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Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

ASTRA

A cost-effective, if unexciting, way to move your bits and bobs here and there

Used Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998 - 2004

Huge depreciation from new is great for used car buyers and means the Astra estate can be bought for an absolute song.

Most running costs should keep you humming along happily, too. Our favourite 1.6 delivers excellent economy and a nice, low group 5 insurance rating.

There's a slightly bigger than expected jump up in insurance with the 1.8, but fuel consumption is still good. Budget carefully with the 2.2, though, as it has a bit of a thirst and hefty insurance costs. Economy on the early diesel models is disappointing, but the later CDTi cars are much better and insurance costs for all of them are par for the course.

Maintenance is the only real slight problem. While an Astra might be cheaper to buy than a Focus, servicing can be higher. Typical repair bills are also a little up on the average, mainly down to the cost of parts.

A cost-effective, if unexciting, way to move your bits and bobs here and there

The first rule of Astra buying is: take your time picking a car, and be choosey - Astras are available everywhere.

There's also a wealth of engines and trims to wade through, so forget the entry-level 1.4 and eight-valve 1.6 petrols straight away. We'd also avoid the stone-age 1.7 diesels and the 2.0Di.

That leaves the 1.6 16v (a really good all-rounder, and the best balance of price and performance), the nippy 1.8, or super-quick 143bhp 2.2 (from June 2002 on) if you want a petrol model. The 2.0 DTi and later CDTi are the best of a relatively poor bunch of diesels.

In terms of equipment, the newer the model you buy, the more it's likely to get, because, as with engines, improvements were made over the years. Envoys have virtually nothing, LSs are reasonably well catered for, but you'll need a Club or Comfort if you want to be sure of getting air-conditioning.

CD and CDX add more toys, and were available up to 2001. Even more highly specified Elegance cars took their place in 2002.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

One of the most important checks you can do on any Astra is to ensure that the cambelt has been changed on time. This is needed a lot sooner than in many other models (every 40,000 miles), so some owners might have been tempted to not bother - especially once their car was three years old. If it fails, you'll be left with a big repair bill.

Other than that, the only thing to look out for are electrical problems, which are the most common cause of failure in the car. And, there has been just one safety-related recall - many, many less than most rivals. The recall was to ensure that brake fluid hadn't become contaminated, but it affected fewer than 2500 cars.

For the most part, though, our reliability survey shows the Astra is generally pretty sound. However, you may be a little put off by the fact that Astra owners aren't as happy with their cars as Ford Focus buyers, according to JD Power surveys.

You wouldn't go cruising for wolf whistles in this Astra estate, but if it's a cheap load carrier you're after, it isn't bad.

Although the boot isn't as big as the Ford Focus's (which certainly isn't the class-leader, either), it's not far off. However, what's more of a problem is that the loadbay isn't quite as usable as the Ford's, with some wheelarch and suspension intrusion. However, both the loading height and width are respectable.

On the road, the Vauxhall again falls a little short of the Focus - but only a little, and that's better than most. If you want it to be entertaining, the Astra can deliver, and it's also a comfortable companion on a long motorway journey, too.

More disappointing is the cabin: its styling is functional rather than funky, and it'll be almost fully filled by four people. Five adults only fit at a pinch.

Used Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998 - 2004 reliability

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Used Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998 - 2004 review

One of the most important checks you can do on any Astra is to ensure that the cambelt has been changed on time. This is needed a lot sooner than in many other models (every 40,000 miles), so some owners might have been tempted to not bother - especially once their car was three years old. If it fails, you'll be left with a big repair bill.,Other than that, the only thing to look out for are electrical problems, which are the most common cause of failure in the car. And, there has been just one safety-related recall - many, many less than most rivals. The recall was to ensure that brake fluid hadn't become contaminated, but it affected fewer than 2500 cars.,For the most part, though, our reliability survey shows the Astra is generally pretty sound. However, you may be a little put off by the fact that Astra owners aren't as happy with their cars as Ford Focus buyers, according to JD Power surveys.

What to look for when buying a Vauxhall Astra 1998 - 2004, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Vauxhall Astra Estate 1998 - 2004 reliability

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