Vauxhall Astra faulty coolant thermostat

Hi best get a price from a local garage and compare prices . But it's possible to do it yourself if your competent or no someone who is. Good luck.

Over heating

To gallas, it is starting to get warmer if I get caught in traffic but my question is it seems rather expensive price to fix it. My thought is, if it is easy to fix I'll ask a local garage or a friend. Thanks

2004 is a change point on the Astra .On some models it entailed removing cambelt to access thermostat .If that model , advisable to replace cambelt at same time and also water pump . Not a diy job if not experienced .Dealers prices always dearer than independent garage .

I'm wondering if this is one of those with no temperature dash gauge?
Just a warning led?
So you don't even know "IF" it's overheating?
and these engine do run very hot.
something like 108 degrees before the fan kicks in!!
As to taking it elsewhere.
It will still be 1 1/2 hours labour where ever you take it,
independent garages may or may not use Vauxhall parts,
So an argument for using a back street garage is they don't charge as high a rate and use cheaper parts??
And quite often parts such as these can only be sourced from the dealer,
or a quick look at Eurocar parts web site will present you with FOUR different options!
Only way to know which one is needed is to remove yours.
And believe me I've been through this,
I've done so only to be told "that" one isn't in stock and won't be there until tomorrow!
Your dealer price sounds just like that a dealers price,
they will have the part in stock and you'll get the car back in short order.
A smaller garage will do just the same job,
should cost less for the labour but for the reasons stated above you might not get it back until the day after you put it in.
Choice is yours.

Thank you 1/4drive. Yes, gauge, temp. running fine while moving, has recently started to heat up if caught in traffic. I'm also assuming the cam belt doesn't need to be removed as they have estimated it will only take about 11/2 hours and have not suggested this will need to be replaced. As they have already seen the car they will know which thermostat they need to fix it. I'm going to take it to a local garage for a look Monday before I finally decide. I guess I'm also a little concerned that does a faulty thermostat usually cause the initial 'juddering'? Thanks to all for your help.