2008 Holden Astra Review
16 May, 2008
77 Comments 
2008 Holden Astra CD Review & Road Test
“For just under $22,000, the base model Holden Astra CD with five on the floor, is a surprisingly good drive and well worth a look”
Good & fun drive, value for money, well built.
Starting to show its age (though it still looks good).
CarAdvice rating: 
(3.50)
- By Anthony Crawford
The problem with driving the world’s fastest and most expensive cars, as we recently did on our “Full Throttle in Europe” tour, is that you quickly get a taste for the best automotive engineering that money can buy.
The other more important issue is that your ongoing expectations are immediately re-calibrated to a much higher level than they were previously. That can make things difficult, especially when reviewing small five-door hatches, priced under twenty five thousand dollars.
The only Astra I’ve driven in the last twelve months is HSV’s sizzling VXR Turbo three-door hatch, which I labelled “a point-to-point weapon” due to its ferocious in-gear acceleration.
But the Astra CD is a long way down the mountain from the VXR in fact; it doesn’t have a Turbo or even a 2.0 litre engine. No need for panic though, with 1.8-litres mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox; it’s still a sporty drive.
103kW and 175Nm doesn’t seem like a lot and frankly, you might get the wrong impression. It’s a lot better than that. Up to 90% of available torque is on song from 2200 to 5500rpm, so the Astra pulls hard very soon after you punch the throttle.
And don’t let me forget to mention the advantages of power to weight. At 1249kg, the Astra made light work of any hill, which stood in its path.
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May 16th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Very good car but the competition in this class is great.
Vote:Cheers !
May 16th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Looks awful in red agreed, decent modest car though but the diesel would be a more economical but at more cost presumably. Somehow in four years this has dated itself quite dramatically, time for a mid-life facelift methinks.
Vote:May 16th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
The point people need to know is that the Astra can be a poor “Economy” car.
They have high maintenance costs from what I gather anecdotally. Most concerning is brake wear, I have read post after post about people needing new rotors and pads at 30 to 40,000km and Holden charge a fortune for repairs.
Then there is the problem of cam belts. not sure if it is fixed now but historically a big problem as they needed changing at 60,000.
Plus it is a Euro car, they just cost more to maintain.
Stay away in my opinion unless you buy a performance model.
Vote:May 16th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
SamR – if anyone need rotors changing after only 30 -40K then I would seriously question their driving standards.
I have a Vectra its got is original discs on at 80K’s and still going strong. Indeed I had an astra old model which when I sold it had 216k’s on the clock with original discs.
Holden may be ripping you off with replacements. I researched UK prices and a pair of rotors are typically $72 not fitted.
Vote:May 16th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
By the sounds of that it deserves better than 3/5
Vote:May 16th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Had a 1.6L version in London for about a week and while first impressions were good, I grew to hate it. 3rd gear has difficult to find when going hard from 2nd. It seemed that to make it feel sporty they firmed everything up so as bumps feel quite harsh. Power steering struggles with fast turns during parking manuveures. Given a few days, I’m sure I would have found some more negatives.
I really think this is a car you’ll like after a quick test drive and then hate it after a while. Don’t get me wrong, it’s easy to drive and feels weighty in the right places but I just couldn’t like it.
Vote:May 16th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
1.6 litre is your only problem. The five speed shifter is too easy and there is no problem finding any ratio.
You simply cannot judge a car based on a rental vehicle which are generally hammered from the very first kilometer they are driven.
Vote:May 16th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
I was given an Astra as a loan car when my car went in for a service. I drove it for several hours and was glad to hand it back. It has the most uncomfortable driving position of any car I have driven. I’m 189cm and the pedals were awkward and cramped, the door seemed too far to the right to comfortably rest my right leg against and the seat was uncomfortable. This car definitely proves that beauty is only skin deep! Good exterior looks, awful ergonomics!
Vote:May 16th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
ozman disagree about the diving position. I am the same height as you and find the seating position good! Pently of leg room. I traded my 2005 subaru outback 3.0R on one of these cars and found the seating postion in the subaru which cost 50K (double the price of an astra) cramped with no thigh support compared with the astra! I have found the ride better than the Subaru belive it or not!
