What they said when new (2004)
“Launched as a five door hatch, the new Astra will also be available as a three door, an estate, and a coupe-cabriolet with a trendy foldaway hardtop.
This fifth generation Astra brings new style to the market and raises the stakes in terms of technical innovation. Priced at £10,995 and rise to £17,645, model for model, prices are generally pitched marginally above the current Focus, but significantly below the new Golf.”
What’s it like to live with?
If you haven’t driven a Vauxhall recently, the first thing that will surprise you is the build quality. The seats are firm like Mercedes, the doors clunk like an Audi and the dashboard and controls have the tactile quality of a Volkswagen.
The second thing you will notice is the equipment. All seven different trim levels come with remote central locking, front and side airbags, ABS, reach and rake adjustment of the steering column, powered front windows and a radio/CD player; all but the entry Expression version come with air-con. Extras can include electronic stability, traction and continuous damping control systems, rain sensitive wipers, keyless entry and start up, folding mirrors and the adaptive front headlight system.
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The third thing you will notice is the quality of the driving experience. The engines – whether petrol or diesel – are smooth, refined and powerful.
Room in the back is comparable with the main rivals, so suitable for children but a bit cramped if your teenagers have shot up lately.
Which one to buy?
The 1.7 CDTI is increasingly popular as it delivers a quiet motorway cruise, rapid acceleration and 58 mpg. But it holds a premium price.
In terms of petrols, the 1.6 and 1.8 litre units are most popular. The 1.6 can feel very slightly underpowered for some, but delivers 43 mpg to the 1.8’s 37 mpg.
What’s the market like?
Surprisingly, considering how good the diesel engine is, for most years, there will 3 petrol engine cars to choose from for every diesel. The result is softer prices – in most years a 1.6 petrol will be £1,000 less than a 1.7 diesel (even though they are directly comparable in performance).
The petrols also tend to have completed about half the miles of the diesels so the good news keeps coming, right up until you reach the petrol pump (see mpg figures earlier).
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Bargain hunters should aim for the 2004 registered cars as they will have lost up to 20% of their value in the last year. Otherwise depreciation is consistent and steady across the range, with most models losing just over 10% of their value year on year.
3 key checks to make before buying:
EGR Valves
During the test-drive check that the car runs smoothly, without hesitation. If the car is suffering from poor running, the EGR valves are often the problem. Have a garage investigate the problem. The car usually needs a software upgrade. Budget £50+.
Clutch
Ensure the car has not been used recently, so it is ‘cold.’ As you let the clutch out, feel for judder. If the car judders as you pull away, the clutch probably needs replacing. This was a ‘known issue’ on early models and is sometimes covered by warranty.
Engine management lights
1) Check that the engine management, airbag and ABS light come on with the ignition and go out a few seconds after you start the engine. 2) Test-drive the car on a main road. Check that the car accelerates freely and there is no lack of power. If the car seems very sluggish, or won’t accelerate, it is probably in a ‘limp home’ mode and the orange engine light will be on display. If any of the lights remain on there is usually a sensor fault. Have a diagnostic check completed as a sensor needs replacing or software fault needs fixing. Budget £45 for a check, up to £200 for a sensor.
For the rest of the common faults to check, click here to register