Other Vauxhall Astra (2004 - 2010) models:

  • Summary

    1 out of 5 1.0

    What does this car say about you?

    That it's the best car my company would offer me at the time!

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

    It's an Astra so can't say it's ever created a conversation along these lines..

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Absolutely not. Car has been unreliable (worst crime any car can commit!!), it's uncomfortable, impractical and unrewarding to drive. And the dealer is appalling, to say the least..

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Focus or Golf

  • Buying experience

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Didn't buy from a dealer

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £0

    When did you buy the car?

    January 2008

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    N/A - company car

    What was the dealer like?

  • Driving it

    1 out of 5 1.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Horrible. Engine is very loud and economy is not brilliant, particularly during urban driving. Gearbox is stiff & obstructive regardless of temperature, ride is ridiculously firm and it's noisy at speed. This is partly due to an ill fitting passenger window/door seal, which sounds like the window isn't fully closed, even though it is. Been like that since brand new on day one.

    What's it like to park?

    Awful, rear window is tiny so it's like looking through a pill box when reversing. Much care is required in tight spaces..

  • Living with it

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Yes, a lot! It's broken down twice, due to a faulty ignition part, which took 2 attempts by Vauxhall to fix. It's sometimes very slow to start from cold, which again we're told is normal! The rear brakes became noisy in the winter, which was apparently due to a build up of road salt. Again, dealer failed to do anything about it. Think you can see the theme here. The dealer's based in Chester, just so you know...

    What's most practical about your car?

    Not a lot, but in fairness it's a fairly decent looking 3 door hatch!!

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Stereo's ok and the heating & air con is excellent but that's it really!!