Vote:May 16th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I’m with you Fred, I’m only 178cm but find the driving position very ergonomic but then, I might spend a good few minutes setting up my driving position before starting the car. In fact, I very often tweak the steering wheel adjustment and seatback position, depending on what sort of driving mode I’m in at the time.
Vote:May 16th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Not that I have an Astra but I regularly change the driving position due to back problems, I stretch out more on long runs and shift more forward for town driving for more control.
Vote:One ting I have noticed is that seats have definitely improved. Year back I could never get comfy in Astra’s, Mondoes, Now aday I can, so it seems that the mass manuacturers are takng things more serious. The most uncomfortable I have drven lately was the cramped footwell of a 3 series and my brothers 94 Porsche 911.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:40 am
No diesel option?
Vote:What cars is this competing against and how does it compare?
May 17th, 2008 at 10:30 am
I too have heard from an Astra owner that they are expensive to maintain. Brake replacement, timing belt replacement, and full injector clean required at or before 60,000k.
You’re better off with a bigger, more comfortable car that “only” does 10l/100k rather than the “economy” of 7.6 and those very steep maintenance costs.
However, as a small car it’s not alone in high running costs. A Suzuki Swift requires tyres at 30-35,000ks, and the 30,000k service specifies tappet checks. What the ????
The tyres are Bridgestone Potenza R080 with a hardness factor of 140 (that’s a competition tyre rating) and provide fantastic grip and stability both wet and dry, but cost $140 or so each, which is hardly economy car prices.
And tappets every 30,000k?? That’s ridiculous in an economy car, especially since they are shims and require a special tool to service, which Suzuki won’t sell to anyone.
Vote:May 17th, 2008 at 10:40 am
what is it with you guys and diesel, what don’t you get,its not cost effective in Oz, and NO it does not not deserve more than 3/5, its a nice car that will empty your wallet, euro build quality sucks.
Vote:May 17th, 2008 at 10:59 am
have 2 friends with previous shape Astras, both have had pads/rotor and cam belt changed by 60K service, costing close to 2000 dollars…. ouch. I do like how they handle and ride though…
Vote:May 17th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I had to live with an Astra for three months and they where worst months I have experienced from any car, the thing was uncomfortable (seats), driving position was all wrong, knobs dashboard and dials felt cheap and nasty, 1.8L engine lacks punch, quality of paint (fading) was below par which is very common for most Holden’s, pads worn out, I don’t like the shape, a little bit girly.. Very glad to see the arse end of the Astra, now we have a 2.0L Ford Focus and all can say is that this beauty craps all over the holden ergonomics and power department..
Vote:May 17th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I owned 2 of the previous model Astra, circa 2000 and 2003, quite by accident. Accident? Yes. I had a 2000 CD manual which was a great car with a decidedly unpleasant gearbox. Just mine, sadly. Anyway, I did the cam thing at 60,000 kms and suspected the dealer was ripping me off with the brake pad story, but changed them twice in 97,000 kms anyway.
The intention was to trade it on a 2 or 3 yo falcon or Commodore and I spotted a 2003 SRi with only 8000 kms on the clock. Drove it and loved it. Bought it. Gutsy 2.2, sports seats, bigger wheels, much better tranny. It was a beaut.
Reckless, I had my Golf serviced for 45,000 a few weeks ago and the dealer said, “At 45,000, we also recommend an engine flush and injector clean.”
Despite some pointed questioning of its validity from me, it took him 2 answers to admit it’s not a VW recommendation. Only theirs. So, I told him no.
All dealers try to get you with this. Just ask them if it’s on the manufacturer’s schedule and watch them squirm.
Vote:May 17th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Still casting my mind back to my Astras, I think that previous model was a nicer, better balanced looking car than this current model. It was decidedly more popular, too.
Vote:May 17th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I have a ‘06 CDX wagon. While it’s not the most exciting car (to drive, look at etc), I’m more than happy with the purchase. Previous car was Golf V 2.0TDI, with DSG box, expanding family was the only reason it had to go!! I actually wanted an Astra wagon CDTi, which we don’t get in Oz, which I think GM need to address.
Vote:If anyone is interested, further additions to the family mean that the Astra is on the way out in H2′08, only has 15k on the clock, with after market leather (from Blackmans) & tinted windows (alway worth the $) Colour is Metallic Moonland.
