1996 Holden Astra TR 1.6L from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
Money pit! Avoid!
Faults:
Where do I begin? I've had this car for 10 months, and it's been the worst 10 months of my life. $3,500 for the car, $1,500 wasted on registration as the car is technically roadworthy, but because of overheating issues that are costing me an arm, a leg and a kidney, I can't drive the car!
I've spent a further $2,000 on repairs so far; water pump, timing belt, thermostat, and a radiator flush (in an effort to overcome this overheating issue). I've replaced brake pads, discs & drums, and arm bushes.
I have a massive water leak, as the air con vent is stuck open; this has resulted in the central locking dying in the car, and getting in the car to find a puddle of water at the driver's feet. I'm looking at $600 to have the leak LOOKED AT, depending on how easy the fix is, possibly more, and a further $200 for the central locking (minimum), and the rocker cover gasket needs replacing as well.
I thought at first that I had just gotten unlucky, but according to pretty much ANYONE with any kind of knowledge of cars, or anyone that knows someone that has owned an Astra, this is just how Astra's are. A disgrace to the Holden badge!
You buy an older second hand car, you expect issues. But you do NOT expect issues to this extent, and you certainly don't when you paid $3,000 for it!
General Comments:
Apart from endless issues, the car interior is dull and boring, the steering wheel has no tilt, so you need to be stick thin and VERY tall to fit under it and still reach the pedals.
Also, when turning a tight corner, it feels as though your body has NO support in the driver's seat; good thing the driver has a steering wheel to hold on to, in order to keep themselves upright!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 28th April, 2013
17th Oct 2009, 03:22
I wouldn't particularly recommend one either. A key thing to know about these cars is timing belts must be replaced every 60000 thousand kilometres; these services are not cheap.
For some reason I have had problems with keeping the wheels aligned on mine, but I will say they are nice cars to drive.
For a 1.8L (mine is manual), they have a lot of get up and go, and handle very well, unlike cheaper alternatives like the Hyundais of a similar age. But otherwise they are OK cars if you don't mind the slightly higher servicing costs.