[Doghandler]

Hi Guys,

Just waiting to take delivery of my brand new Antara Diamond AWD 163 in White, hopefully next Friday? I hope that I've made the right decision in selecting the Antara as there seems to be more negative than positives reviews about this vehicle posted on the internet, especially concerning the DPF and MPG?

Anyway a little to late to worry about that lol, looking forward to driving it and making new friends here!

Regards

Joe

 

[Inchindown]

Welcome to the forum.
I think you will find the car a lot better than any of the so-called professional reviews you will come across.

The MPG isn't the best in the class, but it's not that bad. I get an average of just over 30 mpg for my SE Nav 184 Auto AWD, (which is the heaviest car in the range), so I would expect youmight get a bit more than that.

The DPF can be a problem if you only do very short trips at low speed. I get just over 500 miles between DPF regenerations from mostly town driving and also on A/B country roads.

Not sure if the 163 Diamond comes with a trip computer, but it's harder to manage theDPF without one, as the trip computer will indicate when a regeneration is taking place.

Edited by: Inchindown

 

[Dilligaf]

Hi Joe and welcome to our forum. The issues with the Dpf and mpg are standard on a lot of cars, if you look at different forums from other manufacturers there are similar complaints.
I've had my 184se for 12 months and she is a pleasure to drive. All cars have different characteristics of which people either love or hate.
This is only my 2nd vauxhall I've owned, my wife was so impressed that she bought herself a mokka and loves it very much
There is plenty of good information on here and if not just ask. The Guys and girls on here are great.
I hope you have no regrets and again welcome.

Andy

 

[Doghandler]

Thanks Guys for the warm welcome, I'm looking forward to driving my Antara the diamond has a multi-function trip computer, which I assume is what is used to monitor DPF etc?

I guess when you read negative reviews/comments, especially from current owners about the vehicle it does make you wonder if you've made the right choice?

Anyway let's be positive and enjoy...lol

 

[Inchindown]

Thanks Guys for the warm welcome, I'm looking forward to driving my Antara the diamond has a multi-function trip computer, which I assume is what is used to monitor DPF etc?

I guess when you read negative reviews/comments, especially from current owners about the vehicle it does make you wonder if you've made the right choice?

Anyway let's be positive and enjoy...lol

Just a note of clarification.

The trip computer does not actually monitor the DPF. All that happens is the instantaneous MPG figure on thetrip computer suddenly drops and stays low until the regeneration is over. The readings for coasting and idling also change during a regeneration.

Once you get used to your car, you should see a pattern of how the DPF is working. It's then just a matter of watching out for a regen when you get near to your regular interval. The interval will be unique to you and your driving profile. When it happens, just get your revs up above 2000 and keep driving until the MPG figures return to normal.

My last regeneration lasted for about 20 miles with the revs at 3000 in 4th gear doing 60 mph. Not many places up here in the Highlands where you can get above 60 legally.

 

[Grumps]

Welcome to the forum Joe.

I'm sure your will love your Antara.

So can I asume you also have a dog

 

[Doghandler]

Hi Grumps,

Yes I do have a dog, two actually, both German Shepherds. However my user name has more to do with my job

 

[Off Road Doc]

Hi Joe and welcome to the Forum. Iam sure once you start driving your Antara you will know you have made the right choice. As already said, forget about the so called professional views, what really matters is the views of real people, real drivers and owners of the Antara. Through time you will make your own mind up, but Iam sure the Antara will win you over. Forget about the mpg, you do not buy an SUV in the hope it gives the economy of a 1.1 ltr town car......Just enjoy your shiny new toy !!

 

[Doghandler]

Hi Off Road Doc,

Thanks for the welcome and you're right, I'm going to enjoy my new toy along with my wife nagging me about the running costs

 

[Grumps]

Hi Grumps,

Yes I do have a dog, two actually, both German Shepherds. However my user name has more to do with my job

Hi Joe thanks for that. Great dogs GSD's but I'm a bit biased we have a 12 week old white GSD. It been a few years since I have had a puppy. I forgot how much work it was.

Have a look at This thread.

He has grown a bit since those pics were taken.

