Vauxhall Astra Coupe (2000 - 2004) 2.2i 16v Bertone 2d (2003/03) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It probably says that I like a cars style and performance over its practicality and economy.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My friends on the whole quite like it. They like the way it looks and the way it handles and say its nice to be in.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I might be tempted by the 2 litre turbo, but I'd rather go through different cars. I had 2 Corsas in a row a few years back and was bored of the second one as it was nothing new. I'd be happy to get a new car every few years just to experience something new.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'm fancying a BMW 330Ci coupe. This car has me hooked on coupes and I've always fancied a 3 series. Now I'm 22 and building up a good no claims insurance is becoming more realistically priced so good cars are coming within my reach. Running costs aren't that important to me as I don't drive great distances.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,000

When did you buy the car?

November 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

I believe that I got a good deal. It was £2000 for an 03 plate with 50,000 miles on the clock. 12 months MOT was included in that price too. I also got 3 months warranty from the garage.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

My friend recommended I try one and I fell in love on the test drive and its looks. I wanted something quick and stylish, yet affordable.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was actually really good as far as used car dealers go! The salesman wasn't the pressuring car salesman shark that I'm sure we've all encountered before. He was honest and left me to it to look around the car without peering over my shoulder. Friendly and helpful on the whole.

What's it like to drive?

The car does put a bit of a smile on my face once you get to around 3500rpm and keep them there through the gears. This seems to be where all the power is and does pull well and wont struggle with any hills. It's reasonably quick, 0-60 takes around 8.2 seconds and it corners well with its firm suspension, especially if you fit wider wheels to it like I did for additional grip. The traction control wont let you lose grip or get wheel spin in wet conditions but it can be a bit of a pain that it can't be turned off as it can cut in and interfere just when you don't want it to. Brakes are really good and the ABS mean you won't be skidding in emergencies.

What's it like to park?

The car can be a bit of a pain to park and is one of the main downsides of the car. Rear visibility is quite poor and when reversing it can be hard to know where the back of the car is. The turning circle is terrible! What should be a 3 point turn ends up being a 5+ point turn and can make turning into parking bays a bit of a pain. My much larger Mondeo was easier to turn than this. This is where rear parking sensors would really come in handy.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I've had the car for 6 months and so far the only thing I've had to do is change a tyre! I've had 3 Vauxhalls and all of them have proven to be pretty reliable and trouble free. I've heard stories about Vauxhalls going from problem to problem but I must have either been lucky, or Vauxhalls actually do make good value second hand purchases!

What's most practical about your car?

The car suits me just fine as I'm young and don't have any kids or large items to constantly drive around. The boot is of a decent size and will be able to fit most things you need in easily. Being a coupe, its not as practical as your family hatchback. The back seats don't have amazing leg room and you wouldn't want to carry adults in the back for anything more than short trips. Plus, getting in and out of the back can prove difficult or rather un-lady like. It can be rather thirsty too. I get around 29mpg with mixed driving and only 300 miles on a full tank on around £60 a fill. £250 a year road tax can be a bit of a pain too!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The car has pretty much all the gadgets you could want. Cruise control, electric windows, electric/heated mirrors, trip computer, ABS, traction control, air con, tilt/telescope steering wheel, remote audio controls, remote central locking etc. It could benefit from rear parking sensors and a heated front screen maybe, but I'm happy with everything really.