Used Vauxhall Astra cars for sale ...

Likewise, the driver shouldn’t have any problem getting comfortable thanks to a highly adjustable seat and steering column. However, the design of the cabin is not that inspiring (and not that different to the standard hatchback), although it is well laid out and logical. On the other hand, it is remarkably practical for a two-door. There's a good helping of space for the driver and front-seat passenger, and two adults can sit in comfort in the back unless they’re very tall. Plus, the front seats slide forward as they tilt, so it's simplicity itself to get there. And, to cap it all, the boot is a decent size and there’s a split-fold rear seat.

Running Costs
It’s a Vauxhall, so it shouldn’t be too expensive. Fuel economy is good, for a start, with the 1.6 delivering 42mpg, and the 1.8 and 2.0 Turbo returning 35mpg and 31mpg respectively. The 2.2-litre option delivers a reasonable 34mpg. Insurance premiums are competitive for the class, but as with all coupes they are generally high. The 1.6 starts in group 9 and the Turbo comes in at 15. The 1.8 and 2.2 sit at 11 and 13. The coupe's service intervals of every 10,000 miles are par for the course, but Vauxhall dealers aren’t known for their high prices, so that will cushion the blow. However, you will also need to budget for timing belt changes (every 40,000 miles), so check when it was last done.

Estate
Most importantly, the Astra Estate is very practical. The tailgate opens wide to reveal a square loadbay, with none of the hatchback’s V-shape, which so limits its versatility. True, it’s not the biggest boot you’ll find, but the seats drop without fuss to give a flat floor. Watch out for the drop between the sill and loadbay, though. The Astra estate is good for people, too, and the cabin will easily take five adults. On top of that, the driver’s seat and steering adjust in all directions and the view forward is good. However, the thick A-pillars create blind spots, and rear visibility isn’t so good, especially when parking. Perhaps the big surprise to anyone used to previous Astras is how well this version drives. The car feels well controlled through corners and the ride is comfortable, although the SRi's stiffer suspension can feel unsettled. It's pretty refined, too, apart from the diesel engines, which sound clattery at low speeds. Safety is a strong point, too. The Astra scores the five-star maximum for keeping occupants safe in Euro NCAP tests and a creditable four for protecting children in the back.

Running Costs
Vauxhall pares down running costs to keep the company fleets happy, so it's as cheap to service an Astra as any rival and fuel economy is impressive. Expect the diesels to achieve up to 50mpg, while the mid-range petrols regularly better 35mpg. The 2.0 turbo dips to 20mpg around town, however. Insurance costs are also low. Most versions fall within groups 4-6, although the 150bhp 1.9 diesel is group 11 or 12, depending on model, and the 2.0 turbo is group 13 or 14. Depreciation the rate at which cars lose value from new hits Astras hard. The first owner loses 40% of what he originally paid by the time the car reaches a year old, and 50% by two years. So buying an Astra at a few months old makes little sense when a two year-old is so much cheaper and unlikely to lose value quickly from that point onwards.

Hatchback
Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Astra is just what a good drive it is, and far better than its styling might suggest. All models have a fine blend of a smooth ride and sharp handling, and the suspension revisions to performance versions such as the SRi make them excellent hot hatches. Similarly, the cabin styling may be uninspiring - and the dash is certainly functional rather than fashionable - but what the Astra lacks in aesthetics, it more than makes up for in practicality. True, the cabin looks a little cramped by modern standards, but there's enough space for four adults - and five at a push - as well as a very good boot, with split/fold rear seats on all models. Most, but not all, models also have height adjustment on the driver's seat as well as reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel, allowing anyone to make themselves comfortable behind the wheel.

Running Costs
In common with models from other mass-market manufacturers such as Ford, cars from Vauxhall suffer steep depreciation from new, which makes them ideal used buys. The Astra is a perfect illustration of that, much cheaper than the equivalent VW Golf or Toyota Corolla. And, as it's already suffered the biggest hit of depreciation, you needn't worry too much about how it will drop in value in the future. Fuel economy, too, needn't be a worry. Most petrol engines return more than 30mpg, on a par with their rivals, but there was also a range of bi-fuel cars that ran on both petrol and LPG. They are no more fuel-efficient, but are cheaper to run, because LPG is cheaper to buy. For the best fuel economy, a diesel is the only choice, and some versions return over 60mpg on the combined cycle. Finally, there are no unexpected horror stories in insurance costs and, likewise, servicing costs are no worse than for the equivalent Ford Focus.

Convertible
When the Astra Coupe lost its head to become the Astra Convertible it managed to retain the hard-top's fine driving characteristics. It has precise steering and taut body control, but the ride is firm. The styling - by Italian design house Bertone - is best described as elegant yet conservative. The Astra isn't as cute a Beetle or Mini, but it’s bigger and more practical, a genuine four-seater with the hood up or down. Everyone gets plenty of room and, with the top down (which can be done remotely with a button on the key), you should be fairly well protected from the wind. Even boot space is good for a convertible and not compromised by having to leave room for the roof.

Running Costs
The Astra is cheap to buy and run, although there is a price to pay in the sense that it doesn’t have the image of some of its rivals. If you don't mind that, you'll appreciate the decent economy. The slow 1.6 gives 42mpg, with the 1.8 and 2.0 Turbo delivering 35mpg and 31mpg respectively. The 2.2-litre returns 34mpg. You won't be stung for insurance, either. The 1.6 starts in group 9 and the Turbo falls into group 16, with the 1.8 and 2.2 between the two extremes in groups 11 and 13, respectively. Servicing is every 10,000 miles and although Vauxhall dealers are generally good value, independent garages should be up to the challenge, and a fair bit cheaper. Every engine (except the chain-driven 2.2) requires its timing belt changed every 40,000 miles, so don’t forget to budget for this - or buy a car where the work has already been done. Finally, don't worry too much about unscheduled work. a leading warranty company says Astras have a reasonable reliability rating and low average cost of repairs.

Saloon
Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Astra is just what a good drive it is, and far better than its styling might suggest. All models have a fine blend of a smooth ride and sharp handling, but one of the drawbacks of going for this saloon model rather than the hatchback is that performance versions such as the SRi simply don't exist. Similarly, the cabin styling may be uninspiring - the dash is certainly functional rather than fashionable - but what the Astra lacks in aesthetics, it more than makes up for in practicality. True, the cabin looks a little cramped by modern standards (although this saloon has more rear legroom than the hatch), but there's enough space for four adults - and five at a push - as well as a very good boot, with split/fold rear seats on all models. Most, but not all, models also have height adjustment on the driver's seat as well as reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel, allowing anyone to make themselves comfortable behind the wheel.

Running Costs
In common with models from other mass-market manufacturers such as Ford, cars from Vauxhall suffer steep depreciation from new, which makes them ideal used buys. The Astra is a perfect illustration of that, much cheaper than the equivalent VW Golf or Toyota Corolla. And, as it's already suffered the biggest hit of depreciation, you needn't worry too much about how it will lose value in the future. You won't have to worry about economy, either. Most petrol engines return more than 30mpg - on a par with their rivals - but there was also a range of bi-fuel cars that ran on both petrol and LPG. They're no more fuel-efficient, but they are cheaper to run, because LPG is cheaper to buy. For the best fuel economy, a diesel is the only choice, and some versions return over 60mpg on the combined cycle. Finally, there are no unexpected horror stories in insurance costs and, likewise, servicing costs are no worse than for the equivalent Ford Focus.