Buying a used Astra

Second-Hand Sense: Looking through the list of model options available on the current Opel Astra range - the new one arrives…

Second-Hand Sense: Looking through the list of model options available on the current Opel Astra range - the new one arrives in a few weeks - is a dizzying experience. All in all there are an incredible 70 variations, ranging from the basic 1.2 three-door petrol to a 2.2 coupé.

The Astra is right up there in the competitive stakes with the Ford Focus and the Toyota Corolla, so you have an Astra population that is Triffid-like. But the Astra is not a popular car just because Opel decided to sell thousands in this country - it's popular because it's a very good all-rounder and it makes for a good second-hand buy.

The current Astra first made it here in 1998, although the name had been in use in other parts of the GM global market before that. Until Focus arrived and stole the limelight in this sector, the Astra was a good-looking car in its own right. However, it wasn't a car destined to age well - something the Focus still does.

The Astra shares the same clunky feel as cars such as the Focus and Golf and it's as well laid out as both the competitors, with perhaps better rear head and legroom than the older Golf.

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The basic 1.2 car is a competent job, but doesn't sparkle. In fact, you could make the same criticisms about the Astra generally. It does everything it says on the tin and does it well but, unless you're going for sportier versions, there's not much of the vroom factor. But does that matter?

For my own part I'd prefer a good solid German car that's comfortable, runs well and doesn't cost a fortune on the second-hand market.

Whether you're looking for a three-door, a five-door, a coupé, an estate, a petrol or a diesel, there is an Astra for you. All are strong, well-built and reliable cars.

The only recurrent problem seems to be the same as that affecting the older Golf - faults with throttle housings as a result of carbon build-up. Overall the Astra is not known for giving trouble.

The design of the Astra interior makes for poor competition with the Golf. The Golf has a lovely blue back light on the dials that makes for an intimate driving experience at night. The Astra is dull by comparison - just a mass of plastic moulding with practical but boring instrumentation. Switchgear is also cheap and dated and you won't need a lesson in how to use the radio/cd unit.

The Astra gets four out of five stars in the Euroncap crash testing rating for front and side impacts, so it's a safe car to travel in, but still has a way to go to catch up with Renault. It ranks at number 21 in the JD Power/Top Gear survey for compact cars which puts it even ahead of the Golf.

A basic 2000 1.4 Astra with 35,000 miles on the clock will cost about 11,000. A 2001 model with 34,000 miles will cost about 14,500. These are asking prices, so do bargain.

All in all, the Astra is a good buy and is generally well-priced on the second-hand market.