Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (1991 - 1998) 1.8 Sport 5d (1995/M) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says practical and potentially fun.

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

They like it - especially the noise above 4000 rpm!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - very practical. It's built around the time when diy mechanics was beginning to get tougher. Still servicable by a diy mechanic - though you'll need some special tools.

What are you likely to buy next?

Same size car - needs to be sporty when required. Possibly a VW Corrado.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£500

When did you buy the car?

August 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes - though the car did need a head gasket change (probably why the previous owner wanted shot of it), which was something I could rectify myself in a weekend - compared to approx £450 bill from a garage. Car in very good condition. One or two blemishes. Seems to have been regularly serviced, and engine innards like new.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Fancied something a bit sportier than my old diesel 106. Needed a bigger car.

What was the dealer like?

Didn't buy from a dealer.

What's it like to drive?

Very nice drive - not too firm/soft. Engine very tractable - comes 'on-cam' at around 3500 rpm. Good interior space. COmfy sporty seats, nicely balanced power steering - firm enough to get feedback from road.

What's it like to park?

Easy.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Head Gasket changed (after purchase). Strut tops needed replacing. Needed new discs (original ones still on the car after 50K miles!)

What's most practical about your car?

Is a good 'shopping car' - but rev above 4,000 rpm and engine (1.8 Ecotech) comes alive. With good tyres, and shock absorbers/dampers can handle predictably - though maybe not as good as equivalent MK2 Astra. Slightly uprated springs and shocks should rectify it.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

MPG calculator built in!