Saturn (Opel) Astra 0% for 60 months or 2.9% lease for 60 months

[kool1]

Not hot but a great new financing rate for the AJAC Canadian small car of the year. My friend just picked one up, very cool and really good on gas. 0% for 60 months is worth thousands.

http://gm.ca/ss/gm/homepage.do?lang=en_CA&brand=saturn

[rfman]

0% deals are not always worth that much. Sometimes you can get a much better price if you take a slightly higher rate, and it will be cheaper in the long run, expecially if you pay down the load faster than the pre-set payment schedule.

[fireguy9]

0% deals are not always worth that much. Sometimes you can get a much better price if you take a slightly higher rate, and it will be cheaper in the long run, expecially if you pay down the load faster than the pre-set payment schedule.

If you know saturn,,,,, there is no better price,,,, they are like a store,,, the price is the same for everyone,, no negotiating the car price

[kool1]

If you know saturn,,,,, there is no better price,,,, they are like a store,,, the price is the same for everyone,, no negotiating the car price

You can negotiate the trade in value (if you have a trade). That's it.

Only a good deal if you are borrowing. No cash allowances.

[m4gician]

If you know saturn,,,,, there is no better price,,,, they are like a store,,, the price is the same for everyone,, no negotiating the car price

That's not true, not because I tried to openly negotiate, but the dealer was able to play with prices because OTHER Saturn dealerships were offering different deals.

Also because of complications of delivery and aftermarket installation, we ended up getting free services for my Saturn Vue.

[ji2o0k]

Since Saturn is part of the GM family, can you use a Car Heaven credit towards the purchase of a new Saturn?

The only reason why I ask is because my family has an old car that is eligible for Car Heaven and this looks to be quite nice.

http://www.carheaven.ca/

They were also thinking of the Chevy Malibu.

[kool1]

Since Saturn is part of the GM family, can you use a Car Heaven credit towards the purchase of a new Saturn?

The only reason why I ask is because my family has an old car that is eligible for Car Heaven and this looks to be quite nice.

http://www.carheaven.ca/

They were also thinking of the Chevy Malibu.

I think they do, guess you have to ask.

I have never heard of Saturn negotiating price but who knows, maybe an agressive dealer with slow sales in a particular month might do it.

[Billa-786]

Since Saturn is part of the GM family, can you use a Car Heaven credit towards the purchase of a new Saturn?

The only reason why I ask is because my family has an old car that is eligible for Car Heaven and this looks to be quite nice.

http://www.carheaven.ca/

They were also thinking of the Chevy Malibu.


I thought the coupon was for $1000....i guess its for $750 now.


donors of vehicles that are 1995 model year or older, in running condition and currently on the road (registered and insured for the previous, consecutive six months†) may be eligible for a $750 coupon towards the purchase of a new General Motors vehicle

[JAC]

Don't forget to add on another ~$2,000 for years 4 & 5 warranty.

[m4gician]

GM points, car heaven discount, and any other offers still apply. Also,
your trade in is negotiable as well as the services they offer. If you really want to get an offer, try Midtown saturn in Toronto (eglington/laird), they are willing to bargain.

[kool1]

Don't forget to add on another ~$2,000 for years 4 & 5 warranty.

Only a complete sucker would buy an extended warranty.

[JAC]

Only a complete sucker would buy an extended warranty.

I can see you've never owned a domestic.

[puff_daddy_58_99]

If they made a redline version I could consider it, (aka the vauxhall astra vxr), but there isn't enough power in the base astra

[thephenom]

If they made a redline version I could consider it, (aka the vauxhall astra vxr), but there isn't enough power in the base astra

Why would you want a car that just torque steers? :twisted:

[ES_Revenge]

Not hot but a great new financing rate for the AJAC Canadian small car of the year. My friend just picked one up, very cool and really good on gas. 0% for 60 months is worth thousands.

I laughed a little at that as it's posted almost as if it were a printer or a GPS in the Hot Deals or something. "My friend picked one up" heh, like a buying a car is like buying something at FS :lol: I'm sure that's not what you meant but just seemed funny to me.


