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