Faults:

Nothing, but I have only had it about 10 months.

General Comments:

The Elite model Astra is top of the range and has leather seats and all electrics. It is a very well specified car for a family hatch. Ride is smooth and being in this car feels good and much more expensive than it is.

Love the exterior look in black with big alloy wheels.

The 1.6 is a good all round engine, performance is OK, and I have averaged around 42 mpg. Quiet and refined as well. Tax, insurance and servicing have been reasonably priced as well.

Boot space is huge for a smaller hatch. I hope to have it for a log time, this was an excellent used find - a low mileage and great condition car. Yes it is 12 years old now but still feels very modern.

Faults:

General wear and tear, changed the oil as per schedule, and belt changes.

Brakes, exhaust and suspension parts replaced as needed.

Gearbox feels looser now, but no problems.

Interior plastics could be better, some cracks here and there.

Air-con/climate control is useless, needs a re-gas.

Trip computer display a bit faded.

General Comments:

3 door "Sports Hatch" Astra looks a million times better than the run of the mill Astra's you see on the road. SRi model is mid range and has enough electric interior features to keep you entertained.

1.8 petrol engine will be fast enough for most drivers. 40 MPG is possible, but you have to drive very slowly. Ride is rather firm around town, not the most comfortable car, although more spacious than I thought it would be.

Looks amazing in darker colors (mine is dark grey, would prefer blue or black if I am being really picky), standard alloy wheels are easy to keep clean and look great, I will not be making any cosmetic changes.

Had it a couple of years and has been reliable, cheap enough to run and repair if you know a trusted independent garage. Tax is rather expensive though, but as are most older petrol cars in this range. Overall if you are looking for a fun hot hatch that won't set the world on fire, but be cheap enough to run and easy on the eyes, check out the Sport Hatch Astra from 2005 - 2011 models, best looking in my opinion. Find a looked after one with history and you cannot go wrong.