Vauxhall Astra Hatchback 1.6i LS 5d (1998/S) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Bought it for £8000 from a main dealer with 14,000 miles, part ex'ed it for £1,200 with 106,000. Not too bad.
Costs
Hmm, 3 exhaust valves in six months (warranty), new driver's airbag explosive (warranty), front wiper motor andlinkage (quoted £115 to £130 from main dealers plus Labour & VAT).
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On the road
Driving
Good handling, although the back can get a bit lively when pushed. Has inherited the Vauxhall skidaway in the wet that all Vauxhalls, without traction control, have.
Performance
Good, although it did drink more as it got older. You can't always tell it's only an 8v until to get to 80mph+.
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Living with it
Reliability
A few early problems, then nothing until the mileage went over 100k, then it got a bit coughy.
Image
It looks good, it drives well. Image is for people with no self-confidence.
Comfort
Comfy seats and lots of storage room.
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Security and Service
Security
Never broken into, even when I left the stereo facial from my Sony unit on.
Service
They fixed it, but it wasn't the cheapest once the Network Q ran out. Of course, the fact that I brought it back the day I bought it because the N/Side front & rear lights failed didn't help.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
OK, apart from 3 Exhaust sensors and 1 refusal to start.
Other
Tendancy to eat light bulbs like sweeties. Ex Vauxhall man told me that there is a fix for this (extra resistor circuit), but they didn't fit them unless specifically asked, and Vauxhall didn't annouce the fix very loudly (allegedly!)
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