I can see you've never owned a domestic.
:rolleyes:

As for the RedLine, it's coming, but obviously not here yet. Maybe an 09 model. Should get the LNF (2.0 turbo Ecotec), 260hp, same as in the [new] Cobalt SS, the Solstice GXP and Sky RedLine.

The contrast between the Astra RedLine and the normal Astra is gonna be huge though. Most of the cars that have the LNF in the performance version have either the 2.2L L61 (~150hp) or 2.4L LE5 (~170hp) version of the Ecotec in lower trims. The Astra though, it has some 1.8L 138hp weirdo engine in it making the jump to the LNF bigger.

[kool1]

I can see you've never owned a domestic.

That's so 1988. I actually have 2 GMs currently, no major problems after 4 and 9 years respectively.

The Astra is a Belgium made car anyway.

[ES_Revenge]

If you know saturn,,,,, there is no better price,,,, they are like a store,,, the price is the same for everyone,, no negotiating the car price
Are they still doing this stuff??? How does that make any sense?

Back in the day when Saturn started, it worked out fine because Saturns were actually Saturn-specific. The whole "different kind of company, different kind of car" was actually true. You couldn't get your Saturn as a rebadged something else.

Later GM got rid of other divisions (like Olds) and Saturn just ended up becoming another GM brand just like all the rest.

Examples:
Ion (and now Astra) = Delta platform = Cobalt/Pursuit/G5
(though the Astra is not made with the Cobalt/Pursuit at the moment)

Aura = Epsilon platform = Malibu/G6

Vue = Equinox/Torrent
(though some Vues had the Honda drivetrain, specific to Saturn)

Outlook = Enclave/Acadia

Sky = Solstice

Relay = Uplander/SV6

I mean they are all just platform shared now with essentially the same drivetrains and very similar options, just different sheetmetal/looks. Unless they have very good pricing, why would anyone go into a Saturn pay MSRP or whatever when they could go into a Chevy, Pontiac or Buick dealership and buy essentially the same car and negotiate the price?

[thephenom]

I mean they are all just platform shared now with essentially the same drivetrains and very similar options, just different sheetmetal/looks. Unless they have very good pricing, why would anyone go into a Saturn pay MSRP or whatever when they could go into a Chevy, Pontiac or Buick dealership and buy essentially the same car and negotiate the price?
Because other manufacturers don't sing for you as you drive off the lot. :twisted:

[notanexpert]

I can see you've never owned a domestic.

There's not much domestic about the Astra. It IS a GM car, but its pretty much all European. Built in Belgium, using parts that come mostly from European suppliers, car's engineering being done in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

[frogger]

I mean they are all just platform shared now with essentially the same drivetrains and very similar options, just different sheetmetal/looks. Unless they have very good pricing, why would anyone go into a Saturn pay MSRP or whatever when they could go into a Chevy, Pontiac or Buick dealership and buy essentially the same car and negotiate the price?

I think the Astra interior and suspension are in a different league than the Cobalt/Pursuit. Atleast the car rags seem to think so/give it good reviews (I find it too dark/monotone). Why the TSX vs the Accord too?

[ckhw]

Don't forget to add on another ~$2,000 for years 4 & 5 warranty.


Only a complete sucker would buy an extended warranty.


I can see you've never owned a domestic.

If you are planing to do all scheduled maintenances by dealers/shops, you'll need the additional warranty. They will make sure you visit them often.

Imaging 2004 Mazda 3 replacing transmission at 40,000 KM, at 80,000 KM, at 120,000 and counting.

[kool1]

If you are planing to do all scheduled maintenances by dealers/shops, you'll need the additional warranty. They will make sure you visit them often.

Imaging 2004 Mazda 3 replacing transmission at 40,000 KM, at 80,000 KM, at 120,000 and counting.

Pure fiction my friend. Extended warranties are not really warranties but insurance policies. Insurance companies always make money on average. That's how you know the odds are you will never recoup the the money spent. Further, GM does not equal Mazda, thankfully.

