Vauxhall Astra Coupe (2000 - 2004) 2.0i 16v Turbo 2d (2002/52) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Who cares! If you own one you're too busy smiling. That sounds smug but if you compare performance against some of the prestige badges (Porche, BMW, AUDI) you have to go a fair way up the range (and price) to match this minor badged car, and after all that expence will you have the load carrying capacity ? This is a large Coupe and in many ways unique.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My wife won't drive it (enough said).

Would you buy this car again and why?

Given the same cicumstances yes, but circumstances change; I now have 2 dogs and this car has a boot! Another gotcha ... this car is a 4 seater not 5, so if you need 5 seats forget it.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'm toying with the idea of a Volvo V70 T5, but I want to keep the Astra

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£12,000

When did you buy the car?

November 2003

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think I could have probably done better. I could have probably found the car slightly cheaper but I live in Lincoln and this would have required significant travel.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I needed a car that would deliver good performance with reasonable running costs while still giving enough room for family and luggage

What was the dealer like?

I have read a lot of the reviews and Vauxhall dealers seem to take a bit of a hiding, this Vauxhall dealer was fine (but then it's a family run local business).

What's it like to drive?

There is a very small dead zone on the steering so on the moterway it requires some concentration, on a country road its fantastic. It's sure footedness and power just inspire confidence, but it is not a quiet car (road noise) and some may find the suspension harsh. After 5 years it still makes me smile when it all comes together.

What's it like to park?

Until you have developed an instinctive feel for the length of the car, reverse parking is not easy as the mirrors do not give enough rear visibility due to the aerodynamic shape of the car. Be carefull in the first few months.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I have been driving the car for 5 years now; the only problem thus far has been the alarm triggering because the rechargeable battery had worn out (new sounder unit required).

What's most practical about your car?

It delivers very good performance at reasonable running costs and has enough room to take the grown up family and luggage around France for 2 weeks.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

This car comes with a lot of bits and bobs fitted as standard but daft as it sounds ... the trip computer continually updates the range on fuel remaining, and it's pretty accurate!