Holden Astra TS (1998-2005)

Finally said goodbye to my 18 year old Astra – Bought this Astra brand new on a special deal from Holden dealership - 2 door CD Hatch Manual 2002 model Pros - I finally scrapped it for $100 after 18 years and > 250,000 kms !!! Was so sad to say goodbye.... nothing was mechanically wrong with it except we had purchased new car, and couldn't really sell it for much anyway (due to the paint and… Read more

interior foam falling apart). - Never missed a heartbeat - used on long country drives, and also in the city. Manual transmission never caused any issues. I found it really zippy and quick off the mark with gear shifts. I liked how I could drop a gear in the pouring rain - felt safer like it was gripping the road better. - the ABS stopped me from skidding on more than one occasion, when I slammed on the brakes. - Had regular servicing - mainly oil changes, tyres, spark plugs and brakes - usual stuff. Had an alternator changed only once, and timing belt was replaced only twice, and a few more bits and pieces - nothing major. - Air-con only ever need re-gassing once in 18 years - incredible. - The built-in stereo CD player lasted for 18 years till the end - had all these neat little features like stereo set control on the steering wheel, fog lights, ability to adjust the display brightness, - the most amazing boot space with the backseats folded down - always surprised me how we could fit all those Ikea Billy bookcase flatpacks in the back of my Astra. I even fit reticulation pipes once (with just a little bit sticking out the passenger window side) - very comfortable leg room while driving even for a 6 footer - had a few nice snoozes at the beach carparks on lovely summer weekend afternoons, with the front passenger seat on maximum recline.

Cons - the black paint started peeling off at the 10 year mark.... hence I didn't think I could sell it - it looked dreadful - patches of grey here and there. Was going to be too expensive to re-spray. - the ceiling fabric disintegrated about the 10 year mark - started peeling off and the foam was just falling out like plastic snow. I would get out of my car and dust it off my hair / head. - the plastic started going brittle and cracking at the 10 year mark - the glove compartment on the passenger's side broke (it's like the plastic just cracked from old age), and also some kind of bracket fell off from the underside of the glove compartment and from the middle section (where the stereo is). - the middle orange LED display for temperature and date started getting funky about 16 year mark - it would flicker and pretend it didn't work - then all of a sudden it would work again another day. - started to leak oil a little at the 15 year mark - never got worse - it was always just a few drops here and there on the garage floor. - the wipes and indicators are on opposite sides to the usual - it is like a left-handed steering wheel that was put into right-handed drive without swapping them. A few times when I started driving this car, I activated the wipers instead of the indicator LOL. It also happened to anyone else driving my car. - finally one very irritating feature is that the horn was in the form of two buttons on either side of the steering wheel - the idea is that they were activated using your thumbs - in an emergency, your instinct is to press in the middle of the steering wheel. Once I really hurt my thumb joint jamming the horn.

Manual 2000 Holden Astra Hatch. Great little first car – Bought it when I was 16 as a learners car, it’s great on fuel economy (I get about 7L/100km Maximum km is 700km and minimum is 450ish km with spirited driving) and very cheap as well ( $50 for full tank depends on fuel price ) With one full tank I can go from Dunsborough to Perth and still have half a tank left! It handles and feels like a big… Read more

car, the noise on freeway driving is little to none, interior is a bit plastic-ish but it doesn’t bother me, leg room both front and rear is amazing! I can fit 5 people easily, and when I need to haul stuff I just put the rear seats down. I live in the country/coastline and I do take her off-roading/soft-roading every time and she does the job! Very reliable if maintenanced regularly, only thing to look out for when buying is the timing belt/water pump, change it every 50xxxkms. I’ve had mine for nearly 2 years of doing Learners and 18 months of P-plates and did 47xxxkms before breaking down when water pump gave up spunning the timing belt, piston hits the valve. Other than that is great reliable car.

