Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (1998 - 2005) 1.6i 16V SXi 5d (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I've still got a youthful mind!

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

They like it. They think its quite sporty.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I haven't had it long enough yet, but so far the answer would have to be a definate yes.

What are you likely to buy next?

Give me a chance - I've only had it about 5 months!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,200

When did you buy the car?

June 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

They took my old K-reg Cavalier in part-exchange and gave me a good price for it, better than I had thought I'd get.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I bought my last car from the same dealer and it was a Vauxhall, and the customer service was faultless, as was the car.

What was the dealer like?

Helpful and courteous, without being too 'smooth'.

What's it like to drive?

Good, solid roadholding in the dry and the wet. Handles like a train on tracks with no rocking and rolling. Although only 1.6, the engine seems punchy enough and it tows my trailer well. Nice slick gearbox. Averages a steady 38 mpg locally, and 40 mpg gallon on the motorways.

What's it like to park?

I have a HGV class 1 licence, so it's not a probelm. Mt wife doesn't drive, but I suspect that even a small child could park it.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing yet, but I've got a sneaky suspicion that it's been in a smash at some point.

What's most practical about your car?

It's size. The boys have their own cars now, so it's big enough for me and the wife.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Nothing on my behalf, but the wife seems fascinated by the digital outside temperature recorder for some strange reason!