The Vauxhall Astra J stands the test of time

The thinking behind the dash backlighting is that red is supposed to to keep you more alert at night than other calmer colours.

I don t know why people hate it, this is such a nice car. Still looks modern. And they are so cheap now.

I have a 2011 astra j that's done more miles than this one and still drives without any rattles or creeks.. its a nice drive always has been. Your centre console being cracked I suspect someone has tried to remove it and damaged it, mine is damaged at all and has done more miles... its been a low maintenance car and very simple to repair. Just 2 days ago I changed all the brake pads and despite this car having a electric parking brake ... changing the pads was very very quick and easy... changing the Cam belt is a little more difficult and I recommend buying the alighnment tool... other than that.... fantastic!

I currently have the 1.4 naturally aspirated 61plate astra J and it's been a solid car. Probably my favourite car to date. The issue next for me is....what to replace it with? A few miles yet as it's running at 65k but still slight issues are forming and it might be time to move on, but to what? Great review. I really enjoyed it.

Buy the 1.4t petrol as it suits the car perfectly and is uber reliable, like with all cars, avoid diesel, as they need constant maintenance, DPF filter headaches etc....

A sweet Geek! Subscribed

Thanks for the review, question do all the models have parking reverse sensors?

I have a 2015 astra J elite and its my first car and its wonderful, the elite version has power folding mirrors heated seats full leather full electric windows lumbar support ambient lighting its amazing. Great cruiser

I recently got saloon one (2014 model, I'm second owner) with 1.6 (non turbo) petrol and the 6 speed auto. It feels heavy, relaxed, classy and quiet, if you stay on lower speeds. It feels out of place on the highway with 120-140 km/h where the wind noise it a lot and the engine just struggles to keep up with only 2 passengers and their luggage. But there isn't one journey I had with it that I'll describe as interesting. It gets from A to B in trying to be classy manner but forget about any excitement or feedback from the car. Also it eats a fuel like some warm hatch while being slower than your average econobox so if anyone is thinking about buying one and comes across this video, do keep that in mind and maybe get the 1.4T if you find one in good condition.

Quite late, but I bought a 2013 GTC two years ago and I loved it so much I bought a 2012 OPC this year because the 1.4LT didn't quite have enough poke. I was finding myself in sketchy situations without enough power on the highway.

They're both brilliant, i've had some dramas with the 1.4LT but it was just maintenance the previous owner didn't do and passed on to the next owner (New valve cover, new throttle manifold). The only issue it has now is a wiring harness problem where the start stop doesn't work and I get a U1516 error code, it yells at me to get it serviced every time I turn it on. Biggest issue with that is I can't figure it out on my own, no one on forums knows either and Holden themselves have absolutely zero clue too. My OPC has an issue with the F40 gearbox, second gear pops out. Its a common problem but one to be aware of and this ones start stop does actually work. Otherwise its in mechanically good shape. Probably needs a clutch tho.

The coupe feels really cool, has a real sports car vibe to the interior despite being a mid-range hatch. The GTC rides a bit high for my liking for such a low roofline, the OPC's seats fix that a fair bit. Its a wonderful highway cruiser, really comfortable with a decent ride. Chassis wise the thing that surprised me the most is that compared to a Holden Cruze of the same year the GTC's front end is so much more reactive to your inputs, it doesn't wash out anywhere near as much. Mid range torque one the 1.4LT is quite decent, initial pick up is a bit slow though, the 2.0LT in the OPC fixes all of that.

The GTC had a really easy engine to work on, I've done all the maintenance in the last two years myself. Very roomy to get tools in and around. Haven't had to do anything on the OPC yet. My GTC only has 75k km on it, with my OPC just ticking over 100k km. GTC has a crack all the way through the front facia that only really stands out on the silver bits but other than that wear in general is really really good, not even the soft touch plastics have rubbed off around the power window controls. One thing to keep in mind with the coupe style is that the doors are extremely wide, so getting in and out of tight spaces can be a bit of a bother.

All in all I'd highly recommend one of these as a budget "upgrade" car for people still driving things from the 00's. That said given the car market here "budget" might mean different things to different people but all in all, I'd buy these cars again. GTC will be going up for sale later this year.

I have the 1,4 turbo with 120 hp for 6 years now. I got it used back in 2017 and it is a 2012 model. Your review is really spot on about this car. It is a pleasant car to drive, really comfortable and trust worthy on the road. It is a heavy car so the 1.4 120 - 140 hp motors are just about right. The version you drive is a little underpowered. The only bad thing is the manual gearbox, it is not smooth enough and it can go wrong resulting a costly repair. Apart from that, it has a look that still looks nice today and on the road it is so much better than the new fiesta my wife got. Sure it is a different class but it still means something. Cruising at 100 - 140 kph is the sweet spot for this car, you can cover a distance and it won't tire you.

