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Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

ASTRA

It's hardly exciting, but as a genuine four-seater, it does make a lot of sense

Used Vauxhall Astra Convertible 2001 - 2005

The Astra is cheap to buy and run, although there is a price to pay in the sense that it doesn't have the image of some of its rivals.

If you don't mind that, you'll appreciate the decent economy. The slow 1.6 gives 42mpg, with the 1.8 and 2.0 Turbo delivering 35mpg and 31mpg respectively. The 2.2-litre returns 34mpg. You won't be stung for insurance, either. The 1.6 starts in group 9 and the Turbo falls into group 16, with the 1.8 and 2.2 between the two extremes in groups 11 and 13, respectively.

Servicing is every 10,000 miles and although Vauxhall dealers are generally good value, independent garages should be up to the challenge, and a fair bit cheaper. Every engine (except the chain-driven 2.2) requires its timing belt changed every 40,000 miles, so don't forget to budget for this - or buy a car where the work has already been done.

Finally, don't worry too much about unscheduled work. Warranty Direct says Astras have a reasonable reliability rating and low average cost of repairs.

It's hardly exciting, but as a genuine four-seater, it does make a lot of sense

The Convertible has a choice of four petrol engines. The 123bhp 1.8-litre has enough power to feel nippy, while the 2.2 with 144bhp has plenty of oomph and is great on twisty roads. The 2.0-litre turbo delivers near-150mph performance, but for those who prefer a slower pace there is a 1.6 with 99bhp. The only auto option was on the 2.2-litre, but it's no more than competent.

The 2.2 is probably the best all-rounder. It has much better performance than the 1.8, but its fuel economy and used prices are very similar.

Whichever you go for, you won't be short of kit. Alloy wheels, air-con, anti-lock brakes, front airbags, electric windows and roof and a CD player are standard on all models.

All but the 1.6 have traction control as standard and the 2.0T and 2.2 add cruise control and a CD multi-changer. Later cars generally have more kit, so they're worth seeking out.

What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so a roof that opens (and closes) quickly is every bit as important as good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top versions of existing models. But there are still some fantastic options out there.

Convertible

On the whole, the Astra is reliable, and the good news is that the electric hood is very reliable. However, there are a few things to look out for.

Above all, make sure the timing belt has been changed according to schedule and be aware that the power steering pump can fail on high-mileage examples. The exhaust manifold on the 1.8-litre is also known to crack - an expensive job to fix as it means replacing the catalytic converter.

If air-con is fitted, make sure it blows cold as the system is known to be weak. Also check the front carpets for damp - it can get in through the ventilation system - and look for uneven tyre wear, which is a sign of possible suspension misalignment.

Finally, there have been a couple of small recalls on the Astra, but these aren't drastic and a dealer should be able to tell you if they've been carried out.

When the Astra Coupe lost its head to become the Astra Convertible it managed to retain the hard-top's fine driving characteristics. It has precise steering and taut body control, but the ride is firm.

The styling - by Italian design house Bertone - is best described as elegant yet conservative. The Astra isn't as cute a Beetle or Mini, but it's bigger and more practical, a genuine four-seater with the hood up or down.

Everyone gets plenty of room and, with the top down (which can be done remotely with a button on the key), you should be fairly well protected from the wind. Even boot space is good for a convertible and not compromised by having to leave room for the roof.

Used Vauxhall Astra Convertible 2001 - 2005 reliability

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Used Vauxhall Astra Convertible 2001 - 2005 review

On the whole, the Astra is reliable, and the good news is that the electric hood is very reliable. However, there are a few things to look out for.,Above all, make sure the timing belt has been changed according to schedule and be aware that the power steering pump can fail on high-mileage examples. The exhaust manifold on the 1.8-litre is also known to crack - an expensive job to fix as it means replacing the catalytic converter.,If air-con is fitted, make sure it blows cold as the system is known to be weak. Also check the front carpets for damp - it can get in through the ventilation system - and look for uneven tyre wear, which is a sign of possible suspension misalignment.Finally, there have been a couple of small recalls on the Astra, but these aren't drastic and a dealer should be able to tell you if they've been carried out.

What to look for when buying a Vauxhall Astra 2001 - 2005, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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