Vauxhall Astra Hatchback 1984-
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Cheap to buy and cheap to run!

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    It was getting a bit old, but parts are very cheap!

  • On the road

    Driving

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Great fun - steering is very old-school. Doesn't like the wind, too.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Seems very quick off the mark for a 13 year old 1.6!

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    It's a very old car, needed new brakes, but the engine was going strong at 125k miles when I sold it.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    I'm from Essex.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Nice seats, lots of room for the taller driver.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Apparently, you can open the doors and engage the ignition with a screwdriver!

    Service

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Don't go to main dealers! A local garage will be able to get all your parts at about 1/3 of the cost. If you can't do the job yourself - minor stuff is very easy on an Astra.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Very nice and running well - needed a new spark lead, that's all.

    Other

    The brakes failed, but the handbrake worked - don't think they all do this, though.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes