2003 Vauxhall Astra SRi from UK and Ireland - Comments

No problems have arisen with the car. It hasn't missed a beat in 10000 miles!

(I plan to keep the car for at least 4 years, so will keep updating on reliability through the comments section)

After reliable and economic service from my first car, an Astra 1.4LSi, I decided to upgrade to something a little more sporty. I certainly have not been disappointed!

The engine is strong and torquey, pulling cleanly from all revs right the way up to the red line. It has the power to worry far more expensive cars! Its certainly a quick little car.

Handling is excellent, far improved over the pre-98 Astra. This car is a joy to drive.

The interior is comfortable and good for long journeys. Motorway cruising is relaxed despite the short gearing which sees the engine spinning at 3250rpm at 70mph. The optional cruise control fitted to my car is simple to use.

My only small complaint about the car is the slightly dull interior styling. None the less, the interior feels well built and doesn't rattle.

As nothing has gone wrong with the car, its only been to the dealer once - for its first annual service. The dealer service was very good - friendly staff, and the service was completed within the hour. The cost was £97, quite expensive for what was effectively an oil and filter and a check, but still fairly cheap compared to other car manufacturers.

Fuel consumption - 36.4mpg over the 10000 miles (yes, I am sad enough to have calculated it! :-) ) Ranges between 34mpg when driven hard to 38mpg driven normally. I consider this to be very good for a car with a 1.8 litre engine that's designed to be a little sporty.

Overall, this is an excellent car that is great to drive, and great to own thanks to its reliability and fairly low running costs. I would strongly reccomend it.

I totally agree with your statements, I own a second hand Astra 1.6SXi and it is a pleasure to drive I would also recommend it to anyone. I've done 16,000 miles and not had a single problem! I was wondering if you knew any good Astra modification sites as I am looking to get the suspension lowered, check out some spoilers and exhausts... Know of anywhere? email me at kenneth.mcfall@jacobs.com Thanks!

Time for an update...

Car is now two years old with 33000 miles.

Vauxhall Astra SRi 1.8 16v (Engine: Z18XE)

ECONOMY & EXPENSES:

Fuel Consumption - 36.6mpg

1st Annual Service (Interim) at 16000 miles (£97)

Front tyres replaced at 22000 miles (~£150)

Oil & Filter Change at 22000 miles

2nd Annual Service (Full, inc plugs) at 33000 miles (~£160)

FAULTS:

23000 miles- small engine oil leak traced to hair line crack in oil pump casing, oil pump replaced under warranty.

GENERAL COMMENTS:

Other than the oil leak, which was quickly remidied under warranty by Vauxhall dealer, the car has given reliable and enjoyable service for the 20000 miles I've owned it. It has never failed to get me home. The engine is rattle free, oil consumption is negligible (apart from small leak!) as level has remained on Max mark on dipstick between services. The car in general still feels tight, with no sloppiness to steering, gear change, performance or build.

The car remains a joy to drive. The engine pulls strongly from all revs, but really comes on song above 3500rpm - overtaking is easy. The short gearing means the car is hugely responsive on the motorway, there's never any need to change out of 5th. As I spend a lot of time on motorways, I find the optional cruise control very useful indeed. Lotus helped with the design of the Astra G chassis, and it truly shows - the car grips hard, and is very chuckable.

Regular washing and polishing has maintained the external look of car, the paint finish is still of high quality. I like the look of the Astra G: understated, the car doesn't shout about itself, but still looks handsome and purposeful.

The interior remains rattle free, and the sports seats (fitted to SXi and SRi models) are comfortable. Tap the dashboard and you recieve a dull thud in return, no rattles. Admittedly the quality of some materials isn't as good as the new Astra for example, but the interior is still very clear, well laid out and easy to use. Nothing has fallen off and everything still works! The air conditioning proved very useful in the summer when sitting in motorway traffic.

Rear visibility is an slight issue however, with thick rear pillars and the low nose high back stance of the car. Also, the car is far worse in the snow than my old MkIII Astra. The traction control helps in a straight line, but should never be relied upon! I suspect this has a lot to do with the light engine and wide low profile tyres, I would be interested to hear how other people find various specs of Astra in wintry conditions.

Overall, this car continues to impress, and I would recommend one to anyone looking for a practical, reliable small car that has a little bit of get up and go! Sheer numbers sold and the introduction of the new model see the old model as a bit of a used car bargain. When looking at used Astra Gs, insist on a full service history, and especially ensure the timing belt has been changed at correct intervals (60000 miles or 6 years for the 1.8 16v engine). You will find the intervals in the service booklet. If the belt hasn't been changed and it snaps you're looking at a lot of expense!

Its funny you should mention the poor handling in the snow... I recently crashed my 53plate 1.8 sri astra in the snow, it simply wouldn't turn when it should have, even at a slow speed I couldnt belive the lack of traction. the car has since been written off, now wanting another astra (of course) as evry comment you touched upon is true, from the solid build thru to the handling and performance.

Brilliant car!

Regal motorsports- southampton does untold mods for all vauxhall. reasonably priced too.

I had a 1.8 16v SRi on an 03 plate. I agree it was a nice car to drive, but it felt slow, and handling was sometimes suspect. Now own a 306 XSi, and the handling and power is far superior to the vauxhall. Much more fun to drive.