May 17th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
My (previous model)Astra has just had its 120 000 km service. Timing belts are expensive, electric window mechanisms fail (one on mine, two on my son’s, brake discs are soft and wear quickly. However it is comfortable, rides over corrugations as though they aren’t there (local Holden tuning?)and is very economical on fuel. Also feels pretty nifty despite size of engine.
Vote:May 18th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
You’re right, Golfschwein, about the dealers inventing the need for injector flush. That’s what I told my friend, but he had already agreed to have it done because he felt the car was running a bit rough and was using too much fuel. Afterwards, the car ran back to original tune and used less fuel, indicating it was needed.
As for the brakes, when replacing euro car rotors it’s often possible (and many $$$$$ cheaper) to replace with DBA rotors and ,say, Bendix pads. In almost all cases, braking will be just as good and the rotors and pads will last at least twice as long.
Many models are available drilled and slotted for better performance with the appropriate non-OEM pads.
No, I don’t work for DBA :) but if you do this you are buying Australian made and getting much better value.
Vote:May 18th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Great car in a sea of top offerings. Still think front light is toooo Gary Glitter over top and looked miles better when black out surround with silver bezel on previous model. I laught CARADVICE think this car is old and average……its plain still hot and if it aint broke; why fix it?
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Not a bad little car and sell well. Sick of people trying to compare their astra with a BMW or whatnot due to the indicators being on the wrong side. Should be an ADR to have ‘em all where they should be. Shame on holden for cost-cutting their last decent Euro before everything (non-Commodore) turns Korean.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 11:45 am
My sis owned an 06 astra cd. had a good deal/discount when buying it, but cost her a fortune to maintain it. New pads and rotors at 50,000km. New cam belts at 60,000km. When questioned the service centre manager as to why i needs replacements so soon, he just said thats the manufacturers recommendation and failure to follow the log book service may void warranty if the belt snaps and damages the engine internals. oh and it also had 2 power window failures, 3 blown brake light globes and a faulty central locking. Although they were covered by warranty, but all this in only 2 years of ownership? She sold it couple of months ago.
Vote:May 31st, 2008 at 9:21 pm
i just brought a brand new astra cd 08 which i get to pick it up on friday and looks hot in black,tint, alloy wheels at a good dame price.
Vote:reading all ur comments bad and good, i think every car that u buy there is always goin to be problems and its not just the car its also the way the driver drives the car.
thats lives things cost. oh well….
im excited cos i never own a brand new car, not a used car BRAND NEW!!!!!!!!!! which now im gonna look hot in.
you beauty!
June 15th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I’m wondering and asking you guys, I may be going to buy a 2nd hand Holden TR Astra. I do not know alot about them and wondering if you know if they have any problems I need to know if I will consider it. 1996 model.
Appreciate any of your thoughts or experiences you have had. e.g Are they reliable, any problems you have had? etc.
Thanks.
Vote:June 15th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
That particular Astra is getting on now and wasn’t highly acclaimed when new, critically speaking.
Vote:June 15th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
But Golfie Im looking for a cheap reliable good moderately sized car with good fuel economy as a good little work to work vehicle.
Just wondering if they have/had any common faults to know about?
So any information is appreciated.
Thank You.
Vote:June 15th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
^It is also well priced and cheaper than some barina’s of the same age.
Vote:June 15th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Golf do you know? Anybody?
Vote:June 16th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
In response to comments about the Astra …
My girlfreind and I have owned a AH CDXi Astra since they first came out in 2005 and having moved myself from a 1988 VL Turbo Commodore I do find it hard power wise but have learnt to live with it and I think it has adequate power even with the sport button that adds quite an extra bit of torque especially on take off and at high speed driving..
This car has never let us down and the only thing that has been done so far was the tyres which were replaced at 48,000km ,front brake rotors and pads at approx 52,000 km and the regular services by Holden who have been extremely efficient …
The cam belt,oil,plugs,fluid levels I check myself regularly as I am very mechanically minded and have had it checked at the dealer just recently so I think if the key points to take notice on these cars are the the timing belt due to the fact they can break ,all you have to do is check them regularily and also the fluid levels just like any other car,most people think that because they have a new car it doesn’t need to be checked by themselves and they can just wait until it’s scheduled services …
Problems occur because cars are not looked after ,any car can break down new or old and no car is perfect otherwise motor company’s would make no money on spare parts ,at the end of the day they are mechanical and require attention just like anything …..
