Vauxhall Astra Coupe (2000 - 2004) 2.2i 16v Bertone 2d (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I was too tight to buy a Toyota Celica. Don't really care!

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

Wow, handy, she has a car, I can cadge a lift. Not sure they are really that shallow. Some have said "ooo, posh car" when viewing from the rear, then they realise it is an Astra!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not really, had one now. Nice car and all, but I like to try new things.

What are you likely to buy next?

Would love an Audi A4 Cabriolet, but not sure budget will stretch any time soon - I can dream though.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,995

When did you buy the car?

July 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Surely this is all relative - does any ione really buy a car thinking "yeah, I'm being completely ripped off". We all like to think we out smarted the man with a bad Cockney accent.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

My BMW was starting to cost a lot to run and had a very heavy clutch. Wanted a cheap piece of fun - fiance had previously had the 1.8 edition and it was funny to out do him!

What was the dealer like?

Sorry to be facetious but as we are not naming the dealer here do you really need to know. They were non-Vauxhall, but nice guy.

What's it like to drive?

Fun!! Have driven better, but for the money you can't go too wrong. Suspension could be a bit sportier, can wallow a bit too much round corners for a coupe. It is carrying a lot of weight up front with the 2.2 lump, so that can effect things a bit. Actually found the 1.8 a little sharper. If you want good handling get an Audi!

What's it like to park?

It has a spoiler on the back so you can see where it ends when reversing. Bit of a pain in tight car parks as the doors are huge, heavy and swing out far - squeezing out at a funny angle is not attractive.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nope, not beyond usual wear and tear. I only do 7-8K a year and bought it on very low mileage , so has not had a hard life.

What's most practical about your car?

Can still get 2 tall mates in the back, although they get merely a peep hole to look out of. About as practical as any other 4 seater car on the road with a bit of poke.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Not really bothered, although by default got a highly speced one. The trip computer is pretty handy, and it annoys my fiance as his 1.8 did not have one - hehe!