- Reliability Index score out of 100
- 60
- Average repair cost
- £819
- Most regular repair request
- Clutch
- Average age at repair
- 8 years
- Average mileage at repair
- 70,200 miles
The UK’s 5th most popular used car
Securing its place in the top 5 most popular used cars in the UK, with a total of 160,736 sales [1] taking place in 2023, is the Vauxhall Astra. Vauxhall are hugely popular in the second hand car market – taking two of the top 5 spots on the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ used car sales list.
To assess the Vauxhall Astra’s reliability, we scored it against our own Reliability Index criteria, and it came out with a score of 60. Interestingly, this is a higher score than the Ford Focus, which was the fourth most popular used car of 2024 [1]. But how dependable really is the Astra?
What does the Reliability Index data say?
According to our data, the most regular repair request is for the clutch. Any clutch problems can be unsafe and should be seen as soon as possible by a professional mechanic. Warning signs include poor acceleration, struggling to change gear, and a squeaking pedal. To maintain your clutch you should avoid riding it by ensuring you don’t rest your foot on the clutch pedal when it’s not in use. Shifting gears smoothly will also help. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance to ensure it is inspected regularly by a professional mechanic.
What is the average mileage of a Vauxhall Astra when a fault occurs?
The index data also tells us that the average mileage of a Vauxhall Astra at the time of requested repairs is 70,200 miles. Most vehicles run efficiently until the 50,000 to 80,000 miles [2] mark. The Astra sits at the higher end of Kwikfit’s benchmark, which gives a good insight into its reliability.
What is the average age of a Vauxhall Astra when a fault occurs?
Similarly, the average age of the Astra at the time of requested repairs is 8 years, meaning you could enjoy driving an Astra for many years before any problems occur. As we know, however, sudden and unexpected faults can occur at any time. This is why it is also worth considering additional factors such as how much it may cost you to repair a potential mechanical or electrical fault.
What are the running costs of a Vauxhall Astra?
The index data found that the average repair request for a Vauxhall Astra is £819, and the highest repair request we’ve received for an Astra is £7,487 – which is enough to buy yourself a used Astra. You can expect to buy one second-hand from around £3,500 – £4,000, depending on age, mileage and condition. When you think about it, the average repair cost is around a quarter of the cost of the vehicle. Budgeting for these potential costs can make running your Astra a little easier. You may also wish to protect yourself with an extended warranty.
When it comes to fuel economy, the Astra can cover an average of 35 – 50 mpg, but this can vary, subject to what engine type you opt for. The Astra is well known for being fairly quick, with its most popular engine options ranging from 1.2 turbo – 2 litre turbo. It’s low price tag and speedier engine options make it attractive to first-time buyers. It’s worth looking at insurance costs, however. Most Astra’s fall between insurance groups 7 and 35, making it difficult to gauge insurance costs, so it’s worth doing your homework before fully committing to this car.
How practical is the Astra?
Frequently described as a ‘family hatchback,’ the Vauxhall Astra comes with practicality in spades. It’s vital for a family car to make any travelling easy and comfortable, and the Astra does just that. In terms of space, there’s enough room in the front seats for tall passengers to ride happily, and there’s generous space for passengers in the rear. There may be a minor squeeze if you’ve got three adults in the back, but there’s ample room for children (car seats included) to travel comfortably.
Most Vauxhall Astra’s come with a decent size boot, more than enough for a weekly shop and a few small school bags. Although, other cars on the list do offer more boot space if that’s non-negotiable. The Astra also offers plenty of storage in the front and rear in the form of bins and cupholders – great for families who travel frequently and need space for snacks and drinks!
An extended warranty can be a safety net for your Vauxhall Astra
Vauxhall owners are looking to Warrantywise to help protect them from unexpected repair costs. Don’t forget you’ll get unlimited repairs, 24/7 breakdown cover, car hire, onward travel and a UK call centre all as standard*. Check out our extended warranties for your Vauxhall.
Warrantywise Reliability Index Scoring and Data: Rank is measured by repair request frequency, average vehicle age at the time of fault, average mileage and average labour time, from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2023, and includes vehicles between three and ten years old where there are a minimum of 250 cars on cover. Average repair costs collated over a period between 1 January 2020 and 30 September 2023. Since the sample was selected, Warrantywise has seen a significant rise in the price of labour and parts, which will impact future repair costs. All data used is from Warrantywise’s proprietary internal research. Warrantywise believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
Warranty FAQ’s.
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A car warranty, or an extended car warranty as you may also see it called, can help to pay for the cost of fixing your car if something goes wrong with it, like a mechanical or electrical problem.
New cars usually come with a warranty that lasts for 3 years. This means the manufacturer will fix any problems during that time. After this period any repairs or problems will need to be fixed by the vehicle owner.
For peace of mind, after your manufacturer’s warranty expires to help you seek to manage repair costs effectively, you can purchase an extended warranty.
Warranties do not include all defects. Most warranties will never pay for accidental damage or premature failure of a part.
You must read the plan terms and conditions of any warranty before you take it out.
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Our warranties are discretionary. This discretion allows for flexibility, as in each case we exercise our discretion to decide whether and how to resolve repair claims.
We have appointed an independent arbiter, Edd China, to ensure that any disputes with customers are resolved in a fair and un-biased manner. In the event of a dispute between us, Edd China has the final ‘discretion’.
This is what makes Warrantywise unique.
With access to our network of approved repair centres, you can rely on professional and reliable repairs.
