Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (1998 - 2005) 1.6i Club 5d Auto (1999/V) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Nothing in particular. I didn't want anything flash.

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

They like the metallic green colour, it's quietness and smoothness

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, but I'd like one with cruise control for the lengthy 40mph and 50mph restrictions on all our local main roads with their attendant speed cameras

What are you likely to buy next?

Not sure about the new (Mk V) Astra. Boot is smaller and not keen on the agressive styling and small windows. I've seriously thought about a Priius as I do so much town driving.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,500

When did you buy the car?

January 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes. Good part-ex price on my old car, and sensible price on the new one, which was supplied new and serviced by the same dealer

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted an Astra, but was looking for a well-looked after auto - Network Qs website turned up an example in Wellingborough, and the dealership gave me a good price and trade in

What was the dealer like?

(York, Ward, Rowlett of Wellingborough) Excellent - I'd recommend them. One of the few family-run dealers, I was treated like a proper customer, even though I was buying a cheap Network Q car used. They even threw in a set of proper new Astra carpet mats (which I didn't ask for, so that was a nice surprise) and gave me a large bunch of flowers when I collected the car. If only all Vauxhall dealers were like this!

What's it like to drive?

Pleasant enough. Kick-down works well, and if you really need to go, pop the 'sports' button and floor it! (very rare I need to do this). It's a great family car for normal motoring. Brakes lack sharpness of some cars, and suspension is a bit wallowy round corners. This isn't a car for the 'enthusiastic' driver. If you want to belt around country lanes at stupid speeds, buy something else. But if you want a comfortable, refined 'normal' drive, then it's good.

What's it like to park?

Pretty easy. Mirrors are a good size and clear. Turning circle is good, as is rear view through a good-sized windscreen (by the standards of most modern mid-sized cars)

Have you had any problems with the car?

A couple of minor faults, one with the heater, one with the breather pipe. Unfortunately my local dealer (Marshall, Peterborough) is very poor. It's part of a large chain and appears to view customers as a pain. They were unable to fix the problem (and failed to spot a leaking breather hose at a major service). Everytime I went, there was always someone complaining. Happily I was recommended a dealer at Stamford, which now offers a collect and deliver service (for a tenner) from Peterborough. This is a family firm, and I am very pleased with the service. As ever with cars, its the quality of dealers that makes the difference.

What's most practical about your car?

Plenty of room, especially with the seats down, easy to load from rear, easy to drive and park

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Air-con and auto box!