1994 Vauxhall Astra Reviews - Page 5 of 5

Engine would hesitate badly from cold, and occasionally stall. Dealer fixed this with new fuel pump and exhaust temp sensor under warranty.

Car was originally a fleet car and had covered 72,000 miles when I purchased it two years ago.

It has now covered 94,000 without so much as a service in 20,000 miles.

Ceasaro is quite high spec., sports interior, electric windows and sunroof, alloy wheels, power steering and pearlesent paint (Great until you get a stone chip because you can't match it)

The 1.6i engine is very willing and torquey but not very refined, close ratio gearbox means it is quite noisy at speed, but great fun on country roads. Handling is acceptable but not fantastic. All in all a nice car to drive on relatively short distances. Fuel economy has always been pretty poor, I can normally only get about 200 miles from a tank full.

Master cylinder (because main dealer forgot to release pressure when changing pads apparently) seals ruptured, water pump, wheel bearing (manufacturing fault, where bearing assembly was outside tolerences, and the car out or warranty and out of the country... )

These details affect running costs figure of 5. Had I no problems, it would be 8-9.

It's an okay car - had it now for almost a year. Engine good for 1.4, not fast top speed, but punchy enough midrange.

Handling is safe but ride is a bit wearing and jiggly (though I live in Ireland and the roads are crap).

Let me down twice soon after purchase - I think the Opel Astra is built better than Vauxhall (mine's an English import), though Irish dealers are bad if my master cylinder experience is anything to go by.

Family have had Vauxhall/Opel since 70's and they are generally good. I'm initially let down by mine (after trading from a Montego), but overall it's quiet, competent and seems reliable now I've fixed initial problems (see what's gone wrong above).

It's also economical if driven easily - 150 miles to 10 quid is quite good.

No real problems, new exhaust 40K miles.

Someone tried to break in but the deadlocking and alarm stopped them. Brakes last 20K miles, front tyres wear quickly if you corner hard.

Great fast Astra, 148BHP, 7.5s 0-60. Solid handling with with some body roll on corners but sticks to the road. Excellent brakes. Not too much noise at speed, will happily cruise at 95+mph.