Vauxhall Astra GTC Coupe (2011 - 2018) 1.4T 16V (140bhp) SRi 3d (2013/63) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Boy racer, young executive, snappy taste all in one (Just don't look at the badge).
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They like it, I've never had any bad comments about it.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Definitely not. I don't regret buying it, I've had my fun out of it, but I wouldn't touch another Vauxhall with a barge pole.
What are you likely to buy next?
Audi A5 sportback.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£22,000
When did you buy the car?
September 2013
Did you get a good deal and why?
I thought so at the time. But things like 0% APR, £1000 minimum part exchange etc. are all just meaningless figures on paper.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Good looks, sharp handling, cheap to run.
What was the dealer like?
Dreadful. Waited a good three weeks for delivery and they'd forgot to fit front parking sensors! Got the car home and noticed a small chip at the top corner of the windscreen, phoned the dealer up and they didn't want to know. I've had nothing but trouble with Vauxhall for years. Avoid like the plague.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Fantastic in the corners. It just grips and grips. No under steer, no torque steer, an absolute delight. The steering is slightly numb but it's a minor criticism to an otherwise excellent drive.
What's it like to park?
It can be difficult to see out of the rear windows, but once you get used to its bulky size it's pretty easy. Parking sensors are a must!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
It's been very reliable mechanically. But being a Vauxhall, electrical niggles galore. The cruise control trips itself out, the radio refuses to recognise my iPod sometimes or even tune in to any radio stations at all, the list goes on....
What's most practical about your car?
Big boot. But being a three door it's difficult to get in and out if someone's parked slightly too close. The doors are very heavy to open and close too.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Buttons on the steering wheel are handy, but too fiddly to use.
