What's the catch - Saturn Astra 14400

[prof_frink]

http://www.gm.ca/ss/media/pdf/saturnoffer/SAT_clean_ON_EN.pdf

One of the few GMs that actually interest me, but I just can't believe that if you walk in to a dealership that this is the price you will pay.

The fine print:

Cash purchase price includes discounts or other incentives which will result in higher effective interest rates. By selecting purchase financing or lease offers, consumers will be foregoing such discounts and incentives which will result in higher effective interest rates. ¥$500/$1,000/$1,000/$1,500 manufacturer to Retailer delivery credit (tax exclusive) available on 2008 Saturn ASTRA 5-Door XE/2008 Saturn VUE XE/2008 Saturn AURA XE/2008 OUTLOOK XE. Such delivery credit is available on cash purchase and is reflected in offers in this advertisement. See Retailer for details. §‡Freight ($1,300/$1,200/$1,250/$1,220) on a 2008 Saturn ASTRA 5-Door XE/2008 Saturn VUE XE/2008 Saturn AURA XE/2008 Saturn OUTLOOK XE not included. Taxes, licence, insurance, registration, administration fees, fees associated with publication/filing at the movable property registry/PPSA, duties, and optional equipment extra. PDI included. Retailers are free to set individual prices. Retailer trade may be necessary. Offers apply as indicated to new 2008 Saturn ASTRA 5-Door XE with manual transmission, 2008 Saturn VUE XE, 2008 Saturn AURA XE or 2008 Saturn OUTLOOK XE models (excluding hybrid models) and apply to qualified retail
and eligible fleet customers in the Ontario Marketing Association Area only. See your Retailer, visit saturncanada.com or call 1-888-4SATURN for conditions and details.

[canadiankorean]

http://www.gm.ca/ss/media/pdf/saturnoffer/SAT_clean_ON_EN.pdf

One of the few GMs that actually interest me, but I just can't believe that if you walk in to a dealership that this is the price you will pay.

The fine print:

Cash purchase price includes discounts or other incentives which will result in higher effective interest rates. By selecting purchase financing or lease offers, consumers will be foregoing such discounts and incentives which will result in higher effective interest rates. ¥$500/$1,000/$1,000/$1,500 manufacturer to Retailer delivery credit (tax exclusive) available on 2008 Saturn ASTRA 5-Door XE/2008 Saturn VUE XE/2008 Saturn AURA XE/2008 OUTLOOK XE. Such delivery credit is available on cash purchase and is reflected in offers in this advertisement. See Retailer for details. §‡Freight ($1,300/$1,200/$1,250/$1,220) on a 2008 Saturn ASTRA 5-Door XE/2008 Saturn VUE XE/2008 Saturn AURA XE/2008 Saturn OUTLOOK XE not included. Taxes, licence, insurance, registration, administration fees, fees associated with publication/filing at the movable property registry/PPSA, duties, and optional equipment extra. PDI included. Retailers are free to set individual prices. Retailer trade may be necessary. Offers apply as indicated to new 2008 Saturn ASTRA 5-Door XE with manual transmission, 2008 Saturn VUE XE, 2008 Saturn AURA XE or 2008 Saturn OUTLOOK XE models (excluding hybrid models) and apply to qualified retail
and eligible fleet customers in the Ontario Marketing Association Area only. See your Retailer, visit saturncanada.com or call 1-888-4SATURN for conditions and details.

Probably the absolute base vehicle is that price...
Hyundai did that with the Sonata. Cash price of $18,995 or something but that was the basic of their models with manual, etc.

[Engi-Nir]

Probably the absolute base vehicle is that price...
Hyundai did that with the Sonata. Cash price of $18,995 or something but that was the basic of their models with manual, etc.

+1, on that link, cash purchase price starting at :D

[chriswalsh]

$14400 + $1300 freight = 15700... not a bad price.

Note that the XE is a base model with only two options (sunroof and AC), and has an MSRP of $18390. Subtract the $3500 allowance and youre down to $14890... So this 'deal' is only $490 less than what you can get at the website.

