buying a used Ascona
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Whoever has to decide wether to buy an Ascona or not, has to be aware that type A and B (see also overwiew) are only suitable for experts and/or enthusiasts. For the technology is too old , getting parts too difficult and the condition of those cars is mostly just bad. Better suitable for normal driving ist the C series. It provides quite modern technology ,
very much room and engines available with catalyst. Getting spare parts is no problem , both Opel dealer as used car parts dealer offer
all ranges of parts. So where to look at when buying an Ascona - C model ? From my point of view you should focus on cars in good shape manufactured from 1986 on . These types have facelifts and improvements with them and engines are still up to date. Don�t fear many kilometers as long as the maintanence has been done (oil change etc.) , Opel engines a very enduring. Things are completely different concernig the body. They early suffer from corrosion and nearly every Ascona driver has problems with it. Check the car very carefully , especially chassis and back parts. Furthermore engine and gearbox like to leak , so check if these parts are dry. The Interior seems to have a tendency making noises but that�s no real problem. The cooling system often loose water. This results out of several reasons and so waterpump , thermostat switch , thermostat and cooling hoses must be replaced some more often than usual. Taking normal- or hatchback is a question of your own desire. An overwiew provide the following extracts from used car magazines by ADAC (german car club) and "auto,motor und sport" (german car magazine): frequent defects : - in the first two years of selling wrecked camshafts because of insufficient tempering (Opel modified production) - cylinder head sealing defect - leaking mechanical gasoline pump (carburetor engines) - clutch problems - not moving starter switch - humid distributorcaps (Opel changed to vented version) - corrosion at : brakinglines, exhaust gas system, doors, trunk, bonnet and body near rear wheels general valuation of Ascona C: positive: - practible body - safe driving performance - stable manufacturing - low costs on running the car - good and many workshops negative: - rough engines - only medior suspension comfort categories: body: solid bumpers, side , protected position of flashing lights, unwanted lock out not possible, lockable tank, no holder for warning triangle trunk: very big volume, at hatchback version very variable, lightened and completely covered, high loading board, no room for small parts, key opening only interior: good capacity, lightened glove box, many small compartments, seat lifting not practicable handle, sight: central key, very functional operating (mirrors movable from inside, light, wipers), easy to survey , no height adjustable headlights safety: smooth shape body, tank in save position, good neck restraints, height adjustable safety belts for front seats, sharp columns and belt attachments driving: safe bend driving, precice steering, effective brake with good adjusting, road surface has too much influence on passengers comfort: good spring-damper characeristics, small roll tending in bends, well formed seats, comfortable position for driving, low noise level, hard and uncomfortable damping on road joints heating and venting: lightened operating, effective heating and defrosting, powerful vent, steering whell hides console. Some additional experience, personal and from readers of this home page as not listened above: 1.) leaking fuel hoses Especially the injection models (1,6i , 1,8i und 2.0i) suffer from this defect. The rear end area is affected often (fuel pump and tank ). Going sure one should check the fuel hoses of being porous or the car for fuel smell. For a better orientation this drawing may help you. It�s from a 1.8 l injection engine. kraftstoffsystem.jpg 2.) fuel pump relais The relais may fail or making problems. You can experience a motor power-off during driving (relais falls for a short time an fuel pump stops running) or your engine won�t start anymore. The tricky part is, that the relais may seem to work correctly when checking it. So a right answer about the problem can only be given by replacing it with a new part. The failure by the way is known, also Vectra A (Cavalier Mk III.) and Calibra were affected. 3.) Trunk seal The seal of the trunk may be pressed down permanentely with the time and so let water run into the rear compartment/trunk, especially during heavy rain fall or when driving through the car wash. To solve this problem use a new seal. At the end the used car reviews (german language): Auto, Motor & Sport used car special edition 1992 ADAC Spezial used car review 1994 ADAC Spezial used car review 1990 |
