1998 Vauxhall Astra 16v Sport 1.6 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Good quality reliable car
Faults:
Steering column/rack 'snapped'. Causing grinding a noise when attempting to turn corners (dangerous). Which occurred at approximately 25000 miles.
Oil leak(was recently repaired). Advised the fault was a 'worn' engine sump gasket.
General Comments:
I am very pleased with the look and (factory) performance of this car.
Main negative point: I have found (for the above faults), that repairs have turned out rather expensive (using a Vauxhall dealer)!
Maybe surprised with the faults, with consideration that car is only a few years old.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 10th October, 2001
10th Jul 2006, 02:09
The only point I'd like to make is that the user manual states to run the car between 2000-3000 revs, so if you up your revs, your car should idle correctly. Don't change to 4th gear until your revs are around 3000, which is about 40mph. Remember you're driving a performance vehicle, it wants to be pushed! I know as I had the same problem in my 1.8i 16v 1998 Astra Sport.