Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (2004 - 2010) 1.9 CDTi 16V SRi (150ps) 5d (2008/08) 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?
Not much, not a would be boy racer, though I still enjoy the associated performance it provides.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
It looks like a regular hatch and being black it doesn't look outlandish, so I guess they probably don't give it much thought.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Without hesitation if the reliability of the current/future models is as good. Servicing every 20,000 miles is excellent. It's done 102,000 miles now and even the cam belt service was very reasonable.
What are you likely to buy next?
I will be seriously considering another Astra hatch, or possibly estate.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£9,600
When did you buy the car?
January 2009
Did you get a good deal and why?
I bought the car from a car supermarket. The car was keenly priced (about £1,000 less) compared to similar stock anywhere in Kent. There were a number of similar models to select from and compare.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Good write ups for reliability & lower running costs/servicing/parts than foreign alternatives.
What was the dealer like?
Excellent, not pushy and happy to negotiate for cash on the initial price. I managed to get the initial price from £10,600 down to £9,600.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Very comfortable on sort/long journeys. Good allround visability, night diving fine even though not halogen, lights provide good forward road illumination. One drawback are the tyres-useless when roads have any ice on them. I'm now considering a separate set of winter tyres on steel rims.
What's it like to park?
Very easy, except you need to be careful not to get too close to the kerb. The alloys are easily damaged - I have the rims to prove it!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
No, it's been very reliable.
What's most practical about your car?
Reliability, starts first time every time and considering the sports engine I still get 48-52mpg, more if more sedate-great.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Sports button - delivers extra torque & great for overtaking On-board computer - good for monitoring fuel consumption.
