2000 Vauxhall Astra Coupe Edition 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Nice looks, niggling faults...

Faults:

Sticking clutch pedal.

Rattle from the dashboard (resolved by the dealer, but now the centre console is creaking!!)

General Comments:

Not too sure about this car yet. It looks great and handles well, but the engine seems a bit sluggish. Perhaps it will loosen up a bit more with more mileage.

Not happy about the niggling rattles - first rattle was resolved (traces of lubricating oil are still visible on the INSIDE of the instrument panel) but it has now been replaced by creaking on the centre console...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th December, 2000

17th Jul 2001, 12:36

I have had my new astra coupe 1.8 for a week now, and been back to the dealer twice already. I also had an annoying high pitched rattle/squeak emanating from the speedometer glass which seems to be fixed, but now also have a noisy centre console.

The main fault I experienced was an engine management/emissions light staying on. This seems to have been fixed now, attributed to a loose connection.

Overall, these faults aside, I'm very happy with the car, but I am also very nervous that I might be getting to know the dealer's waiting room much better over the coming months.

With the list price in Ireland for a 1.8 coupe at IR£22,500, you can't help wondering if this is what the new car buying experience should be like.

2000 Vauxhall Astra Club 1.6i 8V from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A stylish and comfortable family/rep's car that could use more poke!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong to date (touch wood).

General Comments:

Overall, a really nice and easy to drive car. Engine could be a bit more responsive although it drinks petrol like crazy if you put your foot down or push the engine.

Nice interior within the car although I dislike the factory stereo. Have replaced it with my own Alpine and have consequently lost part of the mid-mounted display on the dash.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th August, 2000

2000 Vauxhall Astra Club 1.6 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Excellent performance at a reasonable price, and a whole lot more besides...

Faults:

A few squeaks and rattles repaired under warranty & brake pads replaced at about 1500 miles.

General Comments:

All in all, another fine car from Vauxhall. Cheap to run, and seems very reliable although it's early days yet. My previous car (also a Vauxhall) didn't cost me a penny in repairs over 3 years (only standard servicing costs, which are cheap anyway), and I hope this Astra is the same.

Good all round performance, although in some instances I'd like more torque at lower revs, as the car runs at low revs anyway (I'm seldom over 4500 rpm).

Still, a good engine, comfortable interior and solidly built. Also quite pleased I got it from my preferred dealer for over £4000 off the list price so didn't need to worry about importing. I couldn't find the same spec cheaper anywhere else anyway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th August, 2000

2000 Vauxhall Astra SXi 16v 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good design but poor engineering and dealer back-up

Faults:

First Astra brought new in April 99, several faults - poor idling, whining steering, paint defect, noisy engine, throttle seemed unresponsive, faulty brake lights, poor dealer fitted alarm, dealer not too helpful, INVOLVED Vauxhall and had vehicle changed 2/2000 for a new Astra, factory alarm fault engine still noisy and rough....

General Comments:

First ever NEW car, seemed good value against VW Golf and Peugeot 306, still like overall styling in and out and galvanised body.. but poor build quality.

Replacement vehicle still not great, had factory fit alarm which was faulty, engine still noisy and hard to drive slowly on throttle, seems like poor engineering. Vauxhall gave extra warranty as compensation so will continue to try and get resolved. Such a shame, Vauxhall could have had a real contender, if VW can do it why can't Vauxhall?....... I felt I should have bought the VW as seems better build quality and holds its value which makes up for dearer purchase price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th March, 2000