Our Astra has served us well and we keep it immaculate ,we only hand wash it and also check the fluid levels every week.
I don’t believe you can generalise on a loan car or hire car and place fact that the entire model is a piece of crap that’s generalising in a big way ,every car has it’s faults and problems ,it does state in the Service book to check timing belt for the 60,000km service coupon this should be done by your service dep….
Vote:June 16th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Having just spent four days with an Astra Coupe 1.8 petrol (a hire car with just 24K’s on the clock as I was given the keys) I was presently surprised. I handled superbly was reasonably spritely (a 112Kw diesel would have gone better) I’d say it was much better than the Focus 1.8 sport I hired last year.
Vote:The economy of the petrol over 900Km levelled out at 8.1’s, more than my 3litre diesel vectra 7.6’s. It was doing 10.5’s round town again more than my vectra’s 10.1’s.
Great car though but a diesel would have been more fun.
Adrian – rotors at 52Ks, Jeeze you’re heavy on the brakes I’ve generally get 144K’s but my trips are largely open roads in hilly Devon (UK).
June 18th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
No Name can you help or know any things I need to know about before I do (I may) buy a Used TR Holden Astra?
Vote:June 18th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
^There should have been TR Astra’s in England
Vote:June 27th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Info provide on Page 3 about Electronic Stability Control (ESP) is incorrect. All models (including CD Hatch) from model years MY08 onwards have ESP as standard across all models. Holden has not done well to advertise this, which is big downfall from a marketing prospective. But I guess most large organisations are not efficient.
What is true that CD doesn’t have curtain airbags … and this i spoor, as this is the feature that assisted the Astra to claim their 5-star EURO NCAP performance at the start in 2004!!!!
Vote:June 28th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Apologies for the typo … ESP is standard across all MY08.5 models. However, not sure if this is the same as ESP-Plus (which is what the Europeans have been offering for quite sometime now).
Vote:August 14th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Astra sales up 16.5% on last july sales figures.. let the figures do the talking..
Vote:August 30th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Darn … why does Toyota have to take all the fame. I couldn’t believe the Corolla trumping over the sales of the Holden Commodore, and doubling over the Astra … what next?? When will Holden play their new Astra???
Vote:October 3rd, 2008 at 7:55 pm
How come everyone says an Astra needs the timing belt done at 60K??
Vote:Bought a new Astra in 2005. When I booked in for its 60k service today 3-10-08 the local dealer said the belt needs to be changed I agreed but was suprised by it. Have since checked my owners handbook which says the belt is done at the 90k service.
Whose correct the local dealer or the offical owners manual issued by Holden??
October 6th, 2008 at 7:20 am
Hi All
I own a astra city (4-years old) and yes all 4 disk brakes and pads needed replacing at the 3-year point at 70,000klms!!
Worse is that I am currently battling Holden over the 2 computer modules (engine servicing and transmission) that have just failed. To replace both modules it is $4000 in parts alone and from my research this is not uncommon. Holden appears to be well aware that these cars can suffer serious failure at about the 4-5 year point – NOT acceptable in my view. I would seriously advise any buyer to avoid this car!
Vote:November 24th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
karen i am also battaling the same issue, what is your vehicles problem… in january holden had my car for 3 months, still under warranty, replacing the CIM module, which was causing all of my dash board to flicker etc. November this year the same issue occurs, not under warranty, they replace the CIM module again. THen realising this is not the issue, they say it is the Transmission Module. Is it common for a 2005 model car, for two modules to go. no way! shocking buy, avoid.
Vote:January 5th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Hi Giulio
I own Hunter Holden.
I have a lot of very dedicated people working very hard to satisfy a lot of customers…..mostly we get it right.
If you have an issue with some work that we’ve done then I’m more than happy to look into it if you can provide me with appropriate details.
Also quite happy to deal with this in a public forum if you prefer otherwise feel free to contact me on 8878 7878 at any time.
Regards
Adam Kaplan
Vote:January 13th, 2009 at 11:28 am
I have a 1997 TR Astra City, from what I’ve researched, theyre generally very reliable cars, well built and often overlooked as an excellent economical family car.
Good luck “Should I buy a Used TR Holden Astra?” you shouldnt regret it if you do by a TR, but by now you probably already have bought it lol!