[ckhw]

Pure fiction my friend. Extended warranties are not really warranties but insurance policies. Insurance companies always make money on average. That's how you know the odds are you will never recoup the the money spent. Further, GM does not equal Mazda, thankfully.

My point is that repair shops will leave something to break and you will keep going back for repairs and paying those suckers.

Mazda transmission case is a true story. My friend was so angry that he sent an e-mail to Mazda Canada president.

[kool1]

My point is that repair shops will leave something to break and you will keep going back for repairs and paying those suckers.

Mazda transmission case is a true story. My friend was so angry that he sent an e-mail to Mazda Canada president.

Speaking from a lot of experience, GM does not operate that way. In fact, Saturn from what I hear is a step above in terms of honest and fair service. Mazda is another story and another company.

[puff_daddy_58_99]

Why would you want a car that just torque steers? :twisted:

Good question, but since I have a FWD Impala SS and 323 ft lbs of torque, I do love torque steer

[ES_Revenge]

I think the Astra interior and suspension are in a different league than the Cobalt/Pursuit. Atleast the car rags seem to think so/give it good reviews (I find it too dark/monotone). Why the TSX vs the Accord too?

You missed my point completely. I'm not asking why they sell different versions of cars on the same platform; I'm saying how can Saturn keep selling any cars when they sell at something like MSRP and won't bargain, when nearly identical cars on the same platform sell for a lot less through negotiating?

[kool1]

You missed my point completely. I'm not asking why they sell different versions of cars on the same platform; I'm saying how can Saturn keep selling any cars when they sell at something like MSRP and won't bargain, when nearly identical cars on the same platform sell for a lot less through negotiating?

In the past I may have agreed but for the Astra, other than the platform I doubt there is anything the same with a Cobalt. In the case of the Aura and Outlook, MSRP is lower than the Malibu and GMC Acadia.

[GOLDFLEET]

If you know saturn,,,,, there is no better price,,,, they are like a store,,, the price is the same for everyone,, no negotiating the car price

Thats not true, hasnt been for years, and if they are still telling you that, they are lying, and if you just walked in and paid retail, that really sucks for you! why would you buy a saturn anyways? Japanese all the way! If you decide you want a quality car, let me know, Ill fix you up with a smoking deal on a SUBARU or a SUZUKI!

[GOLDFLEET]

I can see you've never owned a domestic.


Why would you want a car that just torque steers? :twisted:

EXACTLY!
you need a Subaru with AWD

[kool1]

Thats not true, hasnt been for years, and if they are still telling you that, they are lying, and if you just walked in and paid retail, that really sucks for you! why would you buy a saturn anyways? Japanese all the way! If you decide you want a quality car, let me know, Ill fix you up with a smoking deal on a SUBARU or a SUZUKI!

According to JD Power, Suzuki ranks behind and Subaru rank the same as Saturn in quality and both rank behind Saturn in customer satisfaction.

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings/sales-satisfaction

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings/quality-ratings-by-brand

Welcome to the 21st century.

[ihsn]

According to JD Power, Suzuki ranks behind and Subaru rank the same as Saturn in quality and both rank behind Saturn in customer satisfaction.

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings/sales-satisfaction

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings/quality-ratings-by-brand

Welcome to the 21st century.
Double dip ownage ..

[ES_Revenge]

In the past I may have agreed but for the Astra, other than the platform I doubt there is anything the same with a Cobalt.
:confused: Huh??? It's not about what you doubt or don't doubt is the same. They are both Delta platform cars, end of story. One may be a hatch and built in Belgium and the other a sedan/coupe built in USA but that's neither here nor there, it's the same platform.


In the case of the Aura and Outlook, MSRP is lower than the Malibu and GMC Acadia.
Interesting, though the Sky has a higher MSRP than the Solstice; but then the Sky has more standard equipment. I believe when you equip them the same the MSRP is similar which again is negotiable at Pontiac, but not at Saturn? G6 base prices are within $1k of each other (Saturn is higher) and again the std. equipment may be different.

