2002 Holden Astra TS CD 1.8 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Good quality

Faults:

Engine sender unit under warranty.

Battery at four years.

Rear shocks and springs at 8 years.

Front shocks/struts at 9 years.

Usual brake noise from the rear when reversing.

And an interesting one I have not read about on this site, and I wonder if anyone has a fix... When parking on a hill (front end up and rear end down) with anything less than a quarter of a tank of fuel, the fuel drains out of all the pipes and the car will not start. Holden and its dealers have no fix, but helpfully suggested to park on the level, or maintain a fuel level at fuller than a quarter.

General Comments:

Good car, runs well, and even better on a higher octane fuel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd February, 2012

7th May 2012, 08:48

Yes, this has been experienced with the SRi model.

1st Oct 2012, 18:15

I found your comment when researching why my daughter's Astra would not start when parked on a hill (exactly as you described). The NRMA advised to roll the car down to level ground, wait a few minutes, and then attempt to start it. Both you and the NRMA are spot on. Evidently the petrol drains from the fuel line and the fuel pump does not have the capacity to correct this. Once on level ground, it started OK. Sorry, but I cannot say I would buy another Astra.

27th Dec 2012, 18:49

My Nov 2002 Astra has just done 150,000 km. I guess I've been more lucky so far than some. Have only had to replace the water pump.

Yes, the key barrel is sticky, but rather than force it, I just 'feel' it gently and it's fine.

Headlights fogged over, but that's probably because I didn't clean them properly when I washed it... you should always use glass cleaner to delay headlights getting fine build up, which is very hard to remove once it's there. I park on a hill facing down. Try parking on the other side of the road perhaps.

2002 Holden Astra from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Utterly disgraceful!!

Faults:

2x new tyres + wheel alignment (April 2008)

Ignition barrel replaced, due to seizing up during Summer (January 2009) - also got a bit sticky through the following Summer, probably will not make it through another before needing replacing again.

New radiator fitted, due to leak. (November 2009)

New compressor fitted due to aircon stopped working (November 2009).

New coil pack fitted and spark plugs replaced (February 2010), due to engine light appearing, and the car shuddering terribly and experiencing a loss of power.

Thermostat housing and top radiator hose replaced due to corrosion (September 2010).

Front brake pads and rotors replaced (January 2011).

Back in shop due to engine light again, 2x DTC's codes detected and deleted (June 2011).

Back in shop today (July 2011), again due to engine light problems - have had a call since it's been in the shop, saying the coil pack needs replacing AGAIN.

* Brakes are also making concerning noises AGAIN, and will need to be looked at soon.

General Comments:

Terrible, Terrible, Terrible car!!!

Have had the car only a few years, and have done less than 30,000kms since owning it, yet it has cost approx $5000+ in parts and repairs.

Would never recommend to anybody! I personally will never buy a Holden again, due to this one car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th July, 2011

28th Jul 2011, 08:55

Hi there, I too own a 2002 Holden Astra. I have owned it for one year exactly.

In that time I have also had to replace my radiator due to a leak in the core, which was not fixable.

I have also had my air conditioning compressor rebuilt at a cost of NZD$991.30. It works beautifully now, and should be good for a further 9 years or more.

I have been experiencing a loss of pixels in my radio, temp, time screen every now and again. Not fun.

I had my cambelt, two idlers and my aux belt replaced in the last fortnight by Holden. They refused to change my water pump and tensioner, as they said I would be wasting my money! How considerate. Ever since I have had a horrible whirr noise. Holden blamed my aux tensioner, which was replaced at NZD$108, which they paid for and didn't fix the problem. They are now blaming my alternator bearings, which I have to pay for!

My father is a mechanic, and he will be doing that job. He doesn't believe it's the alternator, but will remove the aux belt for himself, and if there's no change, then the idiots at Holden will be getting another visit from me with serious demands.

Overall, it's a nice vehicle, but come hell or high water, I will never own another Astra again. Ever.

My next car will definitely be an Australian Holden Cruze.

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