Also, the fine print says dealers determine their own price, so the prices quoted seem kind of usless?

[Kayne]

Those prices are great, to bad I don't really need a car right now. They sure are tempting at those prices.

[selpats]

That's what I bought my base 2004 ION-1 for...it's been a great car.

[cq358]

My neighbor got one, his car with panoramic roof, rims and stuff. heated seats,mirror,, rain sensing wiper..etc. Interior quality is better than vibe. this car is definitely in the V dub Golf class.

[zero_]

I went to the site to build a basic astra with auto transmission and air conditioning, the on the road price turns out to be:

$22,695 + tax = 25645.35 - 2500 rebate = $23145.35

(2500 is what the rebate stated on the website, 3500 may be only for base model)

For comparison, you can get a toyota matrix or mazda3 sport with similar config for <$23000 on the road.

[zivan56]

Keep in mind it is essentially an Opel Astra, so FWIW at least it is built in Europe and based on a European car...and one of the top selling ones at that.

[V A N Q U I S H]

I don't know what it is, but from my experience, I find that people who drive mid-90's Saturns are complete ******* on the road. Sorry, didn't want to create a whole thread about it.

The Astra does look nice though.

[prof_frink]

Keep in mind it is essentially an Opel Astra, so FWIW at least it is built in Europe and based on a European car...and one of the top selling ones at that.

Not even essentially, it is. the only difference is the badge. The ones that come to Canada are built in Belgium.

A friend of mine has this car and there is absolutely nothing GM feeling about this one, it looks, feels and drives like a european car.

[ES_Revenge]

Keep in mind it is essentially an Opel Astra, so FWIW at least it is built in Europe and based on a European car...and one of the top selling ones at that.
While you're right in that it's an Opel Astra, the whole bit about it being "based on a European car" doesn't mean much. It's a Delta platform vehicle, same as the Cobalt/Pursuit(G5)/Ion; it's just made elsewhere, is a hatchback and has a totally different interior and probably some different components. You could say the Cobalt is "based on a European car" just as easily.


Not even essentially, it is. the only difference is the badge. The ones that come to Canada are built in Belgium.
Built in Germany AFAIK. They are all W VINs.

[prof_frink]

Built in Germany AFAIK. They are all W VINs.

I got that from here:

Saturn Astra

Intended to replace the Ion as the company's smallest model, the Saturn Astra is a captive import built in Antwerp, Belgium.[7] It is available in three and five-door hatchback body styles, with sales starting on January 2, 2008 and is available with one engine only: a 1.8 L Family 1 DCVCP inline-4 cylinder gasoline engine with variable-valve technology producing 138 hp (103 kW) and with an available five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_Astra)

[ES_Revenge]

I got that from here:

Saturn Astra

Intended to replace the Ion as the company's smallest model, the Saturn Astra is a captive import built in Antwerp, Belgium.[7] It is available in three and five-door hatchback body styles, with sales starting on January 2, 2008 and is available with one engine only: a 1.8 L Family 1 DCVCP inline-4 cylinder gasoline engine with variable-valve technology producing 138 hp (103 kW) and with an available five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_Astra)

Yes but it's made in several places and the ones we get here are all W VINs (all the ones I've noticed anyway) so they are made in Germany. Had they been made in Belgium the VIN would begin with a Y.

You missed this part of the same article you quoted:

The Astra is now built in Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, Poland and Ukraine, as well as being assembled in CKD kits in other countries.

Yes it's made in Belgium but it's also made in Germany; and, VINs don't lie ;)

[MaDgamEr]

Sink $$$ into a company that's threatening to go bancrupt unless they receive ludicrus ammounts of cash handouts from the gov't... Yeah.

Thanks but no thanks.

[cq358]

it is cool to buy an American Car these days dispite everybody hate the big 3... =) Anti-culture..eh?

[prof_frink]

Yes but it's made in several places and the ones we get here are all W VINs (all the ones I've noticed anyway) so they are made in Germany. Had they been made in Belgium the VIN would begin with a Y.

