
The most massive of the Opel - choose a used Astra
This German manufacturer has always been the butt of jokes. Everyone has heard that any car eventually becomes an Opel. And there is a legend among bodybuilders that if you sit in an Opel and be quiet, you can hear how it rots. But this by and large applies to models of the 80-90s. Anyone who has operated later versions will confirm that they are at least as good as most competitors.
Today we will look at the Astra, a popular model often found on the roads. Worthy of attention are the third and fourth generations - cars are inexpensive, it’s really possible to find live specimens. Older options are either rotten or in such a state that you can immediately look for a replacement engine and gearbox.
If you decide to take the Opel Astra, you should take into account a few tips so that even at the stage of considering ads, dubious options are brushed aside. Pay attention to such points:
Salon in version H is simple but functional. Photo: youtube.com
A living car, which was followed, can be seen immediately. But plastic rubbed to a shine everywhere, blackened wheels and a washed engine are most often evidence that you are outbid. And it is not known what surprises such a car is fraught with.
A variation of the third generation, which was assembled and sold on the territory of the Russian Federation from 2004 to 2014 (with a slight restyling in 2007). There were both hatchbacks and station wagons and even convertibles, and later sedans appeared. This is a popular car, often included in the TOP sales of its class.
The simple exterior does not look dated. Photo: youtube.com
Appearance and now is not inferior to most VAZ models. Exterior without frills, but quite aggressive. The salon is simple, depending on the configuration, there may be a multimedia system control on the steering wheel. The seats were most often covered with fabric, sometimes with leatherette inserts. The second option is worse, since artificial leather begins to crack much earlier than textiles are rubbed.
The advantages include ease of operation, low cost of spare parts and good access to most nodes.
It is worth sorting out all the typical problems in order to know what to look at first:
The mechanical box is the main problem node. Photo: youtube.com
There may be other problems caused by age and careless operation. Gasoline engines, which were equipped with Russian-assembled Asters, pass 200-300 thousand without capital. The steering rack is usually not satisfactory. The suspension is stiff, but it goes well on our roads and changes as it wears.
Depending on the year of manufacture, the price of an Opel Astra H averages from 400 to 500 thousand. First-year versions in good condition can be found for 300. The latest cars of this generation will be more expensive. History plays the main role, it is necessary to punch a car by number and VIN.
The next generation was sold from 2010 to 2016, after which Opel stopped production in Russia. There were hatchbacks, station wagons and sedans. The model is somewhat boring - everything is clear and predictable. The previous version was modernized and improved. Externally, the car became more "thoroughbred": smooth lines, a protrusion on the hood, stylish optics and relief sides, all this made the car much more attractive.
Version J is much more modern than its predecessor. Photo: youtube.com
The changes affected the interior. If its predecessor was nondescript and utilitarian, then the “J” version of the panel has changed. Smooth curves, an informative and neat instrument panel, a center console with a screen and an abundance of buttons - all this is harmoniously combined. The plastic is soft and pleasant to the touch, the seats are comfortable, the upholstery is wear-resistant. Chrome inserts give a resemblance to luxury models.
Most often, there were gasoline aspirated engines with a volume of 1,6 liters per 115 liters. With. These are reliable motors. The 100-horsepower 1,4-liter options are less high-torque, but they also do not cause any complaints. The 1,4-liter turbocharged unit produces 140 hp. With. There were more powerful modifications of 1,6 liters, but they were less common. The disadvantages of this variety are described below.
Turbocharged engines are demanding on the quality of gasoline, aspirated engines are simpler in this regard. Photo: youtube.com
When buying this version, you should pay attention to several points:
The car is worthy, albeit with shortcomings. For Astra J they ask on average 550 thousand, restyled versions are 100 thousand more expensive. Cars of the last years of production of this series are estimated at a million and more. The bodies are strong, the suspension is comfortable, even at 000 km Astra behaves well on the road.
The interior of this version is comfortable, the quality of materials is on top. Photo: youtube.com
Both series cannot be called a model of reliability, but if you choose a live copy, it will not cause problems. The price of spare parts is higher at "J". When you need a machine with rich equipment, it is better to choose a later version. If you need a budget car for every day with cheap service, you should consider Astra H.
Today we will look at the Astra, a popular model often found on the roads. Worthy of attention are the third and fourth generations - cars are inexpensive, it’s really possible to find live specimens. Older options are either rotten or in such a state that you can immediately look for a replacement engine and gearbox.
What you need to remember
If you decide to take the Opel Astra, you should take into account a few tips so that even at the stage of considering ads, dubious options are brushed aside. Pay attention to such points:
- ✅ Body condition. These versions do not rust so much, but they have one unpleasant feature: after an accident, the damaged metal begins to rot, especially if the elements were not changed, but straightened or welded. It is difficult to find a car that is not broken, but it is better to avoid “shifters” and copies with a bunch of accidents
- ✅ Box type. This is one of the few models where an automatic is preferable to mechanics or a robot. Although, there are often sentences that indicate that the checkpoint was recently sorted out or changed
- ✅ Salon. No one wants to be in a dirty car with rattling, cracked plastic. Not the most careful drivers often drove Astra. Due to the utilitarian nature of the operation, the seats are often torn and pressed through, they try to hide this with covers
- ✅ Electrics, door seals and locks, buttons and “twists” in the cabin are not particularly reliable. Everything should be checked so that later you do not look for the right part in stores or disassembly

