A little more than 1.5 years have passed since the writing of this opus, the aster's mileage was 110,000 km, with which it was successfully sold. It must be said that for this period in operation this car there were no grandiose problems similar to those described above. Mostly turnover and classic aster sores. Replaced rear shock absorbers, moreover, one failed, but the replacement had to be made naturally in pairs (I took a cheap Kayaba - 1300 apiece). The recirculation damper was repaired in strict accordance with the advice of experienced friends on the forums, independently. Replaced brake pads in a circle with a run of 65,000 km, spark plugs (perhaps all of the consumables, oil and filters do not count). At 95,000 mileage, I replaced both stabilizers roll stability(500 rubles each), and it was not possible to replace it on my own, I had to give it to local craftsmen. I upset the play in the hub of the right wheel (with a run of about 100,000 km I had to put a new one for 5,000 rubles), my native battery departed for 4 winters and, with the first frost of November 2012, ordered a long life (I bought Varta Silver for 4,000 rubles). Like many Astra owners, they faced the problem of breaking the wires in the harnesses. rear doors. I repaired it myself, again on the advice of Internet members of the forum. That's all the operational problems from mileage 64,000 to 110,000. It seems to be a bit too much at first glance for a car worth more than 620 thousand rubles, here everyone will judge from personal experience.
Of the pluses of the aster, which were described above and in which I was not disappointed.
1. Engine 1.8 / 140 (a wonderful unit), during the sale run, I did not see any prerequisites for oil consumption, I never started the car the second time in winter, let alone in summer (and I had to drive every day, garage cold, no heating), highway consumption for long trips (more than 1000 km) fit into 7 l / 100, I put the engine a big five.
Strengths:
Weak sides:
Review of Opel Astra Coupe 1.8i-16V (Opel Astra) 2000 Part 2
It's been a year and a half of owning this car and 3 vacations at home, a total of three months. I live and work far outside my country, so I only use my car on holidays. During this time, drove only 10,000. The rest of the time Opelek waiting for me in the garage. However, something can already be said from the impressions in general and about the reliability of the car.
Despite its age, the elderly car continues to delight me with its dynamism, relative reliability and appearance., The quality of interior trim. I put only good European spare parts of well-known manufacturers. On my last vacation, I did maintenance for prevention. Although nothing was asked for a replacement. But why bring this up?
In my last race was replaced: timing, water pump, oil, filters, all discs and pads on four wheels, a pair of reinforced rear springs, both handbrake cables.
Strengths:
Weak sides:
Review of Opel Astra Stationwagon 1.8 (Opel Astra) 2006
Hello!
My first review. A car from a German showroom assembly. I am a staunch generalist and generalist. The first station wagon was a 1998 Avensis. 2.0 in the top configuration. I remember the car only from the good side. Sold to a neighbor and now it has almost 400,000 km. Flight is normal. Opel in daily operation in the Urals. Mileage track — city somewhere 50/50. I am served only in one service (not at o.d).
Up to 150,000 km there were no questions at all. The rumble in the box was the result of the main shaft bearing being stuck and sticking to the latter. It was cheaper to put a contract box that turned up at the price of the issue of 30,000 with work. Opening the box showed a shortage of oil in the absence of a leak. It is not possible to check the oil level. Replacing the front struts at 185,000 km. and they were not considered dead. Nothing more was done to the suspension (links twice don't count). The paint in problem areas began to exfoliate after 5 years.
Strengths:
- Reliability in everyday use
- High ground clearance, excellent handling and brakes, good climate control
- Relatively not greedy
- Excellent regular xenon
- Good stock music
- Dense suspension
- Nice car to this day
Weak sides:
- Little space in the second row for tall organisms (from 180cm)
- Low engine power at low end
- Windshield wipes quickly
- Front seats with weak lateral support
Review of Opel Astra Stationwagon 1.3 CDTi (Opel Astra) 2006 Part 2
It has been 2 years since I wrote my first review of the Opel Astra. The car is still in operation, passed this year on its own inspection, and without prior preparation, I plan to operate it for another 2 years (until the end of the inspection). Mileage is currently 72,000 km.
The car still does not deliver negative emotions, I have never regretted replacing it Ford Mondeo neither in terms of technical performance, nor especially in terms of operating costs. And what are they for the past period:
Initially, after the purchase, I installed crankcase protection for 3750 rubles, mudguards for 2000 rubles, changed the oil and all filters in a circle - another 4000 rubles. and that's it. Operating costs in subsequent years: after 1 year - oil with filter (1750 rub.), pads (2500 rub.), 2 year - oil with filters in a circle (4000 rub.), wipers windshield(1100 rub.). In general, 19,100 for 2.5 years or 7640 rubles. in year. This does not include the cost of purchasing a native trunk for 7000 rubles, second disks and winter tires 14000r. because this is a performance improvement. I did not change the units, components and parts, and in general there were no breakdowns. Stop! And then I caught myself on inaccuracies: the rear fog light bulb burned out. Everything!
