2001 Holden Astra city 3dr from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

The ignition of my Astra decided to pack it in one night. This problem was related to a steering column that would not free up. Holden told me it was a fault with the 2001 models. This was fixed under warranty, thank goodness.

The rattling/ squeaking dashboard. This noise appears to be coming from the display area on the top of the dash which looks to be a seperate part of the dash. If anyone knows how to fix this problem let me know, its really annoying.

Brake dust is excessive, but I am told its normal - like a Volvo or Saab.

Parts are very expensive to replace, IE: Battery $185.00 which I had to order. Tyres are also extreamlly expensive to replace ($200.00 each)

The ride is very bumpy, I beleive that all european cars have harsh suspension.

The Astra is highly enjoyable to look at and drive.

The engine is gutsy, with plenty of grunt when you need it.

Its easy to park in and around the city which is great when you are having trouble finding a park.

The strong solid feel is quite refressing compaired too many of the 'tiny' korean and japanese cars.

My Last car was a Lancer coupe which felt a lot more tiny compaired to the solid-strong Astra.

Overall its just an all round good car, although some problems are anoying and parts are expensive.

I have a 2003 Astra City and am generally happy with it.

I too have recently noticed the annoying noise behind the dash - mainly on open highways with the radio off. Do you know if this is fixable?

I agree that parts are expensive. I recently had to replace the windscreen wipers (less than 12 months old) at a cost of nearly $70!! The service dealer would not accept that they were faulty and they are not covered by warranty.

I could not be more pleased with the performance of my Astra City except for the continual "wind noise" coming from around the dashboard when speed exceeds 80kph.

Would love any suggestions on how to eliminate this annoying noise as service agents are at a loss - and no longer willing to find problem.

I too own a 2001 astra, It also has the rattle from behind the centre console. I have removed and replaced it, checked all of the wiring and still have not stopped it.

The original wiper will take a Trico insert if you carefully remove the old insert, gently open the wiper blade gripper on the end of the arm and slide in new inserts. Best to buy the premium slim twin metal sided blades and when inserted close the end of the blade with pliers. This does work, costs about $16. Dealers hate it.

Other than too soft disc rotors Astras are a class act for the money.

I used to own an Astra CD 2002, The dash rattle around the info display area always made some noise. It was finally fixed after numerous returns to the dealer. This sort of trim noise should not happen on a brand new car that is at the end of its model cycle. As for the wiper cost, that why dealers love servicing your car, to make money. Go to Kmart and get the insert.

My 2001 Astra has sustained expensive problems to both electric rear windows. Six months apart, both regulators have failed with the windows stuck in the open position. The first I got repaired cost over $500 but was necessary so I wore it. When it happened to the other rear window, I rang Holden, but they did not recognise this as a recurring defect. I find it strange that it has happened to both rear windows.

I asked them if they thought it was because I don't use the rear windows much at all, but they wouldn't commit to that possibility for legal reasons. However, I'd really like to know how I can avoid this occurring again!

Anyone else familiar with this problem?

Yes, our 2001 Astra had the same problem with the rear electric windows. The window receiver has a weak little plastic molding which guides the glass up and down. Both sides broke, just outside the warranty period. They make a nasty bang, as they break, and the glass falls down into the door, which can be distracting for the driver. A workmate has a similar car and has had exactly the same problem. At the time Holden wanted to charge $750 each for the receiver, not including fitting. I tried to buy the parts from a wrecker, but could not find any as they had all been sold. "Must be a design fault" was the response from a couple of them. Pity because, apart from having to replace the disc rotors, the car has been very good and is a pleasure to drive.

Hello.

I own an Astra 2002 2.2 (L61). In general it is a very nice car. Solid, comfortable.

But recently there is an annoying noise coming from the central console, It is not due to wind. Actually it happens as soon as you turn the ignition switch (before crank)

Does anybody has a clue of what could be the problem?

I have a 2000 model Astra with electric windows which keep failing and are very expensive to have repaired.

In my case the right rear mechanism failed under warranty and was replaced in Feb 2003. The left rear failed in Nov 2005 outside warranty. The Holden dealer wanted $600 to replace the mechanism.

I had the mechanism replaced by a smash repair workshop for $355. On 22/12/06 the right rear failed again. The previous repair by Holden was out of warranty so I contacted the local dealer who quoted me $450 to replace it.

The rear windows are rarely used. I estimate that they fail about every 2-3 years or after 20-30 uses. I contacted Holden Customer Service who refused to pay for any of the cost. My advise for those with an Astra fitted with electric windows, is to use them regularly as infrequent use seems to be a common comment made by many, and if you are buying an Astra don’t buy one with electric windows. The dealer acknowledged that they have had similar problems with other Astras, but Holden will not admit there is any problem.

I have just purchased a 2003 Holden Astra city, I found the console also was rattling, which is quite annoying. Yes, we would all like a solution; if there is one out there, could someone please let all of us Astra owners know, because I have to turn up the CD player to hear it. Over all, I love the look and feel of my car; the only bad thing is the rough ride and suspension, which are due to my low profile tyres. Without those few mishaps, I love my Astra!