I Bought the WEIRDEST SATURN Ever Sold (and I love it)
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- čas přidán 3. 12. 2020
- My first car was a Saturn. Being I was in the market for an economy car, I wanted to get back into one. This one is a little strange..
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/ lsxmattofficial - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I do love the Opel Astra H GTC.
This german car was very strong build and they only do have minor flaws. ❤️
Mine is a 2006 1.6 105bhp (Z16XEP), its mpg is around 40mpg in the mix (german traffic conditions).
And the best thing is these astras don't have any rust problems.
I have a 2009 1.6
i have a 2005, same engine, still going strong...great little car, i have it for almost 20 years with no particular big problems
Great video! Thanks for not bashing this great little car. We have a 2008 4 dr hatch. I’m enjoying your service advice. Thanks!
I love how modern the body of this car still is. Opel made some good body designs.
Their interiors sucked though
@@foxy126pl6The interiors are much better nowadays. My mom has a 2018 opel with a lot off options and it feels more comfortable then a bmw X1 from the same year that was a base model. (Drove a base model bmw x1 today and that was disappointing). My dad has a base model Opel which felt pretty much the same as the base model bmw
You should definitely do the OPC upgrade
I've had a few Saturns, and I've absolutely loved all of them; my sl2 went over 350,000! The (Opel) Astra looks incredibly clean and actually really well proportioned, like a better looking early '00 focus. Also love you're representing the Boost Creeps!
Excited to see how this one evolves
I dig it - looks like you found a good one. Love these renewal/update videos.
Love it! Put the "boring" miles on this for sure. I'm excited to see this little dude hanging with your fleet, Matt! Good buy!
Saturn CAN be GM’s hidden gem. Love these cars, great pick up!!!
friend. a Saturn Bro, the only car company from gm that never, not one year of existence, turned a profit.
This is an Opel Astra with different badge- usually bought in Europe as cheaper alternative to VW Golf by people who want to have 'German' car, although the previous gen even had some Fiat engines (1.3 diesel), and many Opels are built in Poland. Generally a boring low tier brand that has nothing special to offer and btw. GM sold it to Peugeot-Citroen.
Saturn definitely was GMs hidden gem. The Vues were something special, with the Honda j35 in them
I LOVED my Saturn Astra. Best little car I had til it got flooded! Took me a year to figure out the cruise control lol. Enjoy.
"Best little car" damn i have this opel astra h gtc and is big for me and for others Europeans xD
I always loved these cars. I'm glad you got one. It's going to look great when it's done..
I used to install aftermarket sun roofs like those, and they are really pretty good, and unlikely to leak. Interior fit and finish of the sun shade is generally better than factory units, only give away on the outside is the weatherstrip around the edge.
I hope it doesn’t ever need work to the roof skin though, because they are panel bonded into place.
Viewer from England here, was researching astras (specifically one like yours, 1.8 3 door manual), its cool to see an american's take on it.
Heck yeah, there's just something cool about having a car that is more known overseas! I've got a 2018 Buick Regal Sportback, aka an Opel Insignia. Absolutely love the car! I've debated rebadging it just for the looks to be just an all around conversation starter.
I daily a 2008 Opel Astra H Wagon (Kombi) here back and forth to our base in Germany. The wagon has way more room and they are pretty cheap on maintenance. The H is the generation and I had a G years ago that was also a good car. They are from the time GM controlled Opel and were exported under numerous names for the countries selling GMs.
This video makes me miss my astra so much😭😭 it was such a great car and super under appreciated. And an absolute blast to drive in the twisties
Excited for this! I always really loved the Astra and was torn between a low mileage 2008 Astra XR and my 2013 Chevy Sonic RS which was new. I end up going with my Sonic as it is a turbo, has heated seats, and I could order it in black vs the Astra was dark blue. Maybe eventually I pick one up in the future just cause they are getting so cheap! I love this car can’t wait to see what all it evolves into!
So you bought an Opel. Nice. I had a Opel Omega (Cadillac Catera), which was an great for a 5th car to drive around in while on vacation in Europe.
Actually that combo coil setup is awesome for fast plug changes. Too bad the cabin air filter wasn't as easy.