2017 astra j gtc with the 1.6cdti. Loved it till recently replaced turbo with only 24k. £1700 bill. Had it from new and loved it. Now reading about timing chain issues so have lost all confidence in it. I have a rattle on start up which to me is early warning of chain replacement. Gearbox out job costing over 2k. Ticking timing bomb. Design fault with tensioner. Very disappointing

I own Opel Astra J 1.6 16V naturally aspirated gasoline engine, and also in sedan version for over a year. My Astra is 2015, last year before Astra K. Overall I am very happy with the car. Engine is sluggish and thirsty, but cheap maintanance, cheap parts, overall reliability, quite and refined engine, great equipment, very spacious and comfortable. I would always recommend Opel/Vauxhall Astra as a used car. I really can't complain about it. Trunk boot is really big 460 liters, rear seats has lot of space for knees, head etc. For drivers who are looking for a solid, well built and quiet relaxing family car, Astra J Sedan is pretty good car.

Just got a 2.0 cdti and its really quick.

I have just sold my Astra J 1.6 petrol Elite. I now own an older Astra H Design 3 door. This car is so much more fun and its nicer to drive. It certainly has more guts for a 1.6 petrol than the Astra J tank. 😂😂

I have an Astra J 1.4. 100k and it's reliable relative to the focus mk2.

This is my first car in the same colour 🤣😭

I hit a deer with this car and when i go out want I wanted to see what happened I thought the car i fuckedup but i look al most nothing happened just the grill

Hey new subscriber here. I passed my test 6 weeks ago and currently have a corss d 07 plate in an automatic. I'm wanting to upgrade after Christmas but I'm debating whether to go for the astra or astra gtc? Just looking for opinions? Thank you

my dad just bought a 2015 facelift version of this car. i was surprised how well the design has held up today, especially from the front. It’s quiet and great to drive

I have had 3 of these, 1.6 elite petrol, 1.6cdti gt tech line and I now have a 2.0cdti sri, great solid cars, mines in 119k and doesn't have any wear and tear except for the heated steering wheel

I've owned my Astra 14 plate Elite model for 1.5 years. I've been trying to sell it for months. It's such a dull and boring car to drive. The car is way to heavy for that 1.6 gutless petrol engine. Mine is top of the range but doesn't even have Bluetooth. It has the buttons for it but no way of connection. Can't wait to get rid of it. Worst Vauxhall I've ever owned. 😡

Hi I am looking to buy Astra. But confused between 1.4 and 1.6. can someone give good and bad about both engine. In terms of fuel consumption how much both cars can give. What is the used car fair price in market. When should we change timing kit in both engines

I've got a 14 plate elite 2.0cdti. Done almost 100k miles in 7 years. Brilliant car to drive and cannot fault it. 👌

I own a GTC. The only snag I find are the doors filling up with water. The lowest part of the doors are at the front but the drain holes are at the rear of the doors. This is true of the Astra as well (H, J and K).
I had thought of drilling holes in the front of the doors but I park it with the nose facing uphill on my drive, which helps.

I bought a 2012 Astra 1.6 sri. It has 100k on the clock and it drives like a new car..

What did you have for lunch?

Hi there.
My Astra J 2011 has 170.000 miles and drives without any faults or noisy sounds. I was thinking to buy a K one but then the question in my mind is why should I give up this car which I know so well and drives so great, to buy another one which will do exactly the same things...

I never understood the peeling of the mat coating on interior parts ...

You can clearly see the surface underneath was never sanded or primered in any way, both are crucial for paint adhering when painting plastics.

Seems like such a minor labor intensive cheap thing to cop out on during production....

Audi is notorious for this.

I bought an Astra J 1.4 petrol ( no turbo ) in March 2022.
45.000 miles on it then, 78.000 miles now.
I have never been more happy with a car.
It's pretty slow due to the power weight ratio but i learned to just stop driving like a 23 year old asshole, which also cut my fines down to zero 😂😂
Anyway, zero technical problems, car is comfortable as hell, very good sound isolation for comfort, handles like a dream and I just love the beautiful interior styling.
I'm aware of the issues the turbo, the cdti models and the 6 speed gearbox can have, but luckily mine doesn't have any of that equipped 😂

My girlfriend is going nuts because every time we drive i tell her how much I love....... This car 😂👍👍
I wish I got it sooner.