2002 City Coupe - first car - owned for 5 years now – I first got this car when I was 16 years old when I was a learner driver. I am now 21. I have not owned or wanted to own any other car. I have driven a few different vehicles including new ones and this is by far my favourite. Sure, there are lemons out there. Yes, they can and do have issues. The main one being the timing belt/water pump and coil… Read more

pack. This car came out in 1998 - that's 18 years ago, but you still see plenty of them around and some have no issues at all. So they're not that bad. However not be bias let me tell you about the problems my car has had. When I first got my astra it needed its throttle body and ECU replaced by Holden (after the previous owners changed the tachometer to an incompatible one that shorted it out) - however the throttle body I discovered I can manually clean out myself (and using 95 or 98 fuel keeps it clean). My car also had coil pack issues that caused it to misfire but since replacing it (did it myself rather than through Holden to save a few hundred dollars) it has not had a single problem in 3 years since fixing these initial problems that came from a lack of regular servicing. When regularly serviced (including good quality oil) these are solid, reliable, sporty little cars. I really enjoy driving it; I have driven from Perth to Albany in it with no issues and it has gotten me to and from uni safely. I get 30mpg on average (7.8L per 100kms) and the car starts first pop every time and doesn't blow any smoke. The boot is spacious (and in the hatch I can fold the seats down - I have helped friends move house and fit so many boxes in the back in my car), it has excellent acceleration power and the build quality is very solid - thick steel, you feel very safe driving it and feel like you're in a larger car than you are. Someone in a big van hit me in the parking lot and the dent pulled right out you can't even notice where it was. I'm pleased I've kept it all this time and hope to keep it for many more years to come.

I love my astra – I brought my Holden Astra 2002 convertible over 10 years ago done 220000 kms as 2nd car for work .Have not spent $1 on engine repairs except for oil, plugs, filters.It blew oil line for roof mate replaced all with braided lines cost me $800 over 5 years ago Holden wanted $2800 for rubber hoses another mate just painted it for me for the cost of… Read more

paint looks like just come of production line,drive everyday to work and home for about $30 a week petrol

Getting old but very driveable – Owned my 20015sp Ts City Coupe since brand new now has 182,000ks,first 7 years were no problem then various sensors gave out the front wheel hubs were absolutely roaring at 95,000ks at about 120,000ks the computer and coil pack both decided to called it a day,got brand new ones for both then had extractors and a kn air filter installed and that… Read more

made her more fun to drive,the last 6 years or so really nothing but 15,000k services and it just keeps going,Only problem I'm dealing with atm is the sagging roof lining but many screws are holding that in place, I wouldn't buy another 2000s Ts range astra nor recommend one as they are kind of sensitive/tricky when something does happen and it's always always big $$$.

TS CD An oldie but good value!! – I test drove an automatic TS CD Astra over 500 kilometres in a single day on varired country roads, freeways and city driving. The tachometer showed responsive gear change from the transmission. The cruise control held the vehicle at a steady spead up and down hills and around sweaping bends over long distances. The temperature gauge was steady… Read more

well below mid range.

It held its own in fast freeway traffic, not as the fastest car, but predictable at holding its own space for other cars to ride behind or pass safely.

The great thing about Australian roads is that a well built car is not impeded in its longevity by salt treatments for snow conditions in other countries. There was no rust on the vehicle. The paint work benefited fro garaging and the silver paint had a lively colour compared with dull darker paint schemes. The tech on thi vehicle was not modern but the central locking worked snappy. The driver's locking control on doors and rear windows was great as a child safety feature. The older blapunkt radio cassette can be easily replaced by a radio cd player that fits exactly in the same place. The speaker sound system is fine with multiple speakers. Power mirrors were easily manipulated. Quality tyres are needed for a stable road ride and the power steering was slighty heavy but safe and gave a solid road handling feel.

Some cons. Paint work can fade , delaminate or wear off more easily on some colours. But most specimens of this almost 20 year old car are in reasonable nick. Door and dash mouldings appear tough and scratch resistent. The heater, demister and air conditioner were constant and sufficiently powerful.

The gearshift boot cover can wear thin. Replacing it does need rewiring as the shift panel lighting is on the centre console rather than on the dash. There is a little star light next to the shift stick for extra holding in winter starts. Check upholstery for long term wear as these cars often carried pets and children. Leather seats were an extra specification. The convertible black fabric roof is popular as is also the twin top. Problems with twin top motors and pumps require inspection. The twin top repairs can be expensive so research aftern market work arounds. The twin top model was comparatively expensive for this type of basic car. Automatic transmission vehicles hold their value better but manuals may be more frugal on fuel. Also check power window regulators for this age of car. Give extra value where these have been replaced.

