1999 Vauxhall Astra LS 1.6

Summary:

A poor performing rip off

Faults:

Has constantly been in the garage, mechanics have driven it more than me. Has had a new CPU, throttle control switch, engine knock switch and it is sitting on the garage forecourt right now awaiting a new ECU. Dealer has been useless. Never again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th August, 2000

1999 Vauxhall Astra SRi 2.0 16v

Summary:

The discerning boy racer's Astra!!

Faults:

New engine temp sensor at 18,500 miles.

General Comments:

Good looking car (with the 'styling pack'), that handles well and has adequate performance. Solid build but drinks petrol with the air con going and with a heavy right foot!! Otherwise really happy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2000

1999 Vauxhall Astra Sport 1.8 16v

Faults:

Constant problems with 2nd gear selection when the weather is cold, smooths out somewhat as the transmission warms up. 2 new gearboxes and clutches plus constant adjustments have failed to cure the problem. Been waiting weeks for a field engineer from Vauxhall to see if he can fix it. It must have cost them a fortune by now. To be fair to Greenhouse at Hanley Stoke, they seem to have tried everything, but the response from field engineering does seem slow.

General Comments:

When the gears have warmed up it is a really good car. Really good handling, comfortable, excellent sprint performance, and good ABS brakes. Not bad on petrol when on a cruise but you will notice a difference when you boot it, but then you have to pay for your fun I suppose.

Difficult to rate on the reliability scale as it has not actually stopped working, just been awkward on gear selection.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2000

17th Dec 2000, 07:26

I have just bought the new Coupe 2.0 Turbo and I have the same problems with 2nd gear. Thought it was only cause it was new but will take it back after Xmas if it continues...

1999 Vauxhall Astra Sport 1.8 16v

Summary:

Excellent car, solid, fast and reliable

Faults:

Rear brake System - new calipers, discs, pads (warranty).

2 new airbags (warranty).

General Comments:

Excellent all round car, storming performance for the insurance group. Reliability seems to be sound apart from a few minor problems, but the Network Q warranty is outstanding. Handling is superb but could do with 16" wheels like the SRi for a better ride.

Loaded with features (A/C, CD, TC, E/W, ABS, alloys, all round discs and sports interior).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th July, 2000

1999 Vauxhall Astra Sport 1.6 16v

Summary:

Poor man's pocket rocket!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Big improvement on the mark 3, they are night and day. Engine smooth. Very comfortable. Even better on fuel than the mark 3.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd June, 2000

1999 Vauxhall Astra SRi 2.0 16V

Summary:

Nice try Vauxhall. Better luck next time!

Faults:

Faulty washer jets.

Seat trim come off (still not sorted).

Can smell petrol at times (still not sorted).

Runs in paintwork.

Faulty alarm.

Drinks petrol like a camel drinks water.

General Comments:

The mechanics at the dealership must wear blindfolds when I take my car in to rectify the faults. The only thing they got right was when they washed it for me!

Vauxhall brochure quotes "Vauxhall, raising the standards". My a**e.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th May, 2000

1st Dec 2000, 03:26

Similar problems with dealer's fault finding abilities - until I talked direct to the mechanic instead of the moron behind the counter at reception. It is amazing how little (or inaccurate) info gets passed to the mechanic from reception normally.

9th Jan 2001, 22:08

+ After 15,000 miles.

Just had new temperature sensor fitted, costly, otherwise goes like a rocket!!!!

Takes corners by itself... IMPRESSED... one of the most fun drives ever but loves petrol stations... saving up for the insurance on a 2.2 SRi!!!

18th Jan 2004, 04:38

Amazing car!!

One of the best drives you will get in a car of that class, as well built as a Golf, but handles better, none of the silly styling points of a Focus, far more reliable than a Renault/Citroen, and the 2.2 vx220 engine is bullet proof!!

The nicest car I have ever owned.

Just keep it regularly serviced and it just keeps on pulling!

22nd Jun 2004, 09:59

Just bought a 2.0l 16v Astra SRi, with full Irmscher Kit. Looks awesome, handles awesome and goes like stink! Much better than my previous Golf Gti. I'm in love!

1999 Vauxhall Astra SRi 2.0 16v

Summary:

Low cost stormer

Faults:

Rattle on passenger seat.

Misfire at 5000 miles.

Windscreen washers faulty.

Nothing else.

General Comments:

Car is excellent, good looker. Very smooth with twin balancer shafts.

Insurance only group 11 so relatively cheap to run and own.

Problem with dealers, some are very good but some let the car and company down badly,Vauxhall need to revisit some of their dealers and kick them out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th May, 2000

1999 Vauxhall Astra SRi 2.0

Summary:

A great little motor WHEN it's running

Faults:

Stalls intermittently when at idle, has been returned for this 4 times, no fix as yet, 3 months after purchase. Stalls in wet conditions whilst moving. Fails to start properly when engine hot. Clutch not set properly from new so crunches when changing into reverse.

General Comments:

A nice looking car when you've added the side sills, airdam and rear spoiler but lacking in performance considering how much petrol it drinks (Very thirsty when motorway cruising.)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th March, 2000

9th Jan 2001, 22:15

I have had 140mph+ from mine... on a test track of course (legally), still more to go!!!

Only 270 miles per tank, but watch the horizon change quickly...

27th Aug 2004, 17:32

Sounds like the idle control valve, common problem on a lot of the older VX EcoTek engines. Not heard of it happening on the newer engines yet.

1999 Vauxhall Astra SXi 1.6 16V

Faults:

Poorly fitted dealer alarm.

Noisey steering (whinning noise).

Very noisey engine - coming from injectors and cam belt area modifications known by Vauxhall but only fitted if you complain.

Brake light switch fault - lights permanently on.

General Comments:

Nice car, shame about the backup and quality control.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th August, 1999