Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch (2005 - 2010) 1.6i 16V SXi (115bhp) 3d (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Youthfull, modern and fun.

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

Not very impressed after they keep seeing me turning up in different hire cars.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would never buy a Vauxhall again. After Arnold Clarke refused to help me anymore i got onto Vauxhall. They organised for an engineer to examine my car. While he had my car he had been smoking in it and also burnt my carpet. Nice for when my kids get in. Was told he had found faults and they would send a recovery firm to collect my car and they would be sending me a cheque out. Day when car should be picked up. No one arrives. Call up only to find out they would need to do another inspection 3 months from now as they had found out the first technician had been taking money off people for him to confirm there car has faults. Not my fault and they expect me to wait 3 months with a car i cannot drive.

What are you likely to buy next?

I have just bought a Saab 9-3 after owning a brand new Astra for only 5 months. I seriously would turn you down if you offered me another vauxhall for £100. Too much hassle ringing up scrap metal recovery to collect it.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£11,500

When did you buy the car?

June 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

I was in a rush and purchased the car only three days before baby was due as other dealer had let me down. Spotted car i liked and was told that it was sold but they would get another in. Pre registered car turned up two days later and i had no choise but to take it due to baby arriving.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I had an Astra 2.2i convertible before and had a new baby on the way so wasnt enough seats with already having two kids. Thought id stick with vauxhall as previous car was great. Big mistake as this thing is worst build quality ina car ive ever seen

What was the dealer like?

Realy nice and helpfull untill they make the sale. Arnold Clarkes gave me a keyring saying "promises delivered" Bigggest understatement ever.

What's it like to drive?

Handles great and really sticks to the road. Feels really underpowered even for a 1.6 and is just as thirsty as my 2.2i i had previously. Dont make the mistake of thinking it looks good so it must drive good. Takes the fun out of driving and you will soon be changing cars like me after 5 months.

What's it like to park?

Really easy to park. slighty more difficult than what you may be used to due to small and high back window. rearview mirror makes it look like its a limo your in

Have you had any problems with the car?

As soon as i left the showroom there was a rattle from rear suspension. Within a week the window rattled and a buzzing sound coming from under the steering wheel. Was in the garage 6 times. The result of this was a piece of doublesided tabe wedged into my mirror to stop the window rattle and i still have the rattle in rear which goes off on every corner. They cant find the fault and actually told me tough. They cant find it so they cant fix it. Oh and all cars have rattles ???? Well my previous 6 havent and i sure as hell wouldnt expect a brand new car to.

What's most practical about your car?

I know i may be going on about the faults with the car but even if there had been none, its not practical at all. I know its a small car but it does feel cramped inside. Small boot space wont fit a regular pram in

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Stereo system is pretty good for a standard fitting.