2003 Vauxhall Astra LS 1.4 16v petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Boring but did its job
Faults:
Clutch judder.
Radio was intermittent.
Indicators faulty, had to get an auto electrician to sort it.
Usual wear and tear, I serviced it on time and drove carefully, and looked after it as much as I could; no major disasters over the time I had it.
General Comments:
What a boring car that got me through my student years. This 1.4 Astra on an 03 reg was the last of the older shape before the newer 2004 model range came out. I think this 98 - 03 was Vauxhall's dullest Astra. My father had very old Astras back in the day, said they were good cars, that is what made me get this one.
Vauxhall dealers were absolutely useless and uninterested, so since it was getting older I used local independents for servicing and repairs. Was cheap most of the time and reliable, so I guess that is this car's appeal.
The 1.4 petrol averaged 40 MPG. For an older petrol car this was as good as it gets. Performance was not awful, but definitely no racing car. LS model is pretty basic, no fancy features. Thought it was poorly equipped for a 2003 car though. Seats were comfortable enough for longer journeys, I put decent mileage on this car.
Looking back I guess it was a good first car. Perhaps the faster versions might be worth a look, but any average Astra is never going to be more than basic transport.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd March, 2021
16th Jul 2021, 17:10
The Astra has always been like this. Just an average car. It's what you buy if you don't like the Ford Focus or similar competitors. Reliable enough car if you get a looked after one though. Had a 1991 model, a 2002, and more recently a 2015 Astra. All never let me down which is good, but boring as hell.