Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (2009 - 2015) 1.4i 16V SRi (06/12-) 5d (2012/62) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

People seem to like it, but then they haven't had to fork out for the repairs.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, too unreliable.

What are you likely to buy next?

BMW 1-series. Mercedes A or C class.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,000

When did you buy the car?

November 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looked like a good deal, nice looking motor, read good reviews.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Boring. No feel in the steering. It's comfortable, but not, hey let's go for a drive so we can enjoy the car, comfortable. Acceleration is poor. It accelerates a lot slower than my wife C3 that has 20 less bhp. The pillars at the front are in the worst place I think VX could have put them, therefore making pedestrians crossing sometimes a little difficult to see.

What's it like to park?

For what it is, I think the car is overly wide. Visibility out of the back is great when parking, but even as high as I am in the seat, you cannot see enough of the front of the car when parking.

Have you had any problems with the car?

YES, numerous things. The ESP warning light comes on at random, dropping the power output of the car significantly, with seemingly no cause. The coil pack needed replacing as it had gone kaput and the car was running on 3 cylinders, however the EM light never came on to let us know before it was too late. The car is, as I write this review, in the garage having the fuel intake fixed. The bulbs, no matter where they are from, do not last in this car.

What's most practical about your car?

Large boot, good space in back.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

None, it's pretty bog standard.