Comments: 1-15, 16-19
The only fault I can pick is the high beam, it is set like a focused laser (rather than an ambient spectrum), which makes winding country roads more difficult -- a minor problem. However, on the straights at the dead of night, you can see it all.
Just on a week now, and I've driven out of the Holden yard with a 2004 plate model, Astra CD, 5 door hatch, manual, 1.8lt. I got free air, traction control and ABS thrown in for free.
I also went for tints and an interior/exterior protection treatment.
So far, just over 500 km's.
I found the gear box is a little "notchy" in 1st to 2nd gear, but they're getting smoother all the time. In addition, flicking the indicator had me throw the wipers into action several times. I'm now used to it on the left hand side of the steering wheel -- as much as I am with the reverse gear having the curious "lift and top left" action.
The seats were at first a little uncomfortable or should I say a tad too firm. They're now wearing in and feel better. Though I did have some difficulty putting sheep skin seat covers on, there's a lot of metal things under the seats and arm access there is tight.
The finish of the car (at least the one I bought) is without flaws, be it paint work or interior. I will say, the Astra CD is dark in tones on the inside, though I prefer it that way. Some may not. But it makes for a neat finish with the tints, that's for sure.
Petrol use is economical, as stated by the specifications and conforms to the bowser top ups so far.
I also like the sound system in it, though I don't drive with distracting blaring tunes. None the less, the CD player is good and changes to bass/treble/volume are simple. In fact, all the electronic controls in the car are fast to master (it's not an SLR digital camera).
It's certainly a zippy enough car for city use, even in Canberra which boasts numerous short range feed/merge lanes into the more paced 80 km to 110 km artery format, yet the Astra delivers the acceleration comfortably and keeps up with the pack (for what is a city full of late model cars of many makes).
I've also driven into the local mountain ranges (sealed roads) and it handles the hair pins, descents and the climbs nicely, not to mention the endless round-abouts in the capital -- it's a sure footed car. As yet, I haven't tried out the cruise control but will in due time. Breaking is good, though I haven't (fortunately) tested the ABS.
Given the unusually warm Autumn weather (as neatly stated on the handy readout display), I've been able to fire up the air-cond and it doesn't reduce the performance in any undue manner. It certainly cools the cabin down to a shivering temperature.
The Astra is quiet, be it engine noise (revs), or road surfaces -- even on the less than best paved country roads. The doors seal well and there's a solid chassis feel. The suspension too takes the body jar out. The ride is comfortable.
I'll be curious how the other features such as head-lamp adjustment and demisters on the mirrors work out, especially as Canberra winters are rather icy and foggy.
Clearly my review is still early days -- however I'm more than pleased with this vehicle -- certainly as a city use vehicle in what is a city of open (and often high) pace driven roads. I'd certainly recommend it to city use people and even interstate travel. Needless to say, all who have had a close up look at my car are impressed with what is an understated small-medium vehicle packed in many features not seen in other makes of comparable price range. A good deal indeed for this price/class. I'm looking forward to when I have completed the "wear in" to fully appreciate it. I'll write another review then.
Just two mistakes to fix in my review ^above.
1.) There are no "demister mirrors" in the Astra CD.
2.) I said "breaking", when I should have said braking.
I should have proof read it first, rather than have posted late last night.
Thanks for your comments on your new Astra. They've been very useful, as I'm currently in the process of deciding on buying a new car, and am currently leaning (strongly) toward the Astra Classic CD (Re-badged CD).
I would be very interested to hear any further comments, issues, surprises etc you've experienced since you purchased the vehicle. I'm almost content with my preliminary decision (it's tough to find a decent competitor for the price), but would welcome your thoughts.
Thanks again.
Cheers.
Jason.
I bought my Astra CD in 2001 and did post comments on this web site which I have kept reasonably up to date.
My Astra does have demister mirrors which work when the rear screen demister is on, and very handy they have been on the couple of occasions that I have used them.
It's a bit of a shock at the 60000k service which requires the replacement of the timing belt - lots of $$ I think that and the service came out at nearly $800.
In the last month I have had a problem with the traction control and emission lights both coming on at once with the engine running roughly until the first time you switch off. Both lights stay on for a day or so then the Traction control light goes off, followed after another day or two by the emission light. Then all is OK for a few days and the cycle begins again!
It needs to get to the garage and have it fixed and hopefully they will be able to pinpoint the problem straight away and not have to replace various bit and pieces until they get it right.
Apart from that it is still good to drive and still economical. I do use the premium unleaded and do find that it is worth it for better running and good economy.
The only other thing that happened out of the ordinary was the air con stopped working for a day when the car was about 18 months old, but then started again after switching it on and off for a minute and has been OK ever since. The same thing happened to a friend who has the same model and about the same age car.
I would wait until the new model arrives next month or so. For the few extra dollars, the improvements will be worth it, and you can test drive them both.
I wrote the starter review in this thread, so here's a follow up since.
Just on 10,000 km's now, since it's mostly a 9 to 5 work car with general city weekend run about. So far no mechanical faults.
The car is, well at least it feels, "driven in". The "notchy gear box" I spoke of, is now, a thing of the past -- nice and smooth. The seats are now comfortable. I've also driven about the south coast and up the Clyde mountain range and no problems at all in terms of efficient climb, acceleration and handling. Not too bad given it's only a 1.8 and reasonable for all day driving. If you're a tall person, you might find something larger would suit you if interstate travel is your ball game.
Now, with winter having passed, I had ample opportunity to test the head-lamp adjustment on the Canberra fogs that are usually difficult to negotiate. Basically, to take the head light glare out of what's up in front of you, as you cut through it, makes for a safer ride. The European designing is apt to Canberra, including the snowflake icon on the read out display. If you're in QLD, you'll never see it. Count yourself lucky!
I've had one experience with the ABS so far, and it corrected the car's motion to keep it straight with no skidding. It was a wet day and a car in front slammed the brakes on. I didn't end up the back of them. So, I count that a positive. No complaints on the wipers either, they clear even a heavy head on driving rain.
One thing I didn't speak of in my ^above review was hatch (boot) space -- well so far it's met all my needs, from nursery plants to terracotta tubs and other stuff. Though I have read that sedan version, albeit less room in the boot, is actually quieter from the outside noise for the back seat passengers. So apparently there's a trade off, though the noise experienced in the hatch is minimal in my experience.
Jason, I hope my late follow up review is still in time on your new car purchase deliberation. Good going. Post a review, on whatever you decide on. And yes, I agree with the poster ^above -- definitely compare and test drive the re-badge CD to the new Astra (which has had favourable reviews).
Mark.
Hi All.
Just a quick note to say "thank you" for being proactive and updating/ responding. My wife and I are currently comparing the Astra CD against Subaru Impreza GX and Mazda 3 (my vote for funkiest shape).
Any thoughts would be most welcomed.
Thanks also from me!
I ended up going for the Astra CD, and picked it up recently. Am very happy, got a good deal, plus had all the options I wanted. Decided against the newer model, pretty much on price, and really don't like the interior of it, but I'm fussy! :)
Will write up a review on the new acquisition soon, but am on about 600kms, and so far so very good... Apart from the usuals for a new car (notchy gearbox etc) seems to be running fine, though the throttle seems to stick slightly when I engage the clutch, but should be easily fixed. Discovered that the aircon is very effective today, jumping in the car this arvo after a moderately warm Canberra day!
Big thanks to all again for comments, they were most helpful in making final decision!
Quick comment in regards to the Mazda3, I was surprisingly disappointed when I test drove one a few months ago. Simple little issues really got to me:
The speedo is turned 90 degrees, so 60kmh is at around 7 oclock (ie: You have to turn your head away from the road for the most common speed).
The car seems quite powerless until you get in the higher revs.
And wasn't a fan of the interior.
But otherwise, it's a nice car!
Cheers.
Jason.
Hi Jason.
Thanks for your comments on the Mazda3. We're thinking Subaru Impreza gets our vote this time around. It also took out 2004 best small car under $28K. 2nd year in a row.
