2002 Holden Astra Equipe 1.8 from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
Like the car, but very disappointed with the cost to keep it on the road
Faults:
I like my Astra Equipe, but as per one of the other reviews, I too had a steering column lock which had to be replaced under warranty, a colleague told me he had the same problem on his Astra.
It has been back to the dealer twice for an engine error light with no fault found having crawled there at a dangerously slow speed on a highway; as per the handbook instructions.
In addition I was not made aware when purchasing that I would need a costly timing belt replacement on the 60,000k service.
At 62,769k I have just been told that I need both front shock-absorbers replaced which will cost me approximately $800.00 which I am told is virtually unheard of.
All brakes have also be replaced and the brake dust makes the mag wheels a waste of time.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 27th July, 2005
20th May 2005, 06:48
I have a 2002 Astra Equipe and have just booked it in for my 60 000km service. I have been quoted at $720 from my Holden dealer which I thought was a bit too much too. I was told it is around $420 for changing the timing belts and $300 for the "normal" service.
I called the family mechanic (non-Holden) for their advice. They said it would cost around that much and I would be better off taking it to Holden to have it done. They said they had another car at the moment having its belts changed and it was at 100 000km. I've been checking a few Astra reviews and I think it's pretty standard to have them changed every 60 000km - more frequently than a lot of other cars. But going through my owner's manual, it says that only in the 1.8L engine that it needs replacing that often.