Strengths:
- Economy
- Elegance
- capacity
- Ground clearance
- Equipment
Weak sides:
- No coolant temperature sensor
In the segment of sedans, which are the most common among ordinary consumers in the CIS, the leaders are Ford Focus and Opel Astra. Both cars conquered consumers with their technical characteristics, external data and comfortable interior. And what about those who have not yet purchased a car and are now facing a difficult task: what to choose Ford or Opel?
Both cars have the same body type - a sedan. Both Ford and Opel have a smooth external outline, a similar shape and location of the windshield. Both models look stylish with oblong bi-xenon multi-section optics and trapezoidal fog lamps. Due to the grille in the style of Aston Martin Focus takes on a slightly aggressive look, unlike the classic and business Astra. Ford is suitable for fans of expressive forms, and Opel is suitable for lovers of calm lines.
Astra's body reliability is higher, although they nod at fading paintwork. But under it is strong metal, which does not begin to play a year after operation. Opel's anti-corrosion factory treatment wins in quality.
Inside, both cars have high-quality performance displays, adjustable heated seats and airbags. Noise isolation is also quite decent. Both the Astra and the Focus transform the rear row of seats, due to which the trunk acquires additional space. The creators of Opel took 460 liters for luggage, which exceeds 370 Ford liters. Just a liter less volume has fuel tank at Focus, here 55 versus 56 give a slight difference, which is still there.
Focus interior
The interior of the Astra is more spacious than the Focus, but it loses as a finish, because it has a lot of plastic parts. Another of the minuses is the Opel's unfavorable visibility, which is limited by the A-pillars.
Ford's dashboard is distinctive and modernized in the new New Edge style. All devices are at the driver's fingertips and are well readable. The seats provide good lateral support and minimize lumbar strain.
Astra interior
When compared with Opel dashboard, then Astra has to strain his eyesight, and to control some options you have to reach out with your hand. But this did not stop the developers from focusing on security. Astra has 4 airbags, ESP systems and ABS against anti-lock and 2 airbags at the Focus. To match the Ford in this regard, you will have to pay extra, since 2 more pillows and a stabilization system are available as an option.
As for the sizes, here the difference is minimal. The length, width and height of the Focus are 4534X1823X1484, while Astra has the following numerical values - 4658X1814X1500. The dimensions of the Opel are slightly larger than the Ford, and ground clearance with a larger wheelbase.
Differences in technical stuffing
Ford Focus developers have applied a wide motor range. But for the domestic market, 3 gasoline and one diesel were available:
- 1.6-liter PNDA engine, accommodating 125 horses;
- IQDB unit with a volume of 1.6 liters and fashionable 105 hp;
- 2-liter engine with 150 horses;
- 2 liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 140 hp
Ford Focus powertrain range
Everyone interacted petrol units with 5-speed mechanics, diesel internal combustion engine- only with automatic. Fuel consumption in mixed mode is 6.4 liters per 100 km for the Focus and 6.5 liters for the same mileage for the Astra.
The engine range of the Opel Astra is a little more modest. Our consumer is offered several units that consume gasoline:
- turbocharged engine A 14 NET with 1.4 l and 140 hp;
- 1.6-liter engine A 16 XER, accommodating 115 horses;
- 1.6 liter A 16 LET turbo engine producing 180 hp
The range of powertrains Opel Astra
Specifications and engine compartment stuffing Ford slightly wins due to a wide selection power units, transmission and more economical fuel consumption. It is possible that some will disagree, focusing on the 180-horsepower Opel turbo engine. But Focus engines have lower fuel consumption with high performance.
Both sedans have exactly the same McPherson independent spring front suspension. But the rear is significantly different. An independent spring multi-link Ford keeps the car better on the track than a spring semi-independent with a Watt mechanism on an Opel.
Test for speed
Choosing between Opel Astra and Ford Focus, any motorist will want to test them on the track. During the test drive it was noted:
- Astra cornering has a slight roll and is sensitive to small gravel on the road when driving at high speed; the skid of the front of the Focus is not so obvious;
- on city roads, Ford is already losing, since the variety of transmissions has played a bad service here, because on busy streets and in traffic jams, the Astra is not so voracious and its gearbox is more accommodating;
- Opel has more ground clearance, which allows you to overcome off-road and poor coverage with minimal problems;
- the maximum speed is almost the same - for Ford 202 km / h, for Opel - 205 km / h;
- As numerous tests have shown, the Astra is a bit heavy and tight at the start, which is why it accelerates to the first hundred in 10.3 s versus 9.4 s for the Focus.
