2000 Holden Astra CD 1.8
Summary:
PLEASE reconsider buying this car!!!
Faults:
Coil pack.
Throttle body.
Fuel filter.
ECU (computer).
Rust in body.
General Comments:
I bought this car for my son as a first car. It had a lot of k's, but seemed safe and reliable. My wife owned a 2002 Astra, which we've recently sold at 60,000k's (I was worried about reliability after this point, so we bought a Japanese car) however, we thought another Astra was a sure bet!! An EXPENSIVE bet, let me tell you!!
We paid $4400, which is fine as it had ABS, traction control, two airbags and power windows.
I've since forked out $2000 on the above parts (and more), and am concerned about its future reliability.
I change the oil every five thousand, clean the air filter, replace spark plugs every year, use 98 octane with octane boost.
I am looking at buying a car for my daughter, who should get her P's shortly; I'll be buying a Japanese car!!
In summary, I think the Astra's are OK up to 60,000k's (which is when you need to do the timing belt and water pump); they seem to less durable after this point.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 24th May, 2012
14th Sep 2012, 01:40
Gees, I would like to reply and say I have happily owned, and still own, a 2000 Holden Astra City hatch.
I am now on 337000k's, and honestly I can't complain about the car. You will in time with any car need to replace some things. Yes, the Astra every 60000 needs its timing belt changed. I will be honest; I got my car to 276000 and the computer died. That year was costly back then; 1600.
I will say I am still running the original clutch on this car.
I had once the water pump go on it. Yes, and well the air compressor in the aircon is dead too, but apart from that, I have never had major trouble with it.
It has gone on very many long journeys... Syd to Vic Syd to Byron many times; always has been reliable.
If you look after your car and service it when it needs servicing, I believe your car will last. I can't complain; this car is still running good, even with all these K's. The interior still looks brand new, and yes, I think I will keep this car for a couple more years. Mine has been very reliable.
Happy Astra driving.
29th May 2012, 04:18
The TS Astra ran from 1998-2005, but don't be fooled. The 1998 - mid 2001 was designated XE18E1, and the late 2001 - 2005 called Z18XE. These refer to the two different 1.8 litre engines. The latter being the updated one, which was more reliable, powerful, refined and economical. In addition to these engine changes, interior components and many other features were altered, some for the better, some for the worse.
Disappointing to hear you have had an unsatisfactory experience with your second Astra. I certainly wouldn't consider replacing the fuel filter something that has gone wrong, unless it was a major. They are not an outrageously expensive part at Holden Service Centres.
My 2002 Z18XE Astra has done almost 150,000km, and I've had it nearly 3 years. The last 6 months have been bliss; nothing more than a blown tail-lamp bulb and my frosted over headlights restored.
2011 was a dark year though, with air con, alternator bearings, thermostat, radiator and cam belt, idlers, tensioner, and water pump all replaced, and all 100% genuine.