1995 Vauxhall Astra Sport 1.6 16v

Summary:

A mediocre car which has been an expensive disappointment

Faults:

Very high idle speed (unresolved).

Crank timing sensor.

V-belt tensioner.

Water pump.

Hazard light switch.

General Comments:

The car keeps its looks and the paint quality remains good.

Interior is also hard-wearing and there have been no rattles.

Acceleration is slow below 3000rpm and then it seems to get going.

All round the performance is quite good for a 1600, but the engine is blighted by its useless control systems. The only engine faults that occur are with the sensors themselves. When a timing sensor went wrong, the car once stalled at 60mph and I lost the servo assisted braking and power steering.

The car has suffered on and off for about a year with an engine idle speed which can reach up to 3000rpm, making gear changes and even braking difficult. The first 'repair' was a fuel line flush which seemed to work for a week or two. Next I was told the idle motor was faulty and the car was again in the garage. However, the intermittent fault manifested itself after the work was done, and the next diagnosis was air leaks around the inlet manifold gaskets. This was not cheap to resolve, but did manage to keep the car error-free for about 2 months. My annoyance is now complete as the fault has returned again. I am at a loss to know what to do next.

However, I reserve the worst of my criticism for my local main dealer and Master-Fit center. Details of what you want do not get further than reception, simple faults have been missed despite being pointed out, other items which required no attention have been worked on, courtesy cars are always out of the question, and regular custom counts for nothing. The service manager is unfriendly and routinely tries to blind people with inaccurate technical 'science'. After many bad experiences I'm obviously becoming easy money and have resolved not to visit the place again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th April, 2001

6th Feb 2003, 07:44

My local Vauxhall dealer is great, they aren't all bad. There are plenty of Vauxhall dealers, so there must be another one reasonably close to you to try.

1995 Vauxhall Astra Sport 1.8 16v

Summary:

Have the mods done and it is an absolute flying machine that will say goodbye to turbo cars all day

Faults:

The only real fault I have experienced is poor idling... which the dealer where I live says is normal for the Sport model... Other than that I have had performance camshafts put in as well as a Superflow head and K&N air filter.

Now the car is super responsive.

I also have had a Magnex exhaust put on.

General Comments:

I urge anybody who owns one to have the modifications done that I have because you would seriously not believe the difference in power and torque, not to mention sound.

It used to do 120mph before, but will nearly do that in 4th gear.

It is like comparing the pull from an Escort 1.3 and a turbo... it really makes that much difference.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd April, 2001

5th Apr 2001, 09:00

When you said it will pull away from Turbo cars, did you include the Cavalier Turbo or Fiat Coupe 16v/20v Turbo in your list? You said your Astra will do 120mph in 4th, the Cavalier Turbo will do 135mph in 4th, 147mph in 5th and then there's a nice 6th gear to really top things off, by which time your little Astra with its 'mods' will have blown up. If you meant Turbo cars such as RS Turbo's and Fiestas, then fair enough though.

24th Oct 2001, 12:27

My 1.8 sport also has idle variations, did the K&N help? Did you fit an element or induction kit, the difference is £35 and did the K&N make much of a difference?

Love the car. Had a Cav V6 before and the Astra accelerates quicker!

28th Sep 2002, 06:29

Hi! I recently bought a sport 1.8 16v and want to put a decent exhaust on it! Any suggestions are gratefully received! As to 120mph I have had 130 clock reading at 5500rpm in fifth! I am very happy with my sport, but have got used to the poke and want a bit more! cheers.