Astra test drive

Well, just got back from the Saturn Aura ride and drive. I am now pretty
impressed with this little car after actually getting hands on and driving
it. The little 1.8L is quite capable especially at lower RPMS and the manual
loves to be revved. Very touchy brakes (more than I or my passengers cared
for) and eager throttle. The handling was awesome and gave a very confident
feel even in the most tight of turns. Fit and finish is light years of
anything Spring Hill or Detroit could have even dreamt of. Doors and frames
are solid with little or no visible seams at all and pieces are , well they
just fit perfectly. The interior is a nice quality, comes in ebony and grey
with metallic accents. The radio is a nightmare, very confusing to navigate
the settings and no ipod or XM options (except 3rd party options of course).
I know salesppl will spend alot of time demonstrating and re-explaining the
radio functions. It is a better quality radio than the ION though and
similar to what Caddy uses. The 1.8L may seem underpowered, but seems to
have as much power and more punch than the old 1.9L of S-series. Very sharp
lines in and out, with the now traditional Opel inspired almond headlights
and jeweled taillights. Reading is one thing, in person is another.

I also got to compare the new Malibu to our Aura which we parked side by
side. The chevy-Aura-wannabe does an excellent job of mimicking guess what?
the Aura? maybe inside where it is identical to the Aura, no, the Camry. The
Malibu took the clean euro-inspired lines of the Aura and gave it the
typical boring jellybean front end (with a faux Avalanche grille) and crappy
looking flat-butt with round taillights of an overfed Cobalt. Blech...

All in all, the Astra is a nice change for Saturn and something that if the
turbo'ed VXR is ever offered will be a huge hit.

 

But: my 1994 SL cost me a bit over $10k; my 1999 SL cost me a bit over $11k, IIRC. According to Edmunds
(http://www.edmunds.com/new/2008/saturn/astra/100913114/prices.html), the base 2008 Astra XE (least expensive model)
lists for $15,375 before destination charges. That's quite a cost jump. Yeah, it's probably more car but I don't _need_
more car.

 

Keep in mind that your $10,000 car in 1994 would cost you $13,920 today and
your '99 SL would cost $13,621.

$15,000 for a new car isn't that far-fetched.

 

the pricing could be a bit lower, everyone seems to think so. But it's a lot
of car for the money er- in a little package.
I just wish they kept the 2.2L in it.

 

Heh - I guess I'm jaded, considering my last truck bought - a 2006
Avalanche - was stickered at $38,000. I did manage to knock it down to
$24,000 plus my local government donation but still...

 

With the crappy gas mileage this thing gets, I would think that a
smaller or diesel engine would be more appropriate.