NKSK version 2

We were going to replace our crappy small car next year with something small like a Honda Jazz. I'm a bit of a Japanese car fan - mainly for reliability and wouldn't normally touch others.

However, close friends of ours are returning overseas and they have offered to sell us their Holden Astra for $14K.

They bought it new in April 2005 - a bit of research shows that the price should be well over $16K. (It's a 1.8CD Auto).

They are basically selling it to us for the price which Holden offered them to take it back.

I drove it today - the engine is a bit noisier than I'm used to but it feels solid and well built (but they all do when they are relatively new).

Friends at work say I'd be mad to pass the offer.

Any views?

BadgeIsBack

Can't see a BIG reason why not, to be honest. It's there, it's an option - maybe another grand off..

Mark044

Don't know much about it, but a depreciation of only £800 or £2000 in nearly 2 years seems a bit on the 'hopeful' side, dont know what others think of the price?!!

**Oops just reread post and it the value should be over $16k.....my fault...too early in UK !!**

hunter

Here's the redbook price

http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au...p?key=HOLD05DO

NKSK version 2

Just checked Redbook - price guide for a private sale - $18K minimum.

Badge - thanks - damning with faint praise?

scrubbedexpat020

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm

see what honestjohn says.

NKSK version 2

Does anybody know a car boffin who can tell me if the Holden Astra is the same production line as the Vauxhall Astra?

Just spent a fruitless 20 minutes trying to find out on the internet.

What Car (UK) gives the Vauxhall Astra a good review.

I'd never trust the Aussies to match European or Japanese build quality though...

(only kidding)

andy170773

not 100% but think it is built in Belgium. Link shows for the Diesel model.

http://www.discountnewcars.com.au/Ho...5-Door-1-9.cfm

moneypenny20

Just spoke to a car boffin and he says they are built in Asia and don't buy it unless you are strapped for cash and have all the service history and warranties etc.

He also says go Japanese!

Oh and nothing to do with Vauxhall Astra.

Gjn200

The new ones are, but a 2005 model might not be. Get a look at the Vin plate.

Amazulu

As it's RHD, could be UK? Maybe built at the Vauxhall plant on Merseyside that is closing. Astra is built at 3 factories in Europe.

NKSK version 2

Thanks for the responses all.

I'm still no nearer a decision...!

him

If it is the "older" shape it is probably built in Poland. The newer or current shape is from Europe as well.
Both are identical physically to the Vauxhall versions aside from a few trim options and possible variations in engine size.
Wifey wanted a new car early 2005 and her preference was for a Sirion followed by an Echo.Whilst both were decent cars they also seemed underpowered compared to a then 3 year old Astra.
I liked the Honda Jazz and Mazda 2 but was scared off by the high cost of Honda service and lack of dealers(Mazda and Honda) within close proximity to our home.
If you look under the bonnet it should reveal the place of origin for that model of Astra.
Holden has outsourced other models to Asia, but the Astra still remains the same as the Euro model.

wereoutahere

I personally would go Japanese. It dont matter that there isnt a dealer on your doorstep, the dam things never breakdown!

YoSemite

i've got a 2006 holden astra.... it's a shizzle of a car!!!!!! done 26ks and i'm loving it!!

i say go for it!!!!!