Cheers!
Vote:February 27th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Attention all buyers considering owing an Astra! And also for Adam Kaplan who apparently owns the dealershipe at Hunter Holden (where I bought it).
Vote:I bought Astra CD early 2007 and have been regretting since. Latest casualty is this: I took the car to 30000 km servie and asked them to only perform the manufacturer’s recommended service. At pick up I was slapped with a $465.00 bill!! Asked if they did anything other than the sandard 30k service and NO there was nothing else done, and apparently that was the standard cost for this service. I am still shocked as how could this be right,can anyone please tell me? Almost $500.00 for a standard 30k servie?
Have had other problems like rough and squeezing barkes, leaking oil etc which always took many trips to dealership as they simply would not seriously look at the problem in the first visit.
Will NEVER buy from Holden againg…….Such disgrace and rip off…
March 3rd, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Hi Sheraz
You’re right, I do own Hunter Holden.
Beauty of these forums is that nameless faceless people can bitch about legitimate businesses to their hearts content and there is only one loser! Given that I don’t know exactly who you are I had to do some guesswork.
I came up with a bill for a 30K service on an Astra on the 26th of Feb that totalled $464.85. I’m going to assume that is you.
The quote you signed in the morning when you authorised the work was for $486.00 I’m surprised you didn’t take the opportunity to question the amount right then and there if you felt strongly enough that you’re prepared to refer to my business as a disgrace and a rip off on a public forum such as this!
By the way, the reason we provide a quote for the work before it is performed is to allow people to exercise their right to NOT have work performed by us if they are not satisfied that it represents value.
Does your plumber or electrician do that for you? I recently had a dryer repair carried out at my home, the call out fee alone was $150 and the repair exceeded $350 ….. it’s just a dryer, it doesn’t have nearly the amount of technology that your car does, and I can assure you, my dryer hasn’t done anything like the work that your 27,002 km Astra has.
I took the liberty of ringing 3 other Sydney Holden dealers and had the same service quoted.
The average of the 3 prices was $481.41 so I don’t feel that you’re quite entitled to call us a disgrace and a rip off.
I’m sure you could get a service quited cheaper somewhere, but do they use genuine parts and do they guarantee their work? Do they quote a low figure up front and sting you with extra work that isn’t perhaps necessary. Do they provide you with an extended warranty?
If you still have problems with your car and you’re prepared to contact me then I’d be only too happy to work through the issues with you. No way do we get all of them 100% right, but we’re sure happy to try.
Sheraz, we need all the customers we can get. We work very hard to provide relative value for the work that we do and if you have a problem I’m always happy to talk about it.
I can be contacted on 02 8878 7878.
Regards
Adam Kaplan
Vote:March 13th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Adam, I am seriously looking at buying a 2008/09 CDx Astra with all the bits and pieces, eg leather interior, seat warmers. Can you give an honest appraisal of the vehicle quality and the likelihood of the problems listed occurring – timing belts, brakes, oil leaks. Also it has been driven by an employee of the dealership and has 4,500ks. What sort of price would you expect to pay? Thanks Stuart
Vote:March 15th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
To all the people who bitch about Astra just buy a mazda 3 best thing ever!
Vote:March 16th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
What a Crock of S#@T Buy a Mazda 3 are you kidding just because your neighbour buys one and then their neighbour buys one and well what do you know every dweeb with no automotive knowledge is buying one just because they assume they must be a good car because so many people have them .I’ll tell you why so many people have them because they are cheap mass produced asian garbage and you can pick them up from Mazda for a cheap shitty price but don’t expect a good paint job as I know first hand after a few years the clear goes dull as mud .
Hey by the way good call Adam ,not all dealerships are rip off’s it’s just some people buy a new car and expect servicing for free .mechanics need to be payed ,service dep staff ,parts ,labour ,get over it or go and buy a Datsun 120Y ……
Vote:March 16th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
wow adrian!
We all have cars we like and don’t like and we have a right to hop on this site and give a review, I was just saying I’m happy with my Mazda 3 go and have a look at one.
I liked the astra too but your right the Mazda was cheaper for me so in the end it one me over. I think it’s harsh to name names of people and dealerships on hear though.
