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 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.

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!

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.

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....

I got 10 reasonably trouble free years out of my 2000 Astra City but it did cost me quite a lot of money despite looking after it and giving it the "good oil" all it's life. But by the time I sold it at 130,000kms, I felt better about trading it in rather than selling privately to some unlucky smuck that knows my address. I changed the timing belt regularly ($600 a go), replaced the AC condenser ($1100) and the shock absorbers were changed once. Was unimpressed by the Holden dealership services so quick went to someone else. Lots of little nigg...

Bought this car second hand in 2007 it had done 60000 k . Fantastic to drive strong as a tank had two accidents in it one backed out carport with back door open , door still opend and closed even though the top of the door was bent in on its self. Rear ended a car on second crash and all they had to replace was the bumper and aircon hose squashed.
Towe truck came and asked where the damaged car was . Bonnet still perfect. So great to drive feel very safe in them good power struggle with steep hills a bit, but not to bad . Down fall electrics ...

I brought an Astra as my first car, it's a 2001 model with 150000km on the clock. It drives smooth and it's powerful for its size however after two weeks of owning it, the engine has just cut out leaving me broken down in the middle of an intersection. Twice. I believe this is a common problem with Astras. The mechanic told me that it is the ECU which needs replacing by a Holden dealer. I wouldn't recommend that anyone buy one as they are unreliable. A bit disappointed because I loved it so much in the first two weeks!
It's good on fuel, very zippy and drives smooth
Malfunctioning ECU

i purchased this car (sri 2.2) in 2005 it was 3 years old with 36000kays on the clock. ran fine for years.
once they kms got past 200000 i started to have a few minor problems, key kept getting stuck in barrel, transponder in key failed and i couldnt start the car in the middle of no where after having a wee at 3 am at the roadside lol, the high beam switchgear failed and was flashing people whenever i went over a bump, then the timing chain failed and destroyed the engine which was uber expensive to replace. so cut my losses and sold it damag...

Despite the cons, I like my car and will keep trying to find someone who can replace the electronic display for less than Holden's quote and get further info on the extended warranty cover.
Needed a change after years of work & was told by my daughter that I deserved the 2004 yr model.Totally agreed after the test drive in Apri 2008 so I went ahead with the purchase. It is so "cool" with the hood down.
Purchased at just undre 50k from Springwood and brakes had to be replaced after 6 months - was not impressed & Holden's quote to replace was $10...

Over all I'd say its a good car but I hope nothing else major breaks or wears out anytime soon as replacement parts are relatively pricey.
I have an 02 Astra Hatch. The car is comfortable and is smoothe to drive. Good power and tows a 6ftx4ft trailer loaded up really well.
Maintence costs have been high for me, at 120,000kms I've had to replace all 4 discs (common with Astras) and the water pump just went despite keeping up the maintence on the coolant. I have owned the car from around the 75,000kms mark and service books indicate it has always been serviced by a Holden Dealer. There are rattling noises coming from the engine which I have been told is the idler pulley for the A/C.

We have been happy overall with the car except for the A/C problems and the customer service or lack of for that matter from Robina Holden. The car has a terrible reputation with mechanics, don't think i'd buy one again though.
We bought a 2001 CD model brand new and found it to be quite responsive for a 4 cylinder vehicle, it handles & corners well and is quiet and quite economic on fuel.
The air-conditioning system went almost at the end of the 3 year warranty, that was repaired by Holden. It went again 9 months later and we got lumbered with a $1200 repair bill. It went again 2 years later and cost another $700 to repair. Yes you guessed it the A/C went again this month although it was fixed for a low cost.