Faults:

Turbo.

Clutch.

General Comments:

The Astra GTC is an incredible looking car. A world away from the regular Astra in regards looks.

Sport model is the most basic, but the car's interior is comfy and has enough electrics.

Pretty fun to drive, the 1.4 turbo petrol engine is nippy enough while doing around 38 mpg or more.

The car isn't unreliable, but that turbo and clutch replacement cost me quite a bit, but expected wear and tear of age and miles, plus I don't think the previous owner took care of this car well.

Don't know if I'd buy another, decent enough little car but just a bit overpriced on the used market, though you could say that about a lot of cars these days.

Faults:

Just a service and tyres, but I have only had it about a year.

Knocking noise from the rear, probably just suspension, will have it checked soon.

General Comments:

A smart little coupe/hatch, this Astra GTC stands out from the regular Astra massively.

SRi is a nice spec. 1.4 turbo engine is a good one, not a fast car but does you a solid 40 mpg or more driving carefully.

Ride a little firm but not uncomfortably so.

A great looking, fun to drive, cheap to run modern car, what's not to like? Try one.

Faults:

Repaired before collection:

A/C compressor, radiator and seals.

Replacement rear window (failed heater / antenna element).

General Comments:

The car made possible by Vauxhall's investment in the VX220, and gaining an appreciation of car dynamics to match their engine prowess.

To me this is extremely pretty, yet purposeful, while the interior is a fag paper from matching the quality of some of its more prestigiously branded German products. The ICE is more than decent quality, and everything works in a damped and creak-free manner.

Small touches, both technical and cosmetic make for an extraordinarily capable car , full of surprise and delight features.

The custom Recaros are glorious, for example, feeling a tad firm upon first sitting in them, only to find they feel exactly the same 300 miles later.

The engine has enough power to meet absolutely any real-world need, and the handling - progressively brilliant through the three modes - is amongst the best available. This VXR has similar performance to a Ferrari 328 GTS, for example, with none of the compromises of that beautiful Italian machine.

The VXR genuinely gives a taste of supercar beauty, performance and class, while being a million times more forgiving than any supercar. I hope not to end up losing it like so many supercar drivers on Youtube.

I submit this is a supercar for everyman. I have not envied a single other driver since driving this.

Faults:

Other than basic servicing and wear and tear, very little. I have not put much mileage on this car however in the 5 years I have had it.

General Comments:

Astra 1.6 Elite in dark grey. Not much to look at, but a fine looking car with nice wheels. I bought this as a reliable second car in the family to run about in and it has been perfect transport for me.

The Elite model makes all the difference, everything is electric and the leather seats are very comfortable. Top of the range I believe, not counting the sportier models.

1.6 petrol is a fine unit, quiet and refined about town and can move fast when it needs to. You'll get well over 40 mpg as well if you cruise slow. The car handles nicely, nothing exciting, but does the job.

In conclusion if you want a reliable modern car, you are spoilt for choice in the family hatchback range. The Ford Focus and Renault Megane might offer a more exciting drive, but the Astra is worth a look if you want ease of ownership and low running costs.