i had this car for 4 years as a replacement for my awful 1.6 renault megane coupe that i had. i have to say i wasnt that excited about the car when i first bought it cos i wanted a golf gti and thought the astra was a bit boring....but i was wrong its a stunning looking car (i reccomend changing the alloys tho as they are the only thing that lets it down) and its really quick for a 1.8 with 5th gear having loads of pull on the motorway. its comfy aswell providing you are driving no longer than 2hours at a time. i had the car for 4 years and i only spent about 200quid in the whole time on repairs. i just sold it to get a renaultsport 225 megane and if its half as good as the astra was then i will be a very happy man!