1989 Vauxhall Astra L 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
A scarred veteran coming to the end of its days
Faults:
Shocks replaced at MOT at about 40,000 miles.
Poor running a few hundred miles later time fixed by new spark leads.
Battery draining in winter - no long runs, only local mileage - replaced with heavy duty battery and no trouble since.
Sunroof stuck at 55,000 miles - required brute force and ignorance (BFI) to open and has never been the same since - but it does work.
Water pump went mid France at about 60,000 miles - air cooled run back to London; engine did not overheat so long as in motion!
Screen washer pump went 70,000 miles - replaced from Halfords.
Clutch went mid France 75,000 miles - bad news. Cheap to replace once back home.
Horn dying - replaced from Halfords.
Base of rear wheel arches finally rusting - car hasn't been cleaned for three years.
General Comments:
Not an exiting car, but I'm a biker anyway.
Despite only getting it's annual service and no cleaning for years it has lasted well - but has now descended to a banger. It is no longer a quiet ride, rattling and banging and lurching - but what do you expect when you haven't particularly looked after it?
We've used it for local running around and fairly frequent trips to France and to the west country (from London) and it has generally stood up well, but gradually deteriorating.
So this is an obituary as I have now bought a 1998 Astra GL, and the '89 one is traded in for the scrapheap.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 4th July, 2002
11th Feb 2004, 06:58
I used to have a 1991 Mk2 Astra, and unfortunately it's just far too easy to break into. 30 seconds and a screwdriver is all it takes, even for someone that doesn't know what they're doing.
In terms of the reliability and economy stakes, the 1.4 litre engine (introduced in 1989, I think) is miles better than the old 1.3 litre unit, if you have a choice when you come to purchase.