You missed this part of the same article you quoted:


Yes it's made in Belgium but it's also made in Germany; and, VINs don't lie ;)

Yup! I missed it...

Anyway, my whole point though was that for 14400, I do think that's alot of car, you know, compared to a Yaris.

this kind of reminds me of the failed Saab 9-2 - priced at 10k more than the impreza, and once GM slashed the price by 10-12k they flew out of the showrooms.

[HI-ROLLA]

Sink $$$ into a company that's threatening to go bancrupt unless they receive ludicrus ammounts of cash handouts from the gov't... Yeah.

Thanks but no thanks.

GM will never go Bankrupt... They may get rid of the Saturn lineup but it'll take a few years for it to happen. (The ASTRA and AURA(Malibu) should be good sellers for GM) Even if you do buy an ASTRA you'll still be able to get service from GM if Saturn doesn't exist.

There is no way a company of that Size can close down.

If you've been looking for an American car lately, I would say it's a good time to buy all the way into Q1-09.

[cq358]

In my opinion, i feel it is cool to drive domestic cars especially in GTA. Imagine you drive a black Charger RT/Stang to Markham/Richmond Hill malls when the whole parking lot full of Japanese car. At least you look stand out from the rest without spending big bucks for customizing your import or buying a BMW to make a big statement.

I think it is time to give big 3 a second look.

[hoodlum]

I bought an Astra XE manual with heated seats, air & moonroof in June for list - $750 rebate. I also got heated seats for $200 instead of the $400 list since heated seats were not important to me and that was all they had in the GTA at the time. But I also go 0% for 72 months so the savings from my 0% interest is roughly equal to the current cash discount (maybe even more after taking in account my other discounts). Car companies are finding it harder to borrow money for financing, hence the lower cash purchases.

I have not had any problems and have found many unique feature: auto headlight, auto wipers, auto locking gas cap, flip key similar to Audi's, remote can open all windows when approaching car, front hood shock keeps hood open, etc. These are all standard on the base model and no other car in this class has all these features except maybe VW but it is much more $$$.

Earlier on I thought there was a problem with the rear wipers coming on by themselves but then I realized it only happened when it was raining and I put the car in reverse (another feature). It also took some time to get use to the tap once turn signals. Basically the turn signals have 2 indentations: the first causes the signal to blinks 3 times and then turn off Automatically while the 2nd leaves it on. I use the first indentation for changing lanes. This is popular on cars in Germany but not here.

[ES_Revenge]

I have not had any problems and have found many unique feature: auto headlight, auto wipers, auto locking gas cap, flip key similar to Audi's, remote can open all windows when approaching car, front hood shock keeps hood open, etc. These are all standard on the base model and no other car in this class has all these features except maybe VW but it is much more $$$.
Nah VW, you won't get auto lights and wipers standard. I have to admit that's a good list of nice little things you get with this car, standard. Ashame they still have not released an Astra Red Line (with the Cobalt SS engine :D ); now that would be pretty awesome!


Earlier on I thought there was a problem with the rear wipers coming on by themselves but then I realized it only happened when it was raining and I put the car in reverse (another feature). It also took some time to get use to the tap once turn signals. Basically the turn signals have 2 indentations: the first causes the signal to blinks 3 times and then turn off Automatically while the 2nd leaves it on. I use the first indentation for changing lanes. This is popular on cars in Germany but not here.
You know I wonder if everything you just described in that last paragraphy isn't somehow mandatory on German cars? It seems all German cars behave like that. I think the three blinks is a little short though, it would be nicer if it were 5 blinks.

[DeimosBeros]

I'd love to have 3 door saturn astra w/ manual gear box and sunroof. It's compact, it's beautiful. Too bad I have no money :(

[Emancipated]

Nah VW, you won't get auto lights and wipers standard. I have to admit that's a good list of nice little things you get with this car, standard. Ashame they still have not released an Astra Red Line (with the Cobalt SS engine :D ); now that would be pretty awesome!


