1990 Vauxhall Astra GTE 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

This car usually costs under 500 UK pounds, and is seriously quick

Faults:

The rear arches have devoloped the usual rust effect, and the rear windscreen wiper no longer works.

I have had to replace all brake disks and pads, the calipers had seized causing a problem with the dash warning light for the handbrake and the CV joint also needed replacement.

The passenger footwell tends to collect water, and needs attention along with the sills.

The gearbox tends to get sticky as the engine gets warm, and handling round corners can be a bit scary.

The bodywork is sound in general, but it does do quite a lot of creaking, I think this has a lot to do with the drivers door pin being worn.

General Comments:

I really love this car despite its age, it has never let me down.

It always manages to turn heads - young and old comment on its good looks.

It has various modifications, K and N Filter, fuel booster and SST exhaust, which was all done prior to purchase, which made me suspicious on purchase as I though it may have been thrashed, but it still responds every time some acceleration is needed.

This car is really fast on the straight, and for the age and cost of the vehicle you would be very lucky to find anything to match its performance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2002

1990 Vauxhall Astra Merit 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The car is fine up to 55000 miles

Faults:

My distributor went at 55000 and then again at 80000.

My exhaust blew at 70000.

My indicator has been sticky ever since I bought it.

Tyres wear easily.

Brake pads need changing every 20000.

Rust spots are developing and my MOT failed for the first time last year due to rust.

General Comments:

The car has been very reliable upto 55000 miles.

The car will keep you on the road for 100000 miles cost effectively, but I wouldn't hold out much hope beyond that.

Generally a good vehicle in the early stages, but don't expect a long life.

The car has excellent performance in a straight line, but is sluggish round corners.

The interior has held up well to wear and looks much newer now than the exterior.

Getting the car serviced at the dealers has proved very expensive, but if you can do some jobs yourself you will find parts very cheap.

If you choose this car make sure you have AA or RAC cover as you will need it, especially after 60000 miles.

The car is reasonably sturdy and will not cave in during a small accident.

At least with a basic model little can go wrong with the electrics.

Quite a good family car, but it drives very differently with three or more people.

Spacious boot capacity and very good for delivering goods.

Great car for learning about car maintenance as there will be many jobs that you can do yourself and parts are cheap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th January, 2002

1990 Vauxhall Astra GTE 2.0 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A high performance bargain

Faults:

When I purchased the car I had to get the bulkhead welded. As the spot welds had broken off and the steering was badly affected.

The sills and arches get rust easily and due to the body kit you do not notice for some time. Also the shocks seem to get rusty due to the arches offering little protection once they (arches) get rusty.

Handles very poorly in the wet and I strongly recommend lowering the car.

The dash only goes to 128mph when in actual fact the car can do 142mph. It is possible to buy a extra gadget that allows you to see the mileage from 128mph to 143mph.

The electrics are a major problem in this car. The check unit is extremely temperamental and works occasionally.

General Comments:

This car is seriously quick and I've beaten loads of Ford Escort Turbos in races.

The digital dash looks stunning at night time and the car is a real head turner.

Not many know that this car is a twin-cam and is at a 150bhp standard.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th January, 2002