Keep parking lights on when driving for extra safety as there are no running lights like volvos from similar periods.

Secondhand and after market parts are readily available. These European built cars are now nearing the age when club collectors plates will reduce road registration fees and help this robust car retain value.

Emission and TCS light always on, pressing gas takes long time to increase speed and noisy engine – Hi, I just bought an old car and just recently it has some problems: * Emission and TCS light always on * Whenever speed back to 0 (red light, traffic), pressing gas takes long time to increase speed * Engine has a weird noise Can someone please help and let me know what's going on? Thanks in advance.  Show details

Ok for the price, especially being a convertible – There are not many convertible 4 seater cars in the market for the price of an Astra. convertible roofs are complex and prone to faults. Astra is not exception. but finding parts for this car is easy in Australia. My car had these issues since owning it: - roof stopped working. busted hydraulic pipe cost around 1k to fix - leaking engine once… Read more

from rocker gasket and once from oil pressure sensor

- wheel hub and screws and nuts needed replacements

- shock absorbents needed replacement

lots of issues for a car done just 130k. but still cheaper than trying to buy a let's say golf convertible.

Easy fix for Holden Astra !!!! – If your Astra overheats, goes into limp mode, or just plain and simple runs like crap, then call me in Western Australia to fix or perhaps improve the way it runs. My mobile is 0400501037. I have had two TS Astra sedans over the years and since I made this simple modification no limp mode or faults have come and both cars have been driven by learner drivers constantly stalling.....  Show details

Fun Fun Fun in the Sun – Great all rounder car for cruising etc Good on fuel consumption, Performance & handling on the road with the power when you need it Perfect. If it rains while enjoying the roof down, going 50km or more you do NOT get wet. Back seat is roomy for all passengers. Bertone interior looks stylish with sports seats that are so comfortable, even has heater in the seats for warmth in Winter  Show details

Awesome car when in function – Why does my astra 05 sedan. TS model Thump into reverse also thump into drive selection and yet the motor runs and sounds normal.However when in drive car does not want to preform like every other day... trans oil check Engine oil check. Battery check.. may it be a sensor fault.. car starts fine. Need advice plz Thanks... Sonya perth...  Show details

Good reliable drive – Picked up our 05 Astra Bertone Convertible a few years ago and its been a very reliable drive. They are a good handling car with low outside noise and plenty of cabin room front and back. With the top down the radio increases and decreases volume as needed to compensate for the extra ambient noise. The only real negative is the size of the sunshield being to small to really make much of a difference.  Show details

Not a Bad for safety – Saved my life in a massive car accident, thank god airbags worked. It was very unfortunate incident, although I believe mechanically this car wasnt A-one but m more happy to be alive. at the time of purchase it felt like a very strong carand reliable too but later iit gave me a little issues  Show details

this is a great car need some ideas too get it fixed – I have not driven the car but would love too have my beautiful car on the road. And I need a bit of help to make this hapoen. My car has some sort of problem it won't kick over and it need a water pump replacement would this have anything too do with it.  Show details

12 Years trouble free – Really loved my 2.2 Sri. Had a punchy engine that got upto speed quick. Gear box was smooth but clutch seemed a bit on the touchy side. In my ownership i never had problem and thought the car was well put together. The only problem i had was with the rear wing, you lost a lot of vision from behind with it.  Show details

Puss car – Was bad would not reccomed don't not buy very pricey in parts and Labour over all bad experience I have a car that won't start after timing belt was replaced and now car won't start if anyone is looking can I plz have some answers if possible thanks in advance  Show details

