Faults:

New alternator at 95,000 miles.

New relay for hazard light switch.

Exhaust mid section.

New windscreen wiper motor.

General wear and tear - oil changes, belts, etc.

General Comments:

One of my first cars, and although a bit dull being the Merit (basic spec) model, it was dependable and decent to drive.

Interior was nothing special with grey plastic everywhere, typical 90's Vauxhall. But the seats were comfortable even on long journeys, and the dash was clearly laid out.

The 1.4 petrol engine gave OK acceleration but was of course no race car. Economical though, and even with the auto box, it managed enough power on motorways and longer drives. Would have loved more power though. GTE/GSi models - I'm looking at you ;)

Paintwork was a dull matte blue, but after putting on some alloy wheels it looked much better, and with good tyres, handled tight as well.

A classic 1990s Vauxhall hatchback from simpler times.

The car was very cheap to run and the faults listed above were mostly wear and tear and did not cost too much to replace. It was the ideal first car and never let me down, and I'll always have good memories of it. Sold back in 2007 with over 110,000 miles on it, still going strong.

Faults:

Nothing, just general maintenance.

General Comments:

This car is not the fastest car in the world, but it's built like a tank! With regular servicing, it just keeps on going, does not appear to have any rust on it, and has passed every MOT with virtually nothing needed (the odd window wiper!).

After having owned a diesel Corsa, which was very reliable (but very rusty), I decided to buy this Astra, which has the GM engine in it, as opposed to the Isuzu in the Corsa. I find it much quieter and refined, and there isn't a lot of difference in performance.

Having had a lot of bad luck with more modern cars, I would recommend one of these old diesel cars (if well looked after), as they are very simple and uncomplicated.

Faults:

Bought the car from an on-line auction, was very cheap. turn out the WHOLE exhaust needed replacing, not just the back box as I suspected... needs the lot!

Quoted £225...oops.

General Comments:

Love it!!

Even though I have the exhaust issues its great.

My mechanic patched it up with scaffold pole, weld and gun gum, and it sweet as nut, although will need doing for MOT soon.

The car is very quick, quickest car I have owned. the gearbox is clumsy though, its very close and can be jerky on changes.

The interior has worn its miles well, with only a tiny tear on drivers seat.

It has no rust at all, the arches are sweet, its all good. it has clever flip paint on it, which got scratched and is a git to match.

I had it dropped by 40mm all round, now handles very well, sticks to corners great, and you can power through even the sharpest ones, although the ride is pretty bumpy now.

But overall, I love the car, it looks a little dated now, but will keep up with all the chav hot hatches and put most of them to shame if you feel like hammering it.

Fuel economy is crap!, fill the tank up, drive round a lil bit, time to fill again!!! whether I need some mechanical help I don't know, maybe coz my last car was 1 litre 106 and used to loads to gallon?

We're gonna take it to santa pod for a laugh and see what it'll do... when I know ill add it to this.