Vauxhall Astra Hatchback 1.8i 16V Sport 5d (AC) (1999/V) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Bought from Network Q, 1 year old for £10k with 10k miles on clock. Much better value than the SXi, mainly for the standard ABS, traction control and cd player.
Costs
Not bad to date. Network Q warranty covered all things in first year, then traction control sensor on front near side wheel went just after warranty finished. Vauxhall picked up half of the £220 tab.
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On the road
Driving
Handles corners really well with the sports suspension. Gearchange is a bit stiff when car is cold, though.
Performance
1.8 16v engine is willing, flexible and fast. All for only Group 8 insurance!
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Living with it
Reliability
A few minor niggles were fixed under warranty, like rattling seat belt clips and sqealing rear disc brakes. Then the traction control sensor went.
Image
There isn't a lot to separate the Sport from lesser models in the range, which is a shame as it is a very capable car. Not many 'Sport' models around on the roads.
Comfort
Sports seats good, aircon good and CD player good. The leather steering wheel is excellent!
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Security and Service
Security
Standard security kit good, but I believe the deadlocks on the Astra were easily overcome in a recent What Car? security test.
Service
We had some very poor service from the dealer when fixing warranty claims, which greatly inconvenienced us. However, Vauxhall's donation to some work after the warranty period ended was very good.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Traction control sensor as mentioned above.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes