Vauxhall Astra Estate (2004 - 2010) 1.7 CDTi 16V Club (100ps) 5d (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I don't buy a car to make a statement about my personna - it's simply a case 'horses for courses' and this fitted the bill perfectly.

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

They all wish they'd got one! I've not actually asked them of course, but no one has ever refused a ride.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely. With 151k on the clock I still like driving it and it's become a reliable old friend.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another small family estate - VW, Audi, Ford, Vauxhall, Toyota, Mercedes, Honda - whatever happens along at the right price at the right time.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,480

When did you buy the car?

October 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Outstanding value - bought at auction as a regularly serviced ex-company car.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

A cheap, economical, reliable, spacious workhorse was needed.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Surprisingly quick albeit not the quietest of diesels, but has excellent handling, good brakes and will cruise happily at high speed all day.

What's it like to park?

A piece of cake as the car ends just behind where the rear window is and the power steering allows you to shunt back and forth in tight spaces.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Three years and 80,000 miles later it still starts first turn of the key and has never let me down. Only expenditure apart from servicing has been for new tyres, discs,pads and two cooling system hoses..

What's most practical about your car?

Space without compromising the handling.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I like the one touch indicators (3 winks) and the excellent sound system.