2000 Holden Astra Reviews - Page 3 of 5

Best small car ever owned.

Very reliable.

Very economical.

If brakes needed replacing, I use the aftermarket discs not genuine, as these are good quality European discs and cost approx $45 each, genuine are approx $200.00 per pair.

This car is quick for a 1.8 and handles like it's on rails.

I will certainly be purchasing another, as these are safe, strong, economical european cars that are brilliant.

I have found that the engine mounts are easily damaged, and need to be changed every 2 to 3 years.

This car is extremely safe and can take a hit from most other angles and survive.

It is roomy, unlike the garbage they are trying to sell us in Australia now.

Air conditioner compressor failed ($1000)

Air conditioner works intermittently.

Expensive major service ($760)

Rear electric window failed ($450)

Remote key works intermittently.

Premature wear on brake discs ($???)

Brakes squeal when reversing.

Key is difficult to remove from ignition (A common problem on Astra's)

Failed to start on a hill due to fuel starvation.

Car falters when taking off with a cold engine.

We bought this car because it had every accessory we wanted. Especially cruise control and electric windows.

Although the car is fast and handles very well, the gear shift is very clunky and the European pattern of having reverse on the left is a pain when reversing out onto a busy road.

We cannot rely on this car as so many major problems have occurred. We take our beaten up old Falcon on holidays just in case.

Holden have offered very poor and expensive service. Much cheaper at our local mechanic.

It does have a very good stereo. This is handy because it gives you something to listen to while you wait for a tow truck.

There is a funny noise coming from the engine bay - like a gentle ticking noise and we were told by Holden that some Astra's do it. Its something to do with the injector apparently and its nothing to worry about. We were advised that if it annoyed us too much then to fill it will WD40 to drown out the noise.

Needed to replace battery because it dropped a cell, but that was due to a dodgy fitting of a sub and amp.

For $12,000 second hand this car is a dream to drive and own.

It is really quiet on the road. There are no squeaks or rattles in the cabin.

The panel gaps are even both inside and out and the trim in the cabin is robust and looks really nice.

The Cd player has very good sound for a standard head deck and the speakers can pump out some decent sound.

The steering is weighted nicely and relays the driving experience without the harsh bumps it may encounter.

It recovers from potholes and bumps very well.

The seats are nice and firm and support in the right places.

The back seat can be a little tight sometimes for 3 adults.

The boot is huge for a small sedan - it rivals my mums statesman I reckon, for boot space.

The engine is lively with plenty of torque.

Fuel consumption for me is roughly 8 - 10L/100k and I get around 500-600k to a tank (tank is 54L)