You know I wonder if everything you just described in that last paragraphy isn't somehow mandatory on German cars? It seems all German cars behave like that. I think the three blinks is a little short though, it would be nicer if it were 5 blinks.

Those features do sound tantalizing (everyone have said tempting already) and all that on a $16k base car? Impressed would be an understatement.

So essentially, the engine is also German engineering? Hot diggity damn!

BusinessWeek didn't like it.

http://www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/2008/04/saturn_astra_di.html

[zivan56]

I doubt the engine is even for the European market. A Saturn Astra has only one engine: "a 1.8 L Family 1 DCVCP inline-4 cylinder gasoline engine with variable-valve technology producing 138 hp (103 kW) "
The Opel Astra has about a dozen engine choices:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opel_Astra
The closest Euro one is "X20XEV (Ecotec) 1998 cc 100 kW (136 PS/134 hp) @ 5400 rpm"

So I doubt Opel designed the engine. But those features are quite common on most European cars nowadays in that class, like the Renault Megan.

[ES_Revenge]

I doubt the engine is even for the European market. A Saturn Astra has only one engine: "a 1.8 L Family 1 DCVCP inline-4 cylinder gasoline engine with variable-valve technology producing 138 hp (103 kW) "
The Opel Astra has about a dozen engine choices:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opel_Astra
The closest Euro one is "X20XEV (Ecotec) 1998 cc 100 kW (136 PS/134 hp) @ 5400 rpm"

So I doubt Opel designed the engine. But those features are quite common on most European cars nowadays in that class, like the Renault Megan.

Nope the engine is definitely GM-Opel, you forgot to actually click the link on the wikipage ;)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Family_1_engine

In fact you can really call any Ecotec engine as Opel/German design because it all goes back to Opel when you trace its roots.

It's a weirdo Ecotec in the Astra and personally I'd rather they have used the L61/LAP engine (2.2L atmo Ecotec), but I suppose it wasn't readily available where it's assembled.

All this talk about German this and European that makes me realise just how effective marketing is. I wonder why they don't sell the Cobalt and the G5 with phrases like "built from German engineering" as well? Sure the Astra is made in Germany but it could probably be just as easily made in the US and come out of the same plants as the Cobalt/G5/HHR. They're all GM, all the same platform. People have to realise that GM though an "American" manufacturer has divisions all over the world. Strange that people always take the grass is always greener approach... Oh the Astra is great because it's German; the G8 is cool because it's Australian. :rolleyes: News bulletin, it's all GM!

It's a little disturbing to see people "justify" their GM purchase by trying to say it's not a GM, lol. People just don't realise just how much advancement, technology and influence they have in the automotive industry. The people that think of GM only as Chevys rolling off the line in Michigan or something, they've got it all wrong.

[Ray]

Never bought a big 3 vehicle for close to 20 yrs but the pricing on a Saturn seems too good to be true.

Just saw advertisement in Globe and Mail where a 2008 Saturn Astra XE starts at 12,900 (discount 5000) and the 2008 XR 5 door at 13,980 (discount 6500). Don't try configuring a price on their website because it is for 2009.

The XR seems to have everything one wants. it is missing auto transmission though. So with Auto and freight. assume auto is 1400 and freight is 1400. then it comes to about 18,900 out the door. Not sure if the dealer may provide more discounts?

I found this on their website:

http://www.gm.ca/ss/media/pdf/saturnoffer/SAT_clean_ON_EN.pdf

[lilclie]

I am actually considering purchasing this car. Just deciding between the Astra and Fit

[Qwest905]

i test drove this car...
it's a nice looking car

but i found it to have a very loud engine...

i also didn't like how it didn't have an armrest..

lol the dealer told me b/c europeans don't like them, or have them in their cars since this car is based off an opel model

[redac]

Never bought a big 3 vehicle for close to 20 yrs but the pricing on a Saturn seems too good to be true.

Just saw advertisement in Globe and Mail where a 2008 Saturn Astra XE starts at 12,900 (discount 5000) and the 2008 XR 5 door at 13,980 (discount 6500). Don't try configuring a price on their website because it is for 2009.

