2.2 Sri astra buying advice

[turbojolt]

I'm looking at one tomorrow anyone got advice on what to check other then the normal stuff?

Common issues etc...... cheers

[bazzap8389]

I heard rear callipers seizing was a common problem.

[chris gsi]

The early 2.2s suffered with the timing chain tensioner and they suffered with fuel pump and regulator faults, but I had a 2001 2.2 Astra Sri a few years ago and it was fault less only thing is the road tax is high

[turbojolt]

This one's from 2003 so I'm guessing that would be classed as a later engine?

[turbojolt]

Holly shit! You are not kidding about tax cost!!!

[Stuart]

Thirsty in a Lardy car, but oooodles of torque which is nice.

tbh all mk4 astras are in silly tax bands for their engine size, but the car itself is wonderful.... Bar snapped rear springs, siezed rear brakes and chains

[turbojolt]

Suppose 300 quid isn't to bad in monthly payments but still seems a lot

[peester]

Yeah, the guys are pretty spot on - visited z22se.co.uk for more.
In the 5 years and 50K I covered in my 3 door SRI: I had to change broken rear springs (I bought a full set and recommend H&R's cup spring kit, comfort version, 'ultra low' 45mm) the chains (started rattling), blank off egr (erratic idle/stalling, much better without - z22se.co.uk delete kit) air con condenser/radiator and finally one I didn't really manage to 'win' was with those rear brake calipers seizing. New/recond patterened parts I couldn't recommend.
I really liked it though, best car I've ever had. They're great value now, have been for ages (I recently 'gave mine away' ha) but in my opinion where the tax is steep, the mild/decent fuel economy makes up for it, sort of. I regularly topped up and serviced it with the pricey dexron (?) 2, 5-30w fully synth oil.

[Stuart]

The MK4 is one of the best handling cars i've driven (in a point to point b roads kinda way, not on track etc). For all the niggles of the 1.8 sri we had, I felt sad selling it

I ran my Z22Se on 10W60 fully synth and it didnt use a drop, and ran fine for 60K miles (till the next owner put a shot blasted cam cover on and hadnt cleaned the breather out... doh)

[turbojolt]

So I bought one this morning

109k. 12 months mot good brakes good tyres. Clutch seems a little high but not to bad it's got a couple little issues that I will sort as and when. Namely

Abs light on
Airbag light now on
And needs a rear wheel bearing

So not the end of the world. 500 quid bargin (hopefully )

No where near as fast as the saab but still goes alright