Actually, I think that the real trouble with the 1.6 Astra auto is that it has the easytronic gearbox that some will tell you to avoid. Drive a 1.6 and research if you are considering.

The 1.8 has a torque converter box that should be OK. I have driven several of the 1.8's - they are well sorted, go well (with 140hp), drive smoothly but are not particularly economical. Good thing is that the 1.8's are quite good value 2ndhand.

"I've never met anybody who 'wants' an Astra, the Astra is the white-goods of motor vehicle. Its there, but nobody would care if it wasnt."

I thought the request was for opinions of which Vauxhall engine to choose, not a chance for you to spout off about your obvious dislike of the Vauxhall Astra. I suspect the thousands who work at Ellesmere Port would care if it was there or not.

Ive never met anybody who 'wants' an Astra.

And the stupid statement of the month goes to.....

If nobody wants one, then how come they're continually in the top 10 car list?

Jamie, has anyone ever told you that you like the sound of your keyboard too much and sometimes your opinions are worth diddly squat?

Anyway, back on topic, as others have said, avoid the easytronic gearbox. A manual gearbox cannot be turned into a reliable auto box with just a few servo motors.

It's a pity with the Astra-H Vauxhall only put the aisin warner auto box in engines 1.8 litre and above. In the Astra-G the 1.6 engine and the aisin warner auto box were a good combination.

I don't have to much experience in autos, I did until recently have a job that involved me getting a Astra sized hire car twice very 3 weeks. During this time I had just about every different type of astra sized car some in auto and manual. The one thing I do remember is that without a doubt the worst car for me out of all of these was a Focus 1.6 auto. It had 4 speeds (Not sure what type of box it was) but it was absolutely gutless, I can honestly say I had more pleasure driving a Hyundai Atoz as a hire car!.

The Astra's I had as a hire car were always pretty good, Personally, and im well aware that people would disagree with me out of all the mainstream non premium models I thought they were one of the best. It wasn't as good as a Golf, But that said im not sure that VW can justify its premium price tag anymore - they don't seem to have an outstanding reliability record.

The other car that stood out for me was the Kia Ceed. Found the I30 a bit plasticky, Focus didn't really do it for me for the same reason and Peugeot 308 because it was French!.

I guess if lease companies all over England buy Astras in droves them they can't be that bad, as lets face it the accountants would have soon ruled them out if they were costly to run.

Good luck car hunting.

You can get some excellent Jag's for under 6k like i did but 26 to the gallon isnt ideal for high mileages. I think ive noted in other threads the 1.6 in the Focus is gutless and underpowered. Personally i just dont like Vauxhall's and i'd never buy one, i'd purposely buy something worse and less useful if that was the choice. But thats just me.