liter 100hp and a 1.8-liter 125hp. Two 2,0 liter turbocharged engines are also on offer for the sports versions, at 170 hp and 200 hp. The base level, 1.4 and 1.6 liter engines use the TVINPORT technology originally seen on the Corsa. In January 2007, the standard 1.6 liter engine was upgraded and an even faster turbocharged version of the same engine was offered. The three diesel engines are available in 1.7 liter 100 hp and 1,9 liter 120 hp, plus the more powerful 150 hp 1.9 liter engine developed by Fiat.

The smallest gasoline engine with a displacement of 1,4 liters and a power of 90 hp, is sensitive to the quality of the oil that needs to be changed on time, otherwise you risk damaging the hydraulic chain tensioner.

The most popular petrol engines are 1.6 with 105 hp and 1,8 with 125 or 140 hp. They are provided with a toothed belt, which changes along with the tensioners and rollers. It is recommended that every other water pump be replaced, replaced. Gasoline engines have TVINPORT technology designed to save fuel - under partial load, blend fuel into the cylinder through one of two intake valves. However, the system suffers from problems, the shut-off valves of 4 of the 8 intake valves refuse to operate over time.

Rare are the 2,0 liter turbocharged engines that give great performance and will certainly be a very good choice if you like sporty driving. Of course they have pretty high fuel consumption.

Diesel engines have traditionally been a better option to buy Opel The Astra H. The small 1.7-liter CDTI engine is proven to be reliable and very economical, and offers more than adequate torque. There are complaints about the oil pump with this engine, but they are an exception and a problem with the starter. The desired but bigger problem is the 1,9-liter CDTI diesel with 120 hp and 150 hp. It offers very good dynamics (especially 150 hp). Slight fuel consumption, but often suffers from problems with the valves in the intake manifold, water pump and alternator. It often clogs the soot filter, especially if cars are being driven around town. The weakness in both diesel engines is the EGR valve, which is very sensitive to the quality of the petrol, there is also a problem with the turbine and the floating flywheel.

All versions of the Astra H have front-wheel drive only, which can be transmitted via a 5 or 6-speed manual transmission or an Easitronic automatic transmission.

The Opel Astra H is equipped with an advanced suspension system. It was the first car in its class to feature Continuous Damping Control (CDC), electronically controlled shock absorbers that continuously adjust the road surface and driver style. It's all part of what the Opel Astre Dub 'Interactive Driving System' (IDS) can integrate all electronic functions in a way that is a good deal smarter than you think. Despite all these high-tech touches, the Astra still uses torsion at the rear instead of the sophisticated multi-link used by Volkswagen and Ford. While GM executives claim that this system provides good handling and emits less cabin noise, the more powerful Astra variants do not display some flaws in this logic.

Models equipped with the Easitronic automatic transmission (five-speed) have problems with it, and they pretty much malfunction. Its clutch requires regular adjustment (at least at 15 km), otherwise it is not easy to shift, which can cause flywheel damage and clutch - complicated and expensive repairs.

Model History - Astra H:

2004: Premier Astra III compact 3-door body (also known as the GTC coupe) and 5-door and station wagon, 1.4 petrol engine (90 hp), 1.6 (105 hp), 1.8 (125 hp), 2.0 Turbo (170 hp). 2.0 Turbo (200 HP), 1.7 CDTI Turbo Diesel (80 HP), 1.7 CDTI (100 HP), 1.9 CDTI (120 HP), 1.9 CDTI (150 HP);
2005: 1.8 petrol engine (140 hp), 1.3 CDTI turbo diesel (90 hp), sports OPC version 2.0 liters (240 hp), Zafira minivan
2006: 1.6 petrol engine (115hp) and 1.6 Turbo (180hp) TvinTop version (coupe - convertible)
2007: Restailing, 1.7 CDTI turbo diesel (110 HP), 1.7 CDTI (125 HP) 4-door sedan version
2008: Turbo Diesel 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX (110 HP)
2009: Prime Minister of Astra IV

Opel Astra H - breakdowns and problems

The ECU is located in the front left wing in front of the wheel arch trim so it can become vulnerable due to water penetration.

The most common problems with the Opel Astra H are engine electronics failures, including faulty modules.

Opel Astra H 1.4 16v Twinport engines suffer from the problem of loose camshaft screws as well as the 1.2 16v Twinport engines in Corsa. The series from the engine factory in Spain appears to have been identified, with all engine numbers starting at 19F *****.

1,4 and 1,6 twinport problems with the Dis module have been reported, when the vehicle crashes and the engine error light comes on.

With the Opel Astra H 1.6, the petrol engine often malfunctions the coils.

For gasoline 1,6 with 105 hp and 1,4 with 90 hp, the most common intervention is nozzle cleaning.

With the twinport engine, the problem with the throttle position sensor is the intake manifold, which because of the dirt does not provide additional air when the engine is most needed.

All engines except 1.4 petrol and 1.3 CDTI turbo diesel have a gear belt as the drive. Care should also be taken when replacing this unit after less miles than stated in the manual. If you bought an Astra III and are not sure when the timing belt was replaced, replace the timing belt immediately to avoid serious consequences. By the way, ask the mechanic after how many miles to replace the gear belt again.

The clutch shakes on the 1.6 and 1.8 engines, most likely due to the crankshaft rear crankshaft leakage.

In case of gasoline, the submersible pump in the tank fails.

With a 1.3 CDTI engine fitted with a soot particle filter, excess diesel fuel that had to be burned and regenerated by DPF may leak and end up in the crankcase, gradually raising the crankcase oil level to such an extent that the engine begins to run on it and the engine cannot be stopped and therefore the engine is destroyed.

A two-liter diesel engine is a problematic alternator and flowmeter.

For vehicles equipped with a 1.3 CDTI engine and manual transmission, cracks may occur on the transmission housing.

1.9 diesel may be good to drive, but it has problems: EGR valve failure. A clogged DPF filter causes the turbine to malfunction. Gear belt problems, often due to water pump failure.

With 1.9 CDTI diesel engines produced by early 2007, frequent turbocharger failures occur.

For diesel engines, especially the 1.9 CDTI, a growing number of owners are facing float flywheel cancellation.

For diesel vehicles with DPF filters, pay attention to the condition of the filter and the frequency of regeneration.

For vehicles with a 1.7 CDTI engine, frequent clutch master cylinder leaks.

Common problems on all diesel engines with clogged EGR valve, soiled ERG valve leading to premature failure of turbocharger and DPF filters.

All vehicles face poor quality rubber hoses for coolant.

For vehicles with automatic transmissions, there is an example of coolant leaking into the transmission.

Problems on ecoFLEKS gearboxes. When choosing 1st gear, you actually get a reverse gear.

Float flywheel malfunction, "shaving" noise can be heard when clutch pedal is depressed.

We do not recommend the choice of Easitronic gearbox suffering from electronics failure.

Air conditioners, you should definitely check all the features, hoses for leaks and the correctness of the compressor when buying.

All models have problems with the CIM module (steering wheel module) errors: the symptoms will not turn on the lights and wipers.

The glass on the door mirror turns out.

Water leaking through the front door: “Water leaks down the cables inside the door to the bottom speaker of the door-mounted radio, then leaks around or over the foamed rubber gasket and then into the cabin. The remedy is to remove the door panel and remove the 3 speaker fixing screws on the door, remove and remove the speaker, then carefully cut off everything. Sealing foam stuck to the speaker.

Wiper motor and wiper mechanism failures appear to be very common.

The fuel level indicator in the tank wants to show incorrect information.

Radio does as it wants, Opel in the meantime replaced the radio supplier.

The air compressor shuts itself off.

The siren does not work when the lights are on.

Water penetration into the front and rear headlights.

Hard to replace headlight bulbs in headlights.

Front ends are most commonly affected by the inner ends of the clamps and vertical stabilizers.

The front wheel bearing changes with the ABS sensor.

For Astra H, H7 bulbs are fired in headlights.

The headlights over time, lose their luster and fade.

In the first models, corrosion often occurs on the lower machine and around the lower edge of the door and sills.

All versions are faced with poor quality alternators, which fail after 80 km.

Owners reported frequent engine starter failures, the problem is not as common as with the alternator.

Common problems with original radio, which does not respond to user commands or automatically turn on (2004).

In some vehicle series, damage to the pressure sensors in the brake system occurs.

Electrical problems are common to all light models, fuel indicators, and central locking.

Opel Astra H second-hand price - offer