Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (1998 - 2005) 1.6i Club 5d (2003/03) 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?
It says I love driving.... (no I ain't a rep either !!!!)
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They think it's very comfortable, albeit without a lot of fancy toys.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, although I never want to sell it, ever.
What are you likely to buy next?
I haven't considered replacing it but if I had to, it would probably be something with good MPG and very cheap running costs, like a Citroen C3.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£4,995
When did you buy the car?
October 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Not bad, took both my cars as part exchange and gave me some money back.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
To replace 2 x Fiat Stilo's I ended up owning... thinking I could sell one of them (got second at bargain price) only didn't think what I'd do if I couldn't sell either. Oops.
What was the dealer like?
Very helpful, he was a friend who sold me the car (doesn't work there now though!!)
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Fantastic. It's the easiest, most comfortable and relaxing drive I've ever driven. I once drove a Jaguar and was glad to get back into my Astra, it's that nice. Only slight criticism is that the seat seems to want me to sit to the left hand side for some bizarre reason.
What's it like to park?
Easy. The view from all around is superb and the mirrors are excellent too. If only they were heated for in the winter.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Yes, the EGR (Exhaust Gas Relay) valve has gone a couple of times (making us wait on M1 in November and it was freezing!!). It likes burning oil too. Other than that though, I can't think of anything else.
What's most practical about your car?
Room inside. Managed to get wife, 3 kids and luggage, prams, Travel Cot and Moses basket etc. all in car comfortably for a few days in Blackpool. It's also the only car that I've ever owned that I have not wanted to sell, which is something as I get bored of cars really quickly !!!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Front windows can be opened/closed if engine is turned off and key left in ignition.
