Our cars: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer - September

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTi SRi automatic

Week ending September 30
Current mileage 21,342
Miles driven this week 929

The Astra’s brake woes rumble on. Frustratingly, the wobble through the brake pedal disappeared on Friday night, but seeing as the car was booked in to Approach Vauxhall, Salisbury (01722 323 522) on the Tuesday, I decided to keep the appointment.

They couldn’t find anything wrong with the brakes, but replaced the plastic backing plate that had become detached from the driver’s floor mat and adjusted the headlights (they’d been set too low, which is a pain now the nights are getting longer).

I was presented with a bill for £22, but had expected everything to be done under warranty, especially seeing as the car is just six months old. The service receptionist said the floor mat and lights weren’t covered by the warranty, so I paid up feeling slightly cheated. Pity, because when Approach Vauxhall serviced the Astra earlier this month, the customer service was excellent.

Even worse, the brake pedal wobble returned the next day, albeit not as bad as before. I think I’ll take the Astra to a different dealer next time, though.

Neil.Williams@whatcar.com

Week ending September 9
Current mileage 18,730
Driven this week 415 miles

The Astra has just had its first service done by Approach Vauxhall, Salisbury (01722 323 522).

I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I was going to wait while the work was done, but asked on the off-chance for a lift home. Not only was I taken the six miles home, the freshly serviced Astra was delivered to me cleaned inside and out, with a spare bottle of fully synthetic oil and a stamped service book (many garages forget to do this).

The staff were friendly and professional, and called when they said they would (many garages forget to do that, too). They also ordered a replacement plastic backing plate that had fallen off the driver's floor mat. All in, the bill was good value at £170.

Best of all, the fresh oil has made the engine smoother and quieter than ever.

If only all services were as good.
Neil.Williams@whatcar.com


Week ending September 2
Current mileage 18,315
Miles driven this week 516

After more than 18,000 miles spent pounding the motorways, the Astra feels like it needs a little TLC. It’s just as well, then, that the first service is due.

A sub-menu in the trip computer shows what percentage of life the engine oil has left, and it’s now down to 2%. A ‘change engine oil soon’ instrument light has also flickered into life a couple of times recently, so a call to book a service is my next job.
Neil.Williams@whatcar.com