Good If maintained – I have owned this car for a little while now. They handle and drive very well being German engineered. The maintenance on these vehicles however is a bit more than compared to Japanese car's of its class parts are very cheap because so many of them where bought and sold, so after market parts are easy to find and almost every wreckers I have… Read more

been to has them in there yards. As long as they are maintained as per the service manual and proper repairs are done they make excellent car's to own and drive and are very economical to run they are perfect for anyone who like to do a bit of diy servicing and repairs most repairs on these cars are relatively easy to do the only draw back on the model I have is that the timing belt must be done ever 60,000 km instead of every 100 000 km apart from that I like the car I have had 1 major issue with the car since I have purchased it the cars ecu had failed which costed around 550 dollars to have it repaired apart from that the car has done 178 000 km so it's expected that something will fail but then apart from coil packs, ecu 's and timing belt replacements they do make good cars to own and a pleasure to drive

No help given – Reported that my dash panel not working eg temp fuel and speedo not working I was told to see a auto electrician I have already done that I was looking for advice of what was wrong with electric system not to contact auto electrician that was no help at all  Show details

Generally good, but problems appear with age – Bought this car new in 2002 and still have it. It currently has 165,000 kms on the clock. Used to love this car, but age (the car's, not mine :) ) has somewhat changed my opinion. Apart from the frequent timing belt changes, I am on my 4th coil pack, 3rd thermostat, 2nd water pump, and the air conditioning hasn't worked for 3 years (too expensive… Read more

to fix). And I had to replace the ECU 4 months ago (why would ANYONE bolt sensitive electronic components onto the engine block??? (vibration and extreme heat)). Other than that, it is a joy to drive, has very reasonable fuel economy, plenty of legroom front and back, plenty of space in the boot, and the hatch is really useful. Oh, and some grub drew circles with a sharp implement on all panels down the nearside. Can't understand such mentality.

Great car, sweet to drive – I loved this car. Been very reliable and is a sweet car to drive, I loved it so much. Purchased second hand, was my very first car. Had a Holden Astra 2003 Manual. I found it easy to drive, changing gears was pretty easy to learn in and I felt very safe driving it. Great for learners or first car or just a round around. I wouldn't say it is… Read more

the best for doing long distances, but still goes pretty strong witj no issues!

Have had no major issues apart from replacing the starter motor which was fairly cheap, otherwise I seriously had no problems!! It was my pride and joy, handles pretty well. The only thing was the air-con was pretty dodgy and got hot, but otherwise was great.

Bottomless money pit – Had this car for four years. Performed the required services but alas, the problems continued to mount. Two ecu's, two coils packs, brake rotors and pads not lasting, engine overheating and doing the head. Thousands of dollars and mechanics who haven't a clue how to diagnose a problem, I've had enough. The car has gone into limp mode again because it is misfiring. Time for another car.  Show details

Happy customer – I brought my 2005 Astra used in roughly 2008-2009. I love this car. It has been mostly reliable. The only real issue I had was that I needed to replace the timing belt but I was told upon purchase that this was a common issue in Astra's. Also, I didn't like my local Holden's customer service. Driving experience is good. It handles well… Read more

with little noise. Sometimes it lags a little uphill but that's it. It's good on long trips and I find it comfortable to drive. There could be some improvement in legroom in the back but it isn't terrible.

The interior is nice and at the time of buying had the usual features in its price range.

Running costs are great! i dont spend a lot to fill the tank and I don't need to fill it often when just driving around town. Long trips doesn't use a lot compared to similiar small cars either.

This is a perfect first car and I'd happily keep it forever if it wasn't for the fact that I have now been tempted by newer model cars!

I have a daughter and when it's time for her first car I will be looking for something just like this Astra for her.

Don't buy this car !!! Nothing but trouble – I brought a 2000 Holden Astra it did last me only 5 years but during that time every 6 months something would go it cost so much money to fix and most mechanic can never fix the problem it lacked guts very slow take off , the car shook every-time I stopped or it would turn of on hills , then got that fixed other things went wrong the radio would… Read more

be so loud every time I turned the car on even tho I never turned it up , oil light would stay on even tho there was no oil leaks and always oil in it faulty dash lights!

I would never ever buy this car again nothing but trouble

The only thing I like it just got me from a to b just .

Alternator – 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… Read more

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!