The XR seems to have everything one wants. it is missing auto transmission though. So with Auto and freight. assume auto is 1400 and freight is 1400. then it comes to about 18,900 out the door. Not sure if the dealer may provide more discounts?

I found this on their website:

http://www.gm.ca/ss/media/pdf/saturnoffer/SAT_clean_ON_EN.pdf


Yeah. looks like they bumped up the program. $12.9k seems like a very good deal.

Wonder if the engine is really as 'loud' as what was reviewed below.

[zero_]

i m also looking into the xe model, wondering if there is any discount on top of the advertised one (since the advertised discount is from gm).

[coriolis]

i m also looking into the xe model, wondering if there is any discount on top of the advertised one (since the advertised discount is from gm).

Retail Price * Wholesale Price **

Base $18,390.00 $17,017.00
Freight $1,400.00 $1,400.00

Optional equipment selected
- 1SA PREFERRED EQUIPMENT GROUP -inc: base vehicle only (1SA) $0.00 $0.00
- 1SB PREFERRED EQUIPMENT GROUP -inc: 4-speed auto trans, air cond, heated front seats (1SB) $2,905.00 $2,603.00

- 1.8L DOHC SFI 16-VALVE VVT I4 ENGINE (STD) (2H0) $0.00 $0.00

- 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION (STD) (MM3) $0.00 $0.00
- 4-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (MM1) $1,350.00 $1,210.00

- BUCKET SEATING (STD) (A51) $0.00 $0.00
- SOLID PAINT (STD) (-PT) $0.00 $0.00
- QUICKSILVER (GAN) $0.00 $0.00
- POLAR WHITE (GAZ) $0.00 $0.00
- CLOTH SEAT TRIM (PFM) $0.00 $0.00
- CHARCOAL SEAT TRIM (__X-2) $0.00 $0.00

- NO AIR CONDITIONING (-NOAIR) $0.00 $0.00
- AIR CONDITIONING -inc: pollen & particle filter (C60) $1,150.00 $1,031.00
- FEDERAL AIR CONDITIONING EXCISE TAX (-EXTAX) $100.00 $100.00

- AM/FM STEREO W/CD -inc: 6-speakers (STD) (-US8) $0.00 $0.00

- STABILITRAK STABILITY CONTROL (FX3) $635.00 $569.00

Dealer Marketing Association $46.00



*Retail Price - Also referred to as the M.S.R.P. or Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price or Retail Factory Price. The price the dealer wants you to pay.

** Wholesale Price - Also referred to as the Dealer Invoice Price, Dealer Factory Price or Dealer Cost. The price the dealer pays for the car, before adjusting for any applicable Factory Incentives. To start your negotiations, take this number, add a fair dealer markup/profit (3%-5% on most cars) and deduct any applicable factory incentive below.

Current Factory Incentive Programs.

Incentive Type Value Term Expiry

Cash Incentives

GM Holiday Cash Bonus (formerly Holiday Cash Windfall)/Factory to Dealer Rebate $500.00 January 10, 2009

Cash Delivery Allowance/Factory to Dealer Rebate $2,500.00 January 10, 2009

Extended Term Finance Cash/Factory to Dealer Rebate - 72 month term only $3,500.00 January 10, 2009

Extended Term Finance Cash/Factory to Dealer Rebate - 60-71 month terms only $2,800.00 January 10, 2009

Car Heaven Program - See General Comments $750.00 December 31, 2008

Canadian Forces Personnel Appreciation Program $500.00 January 2, 2009

Finance Program
Finance Rate 0.0% 36 January 10, 2009
Finance Rate 0.0% 48 January 10, 2009
Finance Rate 0.0% 60 January 10, 2009

[redac]

Is Saturn still 'no haggle'?

[lilclie]

My impressions:

As I am looking for a new car, since my daily driver is almost at 310,000km, I had already set my mind on the 09 Honda Fit but kept my options open.

The Saturn Astra caught my eye with its low price point so I decided to take a look. Its a smooth car with a lot of packed in features such as heated seats, 140hp compared to the 117 the fit has, and power everything.

