There is a newer version of this car Read the latest Vauxhall Astra Estate (04-10) review here

Vauxhall Astra Estate (1998-2004) running costs and reliability

Looking for a different model? (change model)

Running costs rating: 4 out of 54.0

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 27 - 58 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

Good fuel economy and cheap insurance help to keep running costs down; parts and servicing costs will stay competitive to please fleet users. Depreciation will always be a problem, so carefully maintained two- and three-year old cars are the best buys for long-term ownership.

Astra performs well on the eco front. With an average of 161 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are relatively low for a small family estate. However, it’s worth noting that the line up has a high number of diesel models, bringing the average down and giving buyers more choices of low-emission versions. Diesels typically produce less CO2 than petrol engines with similar power outputs.

Eco-conscious buyers should consider the 1.7-litre diesel, which is one of the greenest models in the range. The range is also fairly economical, averaging 42 mpg.

Certainly better than the previous Astra, and the much improved build quality bodes well for the future. These fourth generation cars seem to have shaken off the engine niggles that gave older Astras such a patchy reputation.