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[Mikejr]

Well, lost my job a few weeks ago and being 6 months from 'official' retirement think it unlikely that I'll get another  or in reality 

Anyway, luckily I have a pension I can take which will help but really think the Omega now has to go 

Now, with this pension I can take a tax free lump sum so was thinking about buying an Astra Elite Auto, 2008 low mileage BUT when I was 17 yrs old a mate was selling his Mini Cooper. I had a test drive and was astounded at the performance (At the time I had a 1947 Austin 8, headlights on mudguards and running boards for those old enough to recall) so the speed was a real eye opener. I was about to say yes, I'll have it, when my Dad said NO!! think he had visions of me 'chatting' with a tree, so that was the end of that. However since then I've always regretted not getting it.

Now the quandary, should I 'scratch the itch' and go for a Corsa VXR, again 2008, low mileage or go straight for the Astra?

I would expect to keep the Corsa for a max of 12 months when I would then, probably, go for the Astra.

The reason for, ultimately, getting an Auto is that I have rheumatoid arthritis and it saves all that pushing with the left foot. However, I believe the Corsa has a lot of torque so, hopefully, wont involve to much gear changing around town and it wont be a problem on long runs.

So, which way to go all constructive  comments appreciated. 

[Andy B]

.....
Now the quandary, should I 'scratch the itch' and go for a Corsa VXR, again 2008, low mileage or go straight for the Astra? ......

How about a test drive of both? I haven't driven one, but I would expect the suspension of the Corsa being quite hard. Would you not prefer the comfort of the Astra ..... you're not 17 any more          

[albitz]

sounds like you have worked all your life.................so ,go with your heart rather than your head imo.

[Martin_1962]

Sounds like a choice between toothache and piles.

Perhaps an auto VXR8 would be nicer

[cem_devecioglu]

my idea is to re-think about the 2 choices..

there are many alternatives in their price range..

but also you must decide you want comfort or performance..

[hotel21]

Now the quandary, should I 'scratch the itch'.....

Get an original one, let the newbie upstarts fend for themselves....      

[Marks DTM Calib]

There a good drive the VXR Corsas...but I would not want to live with one long term as my main motor

I can rate the Astra/Zafira Elites, nice level of kit and not a bad drive.

If you are starting to suffer a few joint issues then consider something along the lines of a Zafira or Meriva type thing as they are easier to get in and out of.

[pedroMV6]

If you are starting to suffer a few joint issues then consider something along the lines of a Zafira or Meriva type thing as they are easier to get in and out of.

My thoughts too - but apparently, Merivas have dreadful steering problems and Vauxhall don't want to recall them, so that in itself puts me off them - good lookers for a small van though! Threads on VXON about them.
Zafira GSi Turbo is an animal and I beleive the VXR is moreso.

[tunnie]

i'd get neither, if i had that money to spend it would be either:

Vauxhall Monaro, BMW 530d 330d depending on my millage

[Squealey]

Why not really scratch the itch and get an original Mini Cooper.

Have it for a year and you'd probably make a small profit when it came to selling

[Marks DTM Calib]

If you are starting to suffer a few joint issues then consider something along the lines of a Zafira or Meriva type thing as they are easier to get in and out of.

My thoughts too - but apparently, Merivas have dreadful steering problems and Vauxhall don't want to recall them, so that in itself puts me off them - good lookers for a small van though! Threads on VXON about them.
Zafira GSi Turbo is an animal and I beleive the VXR is moreso.

Never known a Meriva with steering trouble......they are only a large Corsa (other than track rod ends which is general wear and tear on any car)

[Mikejr]

Perhaps an auto VXR8 would be nicer

No, don't think so Martin, purchase and running costs will be too much now that I've been 'forced' into retirement, really looking to downsize   

[pedroMV6]

If you are starting to suffer a few joint issues then consider something along the lines of a Zafira or Meriva type thing as they are easier to get in and out of.

My thoughts too - but apparently, Merivas have dreadful steering problems and Vauxhall don't want to recall them, so that in itself puts me off them - good lookers for a small van though! Threads on VXON about them.
Zafira GSi Turbo is an animal and I beleive the VXR is moreso.

Never known a Meriva with steering trouble......they are only a large Corsa (other than track rod ends which is general wear and tear on any car)

http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/showthread.php?t=97438

http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/showthread.php?t=198177

http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/showthread.php?t=137385

I'm sure there are more threads like this on VXON, as I thought about buying one in the spring (slapped myself hard and came out of it PDQ!).
They seem to have engine cutting out problems too, as I recall.

[Mikejr]

.....
Now the quandary, should I 'scratch the itch' and go for a Corsa VXR, again 2008, low mileage or go straight for the Astra? ......

Would you not prefer the comfort of the Astra ..... you're not 17 any more          

Correct on both counts Andy (age & comfort)  BUT still have this hankering to try something sporty even if only for a few months     

[pedroMV6]

Why not really scratch the itch and get an original Mini Cooper.

Have it for a year and you'd probably make a small profit when it came to selling

Sounds like a good plan!