Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (1998 - 2005) 1.4i 16V LS 5d (1999/T) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

unfortunetly edgeing towards family man, but with a few modifications it's changed the image. i seem more like a responsible driver, but keeping my style (not family man just yet!)

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

majority say's its a very nice car. some say an extremely great bargain.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes because its a very reliable car. With plenty of modification options. if not for modification then because of its common-ness parts are easy to find and can be cheap.

What are you likely to buy next?

Astra GSI (now bought a coupe instead!)

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,300

When did you buy the car?

January 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes i got a great deal! because at the time the market value of the car was £1600 but found this one for £1300 although originally it was up for £1400 manage to get the price down because of petrol cost (the tank was near empty) and the parcel shelf was missing

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Slipped on ice on the other car, needed another car and I'd like the look of the Astra g (mk4) and always fancied having one so chased one down and now i got her!

What was the dealer like?

well not shes not a dealer, but she was very nice, helpful and very honest.

What's it like to drive?

It is an amazing little engine (1.4 16v) despite it being small it performs very well, its 88bph standard but on the rolling road mine had 105.5bhp (slightly modified though) Even had some friends of mine being in the car and accused of it being a 1.6! but this next part is where it shows it's 1.4-ness if you have more than 2 passengers then that the car feels sluggish, it'll still pull, but not as much and when braking you have to put the pedal down more than usual, probably best to get uprated brakes if your a bit edgy about that. Going up hills fine, as long as your in the appropriate gear for the speed, like it any car really. motorway driving is better than the corsa 1.2 8v as the revs are slightly lower, so it waste less fuel in a certain way.

What's it like to park?

believe it or not, its easier to park than the Corsa! this is because of the wing mirrors being bigger and able to see more. but thats just me others will probably differ

Have you had any problems with the car?

Well a head gasket has gone, but that was because i was driving it like a nut admittly. But in general no (touch wood) this car's possibly the best car i've driven or owned but can't really say much as this is only a 2nd car.

What's most practical about your car?

To me: Sporty look with alot of practical space, with a nippy 1.4 16v engine. Boot space is massive in comparison to the Astra H mk5! so its very good to store stuff in. 5 doors so i don't have to keep moving my seat to let people in.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Well being only my 2nd car, pretty much everything! Seats to go up and down! steering wheel adjustable too! and also wing mirrors fold in.... very handy as people like to drive into my wing mirror of my previous car!! remote central locking is also handy specially when you never had it before. and also a massive glovebox as well as a big boot space! (ok i'm easily impressed but my last car didn't have this much stuff!)