Faults:

I bought the car second hand, so there were a few things that needed to be put right.

The exhaust was a bit flaky, so got that changed.

The remote central locking keys needed new batteries.

There is a strange shuddering coming from the wheels under harsh braking.

Also, there is a strange noise is coming from the underside of the car when I am reversing.

I have been informed that it may be sticky brakes, as these may be worn.

General Comments:

This is my third car, and previous cars were compact Ford Fiesta. The Astra is a very nice "upgrade" for an 18 year old, costing the nice sum of £2000.

The cabin is quite roomy, and well built. Everything is in reach, and most of the controls are very easy to use. The dashboard has chunky buttons, which are very easy to located while driving.

The handling of the car is superb. It goes round corners with ease, and is at home on the motorway and normal roads. The seats are excellent, with very good support and adjustment.

In engine department, the car is very swift. The 1.8 engine picks up speed well from standstill, and in mid range. The engine however sounds like a diesel.. I'm not sure if this is due to old design or something else. Gear change is smooth, but is a bit notchy when changing gears quickly, which can leave you in the wrong gear at times.

The running costs of the car are very reasonable for its size. Insurance is not too painful, and the tax is moderate for a 1.8.

In conclusion, this is an excellent family car, and very good for young people alike.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong since I have bought the car.

Only the brake discs and pads had to be changed since I bought it.

General Comments:

Very nice, stylish car that doesn't cost much to own or run.

Excellent on motorways ,and grips roads well thanks to its chunky tyres and Lotus tuned chassis.

Comfortable.

Spacious interior.

I have owned several Vauxhalls in the past, and reliability has never been an issue.

Solid build quality.

Air conditioning as standard.

Faults:

Glow plugs replaced under warranty shortly after I bought the car.

Coolant leak at 50,000 miles.

New starter motor required at 54,000 miles.

Four new shock absorbers at 96,000 miles.

Replacement alternator and battery at 117,000 miles, followed by new air mass meter at 119,000 miles.

Currently the head gasket is blowing, and the front brake discs are worn out.

General Comments:

Pleasant car to drive with reasonable performance and good economy (about 55mpg). Good motorway cruising ability, and quite fun when the roads are twisty.

The seats are too firm and the interior is dull.

As it is the estate, it holds plenty of luggage and can double up as a van.

The Vauxhall radio-cassette player is dreadful and was soon replaced by a Sony unit.

The car itself is solidly built. However, it is let down by too many engine problems. I prefer the 1.9 diesel fitted to my old Peugeot.

Faults:

Passenger window is a little squeaky.

General Comments:

Very good car. I have only had a couple of months, but so far so good.

I have the 1.8 16v sxi Eco-tec engine, which is pretty good, have got 0-60 in 9.4 seconds so far, which I believe is not bad.

Handling is good, has a small, slightly heavy steering wheel, but its responsive and feels good.

Inside is not bad at all, this model has sports seats and dials, and an average CD player as standard.

Didn't come with standard Astra spoiler, so will get one fitted soon.

Love the car, mine is black, 3 door with Vauxhall alloys, and I think she looks great, younger than her 6 years. Shes fast, comfy, and forgiving, and the torque enables you to drive with minimal gear changes.

A lot of car for the money and insurance is very low too.

Love it!