1996 Holden Astra 1.8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

It's an example of very bad German engineering and holden service

Faults:

I got this car from a dealer for $6500, and within 3 months the gearbox stuffed up. I was been told by my mechanic that it a problem with an Astra. Got the price to fix was just $3340 which is half the price what I paid when I bought the car.

Inquired at holden service centers and was been told that you get us the 2nd hand gearbox and we will install it for $600.

So no one can help now and I would recommend not to buy any car which is not aussie made as you won't know how much you will send for parts of it stuffs up.

General Comments:

I would recommend not to buy this car, if you r getting it cheap still think of it as it can be very expensive later on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th June, 2006

1996 Holden Astra GL 1.8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

An interesting alternative to a Corolla/Laser/Pulsar etc

Faults:

Pieces of plastic trim in the cabin fall out occasionally.

We encountered some strange noises in the engine, but they were fixed at our regular servicing.

Not the car's fault, but a bunch of kids ran a key along one side of the car, leaving a big ugly mark which we have yet to repair.

General Comments:

The Astra has an excellent sound system, in fact the whole interior is great. Our other car, a Daewoo Nubira, is very similar to our Astra, but it's stereo system is far worse. The Astra has big easy to read controls.

It is as roomy as our old VH Commodore, and a darn sight better looking.

It has proved to be quite reliable, and high quality.

Far more stylish than a Corolla or Pulsar of the same year.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th October, 2003

15th Jan 2006, 21:46

I travelled 74,000 km's in my previous TS Astra and when sold the original brakes and tyres were still in good condition. The car was absolutely a Gem and I have bought a another new (2005) TS model.