Faults:

Sticking handbrake, oil leak, gearbox seems hesitant.

Lots of interior rattles.

General Comments:

The Astra is the definition of average. Not a bad car, but certainly not a great one.

I found this one in the used car lot a couple of years ago. It seemed looked after well and was a nice price.

Nice to drive. Steering is smooth. Interior sufficiently refined. Ride is smooth.

Good looking exterior on the Astra of this generation. My car is black, and nice alloy wheels.

The 1.6 petrol engine with the automatic box is not a great combo however. Performance and economy are poor. I've only got 33 mpg at best and the car seems to struggle in most situations.

Maybe I'd buy another - for a cheap older car it is OK and still running so cannot complain too much, but I'd avoid this engine and gearbox setup in future. A manual diesel is probably more suited to the Astra.

Faults:

Clutch, EGR valve, exhaust, suspension, etc.

Rear hatch locking motor failed.

Center console display pixellated.

Alternator + battery.

Fully serviced on time and all belts as applicable.

General Comments:

These Sportive Astra vans are perfect economical vehicles for a multi range of uses.

It was an ex electricians van I bought from my old work, and as my own I have put over 100K on it in 8 years and it has never missed a beat (assuming you service it on time).

Bloody good looking for a van, mine has alloy wheels. Wood lined interior, no nasty rust or dents, I keep it sharp.

Interior clean and car like, very comfortable. Engine a bit noisy but it is fast enough, good to drive, and always does around 50 mpg.

Love it, will be a hard vehicle to replace, almost 200K and still going strong!

Faults:

Only had it a year and done 15,000 miles or so, have changed the brake pads and gave it a service. According to the history many parts have been replaced, no major faults but seems to have typical diesel problems already addressed.

General Comments:

First of the "newer" shape Astra's for 2010. Smart looking in silver. Automatic diesel model, something of a rarity.

Good to drive, decent performance and economy even with the auto box. Moves quick when needed while still doing between 40 - 50 mpg.

Comfortable interior. Sharp handling.

Good looking car, SRi spec is best.

Long term reliability for me remains to be seen, but it's not a bad car, though a Ford Focus drives better. But if you see a well cared for Astra at a good price, go for it, one of the best value for money cars on the used market at the moment.

Faults:

Nothing, but I have only had it about 10 months.

General Comments:

The Elite model Astra is top of the range and has leather seats and all electrics. It is a very well specified car for a family hatch. Ride is smooth and being in this car feels good and much more expensive than it is.

Love the exterior look in black with big alloy wheels.

The 1.6 is a good all round engine, performance is OK, and I have averaged around 42 mpg. Quiet and refined as well. Tax, insurance and servicing have been reasonably priced as well.

Boot space is huge for a smaller hatch. I hope to have it for a log time, this was an excellent used find - a low mileage and great condition car. Yes it is 12 years old now but still feels very modern.

Faults:

General wear and tear, changed the oil as per schedule, and belt changes.

Brakes, exhaust and suspension parts replaced as needed.

Gearbox feels looser now, but no problems.

Interior plastics could be better, some cracks here and there.

Air-con/climate control is useless, needs a re-gas.

Trip computer display a bit faded.

General Comments:

3 door "Sports Hatch" Astra looks a million times better than the run of the mill Astra's you see on the road. SRi model is mid range and has enough electric interior features to keep you entertained.

1.8 petrol engine will be fast enough for most drivers. 40 MPG is possible, but you have to drive very slowly. Ride is rather firm around town, not the most comfortable car, although more spacious than I thought it would be.

Looks amazing in darker colors (mine is dark grey, would prefer blue or black if I am being really picky), standard alloy wheels are easy to keep clean and look great, I will not be making any cosmetic changes.

Had it a couple of years and has been reliable, cheap enough to run and repair if you know a trusted independent garage. Tax is rather expensive though, but as are most older petrol cars in this range. Overall if you are looking for a fun hot hatch that won't set the world on fire, but be cheap enough to run and easy on the eyes, check out the Sport Hatch Astra from 2005 - 2011 models, best looking in my opinion. Find a looked after one with history and you cannot go wrong.