2002 Holden Astra Reviews - Page 5 of 13

Have owned this car for very painfully expensive years.

Had to replace wheel bearing 2 months after buying; $1000.

Air con stopped working; $1000 +

4 sets of tyres.

Rotors and brake pads replaced.

Ignition barrel twice.

Central locking doesn't work.

Boot lock sometime doesn't unlock.

Stereo jumps to max volume just by touching volume knob.

That's off the top of my head, since my books are in my car, which is stuck at the shops with an ignition barrel gone again; not ringing a locksmith on a Sunday!!!

The only positive things I have to say are.

Handles well.

Gets up hills really good without losing speed.

BOTH sets of brake pads replaced by 62,000kms (brakes always squealed from new – was told by Holden this was a common problem with Astras – what the…?!!)

SIX new tyres by 65,000kms.

Major electrical part required replacing at 60,000kms costing $240 (exc installation by auto electrician).

Major service at 60,000kms …..$840 later!

ALL WHILST STILL UNDER Warranty!!!

After numerous problems, I opted out of using Holden for servicing altogether, and chose to wear the cost with my local mechanic (who has since advised that it would be in my interest to sell the vehicle before anything else goes wrong - claiming it’s only a matter of time until it does).

Clearly naïve to expect nothing major to go wrong with my Astra in its 3 year warranty period, I have vowed never to own another Holden! I never expected to hand over $25,000 for a new car, to have it cost me so dearly in such a short space of time.

I like my Astra Equipe, but as per one of the other reviews, I too had a steering column lock which had to be replaced under warranty, a colleague told me he had the same problem on his Astra.

It has been back to the dealer twice for an engine error light with no fault found having crawled there at a dangerously slow speed on a highway; as per the handbook instructions.

In addition I was not made aware when purchasing that I would need a costly timing belt replacement on the 60,000k service.

At 62,769k I have just been told that I need both front shock-absorbers replaced which will cost me approximately $800.00 which I am told is virtually unheard of.

All brakes have also be replaced and the brake dust makes the mag wheels a waste of time.

Fog lights blew very early on and ashtray hinge broke, although was quickly fixed under warranty by Holden.

Seats tend to be quite uncomfortable on long trips with most passengers complaining of back aches.

Cruise control stopped working for 3 weeks, but recommenced by itself.

This car is very zippy around town and generally is very good on petrol on the open highway.

Has a roomy boot that can fit quite a bit of luggage.