1996 Vauxhall Astra Sport 2.0 16v petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Faults too numerous to list.

From day one, problems have appeared all too frequently. Faults seem to appear when my local Vauxhall dealer returns the vehicle after attempting to rectify previous faults.

I was astounded at the franchised dealers inability to repair faults.

General Comments:

Good performance marred by suspension.

Steering is quick, but tail end is light, hence can be a bit of a handful on twisty roads.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th July, 1999

10th Sep 2001, 01:31

I have had exactly the same problem. The dealer seems to have no idea about the cause of problems and is intent on systematically replacing every part without knowing the cause of the problem.

Mark.

21st Dec 2004, 10:12

Hi, I've got an Astra sport 1.8i, the problem is the same for this model (M reg), it always pull to the left. the management system on the car seam to work in reverse, when the light is on the car runs mice, but when off something is guaranteed to go wrong. all in all nice car though..

Trig.

1996 Vauxhall Astra Montana 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Nothing. It was very reliable.

General Comments:

Performance woeful, though it was happy to cruise at 90+ once it got there. Overtaking was not a pleasant experience! Car very dependable but oh so dull. Interior more cramped than it looks. Boot pretty good. Service from dealer was first rate. It just didn't light my fire.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th July, 1999

1996 Vauxhall Astra LS Van 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Clutch went 60,000 miles.

Front brake pads only last 10,000 (probably my driving).

Oil pump went at 50,000.

General Comments:

Nippy and reliable, don't bother getting it serviced at Vauxhall because they just don't care!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st May, 1999

1996 Vauxhall Astra Sport 2.0i 16v twin cam petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Rear calipers seized.

Front discs replaced.

Dead locking failure.

ABS sensor failure.

General Comments:

A true wolf in sheeps clothing - will chase pigeons all day in a straight line but if they turn a corner forget them and take a close interest in your local hedges instead.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th August, 1998

1996 Vauxhall Astra 160i 1.6 petrol fuel injection from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Flakey paint on plastic trim of front grille. R/F window collapsed.

Flange gasket replaced four times. Manifold gasket replaced due to dealer fault. Dodgey fuel gauge.

Only the above things have gone wrong which have been easily fixed. Dealers are helpful but not very good.

General Comments:

Performance is outstanding for 1.6l car. Excellent torque and good 5th gear speed, good overtaking power.Very, very economical. Idling noisier than Japanese counterparts however much quieter when driving at speed as compared to Jap competitors. Small engine puts many 2.0l cars to shame.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th March, 1998

1996 Vauxhall Astra LS 1.4i Hi Torq petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Alternator replaced at 13,000 miles(1yr). Intermittant fast idling (1500rpm then drops then goes up again!) Has been into dealer 2 times about this, first time the cylinder head gasket was replaced (15000 miles), 2nd time idle control valve was cleaned, neither fixed the problem.

Drivers door deadlocks failed & needed lubrication(24000miles).

Engine cuts out randomly & has low compression in no4 cylinder, dealer advised this due to a sticking valve & was recommended not to use Sainsburys/Tesco fuel.(26000miles)

General Comments:

1.4 Hi Torq engine is totally gutless and engine management seems a little flakey.

Irritating rattles from rear parcel shelf/passenger door area.

I have lost faith in dealers being able to fix ANY problems on this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th January, 1998

27th May 2001, 16:04

I agree with all of the above faults. I experienced numerous rattles, which come & go (very irritating). Also the front control arms, & anti roll links seem to wear & break every 10k miles. I have never had such a slow, under powered engine as the 1.4 HiTorq.

2nd Jul 2001, 19:02

Is it a common trend to have alternator problems on Astras? Also, are Vauxhall dealers really that bad?

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1996 Vauxhall Astra GLS 1.7 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Sunroof leaked, but sorted on Warranty.

General Comments:

The Engine (1.7TDS) was a very pleasant surprise - plenty of go for overtaking.

A comfortable car that feels very solid.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 1997

5th Jan 2001, 15:42

If looking to buy one, make sure it has the 1686cc Isuzu engine.

1996 Vauxhall Astra LS Van 1.7 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Very quiet inside for a van, as comfortable as the Astra car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 1997