Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (1998 - 2005) 1.8i 16V Sport 5d (2000/V) 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?
If you have it in flame red with 5 doors, I think it says you want performance alongside practicality. The astra sport is definately a bit of both. Does the same as a BMW 318 at a fraction of the cost.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They think its a nippy car thats realiable and smooth.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Definately. It's performance and handling are very suprising.
What are you likely to buy next?
I might go for the astra GSi turbo next.
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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?
£2,550
When did you buy the car?
February 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
It had 55k on the clock and was in good condition, colour was faded (red) but a good t-cut brought the car up looking new! Engine runs smooth and sounds great when you put your foot down. I think I got a good deal at 2,550
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Cheap to insure on a 1.8 engine. Great performance and handling. Like the shape of the car.
What was the dealer like?
Did not buy from a dealer
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It's great to drive, a smooth ride, even for a stiffened suspension. The 1.8 engine is a beast, I've taken on many cars in the traffic light grand prix's and held my own pretty well. Nice and comfortable and a good driving position. Great forward visibility and the mirrors are nice. Sometimes a bit tricky to reverse as the bootline is quite high and the visibility at the rear is generally not too great. Not too much of a problem though
What's it like to park?
Good driving position allows you to have a good view of the wheels in the side mirrors. I've parked in some tight places before - no problem!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The cambelt needed changing as it started to sound rattly, probably due to an old belt though. Changed rear break pads. Other then that nothing out of the usual servicing wise.
What's most practical about your car?
Very comfortable and roomy for a hatch-back. If you put the back seats forward it turns into a bed, throw in a couple of quilts and a pillow and you get a good nights sleep!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The traction control is an added bonus and the controls on the steering wheel is very useful!
