Maybe the 1.4s suffer more in part because of higher gearing, so lower revs. In mine I stay in 3rd below 30mph and make sure I give it an Italian tune up where possible. The other thing is not to labour the engine. Thanks a lot and I may well check out the Astra K Forum. I seriously appreciate you taking the time to post. I'll read the fine print of the warranty cover to see what I can find. I hadn't heard of the issue with the centre console (avoiding using your favourite word) so that's useful to be aware of. Hopefully their mechanics are aware of the oil problem but I'll mention it all the same. I'm going to really push them to do the service prior to completion.

I'm not a petrol head at all but from what I read, and from what I take from your comment, the chances of this being an issue are reduced by using the correct oil (Dexos 1 Gen 2, as you've said). I did have a look around at common problems and the LSPI issue did come up a couple of times. My gf has a Corsa and loves it (different engine & different car, I know). Great to hear there are more people out there who love their Vauxhalls. Will your warranty cover that? Worth reading the small print before signing on the dotted line. Mine was replaced under warranty at two years. The other weakness which comes to mind is the failure of the infotainment (I hate that word) screen. LSPI can lead to a wrecked engine, so check the warranty will pay up.

It's essential that Motorpoint use the correct oil if they do the third service, which is only an oil change and tyre kick. Have you looked on the Astra K Forum to get a feel for the car's weaknesses? The 1.4s have been known to suffer LSPI and this led to the change in oil spec. The motoring press have always liked the Astra K. Many on here it appears buy a warranty with the way the car looks and drives being secondary. £11,500 from main dealer but price matched to Motorpoint. A 1.0 Sri Nav bought a bit over 3 years ago at 9 MTHS old and 12,500m. You won't find many Astra fans on here (or anything Vauxhall) but I really like mine.

Opel astra k forum