2005 Vauxhall Astra SRi Diesel review from UK and Ireland

Two weeks after I brought it, the alternator went down, replacement fitted for £260.00.

1 month later alternator went again, replaced under parts warranty.

Replaced battery as recommended at the garage for £75.00.

2 months later alternator goes again, replaced for an 80amp unit instead of 60amp. Problem resolved (so far).

2 weeks later the car would not start. Recovery man tried to force start it, and it sounded like a tractor.

Went to a dealer, cost £400 for fault diagnosis, then decided it was the ECU that needed replacement for £625. Car back up and running, but has a valve tapping sound.

Two weeks later, a fuse went on the windscreen washer. Manual said check fuses; checked the fuses, and in doing so knocked out central locking. Couldn't lock the car so back to the dealer. £98 to have it looked at it and reprogram the ECU.

Word of advice (ignore the user manual). 1 week later reverse gear disappears and 1st gear is in its place! Seems as soon as the the warranty runs out the car is destined to spend most of its life in and out of the main dealers. Good for business, no good for the user.

Great looking estate car that has sporty feel.

Other than that, ABSOLUTE TOTAL AND UTTER PANTS! Please look at other cars and give this baby a miss!