2002 Holden Astra SRi 2.2 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Seriously good fun!

Faults:

Engine mount weakened.

Strut bearing collapsed.

Paint clear coat beginning to peel on bonnet and roof.

General Comments:

I went into the car yard looking for cars for my mother... Next minute I bought the Astra. She's a black SRi 2.2 TS series Astra built in Belgium and she goes like stink. Well built, solid body with smooth performance from the chain driven Z22 series 2.2 engine and 4 speed Borgy transmission. A few general maintenance issues, but parts are pricey for an Opel in Oz.

Seats aren't wearing very well, and the fuel consumption is not that great for a 4 cylinder, but YOU JUST HAVE TO DRIVE ONE! It handles way better than my mate's BMW 3 series, and it cost half as much.

They do not suffer the same timing belt pretensioner troubles as the 1.8 either, which is a BIG PLUS!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd October, 2013

10th Apr 2014, 21:20

I am the writer of the review above. Just thought I would provide an update since I wrote it.

The Astra is still going great (a horrible grating noise comes from the left front end when you turn right however…) but has had its fair share of issues since October.

Firstly, the power steering pump has given up… it's a slow dying issue, which presents itself firstly with a pulsation issue despite there being plenty of fluid in it. Electric power steering is by no means cheap, especially on an Astra $$$. Despite this, she still has the best road manners of any moderately priced hot hatch of the period. I love my SRi… but I also loath her repair costs at the same time.

The engine in these things are magnificent. All alloy, 16 valves and 2.2 litres of good fun with a smooth as butter 4 speed auto. Drove her to Karratha from Perth a couple months back (that's around 1650km) and she handled it brilliantly. If you are considering a VW Golf GTi of the same era… consider one of these as well… especially the 2.0 litre turbo… those things are fantastic!

In reply to 10th Apr 2014, 21:20

11th Jan 2015, 00:18

Thank you for your comments, my 2002 Astra SRi is having the same problems. Virtually 10 years of faultless driving, but now power steering problems. Something is draining the new battery, and when replaced, doing the same thing. Now they're going to change the alternator, but think there's more going on. Having said that, I love my SRi, such a great little car and so reliable (until now, but it did get me home before all the warning lights started coming on!!).

2002 Holden Astra Equip 1.8L from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A shame

Faults:

Rear discs scored at 25K.

Front scored at 35K.

Thermostat failed at 30K.

Did timing belt early. Found sensor with no insulation, avoided near catastrophic motor failure at 50K.

Ignition switch failed at 55K and again at 90K...

Air conditioning clutch solenoid failed at 60K, and again at 100K.

Seat belt tensioner (rear) failed at 80K.

Clutch at 70K.

Spark pack failed at 90K.

Throttle body sticky at 100K.

General Comments:

Drives and handles beautifully. Good compact size.

A little hesitant to accelerate hard from start, but OK.

Interior has hung together well, comfortable.

Body solid. Paint good. Good boot space.

Air conditioning not adequately cold, underpowered for Aus.

We have manual window winders, which make cup holders near useless, but perhaps we are fortunate (hearing of electric window issues).

Very awkward to do a simple oil filter change.

Reliability, and especially the brake issues, are an absolute disgrace for Opel and Holden engineers. I resolved this early with after market components at my cost within warranty. This could have been a good car with a bit more attention to engineering detail and quality parts.

My 97 Camry has had less failures in its 15 years, than the Astra did in the first 6 months. There is a lesson here somewhere.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th February, 2013