Faults:

Hard to fit new Stereo in and really hard to try to wire up a sub woofer and amp in the boot.

Lock on boot starting to go really stiff.

General Comments:

This car I love so much really handles well and has good power behind it.

Interior off the car is very nice and well designed.

Would highly suggest the car to someone who was looking.

The bloke who said it as top speed of 105 as bad eye sight cause I have had 125 mph.

Money he spent as well is way over the top was the head gasket gold plated or something?

Faults:

1. Head gasket leaking, water squirting out of cylinder block 4, cost £120 to repair.

2. Both front brake disc's and pad's worn, had to be replaced.

3. Both rear brake drum cylinders leaking.

4. Handbrake only working on 1 side.

5. New spark plugs and leads fitted.

So far I have spent £300 on repairs on this car and have only owned it for 1 and a half months.

General Comments:

Quick for a 1.4i single point injection 60bhp engine according to me, others may disagree. Not the best top speed, only about 105mph.

Faults:

Apart from the usual brakes & exhausts, nothing mechanical has failed.

The lower console lights (I.e. behind the air controls) failed in 1999.

The radio also started to fail in 2000 (but it's still hanging on).

Lots of rattles, but turning the stereo up seems to get rid of them!

General Comments:

This car is nothing special, but it is a very good all-rounder.

I've done over 60,000 miles in four years and it's a very cheap and comfortable car to drive.

Sure, it could do with better handling and more power, but if that's what you're after, you're looking in the wrong place (I.e. you should really be looking for at least a 1.8i with 16 valves).

I'm almost certain my next car will be a new Astra (I'm hoping to get 120,000 miles out of my current Astra). It looks and handles better whilst still retaining the low running costs.

Faults:

Very noisy cam belt jockey.

Driver's seat does not sit right in the seat rails.

General Comments:

The car is fast and holds the road well.

Very good on fuel if not pushed, I did 305 miles and used 3/4 of a tank, all on the motorway staying at around 70 to 80 mph.

Down side is the insurance, group 14, not cheap.

Faults:

Four fan belts snapped in the first month of ownership. Problem corrected after consulting a mechanic acquaintance.

Poor pick-up on acceleration.

Sound of gushing water - possible leak into the dashboard area.

Rear wiper un-operational.

General Comments:

Relatively smooth handling and comfortable drive for the amount paid.

Low insurance.

Good looking car, particularly for younger drivers.

Easily modified.

Very good in a rear end collision. Although written off, the wheel well collapsed perfectly as it's supposed to and no injury to driver or passenger, despite being hit at 45mph.

Faults:

Alternator at 60000 miles.

General Comments:

Absolutely stunning car and still a head turner. Not much in the hot hatch range will touch this little beast.

Can't find a suitable car to replace this with so I think I'll have to keep it for a few more years!!!