USED Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (09 - )

My car

I have had the car a couple of weeks - a 11(61) plate with 6000 miles - I do at least 20k miles a year and need something dependable and comfortable. I like the style of the car, especially the interior. It is very comfortable and I actually like the rather light steering, and the handling and suspension is excellent. It appears to have a very solid build quality and I find that it is mostly pretty quiet. Fuel economy is as expecyed some way short of the 62 claimed - but other than that I think it is a well built, attractive car that is good to drive. With a 3 yr network Q warranty I expect ownership to be pretty pain free - highly recommended

My car

Not sure why Roger drives autos if he doesn't like them. I bought manual veraion new and although not fast off the mark like my last Astra 1.8RSi comfort factor is excellent. Smooth runner, quiet and fuel efficient. Wife loves the heated seats, but auto lights and wipers are excellent features for the driver. Running costs would be hard to decide but MPG is good and I also got fixed 2 year service plan with the dealer for £250 whixh is pretty good given prices will probably rise. Cabin is roomy, controls on dash easy to reach/use without distraction. Only downer so far was lack of spare wheel, just inflation and repair kit though you can order spare space saver when buying for £85. Lucky me got one with jack/wheel key from dealer free so that was also a bonus.

Although retail price £21,000 yo can pick up new at £14,500 so no real need to worry about depreciation.

So far very pleased despite having to sacrifice power for comfort but at 56 you can't be a boy racer all your days.

My car

This is a review of the automatic 1.6 Elite, which isn't listed by What Car. This is a curiously high-spec car with an awful engine and gearbox. I don't like automatics at the best of times but this one is particularly bad, making every gearchange sound as if you're on your first driving lesson. Passers-by will stare in amazement as it lurches up the road. The kickdown is vicious and will make the engine rev faster than seems good for it, once it actually makes the change - it is amazingly slow to respond and quite frightening when pulling out at junctions. The 1.6 engine is dog-slow, raucous and drinks fuel like a Chevy V8.

The interior has heated leather seats (not powered though), cruise control,climate control and all sorts of other gizmos that don't interest me.

Good points: it's quite comfortable and it's OK on the motorway once you eventually get it wound up to 70mph. Probably designed for the undemanding sales rep who likes switches to fiddle with on those boring trips to Hull and back.

My car

Owned this car for just over 1 year - 1 year too many!!

Car was new at time of purchase - 4 months after purchase engine failed. One month after the car was in the garage for water ingress and two recalls & car is currently back in garage for water ingress & engine problems.

Despite the problems it is a smooth drive, and a comfortable car to drive. Plenty cabin and boot space. Steering in comparison to other cars i have owed is slightly heavier, but it's all about adjusting.

Running costs are high, but then its to be expected with a sport model, but the insurance is not too bad, fairly moderate.

Overall I perhaps wouldn't reccommend this car to anyone given the multiple issues I have experienced, but nothing in life is ever 100%, it is just your luck.