Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (1998 - 2005) 1.6i Club 5d Auto (1999/V) 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?
I'm a normal person, not a flash git!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
It's clean, quite and a nice metallic green
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, but I'd go for cruise control. With so many 40mph and 50mph restrictions on roads I regularly use, it would be useful and save having to keep an eye on the speedo and enforcement cameras. And no, I don't speed and haven't had any tickets.
What are you likely to buy next?
Thinking about a Toyota Prius. Not sure I can get the maths to add up; another Vauxhall Astra would be cheaper to run, unless petrol costs rise a lot. But a Prius is a quirky car, and I like that sort of thing!
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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?
£4,100
When did you buy the car?
January 2005
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes, I got a good p-ex value on my old car, plus about £500 off the new one
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Wanted an auto, previously had Astras so know their foilbles
What was the dealer like?
Extremely good - I'd recommend them (The Vauxhall dealer in Wellingborough). It's a family firm, where they treat customers with respect and care.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Pleasant; smooths out the bumps well, it's quite, got enough power when you need it, but decent brakes too. It's a relaxing drive.
What's it like to park?
Pretty easy. Good visibilty, and mirrors are a nice size
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Yes. It's been regularly serviced by the dealer. It had 24,000 on the clock when I bought it, it's now (Mar 08) turned 65,000. I've had a water-pump failure. One of the valve raisers is noisey (but I've left it), otherwise it's been good. Just had new pads and discs, and exhaust will be next to be repalced - still on original, which ain't bad for nine years!
What's most practical about your car?
Interior space, being an auto, easy to load the boot
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Auto gearbox. It's has automatice neutral when you stop, and it's boon in traffic. Oh yes, and the air-con.
