VAUXHALL ASTRA Hatchback 1998‑2004

I bought my astra 2.0 diesel 3dr sxi (04) 2 years ago, i've had one before and it was great, I do alot of miles so good mpg, the car has recently done over 100,000 miles and cutting out when driving, took it to garage and it is the ECU unit (so the computer says) anyway repair bill is over £2500. I am not bothering to repair it as the car is not worth it. So beware buying one with high miles Big shame as loved the car.

Brilliant little car which I have owned for 4.5 years. Apart from routine servicing, only had to replaced the battery, centre section of the exhaust twice as well as the rear tailpipe exhaust section once.

Pro's

Drives nice

Quick enough for most

Cheap to run and reliable

Con's

None really just needed a larger car.

I purchased a second hand Astra in 2004 and it has been the best car I have purchased.

It is very cost effective to run, costing little in petrol.

The pro's are it is comfortable to drive, easy functions on the dashboard, has loads of space in the back when the seats are down, very reliable, always passes MOT (obviously if you drive it like an idiot, it probably wont), I can't even think of any cons at all.

This vehicle suits my lifestyle because you can drive to work in it, ideal for shopping, long trips, moving house, basically anything you want to do.

I can definitely recommend this vehicle as a good, solid, reliable vehicle for all uses.

This is in every way, fill it, shut it and forget it type of a car.In all these years not once has it every given any sort of trouble-touch wood.Always starts on the first turn of ignition.iIhave driven it far and wide and it has never let me down.

Sometime back i was meeting a friend and it so happened that he had got a new car and was selling his old one.I liked it and so bought it, wasn’t planned.If not i have no reason to sell my Vauxhall. I had recently put in a brand new battery and wheel trims (see pictures).Have got it serviced regularly from a very experienced mechanic who made it feel like a car straight from the showroom every time he serviced it.

Oil filter gasket has been replaced at the last Mot.Mot is due on 20th November.

There are a few marks on the cars and the front bumper, expected on a car of its age. Nevertheless a great first car for anyone-absolutely reliable.

Bought this car in October 2009, one of most economical cars I ever drove, £10 fuel would give around 100 miles. Owned it for 6 months not a single penny other than routine maintenance was needed......then came the dreaded 6 month and the fuel pump gave up at 101k. Garage quoted me £1200 got that done 2 weeks later the turbo blew up on the motorway and car got scrapped.

I must say compared to my current focus petrol, this astra was such a bad car to drive, seats were uncomfortable and engine was tooo noisy for a diesel. And it had no power at all, best to avoid this model and buy the 2.0 dti but be wary of the fuel pump issues, best to take out AA/RAC warranty

I've had this car for over 2 years and it has served me very well. I paid far too much for it from a Dealer, but I was in a rush so didn't have much other choice.

It's very spacious, both in the front and in the boot. All the electrics still work (the car is 12 years old) and I haven't had to shell out too much in the way of repairs. I had the cambelt and water pump changed, and had to replace the rear exhaust section because it rusted through, but that only cost £30 from ebay. Parts are very common and very cheap as a result.

The engine is a bit underpowered for the size and weight of the car, especially with a family of four in it. That said, once you get the revs up it is quite quick, but there is no low down torque. Becasue of the lower power in the 1.4 model, the gearing is also low. At 70mph it is nearly up to 4000rpm.

I would definately recommend this car to a small family or couple

I bought my 2003 (53 reg) in May 2007 when the milage was 20550 approximately. It had had two owners and the second owner confirmed the milage as genuine. It also had FSH.

Now has 56190 on the clock. and two weeks ago went through the MOT with no advisories.

Pros - For me it was the right size. It fits my rather narrow garage but is roomy enough to carry four nicely although most of my journies are with one or two only. It is a practical car and can carry reasonable loads with back seats down. The 1.6 8v engine is no ball of fire but willing and a good motorway cruiser. It handles very well compared with my previous Mk3 Astra. In town it is easy to drive and fairly quiet as it has amply torque to change up early, however it gets quite vocal when pushed over 4500 rpm. through the gears. Economy, service costs and small repairs including a cam belt change by a local garage, all very modest expenses. Tyres are not expensive.

Cons - At 35000 miles both rear springs broke. Not expensive to replace, but it should not have happened. Likewise at 42000 miles front suspension drop links had abnornal wear and failed at MOT time. Has had two EGR valves replaced in five years. Uses a drop of oil, (Magnatech 10-40 ) but I do a lot of short trips.

Road tax £180 per year.

All in all, a very decent small car. You will see plenty of S, T and V reg still on the road. Many more than similar age Escorts for examply. That says a lot for it

Purchased In 2009 Found Very Reliable!Done 15,000 Miles In It Now!Had Bottom Ball Joint Replaced,Set Of Heater Plugs,2 Tyres!Set Of Pads/Front.Apart From Normal Servicing!The Wife Says The Seats Are a Bit Hard,I Find Them Supportive!Fold Rear Seats Down Get All My Fishing Gear In,So Very Happy! It's Only Done 70,000 Miles Now!

drive very well eco on fuel and nippy handels vell lots of boot space it is easy for men and women to drive iam 6'4 and i can drive it with plenty of leg room the power stearing and air con makes it great for those hot days it will it and 100mph lol on a motor way with out trying and does bout 360 mile on a full tank of fuel

We bought dual fuel to reduce our carbon footprint. The Astra fits that bill. It is pretty reliable, but sometimes won't switch automatically as it should, especially in the winter. (For some reason it must start with petrol then switch to LPG once warm.) Occasionally the switching mechanism has caused it to stall. Otherwise we are pretty happy with it. We've been driving it for 8 years or so without any breakdowns. Fortunately we're near a Vauxhall dealer so getting the gas element service annually is no hassle. You do have to plan your refuelling on long trips, if you want to maximise the use of LPG, but there's always the petrol tank to rely on if that runs out and the switchover to petrol has always been seamless. The spare wheel has to be in the boot, as the gas is stored in the underboot area. In fact we've taken to leaving the spare behind, relying on a car battery-operated pump to help us out should we have a puncture, which (touch wood) we never have had.