It is difficult to determine which is better in terms of dynamic performance, because at different road conditions cars behave differently. One thing is clear that Opel is more suitable for city trips, and Focus should be used on the highway.
We offer a draw!
Ford Focus is a car that has already become a classic. After all, wherever you look, solid tricks, that on the roads, that salons, that specialized services. We must pay tribute to the heirs of the great Henry Ford, who take care of the offspring of their concern. There should not be any problems with the repair of this model, since there are a lot of dealer and specialized services. The supply of spare parts has also been established, although original parts will be quite expensive.
Opel Astra shares a leading position with Focus in terms of popularity and in tacit competition. But there are not so many specialized workshops for cars. True, Astra can be repaired at almost any service station, since there are enough partner stations that have concluded agreements with the Avtotor Kaliningrad plant. There are no problems with the search for components.
Let's sum up. In comparing the two cars, it is clear that:
- Ford wins in interior decoration due to the quality of finishing materials and ergonomics, as well as the versatility and comfort of the seats;
Opel excels in volume luggage compartment and a small fuel tank; - Focus behaves well on the track and when driving at high speeds;
Astra is ideal for use on city roads;
The proposed engine range is wider at Ford, and performance is also higher; - Opel wins in fuel consumption, especially in urban areas;
Focus is higher in dynamics, it starts easier and accelerates faster; - The Astra outperforms in terms of driver and passenger safety;
- Focusing on pricing policy Ford bypassed Opel, since the cost of the basic configuration of the second is almost 100 thousand rubles higher.
Opinions of motorists also polarized. Focusing on the reviews of the owners, we can conclude that in most cases the choice depends on the personal preferences of each motorist. Someone fell in love with the aggressive look of the Focus, while someone loves the classic features of the Astra. There are those who do not take into account the dynamic advantages of Ford, because they pay more attention to Opel's economical fuel consumption.
It is quite difficult to determine which is more reliable Ford Focus or Opel Astra. Both sedans have good technical indicators and filling, not to mention the attractiveness of the appearance. Which car to choose in the end will have to be decided by everyone individually, because for many the financial aspect is also important, only for some it prevails when buying, and for others during the maintenance of the car.
Video about cars
Ford Focus review from "Greater Test Drive"
Vorotnikov about Focus
Victor Stelkah will talk about Astra
Info car about Astra
Comparison of competitors in English from the British
"I want to buy a 5-door hatchback from $6,000 to $7,000. I'm considering Opel Astra, Fiat Punto, Fiat Bravo, Ford Focus. Conditions: "mechanics", engine size - 1.6-1.8 liters."
And let's cross out both Fiat models first! Nothing personal, it's just that both Bravo and Punto of the generations in question are equipped with gasoline engines up to 1.4 liters, which does not fit into the requirements of the author of the question (rare powerful versions of Bravo do not count, especially since they are not visible on our "secondary" one) . In addition, Punto belongs to the European segment B and is noticeably inferior in size (respectively, in terms of internal space), as well as the level of comfort to the other three models representing the golf class.
So we suggest focusing your search on two models - Opel Astra H and Ford Focus II. Note that both cars have repeatedly become the heroes of our publications, in which we examined them in detail technical features and disadvantages. So now let's go through the main points and compare the models.
Body
Focus eventually loses its presentation: the paint becomes cloudy, and in some places it even peels off. In addition, there may be problems with rust, but in most cases it is the fault of the previous owners, who did not keep track of the body and did not eliminate small pockets of corrosion in time in places where the paintwork and zinc were damaged.
The Astra paintwork also does not stand out for its high resistance to mechanical influences therefore, over time, in places most vulnerable to sandblasting and other damage, pitting corrosion may also appear. But frankly rotting Astra H is an extremely rare occurrence.
Engines
In the case of the Focus, we would not recommend "chasing" a 1.8-liter engine, even with more power and a timing chain drive. Firstly, there are enough problems with the stability of work, which is the fault of the ignition system, the throttle, or the control unit. Secondly, often after 200 thousand km, an opening is required due to oil scraper rings.
So it is better to pay attention to the 1.6-liter version. Yes, 115 hp Ti-VCT version before 2007 had issues with the reliability of the couplings of the variable valve timing system, and in general the "phases" no-no, and they remind of themselves, although, perhaps, it is also a matter of quality Maintenance and the oil used. But the old 100-horsepower engine is hardly worth considering for purchase, as it is rather weak with almost the same level of reliability.
At one time, the 1.6-liter Ecotec X16XEL (101 hp), the same one that was installed on the Astra G, pretty spoiled the reputation increased consumption engine oil due to premature wear of the valve stems. But the 115-horsepower Z16XER engine is free from this drawback, so you should not be afraid of this option, the choice between it and the 140-horsepower 1.8 Z18XER engine (both engines in these modifications appeared on the Astra H in 2006) is not fundamental in terms of reliability .
Also, both engines with multipoint fuel injection can be considered quite attractive in terms of maintainability and repair costs. BUT weak spots they have in common - this is an ignition module, failing sensors, far from the most reliable wiring. In addition, engines are sensitive to the quality of engine oil and the timing of its replacement. In general, the selection criterion can be either the technical condition of a particular instance, or differences in performance: the 1.8-liter engine is more powerful, but also a little "gluttonous".
transmissions
The IB5 manual on the Focus was not very reliable. And this is another argument in favor of the 1.6-liter version, although repairs may be required there over time, however, most likely, the matter will be limited to the replacement of synchronizers.
The F17 manual gearbox, used on Astra with the engines in question, is also far from ideal: its cases are not so rare. premature exit out of order with runs up to 200 thousand km and on cars under 10 years old. Therefore, before buying, be sure to check if the operation of the transmission is accompanied by increased noise or extraneous sounds. Moreover, on a more powerful 1.8-liter engine, the "demise" of the differential and shaft bearings is much easier to provoke - in this sense, the 1.6-liter version is also a little "safer".
Suspension
In the chassis of the Focus, the front wheel bearings are relatively short-lived, and with runs over 100 thousand km, it may be necessary to rebuild the rear "multi-link", and this operation, due to the abundance of parts, may seem unexpectedly expensive.
Unlike the Focus, the rear of the Astra uses a simpler semi-independent beam. Front - also, if not eternal, then simply inexpensive to repair McPherson. So maintaining the suspension in working condition is not at all burdensome. But here, too, the exception is insufficiently durable and rather expensive wheel bearings, which are replaced along with the hub. But in any case, Opel should have fewer questions about the suspension.
Price pulse
As the analysis shows, with a budget of $ 6000-7000, one can consider buying Opel Astra H and Ford Focus II 2008-2009 onwards, although there are also more recent copies. At the same time, the price level for the Focus is slightly lower, which allows you to either save money or choose a later year of production, all other things being equal.
Our verdict
Both models are close not only in their technical specifications, but also in terms of reliability, as well as the cost of maintenance. In both cases, we recommend considering 1.6-liter versions for purchase - they initially have fewer questions about both the engines themselves and the boxes. Otherwise, everything depends on the technical condition of the specimens in question.
Ivan KRISHKEVICH
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In the first version of this article, I indicated as one of disadvantages of Opel Astra - no official dealership in the Russian Federation. But in a few days everything changed: Ford Motor Co officially leaves Russia, which equalizes the three-door Astra and Focus. Does it make sense to buy cars of brands that have left our market? And which model is better? We understand in the article.
In appearance, the "German" immediately goes on the offensive. Its sharp edges and thousands of lines are an order of magnitude more interesting than the exterior of the calm Focus. Add to that a sloping roofline and a neat rear end, and you can see why the H GTC is even now eye-catching and does not look old-fashioned.
Ford Focus 3dr, promoted as a youth hatchback, looks much more conservative. It is distinguished from its five-door counterpart by a flatter rear glass and longer doors. True, due to the shape of the roof, he gives the Astra a painful blow in the stomach. If only two (preferably not very tall) fit in the back of the Gran Turismo Compact, then the Focus is quite a five-seater car.
Engine range and gearbox
If the fight had taken place in Europe, where the Opel Astra H GTC was offered with more than 10 engines, the outcome of the round would have been sealed. But in Russia, the "German" is available with engines of 1.6 and 1.8 liters in 115 and 140 hp. from. and a pair of turbocharged exclusives for 200 and 240 “horses”. Of the gearboxes - five- and six-speed "mechanics", a four-band "automatic" and a five-speed "robot" EasyTronic.
"Ford" is offered with four gasoline aspirated 1.4; 1.6; 1.8 and 2.0 liters (80-145 hp), as well as a 1.8 turbodiesel with a fuel consumption of about seven liters in the city. The real combo is the ST and RS versions that developed the 225 and 305 Horse power respectively.
So, Opel Astra, which actively started the battle, blocked the opponent in terms of engine range.