Anyway just passing through found this site by accident and thought I’d give a female veiw on the cars then again I’m just a dweeb with no auto knowledge but after all this site is about cars and general peoples views.
Vote:March 18th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Yeah I may have been a bit harsh and no not everyone is a dweeb just those that cannot see the bigger picture also the comment was not directed at females in particular ,it’s just that so many people in Australia choose Asian manafactured cars and they really believe they have struck gold ,Many cars here are manafatcured overseas including the Astra but still a larger percentage of the money made on car sales from Astra’s still stays in our country ,people are buying cheap Asian manafactured cars and building the overseas economy up ,why not try and buy products from the country we live in and support our industry a little more instead of making off shore car companys laugh and run off with our hard earned money …..
Vote:March 18th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Adrian, since when is Astra made in Australia mate?? You’ll find money spent on an Astra or on a Mazda, all goes overseas anyway. No difference.
Vote:March 18th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Dan I did state that Astra’s were made overseas ,what I was saying is buy a car that is more freindly on the Aussie economy even though the Astra is built overseas it aint from an Asian car manafacturer and you can be sure a larger percentage of the money you spend on an Astra will at least stay in the country and help the economy …
No body cares anymore I guess and people want the cheapest they can find not what is going to benefit the country in the future ,so yeah let’s all have the same don’t care attitude …..shall we…
Vote:March 18th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Adrian. Astra is a rebadged Opel, made in Germany. German made cars have as much connection with Australia as Asian cars do. Your point makes no sense! If neither car was made in Australia, neither’s sales will benefit Australia as much as an australian built car. Your crack pipe theory of “you can be sure a larger percentage of the money you spend on an Astra will at least stay in the country and help the economy” is just that, a wild claim.
Gotta love reading comments from people with absolutely no idea haha.
Vote:March 25th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
To “Adam Kaplan”
One only need to look at the words you have used to guess the kind of service one would receive from your dealership. Please get your FACTS right. The form that I signed had NO quoted price on it, it only had the list of things that were to be serviced. I rang up Peninsula Holden Bankstown the next day and was quoted “$420.00″ for the same service. Surprizing how your average quote came out to be “$481.41″!!
Vote:March 25th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
That’s why it’s an average Sheraz.
If you’re as dumb as you sound, it’s be no surprise to me that you didn’t know what you signed.
What Adam has said seems to be entirely accurate. You just sound like a bitter customer who hasn’t looked after their car correctly.
Good luck to you!
Vote:March 25th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Goodness me.
I seriously can’t believe someone would try to crucify my business in a forum like this for $45.
Forty Five dollars and you’re calling me a “disgrace and a rip off”.
I’m lost for words….unusual for me!
But I will say this, if it’s that important to you, the next time you need a service, ring around every dealer in the world, get the cheapest quote, bring it to me and not only will I match it, I’ll also beat it by $45 so you can be comfortable that we haven’t ripped you off and in fact have provided the best value possible.
What do you say.
Adam Kaplan
Vote:Managing Director
Hunter Holden
8878 7878
March 25th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Stuart
If you’re still monitoring this forum then I must apologise for not getting back to you. I thought I had signed up for updates to this thread but obviously did not.
If you’re still in the market for the car I can tell you the following;
The CDX is a pretty cool car.
Price is a moving target at the moment with manufacturer bonuses changing almost daily (I kid you not).
One thing I can say with confidence, and this is to anyone in the market for a car this year, is that every manufacturer is planning on putting prices up continually during the year to recover exchange rate losses and that NOW really is the cheapest time to buy.
I know that sounds like a car dealer cliche but just look at the increase in prices of vehicles between December and now and you’ll see what I mean. They will all increase dramatically this year.
As far as problems, there have been some transmission problems which show up to the driver by putting the car into a “limp home” mode, however they show themselves early on and are covered by warranty.
Timing belt problems are essentially a thing of the past, ie. the old model did have an issue especially if you didn’t replace it at the nominated service (80k from memory), but again, those issues were covered by warranty if the vehicle had been serviced correctly.
I just asked my senior tech and he said (not generally known to be enthustiastic about anything with less that 800HP) that they are a brilliant little car, if you wanted to nit pick, he said, there was an issue with an engine pulley causing a little rattle in the engine bay on acceleration, but Holden have a fix for this, again under warranty.
Overall a really good car.
