The reasons you won't buy an Astra

[Buick61]

The Astra hasn't taken off at the dealer level. But that seems to be par for the course at Saturn.

This isn't a thread to talk about the lack of awareness on the part of the general public, or the lack of advertising. We all know it exists, so that's not an excuse.

So what are the reasons you've crossed the Astra off your list for now?

Here's mine:

• Not built in the United States
• The power to MPG ratio is terrible
• No AUX jack
• No leasing or financing deals available
• High price (exacerbated by the no-haggling)
• 4-speed automatic instead of 5+ speeds (we can't have a manual since she isn't comfortable driving one)
• That center stack

Your turn!

[thejokester]

Aux port
TO SLOW!
with the acceleration it has, it should have better fuel economy
seats were uncomfortable ( 5'-11", 215 lbs). ** it felt as if there was a bar running down the middle of the seat. in both the 3 door I sat in and the 5 door I test drove.
very expensive
dash wasn't what I was used too
no XM/aux port
no arm rest
small array of color choices
no sedan choice
very loud getting up to speed

PRO ASTRA:
great design
On Star
it's a Saturn
limited quanity being sold (great possibilty of higher resale)
hatch that didn't look like a station wagon


This is why I went with the Mazda 3 sedan
*EDIT: I have driven this for roughly 20 minutes and all I could think about is how it was SO slow...

[Uzzy]

I bought a 2004 Silverado Z71 in August and I can't afford both right now. That is the only reason I'm not buying one after actually driving one. Did you drive one?

The 4 speed auto does kind of suck these days and a bit more pep would be nice, but it's not bad. Still better than my 2002 SC1 I just replaced. Not as good as an SC2 though.

[Uzzy]

Originally Posted by thejokester

seats were uncomfortable ( 5'-11", 215 lbs).

I'm 6'2" and the reason I got rid of my 2002 Saturn SC1 was the seats were brutal. The Astra's seats (XR) were an absolute joy to sit in for me.

[2648562]

*Not built in the United States--Yes, could've & should've, what was gained? Saturn buyers bought Saturns just for that reason. Watch what happens to Buick sales when Buick starts importing Chinese...
*The power to MPG ratio is terrible--What is this car? Is it a sports car? No. Is it an economy car? No.
*4-speed automatic instead of 5+ speeds (we can't have a manual since she isn't comfortable driving one)--Again, what is this car?

*I just don't see the point.

[thejokester]

Originally Posted by Uzzy

I'm 6'2" and the reason I got rid of my 2002 Saturn SC1 was the seats were brutal. The Astra's seats (XR) were an absolute joy to sit in for me.

I was coming from a G6.

[GMCSonoma]

I think a Saturn issue is that they seemingly have fewer dealers than Toyota or Honda, their alleged & initial competition.

[tholland]

Originally Posted by GMCSonoma

I think a Saturn issue is that they seemingly have fewer dealers than Toyota or Honda, their alleged & initial competition.

My sister was interested in the Astra, but the nearest dealership was 250km away.

[Ttple]

The interior looks like a dull, cold, place to be.

[mbukukanyau]

My corolla is paid off, and I do not want another car payment

[prowlerjc]

Too expensive
No Haggle
Doesn't this thing have a timing belt instead of a chain? If so, there's another reason.

[autofan]

I was told by a Saturn salesperson that not having a lease program was hurting the car. That's a big "duh". Why is there no reasonable lease offer?

Beyond that, my biggest complaint is the charcoal or, um, charcoal interior color options. What honestly is so difficult about offering a beige or grey interior????

[paul8488]

Price. Pricepriceprice. I like the idea of premium small cars, but wouldn't ever buy one. I'm all for a Saab 9-1, or a Volvo C30, or Mini, but am too cheap. The Astra is more affordable than those but still a heck of a lot more than a Cobalt. I'm the kind of person that would be happy in an Aveo, so I couldn't convince myself to spend what they ask for an Astra.

[BigAls87Z28]

You would think that GM, king of the "gray or tan" interior lay out of teh 90's, could have done that?

What took Astra off my list?
Camaro. No Camaro, Id probably get a 3dr. Not amazing performance, but I thought it was ok. Gas milage isnt mega stellar.
I dont have an iPod, so no need for aux jack. I have XM, though not currently activated.
Gas milage would be better then my Caprice, and probably better then the Malibu. A 2LT Malibu with the 2.4/6spd auto MIGHT be in a close running. I know, they are 2 different cars, but both are very cool to me, and would be in the running. The Malibu would be much more expensive.

I would be upset that it doesnt have a better engine or trans, but IMO...the Astra looks 100x better then Cobalt, G5 or Vibe ever will. And if Astra was available in 2004 whenI got my Maxx, Id probaby be finishing off payments.

[atomicshark]

Originally Posted by Buick61

The Astra hasn't taken off at the dealer level. But that seems to be par for the course at Saturn.

This isn't a thread to talk about the lack of awareness on the part of the general public, or the lack of advertising. We all know it exists, so that's not an excuse.

So what are the reasons you've crossed the Astra off your list for now?

Here's mine:

• Not built in the United States
• The power to MPG ratio is terrible
• No AUX jack
• No leasing or financing deals available
• High price (exacerbated by the no-haggling)
• 4-speed automatic instead of 5+ speeds (we can't have a manual since she isn't comfortable driving one)
• That center stack

Your turn!

My list is the same:

• Not built in the United States (but if it was the only gripe, I could live with it)
• The power to MPG ratio is terrible-(they may as well drop in the enhanced 2.2L EcoTec)
• No AUX jack (Big No-No)
• No leasing or financing deals available
• High price (exacerbated by the no-haggling)
• 4-speed automatic instead of 5+ speeds
• That center stack (Piano black anyone?)