I know who to ask for training tips then

Btw do you work for the police or military? I have a neighbour who is a police dog handler.Edited by: Grumps

 

[Antarius]

Hi Joe and welcome to the club

I'm sure that you'll still enjoy your Antara despite what the "press" say

 

[Doghandler]

Hi Grumps,

Love your pics, don't see too many white GSD? I'm a Police Dog Handler, have been for the last 30 years and I'm ready to retire, hopefully very soon lol

Here's a pic of my two

 

[Grumps]

Hi Grumps,

Love your pics, don't see too many white GSD? I'm a Police Dog Handler, have been for the last 30 years and I'm ready to retire, hopefully very soon lol

Here's a pic of my two

Well the white gsd's are not common and tbh traditional GSD breeders don't like people breeding anything but the traditional Black and Tan. The kennel club only started accepting them a few years ago.

I wanted a breed I knew and loved a GSD and my wife wanted a retriever so he was the compromise lol.

Are both of your GSD'S police dogs? Will you be keeping both dogs when you retire?.

 

[wilma08]

Hi dog handler, I am waiting on my white se nav (184 bps) antara due 6th May 2013 or so they say I track her everyday about 6 times a day, I am looking forward to getting heras I drive a chevrolet captiva and they are supposed to be the same so no worrys there because she is a lovely car to drive, although miles to gallon are not great about 28 on a bad day or 30 /35 on a good, we have always driven 4x4s since our daughter was born 16 yrs ago so we know what to expect , you will love it.
I see you come from Yorkshire our daughter loves going to York and the areas around York we were there at the beginning of the month for a few days it was great.
We also have a dog who will be 8years old on the 7th June 2013 she is a Rottweiler x with a German shepherd and what a great family dog she is.

 

[Doghandler]

The one on the left is my Police Dog, who will be 7 y/o in Sept he was imported from the Czech Republic I think the force paid around £3500 for him? The other one is a bitch, she's just a pet and yes both will be staying with me when I retire.

 

[Doghandler]

Hi Wilma,

Thanks for your message, only a few more weeks to go and you'll be driving around in your new Antara? I would have loved to get a SE version with all the extras, but had to settle for a Diamond in White instead

I live on the coast, so not to far from York? it's not a bad place to live, however when I retire I will be moving to Malta so not sure how driving a Antara AWD will fit in? It never snows over there, just plenty of sun

 

[Grumps]

I would have loved to get a SE version with all the extras, but had to settle for a Diamond in White instead

I live on the coast, so not to far from York? it's not a bad place to live, however when I retire I will be moving to Malta so not sure how driving a Antara AWD will fit in? It never snows over there, just plenty of sun

Haha it must be a police thing, you sound like John our very own Antarius he was in the same line of work as yourself but minus the dog. He had to do all his own barking and biting. Anyway he blames the fact that he's a hard up retired policeman now and couldn't afford an SE.

I'm sure the Diamond will be great and you picked a good colour. Although living in Malta you could have bought a push bike to get around. There can't be that many miles of roads to drive on.

 

[Dilligaf]

Hey Grumps, is me or do you think there is a porky telling retired police person on this forum.

 

[wilma08]

The police always say they are hard up and yet they get more than the poor nurses who can actually say they are hard up and mean it, my poor hubby is at the top of the wage pay for psychiatric nurse at £27500 and has not had a wage rise in 4/5 years , do not quote me but I think they are getting a half percent or even a big one percent this year.
The abuse and threats he gets are seen as part and parcel of the job, I resigned 8 years ago as I had injured my back a some 24yrs before when lifting a obese patient to transfer her to a wheel chair, and when health and safety was not as apparent as today.
I was getting to the stage that I could not restrian patients or chase after them when they absconded in the time I was in nursing I had my nose broken twice, been asulted numerous times chased with knifes threatened to the fact that security would escort you to your car so that you could get home properly. So Police and Firemen stop moaning about pensions and think about how much your counterparts get who work with unpredictable vonrable people and don't even get the recognition for it.
My rant is over, so boys and girls if any ? girls enjoy this part of your life and drive these cars.Edited by: wilma08

 

[Dilligaf]

I support all our emergency services and our armed forces and think that they are all under payed.
My Wife has only been a nurse for two years and is at the lower end of the pay scale and like yourselves suffers abuse from patients. I don't think that there is enough protection for any medical staff.
I agree with the Government that we need to cut our deficit, but it's all done in the wrong places.

SORRY doghandler for hijacking your page. ..only joking John.