A living car, which was followed, can be seen immediately. But plastic rubbed to a shine everywhere, blackened wheels and a washed engine are most often evidence that you are outbid. And it is not known what surprises such a car is fraught with.
Opel Astra H
A variation of the third generation, which was assembled and sold on the territory of the Russian Federation from 2004 to 2014 (with a slight restyling in 2007). There were both hatchbacks and station wagons and even convertibles, and later sedans appeared. This is a popular car, often included in the TOP sales of its class.

Appearance and now is not inferior to most VAZ models. Exterior without frills, but quite aggressive. The salon is simple, depending on the configuration, there may be a multimedia system control on the steering wheel. The seats were most often covered with fabric, sometimes with leatherette inserts. The second option is worse, since artificial leather begins to crack much earlier than textiles are rubbed.
The advantages include ease of operation, low cost of spare parts and good access to most nodes.
"Sores" Astra H
It is worth sorting out all the typical problems in order to know what to look at first:
- ✅ Gearbox. Most often, mechanics were used, which were developed for the Cadets and migrated to the Astra with minimal modifications. Modern engines have turned out to be too powerful for the gearbox, which causes accelerated wear of bearings and failure of other components. The Opel robot is also not very reliable, and besides, it is slow. But an automatic machine from Aisin, with a timely oil change and adequate driving, can go for 300 thousand
- ✅ Air conditioning is another weak point that needs to be checked. In most Asters, it does not work or does not function as it should. Climate control is rare, but there are enough problems with cars with mileage over 100 thousand
- ✅ Body panels can deform over time, doors often sag, trunk lid knocks. If the hinges can be adjusted and the seals replaced, only putty and staining will help eliminate dents, and these are serious amounts.
- ✅ Oil leaks, pipe leaks and wiring problems cannot be called catastrophic shortcomings, but when there are a lot of them on one car, it will take a lot of time and money to eliminate them. It is better to inspect the car from the pit, as the boxes often leak

There may be other problems caused by age and careless operation. Gasoline engines, which were equipped with Russian-assembled Asters, pass 200-300 thousand without capital. The steering rack is usually not satisfactory. The suspension is stiff, but it goes well on our roads and changes as it wears.
Depending on the year of manufacture, the price of an Opel Astra H averages from 400 to 500 thousand. First-year versions in good condition can be found for 300. The latest cars of this generation will be more expensive. History plays the main role, it is necessary to punch a car by number and VIN.
Opel Astra J
The next generation was sold from 2010 to 2016, after which Opel stopped production in Russia. There were hatchbacks, station wagons and sedans. The model is somewhat boring - everything is clear and predictable. The previous version was modernized and improved. Externally, the car became more "thoroughbred": smooth lines, a protrusion on the hood, stylish optics and relief sides, all this made the car much more attractive.

The changes affected the interior. If its predecessor was nondescript and utilitarian, then the “J” version of the panel has changed. Smooth curves, an informative and neat instrument panel, a center console with a screen and an abundance of buttons - all this is harmoniously combined. The plastic is soft and pleasant to the touch, the seats are comfortable, the upholstery is wear-resistant. Chrome inserts give a resemblance to luxury models.
Most often, there were gasoline aspirated engines with a volume of 1,6 liters per 115 liters. With. These are reliable motors. The 100-horsepower 1,4-liter options are less high-torque, but they also do not cause any complaints. The 1,4-liter turbocharged unit produces 140 hp. With. There were more powerful modifications of 1,6 liters, but they were less common. The disadvantages of this variety are described below.

