Vauxhall Astra Hatchback (2004 - 2010) 1.6i 16V Design (115ps) 5d (2009/59) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Friendly, fun, careful and practical without costing a fortune.

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

My son has the SRI version and up to now not had any problems.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes if checked over thoroughly before by a reputable dealer.

What are you likely to buy next?

Not sure depends on cost and time.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,899

When did you buy the car?

February 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Seemed good at first but added on GAP which I did not want and when I checked invoice this had to be taken off, quite pressure selling, trying to sell you things you do not want. Also I asked for 6 months tax and they put 12 months on.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Price seemed reasonable as only had 39000 miles on and car looked good. Drove well.

What was the dealer like?

Pressure selling, seemed very keen at point of sale but when a problem arose they were not interested, had to take the car to their sister company to rectify.

What's it like to drive?

Easy, had 2 new tyres recently which were balanced and had tracking, before over 65mph the steering wheel vibrated but now it is very smooth.

What's it like to park?

Easy also no problems except when you get some idiot that has parked right near your door or worse still opened their door right onto yours! Tend to park away from other vehicles bacause of this.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes. In September 2012 the car stopped in Asda car park and would not go at all. Had to call recovery which took the car to my garage, saId it looked like the clutch had gone but when they took the gear box out it just crumbled to bits!! said they had not seen anything like it before! Needed new gear box and clutch, Vauxhall said this should not have happened in a car that was only 3 years old and so contributed to the cost . I paid £700 though.

What's most practical about your car?

Being a hatchback, I have my dog sometimes and he loves the big spacious boot, after I have removed the parcel shelf"!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Rear dipping mirror. Brilliant, stops dazzling.