[ES_Revenge]

why would you buy a saturn anyways? Japanese all the way! If you decide you want a quality car, let me know, Ill fix you up with a smoking deal on a SUBARU or a SUZUKI!
What does that mean? "Japanese all the way!" ???

Sounds like something a teenager would say; however, it sounds like you're a car salesman in which case that would be believeable as well. :lol:

[nornet]

What does that mean? "Japanese all the way!" ???

Sounds like something a teenager would say; however, it sounds like you're a car salesman in which case that would be believeable as well. :lol:

Goldfleet is a dealer. Subs and Suzuki. Anyone that uses Suzuki and reliability in the same sentence and puts Opels reliability into question obviously doesn't know what he's talking about.
He imports US vehicles and lists them at Canadian MSRP. He's a troll looking for business. For everyones sake, ignore him.

[kool1]

Goldfleet is a dealer. Subs and Suzuki. Anyone that uses Suzuki and reliability in the same sentence and puts Opels reliability into question obviously doesn't know what he's talking about.
He imports US vehicles and lists them at Canadian MSRP. He's a troll looking for business. For everyones sake, ignore him.

Frightening.

[frogger]

You missed my point completely. I'm not asking why they sell different versions of cars on the same platform; I'm saying how can Saturn keep selling any cars when they sell at something like MSRP and won't bargain, when nearly identical cars on the same platform sell for a lot less through negotiating?

No, I didn't. The Saturn Astra is not "nearly identical" to the Cobalt any more than other platform sharing cars like the TSX and Accord, Maxima and Altima, ES350 and Camry, etc etc are "nearly identical".

[ihsn]

So whats the consensus on the Astra?

I'm thinking about a 24 month lease.

[GOLDFLEET]

Goldfleet is a dealer. Subs and Suzuki. Anyone that uses Suzuki and reliability in the same sentence and puts Opels reliability into question obviously doesn't know what he's talking about.
He imports US vehicles and lists them at Canadian MSRP. He's a troll looking for business. For everyones sake, ignore him.

Suzuki is extremly relaible, thank you very much! I hope you are not refering to me as importing US vehicles, we are 7 hours from the nearest border, and we do not have any US vehicles anywhere near our dealership. Yes I am salesman, no I am not a troll. Yes I am looking for business, and whats wrong woth that? If I can save you money, and make a little bit myself, how is that a crime or a shameful thing? what do you do to put food on the table and a roof over your head? Im not here to piss people off, just offer them a deal.
thanks

[scouzer]

Suzuki is extremly relaible, thank you very much! I hope you are not refering to me as importing US vehicles, we are 7 hours from the nearest border, and we do not have any US vehicles anywhere near our dealership. Yes I am salesman, no I am not a troll. Yes I am looking for business, and whats wrong woth that? If I can save you money, and make a little bit myself, how is that a crime or a shameful thing? what do you do to put food on the table and a roof over your head? Im not here to piss people off, just offer them a deal.
thanks

You are skirting the line and might get banned for advertising that's why

[kool1]

Suzuki is extremly relaible, thank you very much! I hope you are not refering to me as importing US vehicles, we are 7 hours from the nearest border, and we do not have any US vehicles anywhere near our dealership. Yes I am salesman, no I am not a troll. Yes I am looking for business, and whats wrong woth that? If I can save you money, and make a little bit myself, how is that a crime or a shameful thing? what do you do to put food on the table and a roof over your head? Im not here to piss people off, just offer them a deal.
thanks

This is not a thread to sell your cars, it's a discussion forum on deals. If you can't get that, I guess you deserve the names you are labeled with.

[ihsn]

So whats the consensus on the Astra?

I'm thinking about a 24 month lease.
Bump. :)

[ppl4golf]

Bump. :)

You can look at some 2008 Impreza which also 0.9% 2-yr lease (GMAC)...

Subaru you can bargain a little as well...I don't personally see the appeal of a Saturn especially when there is no bargain ground which is expected. Heck, on the front page of Saturn's site, it puts dealers may sell for less in the fine prints, so no discount is just a bunch of BS.

