Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (2004 - 2010) 1.3 CDTi 16V Life (90ps) 5d (AC) (2006/56) 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?
Nothing at all
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Looks nice, but they don't have to drive it.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No, Vauxhall reliability is questionable and access is hopeless. Doors have a tendancy to close on their own, with quite some force, and indicators tend to turn them selves off when you least expect them to.
What are you likely to buy next?
Nissan Note 1.6 Tekna auto, miles ahead of the Astra. If the choice was another diesel, I'd be tempted to get the 1.5 D-DI Auto Mitsubishi Colt; much more fun. better equipped, much more room, better access and storage, and the drive is far superior
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£0
When did you buy the car?
October 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Not applicable
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Motability
What was the dealer like?
OK, have used them before, but could be a tad sloppy when it comes to servicing arrangements and letting you know what work is carried out.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Drives like a tank (what I imagine a tankl would drive like!) Have to really work the gears, and due to slow turbo resonse, speeds up to 20-30 mph can produce a few scary moments when leaving junctions, roundabouts, and lights. Then it shoots off like a rocket! Driving position itself is not bad, with seat height adjusment and height and reach steering adjustment. Fuel economy is around 52 mph.
What's it like to park?
Parking is ok as all round visability is not that bad, and the large rear view mirror gives a good view out of the rear window. Side mirrors coul have been bigger, though, and electric mirrors would deffinately have been a plus.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Engine suffered serious power loss when acellerating to 60+ mph, producing extreme shuddering and forcing you to slow down, change lane,and drop gears to compensate. Been in garage 3 times, and now the second time a brand new vauxhall has had engine trouble in 2 years.
What's most practical about your car?
Not really a 5 seater due to lack of rear centre headrest, odd for a car that boasts a 5 star NCAP rating. Absolutely useless storage for drinks, cans etc,; front door pockets will hold cans/bottles, but try and get them out! No cubby holds on huge dash area seems a major design error.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Air con is good, and cd works fine, as does the radio - only redeaming qualities.