I own an Astra J Sport Tourer with a 2.0 CDTI engine. I've just had fun with the car from the first second until now. I've also driven newer vehicles like the Astra K and Opel Crossland, but so far none have been as good as the Astra J. The 2.0 diesel is just a bit noisy.

I’ve got the SRi, 1.6 litre petrol version and honestly your review would be pretty much identical to yours JJ (apart from the performance mine can fly😅) I love everything about it but what I wish they would have done is make the general car care easier for example replacing headlights is a horror!😂😂 but honestly this is a spot on review mate!

I regretfully am moving on my 2015 Astra J SRi 1.6 non turbo hatchback. I need an estate and more space so moving onto a K Sports Tourer.

Although the 1.6na is heavy and not the quickest, my goodness you have reliability in spades. That engine essentially dates back to the 90s so solid and parts a plenty. Super comfortable in SRi spec. Well equipped too.

Owned for 3 years and I have had Astras back to the Astra F, it was the best for me. Hope the K will be good to me……

I have an Astra J 2011 with 160+km AT 1.6. It’s still a satisfying car to me (with a back electronic windows xD) and not thinking of upgrading. Yet, it needs to be periodically checked for common mechanical issues.

As soon as I saw the turtle neck, I bought all 3 Astra Js in the area. Thank you sir.

Visibility good?? I have one and the top eyeliner of the windscreen it too low. If you pull up to a traffic light too close, you have to bend down to see it. Anyone else think that the full steering lock is about half a turn short compared to other cars? I have to line the car up to do a u turn.

Why is no one talking about the big blind spot in the drivers seat on the right hand side? It’s basically a big black part on the right hand side and it covers a lot of the window side so When turning right especially when going round the roundabout u cannot see very well at all and can easily hit anything if there was an obstruction, every review I’ve come across about the Astra J no one is talking about that, it’s my first time owning a car designed like this and I don’t know if many cars are the same?

This j series mk6 Astra was the best one made in my opinion

I have a 62 reg 1.7 cdti. Great car use it every day and tow a caravan on hols.

This Astra was so much better than the one after it.

I have Vauxhall Astra Estate 1.7 cdti. This car is piece of cheapest materials ever made. Electronic are disaster, gearbox are joke, bearings very noisy. I loose couple thousands pounds buying and repairing this car. Please stay away from Vauxhall as far as possible. Don't buy any of these cars.

I would like you to do a review on the Chevrolet Cruze that's based on the Astra

Poor guy in the back seat, never gets to do any of the fun stuff lol

I have just purchased my partner a 2015 2.0cdti sri with the nice vx line styling, plenty of power, we came from a pre facelift astra j 1.6 petrol and it was a struggle driving that thing up hills and on motorways

I recently bought 1.7 cdti Astra j 6 speed manual with over 122000 miles. Quite a nippy car. I have the base model so it doesn’t even have alloy wheels still a great car nonetheless 👍

Got mine (11 plate 2.0cdti manual 5dr sri nav) in 2012 with 6k miles. Still going with 164k miles, one new clutch at 160k, one new fuel rail 140k and locking fuel cap. Other than that, tyres, servicing, brakes. Its still a great car, just have lots of stone chips from mostly motorway driving in 6th gear.

I do agree with all of this. I love my 2013 Sports Tourer. I only bought it because it came up locally and was cheap. It's taken me down to Spain and back three times, and has cost pennies to run day to day. Apart from a broken rear spring which came up on an MOT, the only money I've needed to spend has been on consumables. It isn't powerful, not with the 1.7 diesel, but it's economical and good for what it is, the torque is in the right place for overtaking. The handling is good, although it could do with a bit more feel. One surprising thing is the road-holding, and I noticed that often Top Gear would remark about the grip of their "Reasonably Priced Car" Astra J. If the mood takes you, you can really hustle it along. The original owner specced 17 inch wheels, and I've treated it to a set of Michelins all around. I've got a 2003 Cooper S as well, and of course that's much quicker and more agile, but in terms of sheer mechanical grip the Astra isn't far short,

Yeah, so, like I said, I love my Astra J

Vauxhall Disastra

Just bought one of these- the red very annoying! Also when fuel gage alerts you to low fuel, after a while it keeps flashing not telling you how much fuel exactly you have- by then hopefully you would have fuelled up. Otherwise can’t fault it really good car no problems at all! Just annoying back windows are manual. Keep up the good videos! 🙂👍