Fun choice Matt. I did my “fleet” in reverse order. I had a MK7 GTI and then added the 05’ Z71 to handle foul weather , hauling , Home Depot runs etc.... it’s a great 1-2 punch.
Love seeing car CZcamsrs support each other
I see that donut media hoodie, glad to know we learn from the same channel. Relief
Nice car, Fieros cousin . Lol Looking forward to more Trans Am content! 👍
That 1.8 been great to me once I dealt with the water pump and the o rings on the coolant pipes
Greetings from Spain!. I have an 07 Opel Astra but 5 doors with a 1.4 90hp chain engine. It is not fast but it is reliable and has very low consumption. Mine needs a paint job. In Europe nobody is careful when parking with other people's cars...
In Australia they are a Holden Astra.. I have one as a work car and it’s great
This is a cool little car, I didn't know much about them but I like what I see and at that price you can't go wrong.
Keep an eye out for rust right behind the front wheels where the unibody meets the front subframe and get it undercoated every year if you plan on driving it in the winter. I got mine undercoated every year and I still got a rust hole right in that spot which instantly failed inspection and was going to be more to repair than the car was worth at the time. Real shame, too. Despite the somewhat meek powerplant the short wheelbase and lowered/stiffened suspension made it surprisingly fun to drive, especially on curvy roads.
Lots you can do an Astra.
Had one before (Vauxhall)
The 1.8 won't win any power prizes but you can make it handle a whole lot better.
Polybush everything, if you can find them powerflex black race bushes for the subframes and sway bar.
Bilstein shocks and eibach springs.
Vxr sway bars (IIRC they are thicker)
Cheap big brake upgrade is the Saab 308mm front discs and calipers, braided lines and that'll stop it real good.
Careful with the Vxr rear bumper as it's a central exit exhaust, so if you do a Vxr clone, factor in the cost of the muffler.
My first car was a 96 SC2 in 2007, and I just bought an 08 Astra XR 4 DR. Really enjoyed this series and makes me want to spruce her up a bit. Thanks!
Our 03 Honda Pilot EX-L has a Wabasto sunroof, I was confused when we got it bc Honda’s had a dash switch, they did have recall the glass on a few of them, call and see if yours is in the recall window
I really enjoyed this video just as much as the rest of your videos and I’m looking forward to seeing more of this little car (what’s her name?).
Doesn’t really have on yet!
Makes me miss my 08 Astra XR. Sold it a couple years ago with 120K. Still seemed solid as a rock. Be careful with the oil plug when changing the oil, the pan is aluminum and strips super easy. Replacement oil pans have to ship from Europe and are pricey $$$. The biggest pain about ownership was just trying to find replacement parts locally when critical parts break.. Also, auto parts stores will ALWAYS think you're talking about a Chevy Astro van.
Super fantastic. Just love your video’s
Cool little car.... IT should clean up nice.... You can get replacement wraps for the steering wheel, a little work but they come out nice. The seat could be repaired with new foam and a cover... but I would just try and find one in a boneyard. Dartmouth is about 35 min from me, I live on the cape... Travel to dartmouth fairly often
If you plan on changing your bulbs to leds then i recommend VLEDS. They are expensive but the quality and warranty is amazing. Customer service is quick and easy to deal with so you get what you pay for!! Definitely recommend!
Good cars these, had the Vauxhall Astra SRI spec diesel as a company car for a year, could not fault it! Take a look at the Irmscher bits and pieces floating around on ebay.
I have a silver 2008 4d hatchback XE version of this. 120,000 km. Engine would flood after fueling so I replaced the purge valve myself just the other day. Runs great. A/C stopped working, that's next on the list of to-do, but still a great little car for sure.
Man amazing video, I just got a 2008 astra 5 speed and I love it. Did you by chance ever get to doing the valve cover gasket?? Also you looking at doing any mods to it?
Did a clutch job on one not long ago. Had some difficulty getting the correct flywheel/ clutch combo
LOL... Who else JUMPED BACK when he turned on the AC to get the dirt out of the filter area? lol
I just got one of these, not in as good as shape as yours but I love the thing.
I have a 2008 XR automatic. It has not been used for almost two years. I fired it up yesterday and the power steering (fluid level is good) seems very stiff at the start of the turn in Comparision to other cars. Anyone know if that's normal?
