Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (1998 - 2005) 2.0 DTi 16V Elegance 5d (2002/52) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
An Astra Diesel?? Must mean I'm boring but at least I went for the 2.0DTi as opposed to the even duller 1.7DTi.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
No-one can have any kind of opinion on an Astra G Diesel - one of the most common and basic cars around. Most acknowledge that at least it is superior to a Nissan Micra or Ford Ka however.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Well I bought it's successor in the 1.9CDTi 150bhp variation. Based on the reliability of the 2.0DTi.
What are you likely to buy next?
1.9CDTi 150 SRi. I'm moving up in the world but it seems these cars don't have the same reliability reputation of the excellent 2.0DTi.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£3,800
When did you buy the car?
November 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
Cracking deal. £3400 after part exchange and lasted over 5 years with little trouble.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Reliability and for economy driving.
What was the dealer like?
No problems whatsoever.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
For a 2002 diesel it was not bad! Not the quickest and certainly does not compare to the latest 1.9 and 2.0 CDTi models. But catch a half-asleep driver (as most seem to be) and it can beat many cars off the mark.
What's it like to park?
Dead easy. Now own an Astra Sport Hatch which has awful rear visibility making it a nightmare to park in comparison.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Air Con Condenser failed twice. Radiator also leaked and needed replacing - the only cause of a breakdown in 5 years. Fuel pump, fuel line and EGR Valve finally caused uneconomic repairs after over 5 years of ownership and 170k miles, (car aged over 10 years).
What's most practical about your car?
Decent boot access. It's reliable.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The walnut dash trim is quite amusingly quirky.