Of the gearboxes, the Focus has 5- and 6-speed manuals comparable to the Opel, a 4-band automatic and a PowerShift robot with two clutches. It's funny, but neither one nor the other manufacturer was able to bring the manual transmission to mind - both boxes kick, kick and do not like dynamic acceleration.
Packages and options
The third round of confrontation "Astra", having missed a lot of sensitive blows for a meager engine and transmission range, begins with a carefully adjusted series. The first basic Essentia is available with air conditioning, fog lights, heating, stereo, alarm and a full range of security systems.
The second complete set of Enjoy includes climate and cruise control, four airbags, a multifunction steering wheel and full power accessories. The third series of Cosmo shocks: alloy wheels R16 (on request - R17 and R18), headlights with spherical lenses, piano lacquer trim, a combined leather + fabric interior and a couple of finishing shocks-options - AFL adaptive xenon light, a roof with a panoramic view and navigation system.
"Focus" in this round is having a hard time. He responds to the opponent's bold blows with blocks. In the Ambient configuration there is only ABS, an airbag and audio preparation, in Comfort there is air conditioning, on-board computer, aluminum inserts in the interior and a stereo system. The strongest blocking moves are called Ghia and Titanium with electric package, alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control.
maintainability
Once upon a time, Adam Opel AG launched a recycling program and an accompanying advertising campaign. The viewer was shown old and crumpled cars, then a brand new Kadett and the confident voice of the announcer said: “Your car can become an Opel!” True, in Russia the slogan was translated with an error (“Any car becomes an Opel!”) And morally equated a German car with junk.
In this round, the Astra immediately gets hit hard by the Focus for the 1.6 and 1.8 liter Ecotec engines. Due to the wear of the plastic elements, the motor begins to work unstably. The "sore" is eliminated by installing a cheap plastic clamp.
Often, Astra's heating pipes burst throttle valve(warranty case), heat exchangers are actively “running”, camshaft gears are broken up to the wedge, the EGR valve is clogged, the crankcase gas membrane is cracking (eliminated by replacing the valve cover). And the power steering is also junk, the seat heating is moping, the alarm system often fails and the antifreeze tank bursts.
"Focus" is head and shoulders above "Astra" in terms of reliability. Yes, its engines have a breakdown of the IMRC valve, the fine fuel filter clogs and the fuel pump often burns out, but this is almost nothing before the problems of the Astra checkpoint. Here the synchronizers break, the input shaft oil seals run, for 40-60 thousand km the EasyTronic "robot" clutch burns.
Timid and completely painless blows of the "German" on the body of a competitor - at the Ford gearbox of the IB5 series, the pin of the satellites breaks down to the destruction of the box, and the steering rack is completely junk.
Everything Ford problems Focus 3dr are well known and are being "treated" in most services. According to Opel, there are very few competent craftsmen. Yes, and those that are, say: "Every day we learn something new, because even something that we did not suspect breaks down."
Cost and problems on the "secondary"
On the secondary market for Astra H GTC they ask from 170 to 500 thousand rubles. Most available cars have already exchanged the third hundred thousand kilometers and two or three owners (and others - and TCP). A car in normal technical condition will cost 280-350 thousand rubles.
For 330 thousand rubles, we found a model made in 2008, with a 1.6 engine for 115 liters. with., automatic transmission and mileage of 171 thousand km:
We check the history through the service and see that in almost 11 years the car has changed six owners and once the Opel had an accident. Now it is sold with a duplicate TCP. Perhaps because there was no space left in the original document for making entries.
The three-door Ford Focus II is cheaper than its competitor. The minimum cost per car is 120 thousand rubles, the maximum is almost 600. Hatchback 2007. with a motor of 1.8 and 125 liters. from. and a mileage of 150 thousand km is given for 210 thousand rubles:
The ad states that the Ford was owned by the same owner. An Autocode report showed that six people owned the car, with the latter using it for only four months:
The car got into an accident, has a duplicate TCP and traffic police restrictions. Such an Opel cannot be re-registered for itself until restrictions are lifted from it.
So, in this round, with a slight advantage, "Opel" bypassed "Focus".
Which car to choose
In the pros of "Astra" - stylish appearance(almost a coupe after all), affordable spare parts and rich equipment, in the minuses - quality, quality and again quality.
The key advantages of the Ford are its “popularity”, maintainability (hello, taxi drivers!) and a variety of trim levels. There is only one drawback: this is a car, like everyone else: it usually looks, usually rides and is usually sold.
We presented all the pros and cons of the models and their final assessment in a comparative table:
And which of these two hatchbacks do you like? Share your opinion in the comments below the article.