Today I got replaced an alternator (new) and cost me 620 AUD dollar (400 for alternator and for fitting it with its supply is 220) moreover I asked for second hand alternator to get it fixed but he said me there wouldn't any warranty on that. I was just wondering either it was really($) that expensive for astra TS 2004 HATCHBACK or mechanic ripped me off. The reason I got it done was my car was acting up for 2 days as it was showing engine, sport (s), emission sing on dashboard moreover after getting start its steering used to get harder than harder after 30 second, at the end I would ask anyone here with same problem or similar bit. Thanks!

It goes not to bad,until you try to accelerate then it dies...there is a engine light on the dash baord, a little worrying but think its just a service light,a slight tapping sound from the engine...pretty good,just need to fix air flow so it stops waisting our fuel when we drive.

Great combination of punchy engine, smooth ride, feeling of solid build, and incredible ease of parking.
Great storage space in the hatch. If they are regularly serviced they should be long lasting as a used car proposition. Don't know why people say they were bad - perhaps build quality was variable but mine is lasting just fine.

If you service it this particular iteration of the car (2001) was excellent. Great drive, good stereo, spacious boot, comfortable, punchy, good auto transmission. Don't know about the reliability of the later models - it actually went worse apparently. I bought NEW and have had it for 14 years. That's saying something. Service has been good from Suttons City. Can't really complain, it's been a loyal and reliable car.

Alot of people go about how astras a crap, ive owned a ts city 2001 since new, only problem ive had was the ignition, maybe if people get them serviced when there surposed to they would find they will have no problem at all. It's the best small car of its time.

I have found this site to be fantastic as I am not very mechanic wise on my new addition. I am trying to learn the little quirks that he has & this site has been fantastic. I will be using this site for whenever ai have a problem with him.

Just wanted to say how brilliant the Astra TS Classic Equipe 2005 (manual) has been for me. I can't say for the other models but this was the last of it's series and has been rock solid. I bought it new in 2005 and I've always done the regular log book service + extra brakes/pads/dics/tyres as needed. It's been a brilliant car! It's about to go for it's 180k major service next week. I look forward to driving this for atleast another two years.

while driving our holden astra the traction light comes on the car loses all power we need to roll the car to the side of the road turn the engine off wait a few minutes start the car again only for it to happen within 10 minutes later, a few mechanics have told us there is nothing wrong with the car, we are scared to drive this car in traffic and at high speeds as I feel my family's safety is at risk . any advise on this problem would be appreciated.

Bought the car in Feb 2006 new from the dealer has only done 40,000k, the paintwork is now shocking. I have 2 lines down the roof where the paint has faded and peeled off, this is also starting to happen on the boot and bonnet. Holdens Customer Care response (once they saw the cost of the repairs) is that this is sun damage and its an old car !! Really? We have a 15yr old Pajero with no such fading or chipping......but what do Holden care, they have my money now and can hide behind the 'out of warranty' statement. Would never buy another as clearly the paint is not up to the climate the car is being sold in.

This car is a lemon! Do not own one! Expensive to maintain it will be a constant replacement to all the Astras faults from electronically to michanically. Its not worth owning one.

We have driven our Astra from 140,000km -197,000 but gave up when the speedo became intermittant then stopped all together. Air con never worked. ABS light came on (and stayed on). Great little s/wagon to drive but reading all the bad wrap am not keen to spend more money on one....

have driven other small cars and holden astra ts cd has it over them. Supple ride over bumps and excellent steering. Seats very comfortable around town and on long trips. Simply swallows luggage - i cant believe a small car can take such a large volume. Engine and auto gearbox well matched and much better than other small cars of similar vintage. Need to change cam belt at 60K and its wise to do water pump at same time. Thats sooner than similar small cars but they all need this done.
comfortable ride
Holden australa parts can be expensive. Get parts direct from Uk or on ebay at about half cost of Holden australia.

My 2005 Holden Astra traction control light starting coming on, and today it just kept shutting down with no other warnings except the traction control light...driving and while stopped just had no power and shut off anyone knows what is causing this, and $....to fix....apart from this it's been a nice car to drive...worried it will shut off again driving to work before I can get someone to look at it