Need guidance for Astra

H-O-H · 2nd November 2008, 16:47

I have an Opel Astra 97 Petrol. Current state is not too good (performance wise).
Issues - Temperature, Radiator, Pick-up, RPM, wiring, etc. Its more of garage work every month than having a pleasure ride. However, there is nothing that can compare its comfort & stability.

Have thus decided to refurbish it. I really don't know how to go about it :( I dont insist much on visuals except for paint job and rims. For now, just need a smooth hassle free ride.

Can someone please suggest:

Pickup has subsided to an extent lesser than expected.

Wiring - All the circuits are in bits and pieces. I was planning to change the complete thing with some performance wires that can enhance the system. What do you think? is it feasible enough? Coz most mechanics suggest not to go for entire wiring.

Everything works fine when the car is running constantly above 30 kph. But problems occur when in slow moving traffic, when clutch & brake usage increases.

Symptoms :

* Increase in temperature. Tachometer reading goes anywhere between 95-100.

* Normally dual horns work fine but in this state only one functions. This again becomes normal on gaining momentum.

* Most importantly, RPM rises to 1.5 or anywhere below 2.

A few stores in Mumbai which surely stocks its parts and that are genuine. Everyone advises to go for used parts that are available to CST road (Kurla) which doesn't appeal me.

I have always had bad experiences with garages, I mean work doesnt even reach the mark of being Satisfactory. And they mend one part at the cost of its adjacent parts (screwing things around)... :( Hence, also suggest some good garage where the crew knows the car and are known for quality job. Also a few mod stores in Mumbai, who can recommend something more.

P.S.: The reason I don't opt for GM authorized service centers as it becomes way too expensive even to tighten a bolt. Instead I would prefer to visit specialists/garage suggested by you guys for these jobs. I have gone through all Astra threads but could find much there for my problems.

Thanks a lot.

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GTO - Touring · 3rd November 2008, 01:06

I'll give you a good piece of advice : Get rid of her. An 11 year old Astra is nothing but a bottomless money pit. You have stated yourself that problems have escalated to a monthly recurrance.

abhinav.gupta88 · 3rd November 2008, 01:28

I would also advice you the same as GTO did.
its almost into 12th year.
And problems are way too many .

H-O-H · 3rd November 2008, 07:54

Hmmmm

.....but I was planning to completely recondition her. I shall now give it a second thought.

2nd November 2008, 16:47	#1
H-O-H Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 7 Thanked: 2 Times	Need guidance for Astra I have an Opel Astra 97 Petrol. Current state is not too good (performance wise). Issues - Temperature, Radiator, Pick-up, RPM, wiring, etc. Its more of garage work every month than having a pleasure ride. However, there is nothing that can compare its comfort & stability. Have thus decided to refurbish it. I really don't know how to go about it :( I dont insist much on visuals except for paint job and rims. For now, just need a smooth hassle free ride. Can someone please suggest: Pickup has subsided to an extent lesser than expected. Wiring - All the circuits are in bits and pieces. I was planning to change the complete thing with some performance wires that can enhance the system. What do you think? is it feasible enough? Coz most mechanics suggest not to go for entire wiring. Everything works fine when the car is running constantly above 30 kph. But problems occur when in slow moving traffic, when clutch & brake usage increases. Symptoms : * Increase in temperature. Tachometer reading goes anywhere between 95-100. * Normally dual horns work fine but in this state only one functions. This again becomes normal on gaining momentum. * Most importantly, RPM rises to 1.5 or anywhere below 2. A few stores in Mumbai which surely stocks its parts and that are genuine. Everyone advises to go for used parts that are available to CST road (Kurla) which doesn't appeal me. I have always had bad experiences with garages, I mean work doesnt even reach the mark of being Satisfactory. And they mend one part at the cost of its adjacent parts (screwing things around)... :( Hence, also suggest some good garage where the crew knows the car and are known for quality job. Also a few mod stores in Mumbai, who can recommend something more. P.S.: The reason I don't opt for GM authorized service centers as it becomes way too expensive even to tighten a bolt. Instead I would prefer to visit specialists/garage suggested by you guys for these jobs. I have gone through all Astra threads but could find much there for my problems. Thanks a lot. Post EDITED since it contained various [FONT], [COLOR] and [SIZE] tags. Posting with such text formatting should be avoided on Team-BHP as it is inconvenient for members to read post. Kindly go through Announcements section before proceeding. Thanking You for your anticipated co-operation The Team-BHP Support Staff Last edited by Jaggu : 2nd November 2008 at 16:57. Reason: Font tags
	() Thanks

3rd November 2008, 01:06	#2
GTO - Touring BHPian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 710 Thanked: 54 Times	I'll give you a good piece of advice : Get rid of her. An 11 year old Astra is nothing but a bottomless money pit. You have stated yourself that problems have escalated to a monthly recurrance.
	() Thanks

3rd November 2008, 01:28	#3
abhinav.gupta88 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Delhi , India Posts: 4,092 Thanked: 325 Times View My Garage	I would also advice you the same as GTO did. its almost into 12th year. And problems are way too many .
	() Thanks

3rd November 2008, 07:54	#4
H-O-H Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 7 Thanked: 2 Times	Hmmmm .....but I was planning to completely recondition her. I shall now give it a second thought.
	() Thanks