2001 Holden Astra CD review from Australia and New Zealand

There is an annoying creak or rattle that seems to emanate from the front passenger seatbelt housing.

Another annoying vibration seems to come from the lower dash near where the passenger's right leg would rest.

Both faults were reported to the dealer within 1 week of getting the car. I was told that they "don't do warranty work on weekends" and that noise etc is not covered under warranty anyway, that is, I'd have to pay to have these irritants fixed.

Having got my complaints off my chest, the Astra is a surprisingly zippy little car and obviously much more economical than my old Statesman.

Outside noise suppression is very good and I was pleasantly surprised by the decent factory sound system.

The seats, while lacking lumbar support, are firm, but comfortable. Driver's seat height adjustment is good, as is the telescopic steering column.

I begrudge paying any money to the dealer to fix up the interior noise. If anyone else has had interior noise problems, I would love to hear from you with any happy endings.