Cons
When buying this version, you should pay attention to several points:
- ✅ A five-speed manual gearbox after a hundred thousand mileage can crumble at any time. On a cold engine, 1st and 2nd gears are hard to turn on in it, this is a design flaw. "Six-steppers" sin with wear on the bearings on the shafts. Repair or replacement will cost several tens of thousands
- ✅ The six-speed automatic is not reliable. And breakdowns can be anything - a failed valve body, broken gears, a leaking oil cooler, a worn out planetary gear set, etc. It is better to change this box
- ✅ The turbine serves approximately 100 km. A new one costs about 000 thousand, Garrett can be taken for 50
- ✅ The thermostat often breaks down, you can determine the breakdown by a constantly running fan and an error on the tidy. Many Astra owners put instead of a native part a variant from the Chevrolet Cruze in a metal case, it lasts many times longer
- ✅ Pump leaks are common. Easy to replace, cheap part
- ✅ Every 100 thousand runs, it is recommended to change the heat exchanger gaskets so that the oil does not get into the antifreeze
- ✅ In cars of the first years of production, the rear calipers are tapped due to defective brackets, later the problem was fixed
The car is worthy, albeit with shortcomings. For Astra J they ask on average 550 thousand, restyled versions are 100 thousand more expensive. Cars of the last years of production of this series are estimated at a million and more. The bodies are strong, the suspension is comfortable, even at 000 km Astra behaves well on the road.

With the result that
Both series cannot be called a model of reliability, but if you choose a live copy, it will not cause problems. The price of spare parts is higher at "J". When you need a machine with rich equipment, it is better to choose a later version. If you need a budget car for every day with cheap service, you should consider Astra H.
- Ice
- https://youtube.com
We recommend for you

Restrictions lifted – PD-14 received a new certificate
The engine is one step closer to serial production. The power plant has been given an important approval....

"We won't give up so easily" - Shacman responded to the ban on the sale of dump trucks in Russia
The situation with the recall of sales and OTTS continues to gain momentum. The representative office of Chinese brands has prepared a plan and specific countermeasures. All...

"We've Changed Our Minds" - Hyundai Wants to Return to Russia and Buy Back Its Plant
This desire was caused by an event not directly related to the automobile industry. Read all the details and possible further developments in our material....

In Russia, the production of aluminum bodies has been completely localized
The precedent was the first in the history of the enterprise. The first workshop is already producing products, the second stage of the modern robotic plant has been launched....

The Russian SJ-100 airliner is almost ready – all that remains is to combine the two planes
Two airliners are currently undergoing testing. If they were assembled into one, they would result in a 100% import-substituting SJ-100....

Ladoga gets “wings” – Smolensk plant joins the work
Cooperation in TVRS-44 production continues to expand. Involvement of more domestic plants will speed up serial production of the aircraft....

Traffic police will be able to check drivers' smartphones and issue fines from quadcopters
In 2025, the rules of the game on the roads are changing, and not in favor of drivers. The State Traffic Safety Inspectorate is actively expanding its control tools: now you can be monitored not only by...

UTS-800 to be shown abroad for the first time
UTS-800 is a training model. But it can be modified at the customer's request for other purposes....

Why the 38th upper side is the best seat in a compartment carriage
It's a nightmare and a quiet horror to travel on the last, upper side seat, isn't it? Times are changing, gentlemen. Find out about the advantages of the 38th seat in a reserved seat carriage from our...

Seaplanes are back in favor – new Polaris unveiled
And already, long before serial production, the first potential buyer places a large order. Read more about the new old project in our material....

The ZIF-77 moped is not a bicycle with a motor
The simplest means of transport in the USSR, even in the early days, were bicycles. But pedaling constantly is difficult, and the speed of movement...

“We pushed as a team” – how the “Sobol NN 4x4” passed the off-road test
Last fall, sales of the new all-wheel drive Sobol started. The car has changed significantly - there are noticeable differences in the design and equipment....

Russia has a new training aircraft – its domestic engine is almost ready
Recently, the S7 Group company presented its "brainchild" - the TANGO training aircraft. I want to add "over the abyss", but the technology is interesting. Pro...

Production of new Russian sedans has started – Amberauto A5
There are no prices yet, but this electric car was created to order and with the help of Renault. They promise a three-year warranty and a decent power reserve....

8 unusual versions of the Volga that could have changed the Soviet auto industry
GAZ-24 "Volga" is one of the most iconic cars in the history of the USSR, a symbol of prestige and reliability. However, few people know that over the long years of existence of this...

Ground testing of PD-8 engines has begun in Komsomolsk-on-Amur
Certification of the smaller version of the PD-14 is close. Flight tests should be conducted this year....