[hoodlum]

The subject of the thread needs to be changed. Saturn is now offering 0% financing for 72 months plus a $750 rebate. I signed a deal for an XE manual today. For less than $350/month with 0 down my Astra XE was optioned with Air, dual-panel sunroof, Alum. wheels, heated seats.

The base Astra with Manual can be purchased for $298/month with 0 money down. Much better than leasing.

[GuiltySpark]

MY gripe with the Astra is the interior.....oh god the interior. I remember my GF's old Firefly...very damn similar. When will GM put some thought and quality materials into the cockpits of their entry level cars?. From the Cavalier/sunfire to the Cobalt those interiors weened me off the GM Nipple entirely.
I know it's a bit more up level, but the interior of my Mazda 3 to the Astra is like night and day.

Styling wise I think it's a great car and with the 1.8 Eco it should be a great runner...just that interior killed the deal.

[hoodlum]

Interesting comments on the interior. I actually preferred the interior of the Astra over the Mazda3 and it cannot be compared to any other North America GM brand interior. This interior was built for the European market and is much different than what we normally get here. All the reviews I've seen have praised the quality of the interior materials and being a cut above the competition (although a bit drab and confusing).

[ihsn]

Interesting comments on the interior. I actually preferred the interior of the Astra over the Mazda3 and it cannot be compared to any other North America GM brand interior.
Mazda's interior styling is really pathetic, even on the 6 series.

Congrats hoodlum. :) That $350/mo includes taxes?

I wish the panoramic windshield option was available here in NA:

http://carsmedia.ign.com/cars/image/article/712/712707/vauxhall-astra-panoramic-20060614052156375.jpg

[ar_ken]

It's unfortunate that it doesn't come in a "Red Line" version (with the 2.0 turbo engine in the Sky Red Line).. I'd think it makes a pretty good competitor against the VW GTI/MazdaSpeed3!

[hoodlum]

Congrats hoodlum. :) That $350/mo includes taxes?

Yes, it came out to $348/mo including all taxes, rebate and other fees for 72 month. Saturn does have a $300 admin fee that is difficult to get out of and is not shown on the Saturn web site.

It is always difficult to directly compare competing models as the features don't always line up. But for a comparison the 2008.5 Mazda3 GS sedan with sunroof (lowest priced Mazda3 with sunroof) comes to $360/mo based on $800 off the MSRP, which is at the top end of a discount you could expect.

The nice thing about the Astra is that you can mix and match your options as they can be ordered separately, similar to how a Rabbit can be configured. If heated seats are important you can add this to the base Astra with no other options.

[mr_raider]

Does GM have a 4 door car built on the Astra platform?

[scouzer]

Does GM have a 4 door car built on the Astra platform?

Yes, the 4 door Astra.

[mr_raider]

No. Not a hatch. Something with a real trunk.

[nolimtzel]

how ancient is the motor in this astra, it still uses steel and timing belts.
not to mention u its not even ipod or aux compatible, infact u cant even install a custom stereo because of the multifunction screen.

[hoodlum]

Well, I picked up the car yesterday and I am enjoying it. :)

There are many great features, some I wasn't even aware of. You can tell that many of the european cars are overbuilt. GM must be loosing their shirt on selling this here. Here are some features I have noticed so far that are all available on the base $17.9 vehicle.

- Flip out key in remote. Remote can also roll down all windows when walking to car. Gas cap lock automatically with remote.
- Front hood doesn't need stick to hold open. Shocks? (not sure what they're called)
- Auto lights, auto wipers
- tap signal switch for just 3 blinks when changing lanes.
- Sheet metal seems to be thicker than most NA cars and goes all around the window. (no black frame)
- and many more

[weedb0y]

how ancient is the motor in this astra, it still uses steel and timing belts.
not to mention u its not even ipod or aux compatible, infact u cant even install a custom stereo because of the multifunction screen.

I am sorry many newer Hondas are still on Timing belts? and newer Accords/TL had multifunction screens as well..Whats your point besides trolling?

BTW, I do own an Acura but do recognize quality/value when its there.