My hubbie and I brought a Holden Astra CD 2005 model (4 door with hatch) last week and we're pretty impressed... they seem such a great value new family car for money.
I think it's quite similar to the 2004 model except that the indicator's been moved back to the right hand side of the steering columb, which really works for me.
Also the exterior has some sharper lines which sets it appart from the typical 'curved form' most of the 4 door family models seem to have lately...
The only thing I must say I don't like is the firmness of the back of the seats (ergonomic design?)... I can't seem to get comfortable on long trips, being forced to kinda hunch fowards from the shoulder blades...
How long do they take to wear in?
I called Holden and because of the airbags they won't replace the seats because it voids warranty...
Would anyone know if theres some kind of lordotic I can buy as an inlay or perhaps a way of adjusting the tension in the middle of the seat's back?
Thanks in advance...
Kind Regards... Megan.
LORDOTIC? To buy??? Mt dictionary defination is.
Lordotic:Having abnormal sagging of the spine (especially in horses)
Suggest she means Orthotic (spelling...can't get to my dictionary from here)? you put them in shoes if you have flat feet or other foot problems, it corrects your posture... an orthotic for the back perhaps?
I have a 2000 Astra CD and the Service book says change Timing belt at 60,000k If you have the same car with the older book it says 12000k I think. Holden say if the belt brakes before 120,000 and it is 120,000 in the book then they will warranty the $3000 damage that will occur, however if you have a Book that says 60,000 then you are forced into a very expensive service at 60,000k. ($900)
Bring back the timing CHAIN. Cheap and last forever.
Regards Mark.
To the person who had the emissions/traction control problem:
I also own an Astra that has just started doing that today. What was the overall problem and cost of your repair?
Emission and traction control... expensive yet another $600 dollar black box to replace. How on earth can this be justified with the price of computer bits and pieces coming down month on month. Yes, its OK I know the answer.
Whilst this car is lots of fun with its good road holding, I find that the price of these repairs is extraordinary and it is an expensive car to own as soon as anything goes wrong.
At the last service I have now been told that the pads (fair enough it has done 75000) need replacing 'soon' but that the rotors also need replacing. Is this shoddy or what.
Cost per axle of $350 so for the pads and rotors all around $700.
I wonder if the new Focus is as expensive...
Just a quick comment from a UK Vauxhall Astra owner.
Timing belt in the 1.8 engine is good for 80k miles, but is recommended to be replaced at the 60k service. Belt kit including tensioner rollers is £125, and it's worth doing the water pump at the same time. That adds £30 on to the bill. The new 1.8 engine that is starting to go into the new model Astra is timing chain driven.
Brakes - I've seen some people get 100k miles out of discs, yet mine had to be replaced at 32k due to excessive wear. I drive the heavy 2.0DTi turbo diesel model, and the car has done a fair bit of towing, so I'm not overly surprised. Replacement brake components are very cheap (£55 for two discs and 4 pads fitted). The rear discs are similarly priced despite being smaller and non-ventilated.
The traction control problem some of you guys are experiencing can often just be a bad connection on the cable running from the ABS sensor on the front wheel. It's just a case of disconnecting and reconnecting it and more often than not it fixes the issue. An ABS computer replacement is highly unlikely.
If you think the Mk4 Astra is expensive to fix, just wait until the new Mk5 starts breaking - it's has a fully CANBUS multiplexed electrical system, which means that without the dedicated diagnostic tools, a normal mechanic will be able to do nothing. Some of our guys here have to take their Mk5s to dealers to get bulbs replaced, as the onboard computers won't clear the fault automatically even though the bulb has been replaced without aid from the dealer.
I don't know if Holden is as popular in Oz as Vauxhall is here in the UK, but here every back street garage has at least one ex-Vauxhall mechanic that knows more than the dealers ever will. If your car is out of warranty, then take it to a local small garage, and save on the huge labour bills in the main dealer. I buy my parts from the dealer and get the mechanic down the road to fit them in the evening for the price of a few beers...