| Vauxhall Astra (1998-2004) |
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Considering how capable its successor is, the fourth-generation Astra is something of a letdown. Bland inside and out, the car is also dull to drive. But the Mk4 Astra is cheap, plentiful and there's plenty of choice in terms of engines and bodystyles. The estate makes a reasonable load-lugger while the cabin of each variant is spacious - most engines are decent too. Reliability is also generally good, but there are numerous detail niggles you need to look out for. |
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| Key Dates |
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2/98: | Mk4 Astra on sale as hatchback or estate. | | | 8/98: | 2.0 Di turbodiesel now offered. | | | 10/98: | Saloon arrives. | | | 1/99: | Passenger airbag now standard. | | | 7/00: | Coupé on sale. | | | 10/00: | 2.2-litre petrol engine introduced. | | | 4/01: | Convertible reaches showrooms. | | | 4/02: | 2.0-litre turbo petrol powerplant now available. | | | 4/03: | The best engine yet joins the range; the 1.7CDTi turbodiesel unit.
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| Checklist |
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* ECUs corrode, leading to erratic running.
- * Rear brake compensators fail, leading to uneven braking.
- * Water pump can seize on four-cylinder engines, destroying powerplant when cam belt gets thrown off.
- Ignition control unit of 2.2 petrol engine fails.
- 1.8-litre engine suffers from flat spots, cured by a software update.
- Rear springs can break.
- A hyperactive alarm means a new ECU is needed.
- Headlights and foglights mist up.
- Air-con can be unreliable.
- Bulkhead leaks, leading to waterlogged footwells.
- Windows mist up when heater fan fails, vent mechanism breaks or pollen filter fills up with
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We Like
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Choice of engines and bodystyles
Spacious interiors
Well equipped
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We Don't Like
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Bland designs
Lacklustre image
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| Vauxhall Astra - More Information |
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