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Handling is very tyre sensitive! A set of Kleber Quadraxers have transformed mine, goes round corners properly now. Understeered like a cow on the previous Michelin Energys and others prior though.
The other tyre issue is that the rear end will make a racket like the wheel bearings are shot on certain tread patterns. Trial and error here, "unidirectional" patterns tend to be bad, but I have yet to work out a "hard and fast" rule for this behaviour.
Changing transmission fluids regularly on both autos and manuals is a "must" regardless of what it says in the service schedule. That appears to be designed to get it to the end of the warranty period as cheaply as possible, with no consideration as to what happens later. Gearbox replacement requires dropping of the front subframe, so any gearbox problems are a deal breaker.
Interior does not seem to suffer from the tendancy for bits to drop off that GM vehicles are renowned for. Odd, but I'm not complaining :-)
Best thing about them is that they are like the Tardis. Bigger on the inside than the outside. Definately feels Astra-sized to drive, rather than the "space bus" feel that most MPVs have, yet still has cavernous accomodation within.
Rear seats are far more usable than many say. Secret is to move the centre bench one notch forwards when using the rears, adequate legroom for all then. I'm happy to sit in the tail and I'm over 6'.
Water pump and pulleys must be changed when the cam belt is. Check that all were done as the water pump is often omitted to save money (in the short term......).
EGR valves tend to fail fairly frequently (giveaway symptom is "hunting" at idle). Not a cheap component for what it is! Thermostats also appear to have a limited lifespan, poor warmup in winter is the giveaway here, cheap and simple to replace.
Front antirollbar drop links fail regularly, again cheap and an easy job. Any intermittant clonking from the front is almost certainly this and not to be worried about.
Electrical faults in doors (i.e. window motors, central locking, rear screen heat et. al.) are common and almost invariably due to broken wires in the rubber boots between the door and body. Mine fried its locking/immobiliser ECU due to a short here.
Parts availability is excellent and banging the actual part number required into eBay will often yield a bargain (like a locking ECU for 12 quid......).
DIY: Haynes manual is shared with the Astra and issues can arise with the illustrations when the two cars differ and only one picture is shown. Most things are easily accessible, front end drops off easily to give access to lights and such. The "OP-COM" diagnostic software and adaptor is available cheaply on eBay and is excellent.
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