Vauxhall Astra TwinTop (2006 - 2010) 1.8 VVT Design 2d (2007/07) 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?
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They're envious - they love the style - and the roof mechanism!
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes - value for money, good performance and decent looks. Plus a good way to top up the tan!
What are you likely to buy next?
No plans to trade it in - can't wait for the summer again!
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£0
When did you buy the car?
December 2009
Did you get a good deal and why?
Think the snow being on the ground meant they were keen to move a convertible!
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
We wanted a convertible and liked the shape of the Twintop, and the price compared to other convertibles!
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Easy drive, and surprisingly manoeurvrable for town driving (preferable to my other half's Insignia). Reasonable on the motorways and no real complaints but not massively smooth at high speeds or powerful (Insignia much more comfortable then).
What's it like to park?
Not a problem given the parking sensors installed on mine which I would highly recommend.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
A few times in the first year, when we took the roof down a particular mechanism flap didn't open so the process of taking the roof down stopped midway, but when we reversed the procedure and started again it fixed itself and that hasn't happened in the last year so it may just have been lack of use from the previous owner. Also I once placed a long package across in the boot, resting on 2 side panels which are meant to be kept clear, which meant that the roof had nowhere to go into, and a part buckled as the boot couldn't close properly, but my local dealer kindly forced it back into place for no charge - I have learnt my lesson on how NOT to place things in the boot!
What's most practical about your car?
The screen that pulls across in the boot to ensure your luggage is safely below the roof fold down position (despite the incident above re the side panels when I ignored the warning signs), and the windbreak screen that goes across when the top is down - I leave these across most of the time, as very infrequently have passengers in the back, so can simply press the button to take the roof down without any preparation.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Despite the above incidents, the clever way in which the metal top folds down neatly at the touch of a button, James Bond style. Also, our car came fitted with reversing sensors which is very handy given the limited view through the rear screen - so good that my other half got the same on his Insignia.
