1993 Vauxhall Astra LSi 1.4 (Hi-Torq) from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Apart from tyres, exhaust, the odd headlamp bulb - absolutely nothing!

General Comments:

Good economy motoring, and a sensible buy for a family of 2 adults and 2 children under 12. Very cheap to run (40mpg normally, and 45+mpg on steady 70mph run on Continental M-ways), but the only thing it will pass is a petrol pump!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 1998

1993 Vauxhall Astra LS 1.4i petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Small oil leak.

Steering Bearing.

Engine Management Light intermittently on (no fault found).

General Comments:

Steering very 'unresponsive', often feels as though backend is slipping when cornering.

Completly gutless engine compared to smaller sized clios/fiestas.

Thirsty for a small car.

Small bootspace.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 1998

1993 Vauxhall Astra GLS 1.6i petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Power steering replaced after 200 miles.

Two new motors and sensors fitted to electric windows.

Front steering bushes replaced after 30,000 miles.

New ignition system fitted after 38,000 miles.

General Comments:

Dealers are lousy when it comes to doing warranty or other repairs. I had my car in four times to try and get a engine problem fixed (car kept losing power and cutting out). Each time it was in the dealer told me they could find no fault with the engine (despite my asking they did not road test the car, they simply stuck the diagnostic kit on the car and examined the engine that way). Eventually they road tested the car and found that the DIS unit was failing.

I find that they do not keep a large supply of spare parts which usually means a return visit to the workshop when the part eventually comes in (I once waited 6 weeks for a replacement side window).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th January, 1998

27th Feb 2001, 05:12

Generally the GLS version is an extremely quick and versatile car with the power when you need it. I have found though that when you need a lot of power to pull off from idle, the engine revs down and you have a slight lack of power, but it will eventually pick up, and when it does, make sure your head is already against the head rest!

Despite its funness to drive, when things do go wrong, they all go wrong at the same time. I have just replaced the starter motor, alternator, exhaust and brakes all at the same time, not cheap if you're a student.

1993 Vauxhall Astra Ethos 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Alternator belt slips in the wet, despite numerous attempts to tighten it.

Air recirculator button failed.

External air temperature sensor failed.

Numerous rattles.

General Comments:

Not a bad car let down by silly things like the alternator belt, a simple 50p spray shield would fix the problem.

Vauxhall are let down by their dealers who have no idea of customer care. eg One dealer refused to do work required in a manufacturers recall as I did not buy the car from them. Others have shown a total disregard for customer care or doing things right.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th December, 1997

1993 Vauxhall Astra LS 1.4i petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Tempremental engine management system - engine cuts out, often unexpectedly. It is also not very economical on fuel because of this.

General Comments:

Potentially a good car spoiled by an unreliable engine. I know several other people with K & L reg Astras who have had similar problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 1997

2nd Oct 2001, 05:26

I must add that the problems described about the 1.4 LS also apply to my 1.4 LS I Hi-torque (K Reg)... Engine keeps cutting out after a long run, i.e. on a motorway sliproad or traffic lights after a spell at 70 mph or there abouts. Sometimes difficult to start again.