Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch (2005 - 2010) 1.6i 16V SXi 3d (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?
Looks fast and flash but the car isn't fast and I'm not flash.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They love it, but they havn't tried driving it!
Would you buy this car again and why?
Definately not, too much hard work in town where I mostly drive, and a real pain to get in and out of. If you desperately want a new Astra, skip the SXI 3 door 1.6i and go for the 1.8 five door with all the extras and softer suspension.
What are you likely to buy next?
A few good sessions with the chiropractitioner, and a soft sofa.
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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?
Salesman couldn't wait to do the paperwork
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Looked nice
What was the dealer like?
Forcfull, and impatient when selling, not interested afterwards, especially when I mentioned faults.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Like a pig in town, feels heavy and sluggish, brakes pull to one side then the other (worse the faster you go and lethal) steering has far too much feel making uneven road surfaces a nightmare. Joggley ride most of the time, Engine bogs down when pulling away unless reved hard, keep getting blown away at the lights by everything including a 1.0 micra (not happy) Good on smooth open roads massive grip, especially in the wet.
What's it like to park?
Limited rear view through back screen so awkward for inexperienced, but great though if you forget your seatbelt and the law are behind you.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Hissing noise from engine, indicators steaming up, trim falling off on to my feet when driving.
What's most practical about your car?
Remote door locking, and auto headlights off when exiting car at night (open drivers door and flick the headlight flasher) Only just figured out after 8 months. Rear seating compartment is like the doctor who tardis, looks cramped from outside but big & comfy when you get in it. Boot is a joke compaired to my cavalier, cant fit anything in it.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The CD player sounds OK, Radio keeps losing stations though. (very annoying) Aircon works well.