Hope this helps. If I can be of further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me on 8878 7878.
Cheers
Adam Kaplan
Vote:March 26th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Adam you took my words out of context, i suggest you read my first post again. My comments of “Rip off and disgrace” was clearly meant to be for value of Astra in general and not specific to your dealership, and i said i would not buy from “Holden” again, where did i mention your dealership? Google and you will find scores of people who had similar experience with Astra.
Vote:God help Holden because US Govt would not help forever!
March 26th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Benjie Get off your high horse. Are you Adma’s sales rep or just hoping to get a good deal with your next purchase!
Vote:To get an average of 481.00 you gotta have quotes over 500.00 from a few dealers… i seriously doubt that.
Bitter customer!! go to the follwoing link and find for yourself how many there are for Astra:
http://www.motorsm.com/complai.....sp?cls=165
Find me another similar car with this number of complaints??
March 27th, 2009 at 1:00 am
Buy an Australian made car? I’d love to… if we just stop churning out big thirsty +3.0L V6 engine vehicles. Love the look of the VE sportswagon, but hate the thirst. Adrian, you are right that it would be nice to support the local car industry, but the manufacturers need more smarts in their choice of cars if they want to compete with cheaper labour in Asian countries.
Me? I’ve been looking at buying an Astra wagon (made in Belgium btw) but just can’t get over the crappy/busy dash. Also I’ve now read too many bad reviews on Astras and am stearing towards the new Euro-designed Korean i30cw wagon. A shame we don’t make anything like that here as I’d be the first to support the local economy if we came up with the goods. Toyotas are made here, but damn they are ugly.
Vote:March 27th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
My Mum bought a black CDX wagon from Hunter Holden too. One year after we had it I drove it to Melbourne and the battery died. RACV said it was a “dead cell” so I needed to get a new battery.
Thinking it’s a brand new car and under warranty, I got the RACV guy to start me up so I could drive to the nearest Holden dealer to get a new battery under warranty. How pleasantly surprised I was to find out that the warranty only covers the battery for ONE year, not three. Not only that, the one year mark had passed by 2 days so I was up for a $300 bill.
I called Hunter Holden to ask them to cover me, since it was only 2 days after the battery warranty had lapsed. I thought maybe they would show a bit of compassion – me being interstate, on a holiday, in our new car. But they said they wouldn’t cover it.
So we have vowed never to buy a Holden again based on the poor customer service from HH alone. I know technically it was outside the warranty period but it would have been nice to have a little less stress on the trip. By not paying for the new battery they have lost way more than a mere $300. We were considering buying an Astra Convertible from HH up until “Melbourne” happened – but now they can keep it! That’s business.
I also want to take the opportunity to say that the wagon has had its water pump replaced 2 or 3 times (covered under warranty), and the battery died AGAIN (same problem) only last week, 2 years after “Melbourne”. So we now question the build quality of the car.
I never usually write on these forums, but felt compelled to since Adam Kaplan is reading. And Adam, I’m sorry to say that nothing you do now can save this customer. When the warranty runs out, we’ll be moving on. Done and done. Hope your dealership learns from our story.
Vote:March 27th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Mark, I’m no car dealer but enough is enough.
Name me one car maker that gives three years warranty on a battery?
Your car NOT new – it was over a year old and you could be an owner that never does Anything to their car. Hell, you may never have evan had your car serviced and if you did it yourself, did you use a decent engine oil.
You may also be shocking driver or a driver who regularly leaves their car with the interior light on overnight – that’ll shorten the battery life old mate!
From what I have read by Adam Kaplan he seems genuinely interested in solving any problem with his customers and will ben over backwards to make the customer happy.
Vote:March 27th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Jack – Thank you
Mark – Understand your frustration…..but please understand my reality, we are a Holden (and Mitsubishi and Skoda & Elfin & Pagani) franchise. We represent their policies and procedures. If they give a 12 month warranty on a certain part, that’s all we can support. Sorry to lose you as a customer but not sure what I can learn from your experience. Cheers.
Benjie – Don’t know who you are but thanks.
Sheraz – Obviously read your comment incorrectly, apologies….and my offer stands while you still have your Astra.
Everyone – Goodnight!
