The Vauxhall Astra Van may have long since stopped production but that doesn’t mean they have begun to dwindle in popularity. When Vauxhall ceased production at the end of 2012 it marked the end of an era of the small family car/van hybrid. They may have stopped production but that doesn’t mean they still aren’t heavily in demand. You are more likely than not to see them used every day by builders, labourers, plumbers, or electricians.
Why? Because they are uniquely suited for everyday life. This quick article will cover their reliability and clue you in on some common problems to look out for if you are looking to pick up a Vauxhall Astra Van for yourself.
Is the Vauxhall Astra Van reliable?
The Vauxhall Astra Van is incredibly reliable for a 10-year-old car. There is a reason you still see them on the road today despite bigger and newer models readily available. Even back in 2006, they had a reputation for being a bit of a workhorse and a safe choice for everyday use. You can pretty much expect the same out of a Vauxhall Astra Van as you would any other Vauxhall vehicle.
Vauxhall Astra Van common problems
That being said, there are still some common problems that tend to crop up with a car of this age. Especially one with a fair few miles on the clock. These 5 issues should be at the top of your list to look out for if you are looking to pick up one of these vans for yourself.
CDTI engine problems (1.3 – 1.7)
The CTDI engine problem is a common one, especially in the 1.7 engine, the tell-tale sign of this problem is idling low and cutting out when the engine is cold. Luckily, if you are test driving an Astra Van you should be able to identify any issues just by letting it sit and idle for a minute or two and listening to see how healthy it sounds.
Starting problems
The Astra Van starter motor has a tendency to wear out over time. This can commonly be mistaken for a battery problem, so you may want to check battery health before you write off the starter motor right away.
Alternator problems
Once again, we have a common problem that can be tested simply by starting the vehicle. The alternator is a common issue on Astra Vans which can be identified by testing out the electrical systems. A new alternator may end up costing you a few hundred pounds which is annoying but not necessarily a deal-breaker.
Gearbox problems
Gearbox issues are common in older cars and the Vauxhall Astra Van is no different. Listen for whining noise when you are cruising in high gear. If you catch it early, it’s not super expensive and is a reasonably quick fix. If left though it can be an expensive ordeal. It may be better to err on the side of caution here.
Turbo problems
Turbo issues on the Astra Van are quite common. But, they are often misidentified as one of the other likely issues. Power loss and whining noises caused by a failing turbo are regularly mistaken for battery issues or gearbox issues respectively.
What is the best year for the Vauxhall Astra Van in terms of reliability? What years should you avoid?
In 2008 the Vauxhall Astra Van won the best professional van and light truck award. So, you’re probably looking quite good with a 2008 model. Anything newer than that is certainly a safer bet than older. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid the 2006 model at all costs! They have a poor reputation and are coming up on being 17 years old. Old doesn’t always mean bad. But, it should warrant caution.
How many miles will a Vauxhall Astra Van last?
You are unlikely to find a very low mileage Astra Van, if you do fair play to you, so it’s important to understand at what point they start to become a problem. A good rule of thumb is the 70k to 100k range makes a reasonably safe bet. The closer to 70k, the better. That being said a Vauxhall Astra Van that’s done around 100k miles should still be reasonably reliable so long as it has been well looked after.
