Faults:

Brake squealing, requiring several new pads at short intervals. Eventually was told it was due to incorrect caliper settings. This was rectified under warranty, but the process was nevertheless frustrating.

The reverse light switch had to be fixed under warranty.

The air conditioning stopped working, and was fixed under warranty. The problem was a computer chip.

When the car was 7 months out of warranty, the power steering pump and steering rack had to be fixed. I thought this was unusual for a car that was 3 and a half years old, with 71000 Ks on the clock. Holden agreed to cover the cost of the parts (about $2000),but I had to cover the cost of the labour. This set me back $845.I would not expect this sort of problem, especially as the car has been regularly serviced by Holden dealerships.

General Comments:

The car is otherwise a pleasure to drive, but its unreliability is wearing extremely thin.

Faults:

Squeaky brakes from the start.

30,000 Km, replace front and rear brake pads.

60,000 Km, service just completed, front and rear brake pads replaced again, front rotor disc replaced, rear rotor disc re-machined.

General Comments:

Very good off the mark.

Handles well in all conditions.

Holden told me that the rotor discs will probably need replacing at the 120,000Km service, VERY BIG EXPENSE.

Faults:

The Holden Astra, with a few exceptions is a superb motor vehicle. Looks great, runs well and is extremely comfortable. However Holden's ability to correct problems with the Astra is nothing short of pitiful.

Two seemingly small problems of both front doors creaking and clicking, and the front passenger seat rattling are two fixable problems, that despite many days in service, have not been rectified.

General Comments:

I have been authorised by Holden Australia to take the vehicle to a second authorised service centre to have these problems looked at. This service centre thankfully was able to identify the problems quickly and did fix the demister the earlier repairers broke, but as yet they have been unable to fix the other problems. My hope is that someone else may have had these problems and may be able to help me identify the solution. After 12 months of having the car looked at, I am hopeful someone may make this terrific car the way it was designed to be.

Faults:

Noise in front right of car - swaybar tightened and lubed, problem gone.

General Comments:

Superb small car. I've updated from a '93 Pulsar and the Astra is superb - particularly in handling/grip. Performance is good too, as is the solidness of the car.