Author Topic: New Astra or Used Golf - HELP (Read 2800 times)

Zsaw · « **on:** May 21, 2009, 08:10:51 pm »

OK so here is my predicament! I am finally going through with my car purchase and have two options right now. I'll explain the story and then ask for opinions..

Driving down to VW Dealer to check out an 05 golf they have. On the way I pass a saturn dealership, and figured Id pull in since I never really considered saturn.

They have a left over 2008 Astra, 2 door, XR (or whatever the sport pkg is) regular ~22000, and with all the discounts (including one for $6500) the price comes to $14900 before tax, 16800 after.
I drove it, its super nice!

I said thanks and continued on to the VW Dealership. The golf they have is a 2005 GLS with 50 000 kms on it. I PREFERED the drive, it had a bit more pickup and much more visibility (2 door instead of 4 door) The breaks squeaked pretty bad though, and it felt kind of rough when in first gear just puttering along. Power locks and windows, heated seats. Price: 16000 after taxes! Only 800 bucks cheaper than a brand new astra (2008, 237 kms)... however I did like it better for a couple reasons.. but still 4 years and 50000 kms used..

Thing I am worried about are the resale value in say 2 years. Which would be better? a 3 year old Astra with say 50000 kms, or a 6 year old golf with 100000 kms?

I am worried about Saturn going out of business, with the GM situation. Any comments? I need to pull the trigger on this soon because I need a car for work monday, so quick replies would be appreciated.

highlights

- Astra has 17inch allows, Golf has steelies and hubs
- Astra has fogs, electronic stability control, sport seats, golf doesent.
- golf has 4 DOORs and more power (Big positives for the golf)
- golf used, saturn brand new
- basically same price..

Anyway, thanks guys!!

The Mighty Duck · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2009, 08:27:28 pm »

Astra. No contest. It's more car for the money, and it's new.

Leviathan · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2009, 08:49:51 pm »

toolatecrew · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2009, 09:04:47 pm »

Astra no ifs ands or buts. Even if they are out of business the governemtn has commited to cover warranty.

That Golf will be out of warranty in a year! That Golf will probly need new brakes within a year or so. Taht's your 800 right there. In general I find the used prices for VWs way too high. Espcially given their reputaion for poor reliability.

Get the Saturn and be happy you got a great deal

mmorriso · « **Reply #4 on:** May 21, 2009, 09:37:41 pm »

+1 Astra

electronic stability control (Stabilitrack) is a big plus

check out motoringtv review of the 2008 Astra:

http://www.motoringtv.com/test-drive-s11562

if you only need a car for 2 years look at leasing

if you need a car longer than that get a reliable one that is going to fit your needs for a long term (ie. 10 years) to lessen the depreciation factor.

also, don't be pressured into a deal for any car. given your timeline of a few days you might want to rent a car untill you are confident with your decision.

have fun!

gta_driver · « **Reply #5 on:** May 21, 2009, 10:04:44 pm »

+1 for the Astra

A lot of parts on the car are from the general GM parts bin. I don't think you'll have problems finding either OEM or aftermarket parts. The Astra has been for sale outside of North America for awhile.

VW's as they age become reliability nightmares. My own customer service experience with VW dealers and VW warranty service turned me off the brand.

mmret · « **Reply #6 on:** May 21, 2009, 10:10:15 pm »

Astra unquestionably.

That said however the VW could probably be had for much much less than $16k...but I'm guessing the Saturn dealer is more motivated overall.

Even at say $13k vs. $16.8k for the Astra I'd lean heavily towards the latter.

Zsaw · « **Reply #7 on:** May 21, 2009, 10:26:33 pm »

Thanks so much for the quick responses all. My friends and fam that I went to for opinions aren't nearly as much help as people who actually know what they are talking about, haha.
I will probably keep the car for more then just a few years, in reality.

