1996 Opel Astra | WB02F5646 - The Cruiseship

[btirthankar]

I had been eyeing the Astra ever since it was launched. My first drive in that car, in 1996 - the experience was heavenly. Till this day, that ride-comfort and NVH has been unmatched in similar segment vehicles (other than the BMWs, Mercs and Audis that i have test-driven).

The pleasure was when you braked, the rear end of the car used to lower itself, compensating the forward thrust and heads didnot NOD.

Yes even in those days, I realised that it was underpowered.

I finally got the taste of ownership when I was allowed to use the company owned Astra (1996 model) for 3-4 months.

It gave a mileage of 6-8 kmpl. Yes this was the vehicle which taught me how to drive frugally, by light-footing the throttle. Inspite of that I decided I will buy one for myself.

The search ended and I picked up a steel Grey 1996 model. Things had to be spent on during ownership.

• Alloys
• Tyres
• Timing Belt
• Strut Mountings (They always gave way)
• Brake pads
• Brake shoes
• AC Compressor repair
• ICE
• Front WIndshield replacement (for scratches)
• Coolant plastic pipe near intake manifold
• radiator and AC Fans

Though I used to get 6-8 kmpl in the city, It used to return 16kmpl on the highways. (or whenever I drove it on overdrive on extended periods). The car was designed for highway cruising.

The engine was not rev friendly. The LET was good. I changed gears @ 2000 rpm.

Drivoblogs:

• CCU-HYD Nonstop 1500 kms in Aug 2007

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travelogues/29269-kolkata-hyderabad-21st-22nd-sep-2007-opel-astra-nh6-nh5-nh60-nh9.html

• HYD-DEL-MUM-HYD 8 states 8 days, 4000 kms in Dec 2007

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...es-8-days.html (Bonnetcam® 8 States = 8 Days)

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...es-8-days.html (8 States = 8 Days)

• HYD-GOA-HYD Nonstop Jan 2008

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/route...bad-goa-2.html

Don't mind my 'publicising' the Drivoblogs but a lot of user experiences have been shared in the above threads regarding the Astra.

Problems:

• One during the HYD-DEL-MUM-HYD, the brake line lost fluid and I drove whole night in that condition through Seoni till Sagar.
• Once the radiator fan failed and the car had to be driven without coolant for 10 kms.
• I was never confident of the brakes and cornering, so never drove above 100kmph
• Once while driving through waterlogged streets, water wetted the carpet and a polythene got fouled up in one of the driveshafts and dislocated the axle bellow.
• I always had a tough time sourcing spares and getting the right mechanic.
• Both the Astras I used - used to overheat during bumper to bumper traffic.

The car was finally sold in Hyderabad in April 2008 after I got the Innova. I used to take it door to door to offer it everyday during lunch time, until one guy on Minister Road fell for it.

[nithinnarayanan]

Keep it coming buddy.
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