Vote:April 4th, 2009 at 1:18 am
hEY YOU GUYS ARE SCARING ME i JUST BGOUGHT AN aSTRA cd SECOND HAND AND NOW iM POOPING MYSELF THINKING i MAY HAVE BOUGHT A LEMON THATS GOING TO COST ME A FORTUNE i CANT AFFORD.
Vote:April 4th, 2009 at 3:02 am
SAL dont worry they are a great car,yes they have had a few glitches but no more than any other car on the road,enjoy your car and dont let all the EXPERTS on this site scare you.
Vote:April 11th, 2009 at 2:26 am
Hey thanks John A. Its a great little car to drive and handles better on the road than my corolla did. My daughter loves it which is why I bought it in the first place as she is learning to drive and didn’t want to drive a manual. Thanks I will enjoy
Vote:April 16th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
The organisation I work for has been using Astras for a few years and the 2007 has been a nightmare. Transmission failures on 30% of them. Some transmission/coolant interchange. Those who were starned were very unhappy. Holden have fixed up the vehicles without any trouble but deny there is a fault that requires a recall
Vote:April 16th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Hi Adam Kaplan. Thanks for the offer but it would be nice if you could send a cheque for $45.00 for the service done in Feb! you have my details.
Vote:April 16th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Sheraz,
You’re fighting an unwinnable battle here, time to let go. If you were going to buy a dishwasher, fridge or other goods, wouldn’t you shop around for the best price first? Seems to me like you have massive case of sour grapes becuase you ‘forgot’ to do the same with your car service. That’s just bad luck on your part. I’m sure most people ask how much the srvice will be when they ring up to book it in – they’re all standardised fees on the service departments computers, you just have to ask them when booking it in.
Better luck next time.
Vote:April 17th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Thanks Hal. I let it go the moment I paid the bill. However, I guess one of the reasons we have these forums is to share our experiences with others.
Vote:I responded only when Adam left some comments that were not based on facts.
And yeah my fault that i did not check the service cost at the time of booking…tough
Enjoy the weekend…………
April 19th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
The issue of service cost intrigues me.
Vote:Servicing cost of 481?? That sounds a lot to me.
I have never owned new car, but is it similar for Lancer, i30, Impreza, Civic, Corolla (ah, love that 130 cap), etc??
April 21st, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Just got the wifes Astra serviced 30K and was going to cost over $500. They then ring me up as say it needs all these other things done. I say how much now! $800!!!
Dont buy an Astra…
Vote:April 22nd, 2009 at 1:01 am
sheraz, you are a pompous idiot, its called s*&t happens, get over it. pull your head out of your butt and get with the program. I am about to buy an astra, and have had these issues with a work astra, warranty and suttons rosebery were very helpful. if you dont like it then buy a ford, that what whingers drive.
Vote:April 22nd, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I bought an 06 Astra and I love it. At first I wanted an 07.5 + coz of the power increase but when I test drove the 06 I was more than pleased with its ability to take off. I previously drove a 1.3L Suzuki Swift so Im sure you can see where I coming from. The one thing that I have come across is a dead spot in second gear but this is a once in a while thing and Im sure its probably me. I like the Astra and I’m glad I got one instead of the Focus.
Keep up the good work Opel!!!
Vote:May 10th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
GET OVER IT. I paid $450 for a Kia Rio’s 2nd year service via Ultra Tune. These services are pricey for any car.
Vote:May 16th, 2009 at 12:41 am
They are Not Bad Cars the Astra.I nearly bought one a few years back to replace a 2002 Mazda 323 Astina but ws put off by the fact people might think it’s my Mother or Aunties Car.Doesn’t Help If You have a Mercedes or BMW in your family
Vote:May 16th, 2009 at 4:51 am
Karen said…
“Hi All
I own a astra city (4-years old) and yes all 4 disk brakes and pads needed replacing at the 3-year point at 70,000klms!!
Worse is that I am currently battling Holden over the 2 computer modules (engine servicing and transmission) that have just failed. To replace both modules it is $4000 in parts alone and from my research this is not uncommon. Holden appears to be well aware that these cars can suffer serious failure at about the 4-5 year point – NOT acceptable in my view. I would seriously advise any buyer to avoid this car! ”
Karen..You are right,..Astra is a real lemon in that it must be avoided at all cost…Owing this car is a disaster…Go for GM Daewoo…GM Daewoo is much better than GM Opel in terms of quality…
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