Anyway, any other opinions are greatly appreciated! I will probably buy friday or saturday.

articsteve · « **Reply #8 on:** May 21, 2009, 10:44:41 pm »

You'd be a FOOL to buy that particular GOLF regardless of the Astra. Does that help?

I'd be going to that Saturn Dealer on Friday morning at opening if you want it plated for Monday morning.

dorin · « **Reply #9 on:** May 21, 2009, 10:57:39 pm »

Absolutely, completely the Astra!

As articsteve said above, you'd be a fool to buy that Golf no matter what. Now throw in the Astra into the picture and it's as much a no-brainer as any no-brainer can be. Don't be a fool and go get your Astra now!

vdk · « **Reply #10 on:** May 22, 2009, 03:10:01 am »

I have a VW. Get the Astra! It actually has more HP, it looks way way wayyy better than the Golf, and it's better equipped. Not to mention it's NEW!

overtakeyouintheleftlane · « **Reply #11 on:** May 22, 2009, 07:54:38 am »

I'd take the Astra, you're likely to get a better deal buying new considering that Saturn is on it's way out.

Also, why take the VW? It's older, about the same prices, warranty is basically finished and the electrical gremlins will attack the car. My dad's work car, 2006 Jetta TDI was an electrical nightmare from the first month onwards. Good thing he never paid a penny for every single repair it had, failed airbags, and headlight/taillight bulbs blowing at least once per month.

Get the Saturn.

inco · « **Reply #12 on:** May 22, 2009, 08:02:47 am »

Old versus new - no brainer.

Everything that is old might need to be replaced and it is a VW. It is also about $6 grand too expensive.

On the Astra everything is new and if it breaks - you have warranty.

Buy the Astra and be happy. Buy the VW and we will arrange a sanity hearing next week.

Cudworthhab · « **Reply #13 on:** May 22, 2009, 08:04:05 am »

Astra all the way.

dr_spock · « **Reply #14 on:** May 22, 2009, 08:06:39 am »

New would be the more logical choice.

Zsaw · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2009, 09:01:27 am »

Thanks everyone. I called saturn and they are doing the paper work up as we speak. It was great to have my thoughts confirmed and I feel very confident I am making the right decision now!

Cheers!

sirAQUAMAN64 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 22, 2009, 10:16:15 am »

Wow, congrats. (I would have said Astra too

)

It's new, long warranty, it's likeable, handles and rides great, fantastic seats, sporty looking, and amazing price. What colour and options does it have? And mind me asking which dealer?

Only thing I would have suggested if visibility and doors were an issue is to find a 5dr XR which would have solved those two issues, plus given you a pana-roof but you would have lost some sex appeal and the sport seats.

I'm really liking my Astra with the exception of two main points: Fuel economy is not great (my lifetime average is 9.0L, mind you I live close to work but the instantaneous fuel economy doesn't show much better on the highway - strangely 135km/h displays better fuel economy than at 110), and considering the fuel economy there isn't much power. The manual makes city driving much more fun, the auto is far more relaxed on the highway above 110km/h.

Based on the two cars in question, I'd whole heartedly go for the Astra. And if you're buying new, might as well keep it a few years. Depreciation is likely to be steep, but it's not a super expensive purchase to begin with for, nevermind for what you're getting.

Be sure to post photos!!!

tortoise · « **Reply #17 on:** May 22, 2009, 12:17:47 pm »

^^ What he said ^^

Get a 4 door.

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #18 on:** May 22, 2009, 01:15:41 pm »

The Astra is indeed a smokin' deal. The mechanic in me is cautious with regards to parts/service though.

If Saturn disappears and something complicated goes wrong, is an Astra similar enough to a Cobalt that a Chev dealer or an independent will be able to diagnose and fix it?

onearmed · « **Reply #19 on:** May 23, 2009, 12:33:17 am »

+1 for Astra. I love VW but I would get the ASTRA in a second too. Great choice, I checked it out at the dealer. The price wasn't close to yours when I was looking, great job. Enjoy!