Faults:

Injector failed

Differential seal needed replacing.

General Comments:

It's not quick and it's not trendy, but the Astra estate is dead practical and I've had excellent value out of mine. You can throw it round corners for a bit of fun, it certainly handles as well as anything else I've driven.

The dash is basic, but simple and there are are some nice touches like the clock that sets itself from the RDS radio signal - the latest Focus doesn't do that!

I've only had good experiences with the Vauxhall dealers I've used (Horns in Stockport, Grasmere in Crewe, Lookers in Ellesmere Port) and on the few occasions it's needed attention they've sometimes charged less than the original quote, so I don't get the feeling they're ripping me off.

Faults:

Shortly after purchasing the car I noticed a flat point in the engine in which it seemed to cut out when slowing down to idle. The warranty covered this.

Suspension has seemed to soften up probably due to fast, hard cornering :P.

General Comments:

The car when driven hard is surprisingly nippy It’s very economical for a 1.8 and delivers more than enough power for us young drivers. For a car at insurance group 9 it aint bad.

I advice changing ur standard air filter for an induction kit as this proved to even the power out from 2500 - 6500 rpm. Standard figure 0-60 is 8.5 seconds with induction kit around 8 seconds which is all good :D. Interior is dull, but functional, sports seats seem to do a good job at holding you in place. The handling is good for a fairly big car!! To add one more point, my girl friend Heather loves it!

Faults:

The engine is the 8-valve unit and hated going above 85mph. There were problems with the spark plugs and smooth running.

General Comments:

This car is a really refined place to travel in. There is a feeling of solid build and very quiet, with minimal road and engine noise.

Very comfortable and smooth. It handles well too.

But there is a boring feel to it and the interior is depressingly gloomy especially without a sunroof.

Bland styling inside and outside, but typical of the class.

We had a 1993 model VW Golf 1.6 before that. The Astra looks better, is much nicer to drive and is far, far better value and read this: Its better built!

Faults:

Overall, the car has proved fairly reliable, just minor infrequent faults arise.

Burning smell, located exhaust, fuel filter clogged.

Coolant problem, car refused to start, dodgy temperature gauge.

Power steering, very noisy, always has been.

Brakes, no ABS (which I miss) have failed to apply twice. Airlock in the front brakes, low brake fluid.

General Comments:

The Astra is a very good car, fairly cheap to run, looks don't excite, but the SXI tries to make it stand out from the rest of the Vauxhall range.

Handles very well and is a very fun car to drive, inspires confidence.

Performance, very quick for a 1.6 off the mark, progress through the gears is more leisurely. Engine is very quiet.

Comfort, not great, but adequate, seats typical Vauxhall hard and firm, but not uncomfortable.

Vauxhall dealership experience, terrible, bits of the service were missed but charged, never interested with any recurring faults, thoroughly unhelpful, + £68 admin fee!!!!!!

Faults:

Bulbs behind the dash work intermittently.

ABS & TC warning lights illuminate sometimes illuminate, and don't go out until ignition is switched off and back on.

General Comments:

Handles wonderfully, sticks to the road and is fun to drive and quick to pick up speed.

Downside is the interior is pretty plain without much equipment and the sports seats are very hard.