Awesome, always liked those
Dude you did your research on this car and you got a good deal!
I like it good job!!
Hey man i just saw your video on saturn and i really need your advice. Actually i am a student in canada and i came across this Saturn astra 2008 with 210000kms on it and i am getting a good deal on it but i am confused whether to buy it or not as i have hardly seen these cars on road. I just need something reliable and i am not sure if saturn is the one.
Yes, 138 horsepower, but you'd swear it had 140! I have been enjoying mine (2nd owner) since Jan 2015. Has proven a very lively canyon car, especially after EBC rotors/pads and Eibach/Bilstein updates at all corners.
Cleaning the KN filter is fairly easy. You can get a kit from your local auto parts store to clean and re oil it.
Looks like a nice little car bud. I would drive it. 👍👍
Haha my wife just asked me why I was watching Lewis c. K. Fix a car 😂😂
I actually like this little Saturn! It's a good looking car. I have a car question and was wondering if you could give me some advice?
Great deal on a nice car!
Are parts in hard to come by? I'm looking at 1 here in so California. Thanks again
You may want to check your front rotors bc they are on backwards. The rule for drilled and slotted that the top of the slotted portion should point to the back of the car.
That brick building is beautiful
So when do we get to see compound turbo setup on this?
Looked at your play list. There a long term update review?
I see NY changed plate designs again. I collect license plates, so it’s an instant thing I notice.
Love the Boost Creeps hoodie from Donut Media :)
I used to think you were a Thirdgen guy, now I'm thinking you might just be a "weird car" guy :)
Matt - Now that I got all that work done on the Camaro, i need a commuter car so I can get the Tahoe fixed up so I can get to the Firebird.
Also Matt - I have to get my new commuter car fixed up so i can, get the Tahoe fixed up so i can get to the Firebird.
Cool little ride, good luck!. Makes sense too. I would like to know where you find the time and energy - also I think your slotted rotors are on backwards.
Lmao I know, I Tahoe needs attention faster than I can get the trans am running😂
Always wandered about these saturns
You should turbo it they get crazy power and very few ppl play with them also they handle solo good
There is a Vauxhaul Astra VXR front bumper on eBay. You've got to do it!
And engine swap with the GM 2.0 Turbo from a Saab 9-3.
Nah Z20LEH better
From what I've seen in this video,you wouldn't be able to find a better example for daily car here in Europe.Yes,we do have OPC's, turboed models but that looks immaculate. Mainteance wise I'd suggest that you do keep that K&N after cleaning(will probably help the car breathe a bit more) and if you're in the mood remove the wheel arch covers ,rinse the crap out and remove the sponges that are usually just above the wheel (in the fender),you'll prevent rust bubbling underneath and in the spring do some kind of underbody protection so that it stays as good as new. 2 din unit with reverse camera would update that interior. Cheers !
Do you know if theres any way to keep the stock information center screen with an aftermarket radio?
@@lsXmatt I think there's a posibility to have both but for detailed informations you should google it and try to read some stuff on forums.Some say you keep the trip computer but it's accessible with steering wheel controls + coding :/ . Others say (which is problably more relevant) that it will depend on what kind of system you do have(steering wheel controls, screen controled with wiper stalk etc.). Try to find something on these:
www.vectra-c.com/forum/showthread.php?146344-aftermarket-stereo-but-want-my-bc-working
www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/threads/upgrading-stereo-and-head-unit.558825/#post-3191625
www.astraownersnetwork.co.uk/threads/astra-h-trip-computer-and-stereo-controls-do-they-work-with-aftermarket-head-unit.13140/
Most OEM looking ones come from Zenec,Pumpkin,Xtrons.
Either way,you'll have lots of fun hahah.
P.S- If you buy it in the end,make sure you don't go below 2GB RAM and 32GB of memory.
Well wait until the gearbox starts getting funky
I have identical car except I have leather interior. Starters are a pain, battery same. Check your fuse box you may go through them. Due to starter issues I had a push button starter put in problem solved .
