Vauxhall Astra Estate (2004 - 2010) 1.7 CDTi 16V Club (100ps) 5d (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Drives because he has to. Likes the extra size.

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

I don't think anybody has commented on it. Despite being red, it doesn't stand out much.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. I would buy a larger engine size though.

What are you likely to buy next?

I hope I don't have to make this decision.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,000

When did you buy the car?

January 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

No - I bought from carcraft, for close to £1000 more for the 'piece of mind'. They then failed to live up to their promise of 1 year warranty.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Fuel efficiency and (hopefully) low maintenance costs.

What was the dealer like?

I've had a great service from the carcraft staff at Sheffield, but not so much in Enfield, where I bought my latest car. They took two days to complete an MOT because they didn't have the correct bulb for the headlight. They are next door to a halfords!

What's it like to drive?

Unfortunately 1.7 is not the best size engine for this type of vehicle and its use, also it does struggle when going uphill or if I have to break while on a motorway, it takes a while to get back to the original speed, which then makes you a potential lane hogger. From what many people have told me, a 1.9 would be a better option for my needs. The fuel consumption is pretty good, and I couldn't expect much more from it. Luckily I use the car on the motorway, which is find, but it doesn't feel that great to use in town when constantly going over speed bumps and crawling through traffic.

What's it like to park?

Fine, if you're good at parking.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The turbo has developed a high pitched 'siren' type of noise. I'm told that it is not a malfunction, but just an annoyance that I'll have to live with. It has currently done 58K. I have had to replace the intercooler but that is all. I got the car with 40K on it and have got it up to 58k without any breakdowns, and it only failed its MOT for a bulb.

What's most practical about your car?

Its size. I carry a lot of equipment for work purposes and find the space to be its best asset.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

None come to mind. By this time all car stereos should have an input for ipods/mp3s but this one doesn't. I dare say they missed a trick by not adding this extra feature that would cost about £1, but it's probably available in their deluxe model.