Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (1998 - 2005) 1.6i 16V LS Bi-Fuel 5d (AC) (2004/53) 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?
Nothing. In any case I did not buy this car for image. I have other V8 powered cars for that purpose...
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Who cares?
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes. I can leave it parked for a week and know that nobody will ever bother to steal it.
What are you likely to buy next?
Maybe the estate version
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£9,000
When did you buy the car?
May 2005
Did you get a good deal and why?
A very good deal. Car was pre-registered (54 plate) and had been sitting in a field for 6 months with only 25 miles on the clock. I insisted on new disks and pads.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
For the LPG capability and to use as a daily hack instead of opting for a company car. The cost per mile (8ppm) means I am quids in. The margin I "make" against the 40ppm HMRC rate actually buys the fuel AND pays the loan I took out to buy it.
What was the dealer like?
Very helpful and friendly.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Very worthy, but dull. It is docil with no nasty vices. It has a quiet, willing power unit and a smooth changing gearbox. Not a Ferrari, but it will cruise happily all day at 90mph. Passenger seat has limited adjustment and is uncomfortable after 2 hours, but drivers seat is fine.
What's it like to park?
No better or worse than any other medium sized hatchback.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
No. never. This car is the epitome of boring reliability. If it were a VW people would rave about it in bars.
What's most practical about your car?
The LPG capability
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
You must swap the awful plastic wheel trims for a decent set of alloys - preferably the correct GM alloys as per my pic (loads available on eBay) , and change the nasty plastic steering wheel for a leather trimmed Irmscher model.