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An extended car warranty from Warrantywise provides protection for your vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, shielding you from unexpected repair costs that can arise due to mechanical or electrical failures. With additional benefits including recovery, car hire and onward travel, to name but a few, our warranty gives you peace of mind, eliminating the stress and hassle associated with unforeseen repairs and expenses. With access to our network of approved repair centres, you can rely on professional and reliable repairs. By choosing Warrantywise, you can budget more effectively and avoid unexpected costs with cover you can be confident in.
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Our warranties are designed to provide the widest potential scope of repairs for the age and mileage of your vehicle. We automatically select the most appropriate level of plan for your vehicle, which you can then tailor to meet your specific needs during the online quote process or by speaking with one of our team of warranty experts on 0800 001 4990, who will help you through the process.
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At Warrantywise, we aim to make the repair process hassle-free for everyone. When If you choose one of our Authorised Repairers to carry out an approved repair, we will handle the settlement of the repair cost directly with them, eliminating the need for you to make any payments.
We always recommend using one of our Approved Repairers. Their repair facilities undergo careful monitoring to guarantee the best workmanship and service quality.
However, we understand that you may have a preferred garage in mind. If that’s the case, please ensure they are VAT registered and follow our provided ‘Repairs Procedure’ outlined in the plan booklet. It’s also crucial to verify that their labour rate aligns with your warranty schedule.
If you decide to use your preferred garage, you may be required to pay the bill in full. However, rest assured, once the repair work has been agreed by us, we will promptly reimburse you directly for the agreed expenses. Our aim is to provide convenience and financial peace of mind throughout the repair journey.
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As long as your car has an up to date service history you don’t necessarily need to service the car before we issue a warranty. However, if the vehicle doesn’t have evidence that the last service was performed at the correct time, you will need to arrange to have the car serviced to the manufacturer’s recommendations before your warranty cover is effective. Please refer to Section G – Servicing your vehicle for full details.
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It is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to maintain their vehicle. Following the manufacturer’s service schedule ensures that vehicles are properly maintained.
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It is important to thoroughly check the service history of a second-hand vehicle before purchasing. Where the previous owner has missed a service, we’ll still provide a warranty if the service history is brought up to date according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (including any recommended remedial work). This must be brought up to date immediately and proof of the service provided.
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No, you don’t have to have a car inspected before it can go on cover.
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Our warranties are available in lengths to suit your needs. From monthly warranties to 12, 24 or 36 month warranties.
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You can choose to pay for your warranty in full, over 4 month or PAYG (monthly pay as you go).
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All Warrantywise plans come with a no question 14 day money back guarantee. You can cancel the plan at any time within the first 14 days and providing you have not requested that we meet the cost of any repairs, we will cancel the plan and refund your payment without deduction.
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We always recommend using one of our Approved Repairers. These repair facilities undergo careful monitoring to guarantee the best workmanship and service quality. However, we understand that you may have a preferred garage in mind. If that’s the case, please ensure they are VAT registered and follow our provided ‘Repairs Procedure’ outlined in the plan booklet. It’s also crucial to verify that their labor rate aligns with your warranty schedule.
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Our repairs office hours are 8.30am-5.00pm Monday – Friday (except bank holidays). If you breakdown out of hours, please phone our 24/7 breakdown service on 0800 054 2174. For full details on what to do with regards to repairs out of hours, please refer to your plan book.
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It is important to stop driving the vehicle immediately, and call our repairs team on 01254 355102. The lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. In the case of an emergency breakdown out of hours, please call 0800 054 2174. If you continue to drive after you suspect a fault, it could affect your warranty. Rest assured, we are here to assist you throughout the process.
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The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘Electrical’ as: (1) concerned with, operating by, or producing electricity. This means it has to be powered by, use, or produce electricity in order to function. NB: There are some items listed under our Additions that we will never pay for under the warranty.
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The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘Mechanical’ as: (1) relating to or operated by a machine or machinery. (2) relating to physical forces or motion. This basically means it has to be a part that moves, is moved and/or is acted upon by something else that makes it do that motion. NB: There are some items listed under our Additions that we will never pay for under the warranty.
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If, during a journey, your Vehicle suffers a Breakdown within Great Britain you can telephone 0844 693 1910 (24h service) and we will arrange for an engineer to attend. If your Vehicle suffers a breakdown whilst in the European Union, you will need to make your own recovery arrangements and submit a claim under the warranty.
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If your repair is approved and you need a hire car, because your vehicle is off the road, we may reimburse you for up 10 days for car hire, please refer to the terms of your warranty for details.
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If you purchased your warranty directly, then yes. If you sell your car, you can transfer the remainder of your warranty to your new vehicle. Depending on the make, age and mileage of your new car additional charges may apply. Call our admin team on 0800 001 4990 for full details.
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We take complaints very seriously and all complaints are thoroughly investigated by our Customer Relations Team. Our commitment to customer satisfaction means that if you are dissatisfied with the initial response, we have an escalation process in place to address your concerns further. We value your feedback and strive to continuously improve our services, ensuring that your experience with Warrantywise is of the highest standard. For more information on the escalation process, please refer to our complaints page, and if we cannot resolve your complaint between us, you can refer it to Edd China for consideration in his role as Final Arbiter.
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All calls are answered directly from our UK offices by our knowledgeable and experienced customer advice teams. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that your enquiries and concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently. Our dedicated teams are here to assist you with any questions you may have, offering expert guidance and support.
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Edd China fulfils the role of independent arbiter, this means he has the final say over any dispute that we cannot resolve between us, subject of course to your statutory rights.
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Quentin Willson was instrumental in working with Warrantywise from 2007 to 2023 to develop our extended warranty plans to ensure they are clear, transparent and comprehensive. In July 2023, he passed over the responsibility of final arbiter to Edd China who will use his ‘discretion’ to ensure a fair and equitable resolution on a case-by-case basis.