2001 Holden Astra CD review from Australia and New Zealand
"Great to drive, far to expensive to maintain - buy a Honda or Toyota instead"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Engine Management Light came on at 20,000km and has been on ever since despite 3 Holden dealers looking into it over the last 5 years, the latest one has (finally) identified that the sensor is faulty - cost is $645!!!
Brakes have been replaced too often.
Front tyre's seem to wear out quickly.
Electric windows at front make a lot of noise. Rear door stays regularly need tightening up.
Key barrel is failing making it sometimes very difficult to start - Holden dealer says this is a common problem!
CD/Radio comes on at full volume in cold weather - deafening!
Car started making a noise at 105,000. Local mechanic unable to identify, Holden says needs new gearbox - $5,000+ and even they say they've never had this problem with a Holden before.
Power steering is failing - another $1600 to fix.
General comments?
I was impressed by the Astra after seeing one in a crash and noticed intact it still was (the cars behind and in front were crushed, but the Astra was still in one piece).
The car was really great to drive during the first couple of years - now it feels much older than it actually is - have a Mazda which is over 10 years old, but still runs like a dream.
Far too expensive to service, indifference from all Holden dealers I've dealt with.
I would not recommend a Holden to anyone after my experience with one - buy a Japanese car instead.
Recommended Reviews:
  | The Astra is a quality car with zippy performance, but an overly zealous computer management system |
| Overall its just an all round good car, although some problems are anoying and parts are expensive |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 105500 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mazda 121 |
| Date of Entry | 17th October, 2007 |