1997 Vauxhall Astra Reviews

Wish bones.

Shocks, springs.

Arb links.

Radiator.

Alternator.

Glow plugs.

All done at around 100k, and just usual wear and tear, don't put off buying.

OK, it's a Vauxhall so it's never gonna be the greatest of cars, however from the history of the car and from the little money I've spent on it, I'm happy to say it totally reliable!

Don't be put off by people saying the GM low blow engine is no good, I've worked for several companies who use Vauxhalls based on this engine, and for most part it's wholly reliable (just needing service parts).

Bodywork has gotta be the best of this generation vehicle; no rust or rot, and it's getting on for 11 years old!

Have found the suspension to be the biggest let down, luckily this was totally replaced by last owner so handles like new.

OK these engines smoke badly, but it's an old diesel, fuel economy is OK 35 round town, 45-47ish on a run. Don't be fooled by claiming a constant 50mpg, I've never achieved it with the several I've had and I'm a slow driver.

Nothing really has gone wrong, just general things like tyres, battery, and exhaust,

This car is exactly what Vauxhall wanted it to be a good reliable plodder, it's not that quick, but it's not a hot hatch, I've done over 100,000 in the car in the last 3 years it's now got nearly 200,000 on it, which isn't bad going from a basic engine and gearbox, the cam is starting to rattle a little, but besides that the car just keeps going and going, it doesn't smoke, the heater doesn't get that hot any more, but I've got nothing to complain about. The body is still clean, the sills aren't rusty in fact the only rust on it is in the bottom of the rear arches where all Astras rust from. I reckon I'll put another 100,000 on it before I finally kill it, brilliant car.

Right then... where do I begin? Within two weeks of owning the car the rear wiper blade broke, no problem, £7 and fitted myself.

One week after this I was travelling on the M6 and a section of trim that holds the windscreen starts to flap violently. Took it to the Vauxhall garage and ordered a bracket. Arrives within a week at a cost of 89p. Fantastic.

Then things start to go down hill rapidly. Try to start the car after work and the engine cuts out followed by an electronic whirling noise. Manage to jump start the car, but it cuts out again. Phone the AA and they plug it into their computer, but my car isn't found on their system so the problem can't be diagnosed. They recommend it could be the Crank Shaft Distributor Cable? The car gets towed and the part is changed.

Car runs fine for the next two weeks, but on a trip to the Lake District the Engine Management Light comes on followed by poor performance. The performance immediately returns when the light goes out. I don't think anything of it at this point. Then while waiting in traffic, the engine cuts out followed by the same whirling noise. Can't get it started for the life of me and so its towed again. I took it to the Vauxhall garage and they plug it into a computer for £70. I'm told that its the Coil Pack. This is replaced under the warranty and the car runs fantastic for the next week.

But wait!!! This is going too well! It was! Two days ago I was driving home and the Engine Management Light flickers on, hmm? Then as I'm pulling into the drive, the engine cuts out! Followed by that familiar sound. The car is now at Vauxhall where I hope it stays until its fixed.

I researched into the matter myself and found it could be one of four problems, but all of them sound expensive to fix.

Bottom Line! When it works, it works great. 9p per mile fuel economy, good performance and handling. The cabin is well put together with no rattles or bangs. The interior is roomy and more than capable of transporting five average sized adults in comfort.

BUT! When it decides to break down! It does it in style! The Astra is basically run by a fancy computer and if it decides to malfunction then from my experience, nobody, but Vauxhall can fix it because most garages do not have the required technology to diagnose them. This means that break downs can be extremely expensive so be prepared to fork out.