Faults:

Exhaust, suspension bushes, central locking failed, air flow sensor, slight oil and coolant leaks, clutch judder, mostly wear and tear for the age and miles.

General Comments:

Common silver Astra with the 1.4 petrol engine. Last of the older shape on an 09 reg. A really basic car, but did me well for many years. Some expensive bills aside, it was a dependable cheap to run car as expected of cars in this class.

SXi model is mid range, enough electrics. Seats are OK, but the car's ride was a bit bouncy. Quiet enough at cruising speed however.

1.4 was not very fast, but always did over 40 mpg if you took it easy.

I don't have many negatives to say about this car, other than it is pretty boring and a Ford Focus is better to drive. But if you want a no fuss family car, the Astra is always a safe choice of any generation.

Faults:

Mostly wear and tear. I replaced the front shocks at the last MOT. Exhaust was an advisory. Small oil leak as well. No major issues, but the car is older and higher mileage so has seen better days, looking rougher now. I do still service it on time and try to look after it best I can.

General Comments:

My silver Astra Elite is the top spec and one of the last models of this 5th generation before the newer model 6th gen came out later in 2009.

I happen to really like this older model best. It's nothing special, but it is a dependable and simple car that won't let you down if you look after it.

Elite model has the lot. Electric everything, comfy seats. Nice and smooth drive.

1.6 petrol does 37 - 40 mpg on average, and performance is OK, but not a fast car.

It is just a great little car that I hope to keep a long time; despite the age and mileage it is still going strong!

Faults:

The car had a lot of work done to it upon purchase, including any belt changes done, I have only replaced the brake pads and tyres, and battery. That is all in 4 years. I do the oil change and service myself - very easy to do with video guides online.

General Comments:

Bought this Astra a few years ago as a cheap runabout and it has been excellent, did not think it would last this long but it has!

Not bad looking in silver, but a very common colour. Alloy wheels still look good. Interior is comfortable, SXi is a pretty basic spec, has electric windows and A/C but that is about it. Seats are nice though.

Not bad to drive, handling is actually quite nice and smooth. 1.4 is slow but it is reasonable to tax and insure, plus you can get 40 - 45 mpg.

Overall probably the best cheap runabout you can get if you find a looked after one.

Faults:

Nothing, but I've only had it for a year.

General Comments:

Got a good deal at 5 years old with under 60k miles. Entry-level Life model, so no frills, but covers all the basics. The Ford dealer seemed to want it off the forecourt, but was pleasant to deal with and not pushy.

It's a far better car than its image suggests. Handling is surprisingly good for an estate and the seats are supportive and comfortable. The engine is noisy, especially when cold at idle, but I've come to like its throaty rumble. The gearbox is slick and precise with a short throw. It pulls well enough and I get 600 miles out of a full tank of diesel. The brakes are progressive and not too sudden. Boot space is obviously good, and with the rear seat backs folded down, it will swallow a lot of stuff.

Faults:

Water runs in through open front windows, even if just after a screen wash, and at slow speeds, doesn't appear to have any form of drip strip or gutter. Advised by main dealer to 'make something to stop it yourself'!

Door/boot open warning light stays on constantly and beeps for first few miles. Started at 1500 miles.

When raising more than one window at a time, one of the windows pulls back down. Started at 1800 miles. 4 window raise button intermittent.

General Comments:

After waiting over 8 weeks longer than the original delivery date, I find myself disappointed with problems so early on in ownership with this vehicle. Currently back at main dealer to be hopefully sorted.

Sport model is a sport only by name. Hard seats give little comfort, and almost no bolster support when cornering. 1.8vvti engine seems lacking in power, not faulty, just not as powerful as say, a Toyota 1.8vvt.