Faults:

When I first bought the car it was burning oil and was blowing a little smoke from behind. But I didn't see this as the engine management light was removed from the dash and it drove brilliantly. I think it's due to either 'sticky valves' (which is a common problem in 1.4 - 1.6 eco-tec engines) or piston rings. Other than that the car still sounded and drove beautifully.

Absolutely no other faults. Engine still started first time and went on and on even though there was something really wrong with it.

Watch for front suspension mounts. They seem to be a common problem in Astra's as they are rubber.

General Comments:

This car performs very well.

The 1.6 16v on the back does tend to attract traffic light grand prix though.

The acceleration is quick with 0-60 in 10 seconds, but engine can be noisy on motorway trips.

Lovely interior. The black dash is very posh, with a sporty feel.

Bucket seats make the ride feel sporty and very comfy.

As for the engine, it can be a little noisy at cold, but it'll never let you down. Look after it as eco-tec engines are bad boys to replace as they are expensive and complex.

I had problems with my eco-tec and I was quoted 800 - 1000 pounds to replace it, if one can be found. Then that engine could have problems too. Also mechanics 'hate' dealing with them so I had a lot of evil looks and grunts. I recommend getting a new car if it fails as mine was costing too much money to fix.

Other than that this car is beautiful. I loved it so much, its such a shame I had to let it go. I now have a 2.0 C.D.X.

Faults:

Electrical relay on the fuel pump intermittent. Difficult to diagnose, but minor fault really.

No AC, so windows steam up easily in wet weather.

General Comments:

General Motors 1.7 Turbo diesel, not the Isuzu engine. Really good, economic motoring. I particularly like the lack of minor electrical faults, or bits of trim falling off.

Very happy, looking for a new Astra now, as clutch is beginning to go. Will buy almost the same thing again...

Faults:

Slight squeaking with the handbrake after driving at speed (put it on and take it off again and it stops) which I need to get sorted out at my next service. Also CD player has become temperamental, it obviously thinks it has a better taste in music than me!

General Comments:

I love my Astra so much it is untrue. I had always admired them, forget the Audi's, the Ferrari's, and the Merc, all I wanted was a nice looking runaround car that wouldn't give me trouble and did the business at a good price. The Astra does that, and so much more.

Coming from an Automatic Fiesta 1.4 to the Astra 2.0 (still Auto) the difference was unbelievable. And unbelievably, it is BETTER at fuel consumption!

And as it's the CDX model you get the CD player, air conditioning, sunroof, sports feature and all the other little goodies included.

With the price of second hand cars very low at the moment you'd be a fool to pass up the chance.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Quick car for a 1.6 16v good round corners and very good when you push your foot to the floor.

I have had 17" alloys put on it and a K&N filter Which together cost me over £800 but the car looks a lot better.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

Very reliable.

Can get noisy at speed limits.

Handles very well because of the chunky tyres.

Very nice looking black dashboard with clear displays.

Can have a few annoying rattles like the parcel shelf and boot door wing, but nothing a bit of sound deadening wouldn't solve.

Can be fairly noisy from cold.

Gears a bit crunchy from cold.

Engines will go on for ever as-long as regular servicing.

Very easy to park.

Windows have been know to steam up easily.

Very comfortable bucket seats at the front and a lot of space on the back seats, also plenty of boot space.

Can be quite sluggish front pull off.

Very easy to clean an scrubs up very well if treated right.

Can be a bit of a pain replacing heater control bulbs.