As for the drive, its a little hesitant accelerating but once its passed 40km, it has no problem keeping up with traffic and passing on the highway, I had to beg the salesman to take it on the highway given the conditions.

Some nagging points, my father which is 5,9 complained that the rear is slightly uncomfortable in terms of spaces and slightly bumpy. The seat is resting on the wheel well which explains the bumpiness.
The indicator for switching lanes can be annoying to deactivate if accidently activated. Most cars you just press the opposite way to deactivate, this one has a little button. Could be me, but I am sure with time it wouldnt be a problem.
The audio system doesn't have an aux adapter or ipod connection so it may bother some people, such as myself, who has extensive mp3 collection which they would like to carry around. It also isnt mod friendly so swapping the system out isnt an option.

well, after those gripes, i had one priced out for me for $20,510.70 that includes all applicable taxes and dealer discounts.

To compare, the Honda fit which I want with similar features is $21,570 that includes all applicable taxes and discounts.

Lastly, another valid pt is the cost of insurance, for a 24yr male, my rate for astra is 172 per mth and 210 per mth for the fit.

Honestly, I really like the Astra so now I am gonna wait a little longer to do more research and look though some reliability reports to pick my final choice.

[prof_frink]

If anyone is curious, I stopped by the saturn dealership last week, and the price is legit...

Basically, he quoted me on a 5 speed XE with A/C 17,800 out the door price.

He also quoted me on an 09 XR 5 speed for 20700 final price. Both these prices include taxes and all fees.

Now this is a cash price, but it can be financed and the rape like rate of 9.1%. If you want the 0% it's back to sticker price.

As for the drive, it was ok. The engine is surprisingly powerful, I had it in 5th on the highway and I was surprised how much pull it still had. Steering is tight and precise. It's a small car, but on the bigger side of the small cars. Definitely more passenger and cargo room than a mazda3.

My complaints, the seats are very uncomfortable. It felt like fabric on top of plywood. I'm not sure if the XR is and better. And the steering wheel is an awful slippery plastic, but the XR is leather wrapped, the XE isn't.

However, all told, for a brand new car it's hard to get one with as many features as the Astra has for 18k all in.

[zero_]

The price is legit but I could not find a dealership with any in stock. They were trying to sell me a demo unit with 600km on it as new.

[Slippery_Pete]

Does anyone know if these discounts apply to the XR trim? Has anyone got a quote on an XR with manual transmission?

[prof_frink]

Does anyone know if these discounts apply to the XR trim? Has anyone got a quote on an XR with manual transmission?

It does apply to the XR, and my post above is the price of an XR manual. 20,700 out the door

[right4you]

Is this a good quality car? I read some reviews sounds like it is an OK car.
If it is a 2008 model, does that mean the warranty will be one year shorter? Or the warranty is counted from the day I purchase the car?

[vinh777]

The saturn astra is not american built. It's built by opel in germany and sold by saturn in america. GM bought a part of the rights to the car to bring it here. So that a good point. If you google the opel astra. it's the same same car. The only difference is the saturn icon. (thank you manufacturing class)

[T-Man]

In my opinion, i feel it is cool to drive domestic cars especially in GTA. Imagine you drive a black Charger RT/Stang to Markham/Richmond Hill malls when the whole parking lot full of Japanese car. At least you look stand out from the rest without spending big bucks for customizing your import or buying a BMW to make a big statement.

I think it is time to give big 3 a second look.

;) Agreed!

[frogger]

The saturn astra is not american built. It's built by opel in germany and sold by saturn in america. GM bought a part of the rights to the car to bring it here. So that a good point. If you google the opel astra. it's the same same car. The only difference is the saturn icon. (thank you manufacturing class)

"Bought part of the rights to the car"? Opel is GM, just not GM North America.

[fireguy9]

Rented this car in Germany a few yrs back and it was a solid car for the 10days we had it. Was very smooth and excellent handling at 200km/h on autobahn!! Of course the tires were high performance.