Vauxhall Astra VXR (2005 - 2010) 2.0T 16V VXR 3d (2007/57) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I find the Astra VXR can suit a variety of people depending on the colour combinations etc. Mine is black, with black snowflake wheels and tinted windows as I like my car to be different from the average Joe.

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

My family actually prefer it to my old Corsa because it feels my safer for driver and passengers plus much more secure on the road. My friends love it! All my friends are in to cars so the VXR is the ride of choice when going out. Neighbours, I only live next door to a pub (and they own a very nice astra SRI) so I don't think they care :) haha.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, 100%. At the time I was between a Ford Focus ST, a Honda Civic Type R and the Astra VXR. The Astra was faster, more BHP (although a smaller engine than the ST) and cheaper to insure... so it was a no brainer. It is really great fun to drive, it can also eat miles on long journeys (and get fairly good MPG on motorways considering) so yes... I would buy it again!

What are you likely to buy next?

Ideally I would like to keep this car as long as possible (and keep adding to it to make it even nicer). But, being 23 I think there may come a time in the near future that something more sensible is required... it would still have to be sporty (or at least sporty looking)... so maybe a Honda Civic Type S (2.2 Diesel) if I am going sensible.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£11,000

When did you buy the car?

January 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yeah. The extended warranty from evans halshaw turned out to be the best financial decision I ever made!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Performance

What was the dealer like?

Very helpful.

What's it like to drive?

I love driving it, always puts a simple on my face. Seem to grip very well (I had a corsa before and this is considerably better). It is very quick, brakes match the performance. You do get torque steer when accelerating hard but there is no need... it has enough power! You do also get turbo lag (especially in 4th I find). Although the ride is firm, it is actually fairly comfortable, seats hold you very well and doesn't feel as hard as my old 2005 Exclusiv Corsa used to feel. It is not loud considering the sporty nature, its sounds great, especially when it drives past (and in tunnels) but inside the car at everyday speeds it is fairly quiet. But overall, I could happily keep this car until it dies...

What's it like to park?

I find it very easy to park. Although the back window is very small, the wing mirrors are large. You can also get parking sensors (if they were fitted when new) so if you think you might need help, find a model that has them :).

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What's most practical about your car?

Erm, practically was not really why I bought the car. It has 5 seats and a reasonable boot.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Keyless Entry with Start Button - joint top in my book with the Sport button.