2004 Holden Astra CDX 1.8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Worth the extra money for the top of the range model

Faults:

Rattle in left front window.

Alloy wheels get very dirty from brake dust.

General Comments:

Awesome car. Looks like a BMW 3 series, just much cheaper.

Heated leather seats aren't really required, but very nice to have.

Trip Computer useful for learning how to drive economically.

Very economical car, 8.2L/100km (28mpg (US) or 34.4mpg (UK).

Can be underpowered when towing, but it's only a 1.8 4 cyl.

Good suspension for cornering, feels secure.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st August, 2005

5th Jan 2017, 03:55

I bought a secondhand 2004 Holden Astra manual 1.8 sedan at 100,000km. Nothing but trouble; clutch replaced; master brake cylinder, clutch cylinder replaced. Then slave cylinder needed replacing, which for some strange reason is housed in the gear box; all these repairs were very expensive.

Front rear vision mirror broke off - new windscreen required. Right hand rear vision mirror fell out.

Brakes needed replacing.

I had also bought a brand new Holden Astra Hatch in 1998 which had one problem after another from the outset - I will never ever buy one of these cars again. All the mechanics I have dealt with over the years have told me that these cars are just a money pit. Do yourself a favour and just don't even look at it!

In reply to 5th Jan 2017, 03:55

25th Dec 2017, 11:25

Mate, that sounds a bit off to me. I sell quite a few of these little Astras. They are a great little car if serviced on time, and I mean on time! If you go over they will bite you badly . The only trouble I've had with them is from lack of maintenance from previous owners! Mechanics love them as people don't educate themselves before purchasing the vehicle of choice. Sure lemons exist, but more than one from the same owner says more about the owner than the car!

In reply to 25th Dec 2017, 11:25

16th Jan 2018, 05:20

I have a 2004 Astra; it has never given me any trouble, always serviced, timing belt replaced when it was due. Can’t tell you the mileage as it is in the garage trying to be fixed. Several weeks ago it held me up in Port Macquarie and I took it to a garage I didn’t know but was referred to by my son; 4 days and 650 later, I went to pick it up; it wouldn’t start. The owner came out and said you need to press down hard on the accelerator and turn the engine over at the same time. I asked how come? He said he only did what he had to do to get me home. Unbelievable, now my mechanic can’t find what is wrong with it because it starts for him, but not for me. Do you have any ideas, as I am at my wit's end and don’t know what to do?

2004 Holden Astra CD Classic 1.8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Outstandingly good value for the money,

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

I originally ordered the Astra Classic sedan, with the option pack (traction control, power windows, ABS) but the dealer couldn't source one and so offered me the CD Classic sedan for an extra $500. Although I was told it would be available within a few days, the days stretched into weeks due to a delay at the Holden end. In the meantime they offered me one of the new model hatchbacks to drive.

It was interesting to compare the "New Astra" with the Astra CD Classic when mine arrived a week later. Although the "New Astra" had a few extra features missing from the CD Classic (MP3 player, seatbelt warning alarm etc), I much preferred the look, feel and interior of the CD Classic. The new model is just a bit too funky looking, and the interior doesn't have the refined, classy feel about it that the older model has. It's slightly futuristic look seems a little "cheap".

I've had my car for a week now, and am loving every aspect of it. Not being a "car" person, I'd never understood the term "a drivers car", but I do now. The Astra is a joy to drive and has a lot more power than I imagined it would, especially as I was coming from a V6 Falcon.

The first few days I owned the car, it rained constantly and I was surprised by how well it handled in the wet. Having the wipers on most of the time stopped me from looking like a complete idiot when I hit the wipers instead of indicators too. I'm getting used to the left hand indicator switch now, but old habits die hard.

The Blaupunkt sound system is awesome, and I have definitely noticed the speed-variable volume, particularly as I have to accelerate quickly after backing out of my driveway. The steering wheel sound controls are very easy to use without taking your eyes off the road.

The cruise control is wonderful. I hardly used that feature in the Falcon because I had to press a sequence of buttons on the steering wheel, which I could never get used to. But in the Astra, it's one click on the end of the indicator stalk.

Storage space is excellent; the boot is HUGE for such a compact car.

I am thrilled with this car. It has class, style and understated elegance. And it has a LOT of features for the money.

I will try and update this review after a month or so, as I am driving from SE Victoria to Canberra soon and so should have a more comprehensive outlook on the handling, fuel consumption, comfort level etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th November, 2004