Sucking to much air – 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.  Show details

Really enjoyed owning this car – 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.  Show details

Great car – 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.  Show details

Never had a problem – 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.  Show details

Awesome – 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.  Show details

2005 Astra TS Classic Equipe - Manual Hatch – 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. Show details

STEER CLEAR OF THIS RUBBISH! – Steer clear of this model of astra as it was the the most terrible car from factory. My father had owned this car for seven years and was driven mainly by my parents, over seven years of proper maintenance it never stopped coming up with problems such as ignition coils, air conditioning, engine failure. The car always been properly driven by… Read more

mature adults and it just seemed to be a very car. Everytime my father took it to the dealership the cost to fix those things was over $2000 AUD which is completely ridiculous as most mechanics did not want to deal with this car as they knew it was a lemon when they rolled out from factory doors. Complete Rubbish, i will never ever buy a holden after that altercation. Stick to japanese cars and you wont go wrong.

hope this helps anyone looking at these cars ! steer clear of all holdens!

Traction control light problems – 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… Read more

at high speeds as I feel my family's safety is at risk . any advise on this problem would be appreciated.

A brilliant little car – My 2004 CDX TS Hatch is sitting on 98,000kms and the only issues I've had out of ordinary maintenance were the Blaupunkt head unit going full blast on cold mornings and taking out my speakers. Which was easily fixed with a new Pioneer head unit and set of pioneer speakers from eBay UK (custom fit for the Astra) and that was that solved. Also the… Read more

central locking remote broke it's solder connections inside and after 10 self-repairs, the little circuit board finally broke apart and I was up for a new remote and programming. A local locksmith sorted that out though.

All in all, it's a solid and lively little car that handles brilliantly and feels comfortable. Just make sure yours is serviced meticulously.

Change the oil with fully synthetic 10w40 and filter every 10,000km, and for gods sake never take chances with delaying the major timing belt services every 60,000kms. That's playing with fire.

Look after your Astra and your Astra will look after you. After all, it is an aging European car and those things don't mess around.

Peace.

Great runner had from new but getting on now – Have auto 2001 CD from new only on 140000k still tidy. Owned two previous Opel Astra models that were trouble free. Traveled mostly in town and had very few issues mostly wear and tear items in first 10yrs brake rotors. Alternator pulley clutch at ~10yrs Replaced Radiator and hoses at (12yrs)~120000k, replaced water pump at 120000k cambelt… Read more ·  2

change including cam sensor wiring was frayed. New slotted brake rotors soon after.

In last 3M an intermittent traction control and emission fault has got me beat. Fault codes are useless info. Changed all wheel hubs as sensors are integrated. Changed transmission input and output speed sensors, oil changed 3x. Hoping to crack this nut. Hoping MAF or O2 sensor change out will help. I am handy around cars and would not recommend buying one of these if you pay to service as you'll fork out more than the car is worth very quickly. Other than that it's not a difficult vehicle to maintain if you so inclined.

Ours is not a lemon. Still great after 10+ years. 2004 CDX TS – Tired of the constant bagging. We have looked after ours and it still looks and runs like new, even after over 10 years and nearly 235000 kms. It has needed maintenance repairs but nothing major. It is solidly built and hugs the road. Safe with ABS and traction control. All I can say based on other very negative reviews is that there may have been… Read more

individual lemons. It also appears however that some have not been maintained as they should be. One reviewer commented on how many are on Carsales for sale. Have they considered how many were actually sold (due to their popularity) and just how many are still on the road? Some of these are around 15 years old. I can just comment on our experience with our 2004 model. We have not regretted owning our Astra. If considering buying one look for one that has been really looked after, has log books, receipts etc. also, if buying for a new driver go for one with safety features such as ABS and ensure that timing belt has been replaced on schedule (,every 60000 kms). Take into account that depreciation is high so don't pay too much. More people complain than commend so you will find more negative reviews than positive and the negatives will shout louder. But be careful buying any vehicle second hand. One other thing, I have read negative comments about these being made in Europe. Perhaps quality build has added to their longevity. Many other vehicles sold in Australia are made in Korea, Thailand etc. I would be more concerned about buying a 10-15 year old vehicle made in one of those countries. Quality has improved in recent years but the older ones have not held up as well as the Astra of that era.