[weedb0y]

Well, I picked up the car yesterday and I am enjoying it. :)

There are many great features, some I wasn't even aware of. You can tell that many of the european cars are overbuilt. GM must be loosing their shirt on selling this here. Here are some features I have noticed so far that are all available on the base $17.9 vehicle.

- Flip out key in remote. Remote can also roll down all windows when walking to car. Gas cap lock automatically with remote.
- Front hood doesn't need stick to hold open. Shocks? (not sure what they're called)
- Auto lights, auto wipers
- tap signal switch for just 3 blinks when changing lanes.
- Sheet metal seems to be thicker than most NA cars and goes all around the window. (no black frame)
- and many more

Hows the handling?

[hoodlum]

Hows the handling?

The handling is great. I was able to test drive the 5dr XE and the 3dr XR (with the improved handling) and I found little difference.

[ji2o0k]

Well, I picked up the car yesterday and I am enjoying it. :)

awesome, curious as to how much did you end up getting the car for (or maybe a ballpark figure?).

My parents are looking to acquire a new car. The Saturn Astra looks like a good option as they are looking at a hatchback (5 door), 0% financing for 60 months and they have an older car that is eligible for the Car Heaven $750 rebate AND they have some GM $$s.

The car looks good too, they just need to test drive it.

Do you think it is possible to get a base Astra with auto tranny and A/C for $15,000? I think it is asking too much since the base Astra is already $17,900 (but there is a $750 manufacturer price adjustment).

That is my parent's budget, $15,000. Another option they were looking at was the Pontiac Vibe.

[ES_Revenge]

I wish the panoramic windshield option was available here in NA:
Wow nice, but it probably doesn't pass safety requirements here.


It's unfortunate that it doesn't come in a "Red Line" version (with the 2.0 turbo engine in the Sky Red Line).. I'd think it makes a pretty good competitor against the VW GTI/MazdaSpeed3!
Next year, should be. The Red Line will have the LNF (the same engine you mention there). What sucks in the meantime though is the weirdo engine that is in there and no other engines. I'd prefer the LE5 or even the L61 as an option, at least. The thing is if they have only the weirdo engine and the LNF as options that's going to be one crazy difference in models (138hp to 260hp jump!).

Edit: Wait I mentioned this on page 1 already.


Does GM have a 4 door car built on the Astra platform?
Uh yeah the Cobalt and Pursuit (or G5). Only they have terrible interiors in comparison and they aren't imported [from overseas]. But they are still all Delta cars.

Or you have the 5-door as mentioned above, but honestly the 3-door looks so much better (which is annoying to me because I'd prefer the 5dr).

[ihsn]

awesome, curious as to how much did you end up getting the car for (or maybe a ballpark figure?).

My parents are looking to acquire a new car. The Saturn Astra looks like a good option as they are looking at a hatchback (5 door), 0% financing for 60 months and they have an older car that is eligible for the Car Heaven $750 rebate AND they have some GM $$s.

The car looks good too, they just need to test drive it.

Do you think it is possible to get a base Astra with auto tranny and A/C for $15,000? I think it is asking too much since the base Astra is already $17,900 (but there is a $750 manufacturer price adjustment).

That is my parent's budget, $15,000. Another option they were looking at was the Pontiac Vibe.
With the Car Heaven rebate + GM $, it might already be close to your parents budget. :)

[nolimtzel]

I am sorry many newer Hondas are still on Timing belts? and newer Accords/TL had multifunction screens as well..Whats your point besides trolling?

BTW, I do own an Acura but do recognize quality/value when its there.

which honda or acura still uses timing belts? not even the cheapass fit has one.
accord/tl both have aux inputs, or ipod kits available
my point is that this car is not very appealing to market they are trying to reach which is the age 18-25 market
a basemodel dx civic has much better value.

[uria]

guys I was today at the Saturn Dealer on Yonge and Steeles and they have the 750 dollar incentive on the Astra as well as a 500 dollar gas card till the end of June. Not a bad deal.

[Seveneighty]

Wow, this car is an amazingly good value.. and it looks damn good from what I've seen.

But -- the engine! The poor, weak-ass engine! And the 4-speed auto! Why oh why such a crappy engine? :(