Summary:
Very reliable and cheap. Good size = Top notch
Faults:
Clutch cable snapped at 166762. 50000 miles on one clutch cable isn't bad.
Nothing else. Runs like a dream.
General Comments:
The car is a very solid car with a lot miles for a petrol. It goes to show that a car will go forever if you treat it right and service it properly.
167000 miles now, and the engine sounds sweet as a nut.
When I got the car, I was a bit weary about putting my footdown because of the high mileage, but it loves it.
There in no wear on any of the seats at all, all look very well looked after.
This car is the first Vauxhall I have had, and is the best car I've had, but then I am only 19.
Insurance isn't too expensive.
The engine isn't too quick, but does the job when driving it around towns and on motorways. I went to the Lakes not too long ago, and managed to get up Hardknott pass, which is considered to be the steepest road in England. My mate's Punto had to go back down and take the long route.
Brakes are very good when fully bedded in, and will stop you in good time.
Road noise is as it should be for a medium sized hatchback. It has loads of room inside - plenty for 4 people on a long journey, and a massive boot for all your lasses shopping.
The engine produced 86bhp when brand new with the hi torque engine, but there is a normal 60bhp engine which I can imagine to be very sluggish. The car won't still have 86bhp now all the miles have been put on, but I would imagine it will be still 75-80bhp.
The dashboard is very solid with no rattles at all. The engine is very solid and with no leaks or anything. The bodywork has bits of rust on now, but not very noticeable.
All in all, if you're after a cheap runaround, then this is the one for you. This has done 167000 miles and is a veteran of the roads, but is more reliable then my mate's new Puntos and Saxos. I will hold on to this car for a long while now.
I hope that this review will help you decide.
Stu.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th June, 2006
9th Oct 2009, 05:51
We love our Astra, bought as a stand in when our car was written off - but it is so good we wouldn't dream of changing it now - not even with the government scrappage scheme. It's a 1996 Merit hi-torque. It's the most comfortable. easy to drive car we've ever had and we've had a few as we are in our 70's now!!! - Don and Mary Capes.
9th Oct 2009, 17:48
I had an Astra MK3 with the 1.4 60 bhp single point injection engine, and yes it is sluggish. So what's the difference with the 1.4 high torque to get 86 bhp? Does it have multipoint injection?