24th Apr 2009, 17:46

I have a 2002 Holden Astra City and my partner has one too. She has had her air con redone to the tune of $1,000 (NZ) before it hit 80,000km. Both of us find the $800+ for cam belt every 60,000 less than pleasant. Furthermore, while mine has higher mileage - having just hit 150,000, I didn't expect the computer to die so easily.

In the last month I have spent $1,000 on my air con (seems to be a design trend in these things), and have just had to spend $2,500 on front shocks and mounts and a replacement (secondhand) car computer - a new one would have set me back an additional grand. So I have had to fork out 3,500 for a car that's probably only currently worth $4,500 on our market.

Aside of my partner, I have two other friends with Astra City's and both are desperately unhappy for the same reasons. One has just also had to replace the computer at 136,000km as well as all the other 'hidden' costs that go with this type of car.

This is by far the most expensive car I have owned to date. I will stay with Nissan and Toyota in future.

3rd Jan 2010, 20:58

We are now on our second Astra. The first was a 2001 TS CD and unfortunately was written off in an accident. We had it from new and covered 165,000km. I do all servicing myself and found it to be very easy to work on and generally quite reliable. As has been mentioned, the brakes pads and rotors needed replacing at around 40,000km. Replacing the high wearing European parts with Australian ones means slightly worse brake performance, but much better wear rate.

Thermostat needed replacing.. very easy to do.

Tyre wear on inside edges is quite high, but probably a trade-off for the handling.

The ignition barrel needed replacing by a mobile locksmith after it locked up.

We replaced it with a 2002 CD with 27,000km. It has now done 115,000km and still on original brakes, which is vast improvement on our previous Astra considering this one is used for sales rep work in the city. It also needed the thermostat replaced at about 80,000km. General wear items such as timing belt are no great issue, although every 60,000km is not as good as other vehicles 100,000km interval. Now on second set of tyres that are about 50% worn.

A few annoying squeaks and rattles from the dashboard, but otherwise we love them.

18th Aug 2010, 18:47

Hi I brought a Holden Astra 02 CD and I haven't had much trouble with it at all.

My partner does all services. It has around 140,000 kms on it and still drives well. The only thing that is wrong with it is we need to buy another thermostat for it. The temperature when driving around town is the temperature it's meant to be, but while driving on a freeway the temperature goes cold then the heater doesn't work.

But other than that it's a great car and we both love it.

15th Dec 2010, 06:27

Hi all, we own a 2001 Astra. Have never had any issues with the car. She has just gone over 198000kms.

One thing I don't like is having to get the timing belt done every 60000, when most cars are 100000. On average we look at about $600 - $800 every time we get it done, which is not too nice.

I have took the timing belt over the 60000 mark by about 20000 at one stage, and had no problems. Some may say it was a big gamble, but the car seemed to run fine.

I drive the car everyday approx 200 kms to and from work, and she just keeps going.

My wife had a accident approx 1 year ago in it, and it was repaired. It had a twisted chassis, but was straightened and the car fixed as the insurance did not want to pay out. The car has a few issues at approx 110kmh, and steering wheel wobbles a bit, even with new tyres and wheel alignment done.

16th Dec 2010, 22:44

Don't push your luck with the 60000km timing belt replacement, and when it is getting done, make sure it is a complete kit, including tensioner pulley, seals, idler pullies etc (not just the belt alone). When the belts brake or jump a cog or two, you will realise what bent valve repairs cost.

Coil packs can be replaced by anyone, and the last one I did, cost about $190 via a mechanic friend who buys my parts. Getting someone to replace the coil pack is an invite to be well and truly ripped off.

Regards.

28th Jan 2011, 02:03

I have a 2007 Astra CD AH I purchased new.

A couple of months out of warranty, the water pump starting making noises, dealership told me it would need replacing, wouldn't accept it as warranty claim, and because it was behind the timing belt, it would be a good idea to replace the belt at the same time.

Mates rates still cost over $1000 to do the job, and living in regional Victoria added to cost. This car had better keep running nicely for a few more years or it's Hyundai i35 time.

Tyres have 74000K's on them, they'll need replacing in the next couple of months.

Apart from losing all electrics for a few seconds while driving - bloody scary at night when power steering dies and lights go out - only happened once, and radio won't pick up any AM stations more than a few K's away (FM no problems) I'm happy (ish) with 'The Beast.'

Petrol economy is still great, the car drives very well, no squeaks or rattles, no oil leaks, starts immediately; it seems I'm in the minority group of happy customers.

7th Feb 2011, 02:53

I have a 2001 Holden Astra TS. Now done 117,000 km to date.

I just recently replaced the A/C compressor, fan motor located behind the glove box, oil cartridge housing, timing belt, new tyres, brakes, and now it appears that I am up for a new thermostat GRRRRR.

We purchased the car at 62,000 km, and we don't believe the timing belt was replaced at the 60,000 mark, although now looking further into it, we took a massive gamble taking the car up to 115,000 before having the belt replaced. Our mechanic said he didn't believe it had been replaced, and was looking rather worn. Thankfully, my father is an auto electrician, and I get everything at mate's rates. Although having had to fork out $1000.00 for the A/C compressor and fan motor combined, just before Christmas, was a bit harsh.

My Dad keeps telling me to get rid of it, he believes they are the worst car ever. We also have a Toyota Camry Sportivo, an awesome car, only done 73,000 for a 2004 model. Timing belt due to be replaced at 150,000 km; that's more like cost effective motoring.