Hey should those slots on the rotor be facing the other direction? Maybe the rotors are on backwards 🤔
Yea they’re probably backwards
Vauxhall astra h. Love it got astra h van myself. Ecotech. Cheap fun lots of mods. Worst is the rot rust and electric issues. But the Gm engine is fine if you maintain it. Most don't there a throw away car. Shame. You have the desirable twin top alloys too.
This is an Opel Astra, very beautiful, sporty and comfortable compact european car. You'll have some serious fun in that car.
There were a number fo these cars sold in Mexico under the Chevrolet Astra name, for a number of years, in case you need to find some parts for it. :)
Kinda sporty looking, reminds me of a shrunk chevy Impala.
Nice repair series.
In Mexico its a Chevrolet
If it came in as an Opel it'd be really expensive!! Suspension is hard in sedan!
Tahiti little helper.
Those drilled rotors are on backwards. Common mistake. Surprised dealer put them on that way.
This car here in Brazil we know as Vectra GT
Was considering one of those before I got my 09 ToyoMatrix/PonVibe
why'd you not get the astra?
@@johnpulawski35the matrix/vibe is slightly bigger and the 2.4l engine also swayed my decision towards the matrix
@@ricksandoval9518 Thank you! Dang dude you reply fast haha
Here in Argentina was sold as Chevrolet Vectra
I’d give that clean undercarriage a dose of fluid film black,wool wax,crown or something like that to help preserve that as long as possible
On a side note - compared to the Tahoe, you get plenty more room in the garage to tinker on it lol !
The valve covers on the 1.8s go bad to. The Pcv is built in and the diaphragm rips. Causes a vacuum leak. I have done a thousand of them. #paternfailures
IMO the Saturn Ion Redline holds the title for the Weirdest Saturn ever made. Supercharged and all plastic side panels. Oh and it's a 'Quad Coupe'
I have a question, In the US Opel Corsa C have sold there?
Nope we don’t have Opel at all.
@@lsXmatt Or another Opel "rebadged" for a Saturn?
@@ricardogeogr I believe the Saturn Aura is based off the Opel Vectra.
@@lsXmatt Yes, It is.
Nice sweatshirt
63,000 miles, that car has been clocked, the steering wheel is worn away TF.
Don't think I've ever seen one on the road
Yeh im 🇬🇧 its a vauxhall astra here or opel.. i got a 1.4 sxi version... 136.5k on mine an engine still sounds mint an unbelievably quite for the milage i got it at 134k few months ago... just noticed yours has traction control mines 2007/8 an it dont have it!! Imagine that in a country where it pisses down all the time man!! Lol apparently alot of astras an corsa's dont have it if they have a sport button then they will have it i seen somewhere... another thing about these cars theres no temperature gauge lol stupid i think...
You should definitely overnight parts from Germany.
I wonder when @lsxmatt will give the astra boost ???
If I can tune it somehow I would!
There’s literally millions in Europe called Vauxhall opel Astra
All season tires suck in the winter. You should of got all weather tires
All season and all weather are the same thing.
I’m from the uk these are everywhere
Oh and if you want a stainless steel catless header hit me up I have one along with an o2 extension harness and ARP hardware to install it
Saturn are good
маю Saturn Astra XR, після дтп, придбана на аукціоні Copart USA. Я навпаки шукаю оригінальні емблеми Сатурн замість Опель яких багато в Україні. Якщо вчасно проводити регламентні роботи, то Астра гарна та надійна машина
Def should ls4 swap lmao
Manual!!
I test drove this one but walked away confused. I was expecting something a little more well damped and stiffly sprung. Instead it's cushy and soft like a Buick. Ultimately I bought something else.
Are you in the us or overseas? I had the exact opposite experience. Economy cars over here are squishy and soft. This rode surprising sporty and firm in comparison.
I'm in southern California. I thought it could use more damping on the shocks. I just realized that I drove the 5 door, not the 3 door like yours.
Thanks for your videos. I love the cars you chose to buy so I can live vicariously through you. Any thoughts about getting a GMT400 pickup?
That's weird. They are known to be on the firm side.
called an astra in the uk
SWeeet motor scooter! Saturns were awesome. Yet we have Bu-ick! Gross.
Nice car. Stock up on the coils. They go bad really fast. And invest in an opcom obd dongle. Check out the astra-h.de forum for tips and tricks