punto_matt said:

Why would the GPS be unreliable? By that thinking the Astra will be equally unreliable as that uses a Fiat Mjet engine aswell so you are screwed either way

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I'm not really concered about the engine. It's the rest of the car.

Well, had a go in a GP Sporting JTD 130 and it was kinda what I expected.

Love the room in the cabin, everything seemed reasonably well put together, engine pulled well, feeling in the steering was decent, not good as i'm used too but I drive a go-kart! It rolled around a little in corners but only when tanking it.

All in all, nice car.

Now just got to test drive the Astra.

Guv'nor said:

Now just got to test drive the Astra.

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I've had a couple on hire... Astra will be bigger, but the GPS will be better... LOOKING :yum:

tbh the sensible choice is always going to be the Astra

BUT

if you can get over the sensible choice then as you say - the GPS 1.9 is well screwed together and isn't a bad car at all!!! And tbh, the body roll and excitement factor can all be sorted with a few choice Mods: those being some Eibach springs (if you're going for the cheaper option) and a Remap which alone will see you pushing about 170bhp if not more.

A GPS will certainly put a smile on your face when you walk out to it...they tend to get quite a lot of looks as well which always makes you feel kinda nice!

I gotta say I think Astra's are to common, for instance on my street there are about 40 houses, and i think about 15 houses have a bloody astra! im the only one with a Punto... so I think its gotta be a Punto.... plus look at great punto's on here.... all are works of art... agree lads n gals? lol

I get the feeling Guvnor is more focussed on cost, reliability, performance then looks in that order so its best to let him make his own choice.

Hey Ffoxy, did you look at your misses Stilo yesterday?

LeePunto1.9 said:

Hey Ffoxy, did you look at your misses Stilo yesterday?

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Yea.... fixing brackets look a bummer...

Guv'nor said:

Well, had a go in a GP Sporting JTD 130 and it was kinda what I expected.

Love the room in the cabin, everything seemed reasonably well put together, engine pulled well, feeling in the steering was decent, not good as i'm used too but I drive a go-kart! It rolled around a little in corners but only when tanking it.

All in all, nice car.

Now just got to test drive the Astra.

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When you compare both cars you will find that the Astra has the most "quality" cabin for materials, seats & instruments. However, it's very unlikely that you will ever find another NEW GPS 130 for sale again - ever. The Fiat Group has discontinued the (GM) 8 valve engine & for the time being put the 170bhp (re-mapped) 16 valve 1.9 JTDM 170 bhp into the so called "Ducati Rossa" Alfa 147. The interior of the Alfa is 300% better than the GPS - but in real terms it is not much better than the GPS 130.....

I have a GPS130 & have driven the Alfa "Ducati" - which is much heavier. A no brainer for me. Rather than spend £17,495 (Alfa dealers will discount to £17,000 - wow!) I'd rather spend half that money on a late, low mileage GPS130.

The 130 is on a par, performance wise, with the Alfa, the real mpg is better & it drives nicer - albeit with umpteen rattles & squeaks.

They both depreciate like an Acopulco diver,so if you pay £14-17,500 now for a new Italian car you can't expect more than 50% of your outlay in 12 months time. You buy to run into the ground - otherwise do the sensible thing & buy secondhand & let the first owner take the £5-7 Grand hit in the first few months

The 130 is a decent car, but the only thing that makes it desirable is that it is only Group 6 insurance with £145 Road Tax & a real 48mpg. Pretty good IMHO.

Ffoxy said:

I get the feeling Guvnor is more focussed on cost, reliability, performance then looks in that order so its best to let him make his own choice.

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yeah that seems what he's after

Although the GPS isn't a bad car is it? It's fun to drive, performs well and isn't badly screwed together at all! Wouldn't you agree Ffoxy?

manthatkidisscrewed said:

yeah that seems what he's after

Although the GPS isn't a bad car is it? It's fun to drive, performs well and isn't badly screwed together at all! Wouldn't you agree Ffoxy?

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Totally... its the best value for money fun I've had on the road since I sold my SV1000S TBH. I would go further and say Its a good car rather than it isnt a bad one. Completely happy GPS owner here...

Ffoxy said:

Totally... its the best value for money fun I've had on the road since I sold my SV1000S TBH. I would go further and say Its a good car rather than it isnt a bad one. Completely happy GPS owner here...

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Agreed...overall a good car...solidly built besides a few sqeeks and rattles in the cabin, which can be solved under warranty.

Shropshire_lad said:

Agreed...overall a good car...solidly built besides a few sqeeks and rattles in the cabin, which can be solved under warranty.

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U know I read that a lot on here but honestly mine doesnt rattle or squeek either

Ffoxy said:

Totally... its the best value for money fun I've had on the road since I sold my SV1000S TBH. I would go further and say Its a good car rather than it isnt a bad one. Completely happy GPS owner here...

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Completely agree! Couldn't be happier with a car of this type I don't think!

Shropshire_lad said:

Agreed...overall a good car...solidly built besides a few sqeeks and rattles in the cabin, which can be solved under warranty.

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Yeah, can't say mine squeeks and rattles much either tbh - makes the odd noise when it goes through a pot hole if I don't avoid one but that's to be expected...certainly feels well screwed together from what i've experienced!! :slayer: