Vauxhall Astra TwinTop road tests and consumer car reviews

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop Design 2009

I bought my car new in March 2009 and loved the shape. I still love the shape, but the car is the biggest heap of junk I’ve ever owned. Since the day I picked it up at the dealership the roof has constantly jammed halfway through its operation and has only worked off the remote once in two and a half years. I’ve had lots of bother with keyless entry and every other week, it won’t start when I press the ignition button. I’ve spent weeks and weeks driving a courtesy Vauxhall Agila while my TwinTop has toured Vauxhall garages all  over the North East looking for an answer to no avail. Vauxhall’s customer service department have been no help whatsoever and would not even entertain replacing my car when it was only weeks old. On one occasion I was stranded 55 miles from home with a car that would not start,so knowing my car was still under warranty and that the dealer knew all the problems I’d been having, I rang them and told them of my plight. I was put on hold for about ten minutes when a lady came on and told me "If you can get the car down to us,we’ll have a look at it" PRICELESS!!!!!!!! I’m now looking to get rid and am being quoted trade in prices that are less than half of what I paid for the car. These cars are not fit for purpose.I bought mine as a treat for myself and it was to be my last ever new car purchase before retirement.I certainly won’t be buying another Vauxhall.

Responses to this review

I bought a 1.9 cdti exclusive black in 2007 - I have still not even managed to break 26,000 miles in it. Similar problems with car including six, I repeat SIX, EGR valves. Numerous visits to garage, two broken rear springs and new alternator etc - it’s just endless. I agree Vauxhall customer services seem to be a complete waste of time and effort - possibly they are employed by Ford as agents provocateur i.e. destroy Vauxhall’s reputation! I have owned virtually every model of car including the likes of Chevette HS, Calibra Turbo, Cavalier 4x4 gsi and five convertibles in the last 38 years. Volvo, here I come! - Ray Morris from Durham

Please tell me that this is not the silver ’09 plated twin top, I am in the process of buying from Motorpoint. It’s only done 10,000 and was I finding it hard to believe that it had so little use and that someone was happy to part with it when so new - Jayne Harrison from Cambridgeshire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.8 2008

All in all I’m very happy, two and a half years down the line after buying new. A couple of small issues with the computer that controlls the roof and windows which was sorted under warranty. And recently a wobbly and rattly drivers window cost me 50 euros. The car is absolutely water tight I jet wash it all the time without any leaks. Fuel economy really good on long runs dissapointing around town. For the money I thinks it’s great. We also have a BMW 318ci convertible 2005 and to be frank there isn’t a lot to choose between them they both rattle a bit roof up, the BMW handles better and has a fab auto box but the Opel was 20k less and is a little quicker. I also love that you hardly seen any where we live, I think there are less than 10 on the island! I would buy again depending upon the new version to come in 2012.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

I brought mine second hand from a dealer in 2008 and I loved it from the first time I drove it! Problems: 1. it has been recalled 3 times for roof, steering and back brake light (cost nothing and was out of warranty.) All in all i love it! My baby is only a 1.6 and it everything I wanted. Woman’s view: It looks good, it’s an excellant car and very good on the petrol, I use it every day and I don’t like my husband driving it :0) Family: We are a tall family height starting from 5ft 6 to 6ft 4 and we can all fit in the car comfortly.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop design 2009

I love the look of the car, but it’s been in the garage 5 times since purchase and going back tomorrow. I have had no leaks but the windows have dropped, the boot jammed shut, the rear windscreen stopped working and needing replacing then the guy who did that reported that my car didn’t have the harness fitted correctly, it was missed in manafacture. Now, yesterday, whilst the enging was running the roof was coming off and I had a violent jolt, which I was aware of but my passengers thought nothing of it, as they dont know how the car feels when this happens, I stopped put the roof back on and found my boot won’t close and the trim around the back of the boot area has been forced up. Seems the boot didn’t open until it was forced to! There was no sound or cut off of the operating boot so now yet again I’m without a car! So disappointed in this car, which I was so excited to be owning!! Has anyone else had this recent problem?

Responses to this review

Tell me about it. I bought the car brand new in May 2007. I’ve done 30,000 miles which isn’t much and Vauxhall have had the car more times than me. Today, I tried to take the roof off, it got halfway and then stuck. I had to get the AA out to take me to Vauxhall again to be told they couldn’t look at it for a week. Needless to say, I got it looked at within five mins after a bit of woman power. Anyway it’s going to cost £416 plus VAT to get it right as a tiny motor no bigger than a tube of Smarties costs £254 plus two hours labour to fix. Not happy. If you’ve got or are thinking about getting a TwinTop, don’t do it! - Louise Kirby from Yorkshire

The top on my Astra TT malfunctioned after two years and 6,000 miles. It was repaired under warranty. Now out of warranty and the top has failed again. Estimated cost of repair is approx £1,000 for 2 actuators and a control unit. Has anyone else had a similar experience as I feel the quality of the parts is very poor. The salesman said the hood/top mechanism was similar to Mercedes, but I think he was telling a porkie - Malcolm Smith from Shropshire

Just been quoted £1,100 to fix stuck roof, two motors and a control unit plus labour on my 56 Astra TT Sport model. Cannot justify why so expensive, car will be sold asap. I would not recommend buying one ever! - Jeff Skinner from Durham

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

So I purchased My twin top brand new in march 07, since then the seals for the roof have been replaced, I have mould from water coming into the boot when it rains. I spoke to Vauxhall who are not interested, even though I have had to hold tissue up to the seal whilst driving. The other day I got the car washed and ended up getting wet too when sitting in the car!! This is ridiculous!!

Responses to this review

Have Vauxhall sorted it out for you? We are being told that the seals are not covered under the guarantee and they are not sure which garage can sort out the roof. There is a leak in the front passenger side of our Tigra Convertable. Garages are being of no help - Suzanne Whitehouse from Lancashire

Don’t know if this helps anyone but I have a twintop and within a few months of having it, the roof was leaking on the driver’s side. It happened when the roof kind of bends in to go down into the boot. I took it to the dealer they looked at it and "fixed" it but started leaking again. I asked the dealer I bought it off to have a look and he fixed it and it’s been fine since, touch wood. The dealer had put a strong burst of air down the guttering in the roof/door where the leak was and there was a small blockage causing the water to build up over time hence the leak but seems to be fine now. Hope this helps - Sam from England

I’ve got an Astra TT and my roof leaks on the passenger side, it’s only when the car is stood. I can’t even have a cigarette when it’s raining because the rain comes in. Other than that, the car’s been fine; touch wood. Love it when the sun out - Jolene Hill from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.9cdti Design 2008

I bought this 57 plate (registered 08) with 5k on the clock for £13.5k (almost half price) 2 years ago and its the mutts! Good torque, good speed and acceleration with a great 6 speed gearbox, smooth, quiet (as quiet as 18" alloys with ultra low profiles on shall allow lol), no leaks; had a little trouble with coolant level warning but since Vauxhall Approach (Andover) updated the software no repeat warnings. I regularly silicon grease (spray) all roof joints and seals and to date, touch wood (No not Catweasles toad); no hassles whatsoever. Its a great car and would recommend to anyone. My only quibble is why Vauxhall stopped at 150bhp? Would have much preferred it up to the 200bhp, which the diesel tuning kit would have provided but Vauxhall have stopped selling them :-(

Responses to this review

I’ve got the 1.9 cdti and the car is nippy as you like, I’ve just had it re-mapped by Brian at radical-remaps and the difference is great. It takes it to 200 bhp and I love it, definitley look into it! Well worth it - Jolene Hill from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2010

Got this disgraceful heap on the Motability scheme as my daughter is disabled. I should have felt alarmed when we picked it up and the sales man handed me what looked like a cranking handle from an Austin 7. "Just in case" he said. After ten days, it had to go back as the roof got stuck half way down. Seven days later it was back in the workshop for the same reason. Over the next few months it was in and out of the workshop on every week to 10 days. On one occasion we finally got the roof to work and parked up locked the car went to the vets came back and tried to unlock the car and it would not respond but the roof took on a life of its own going up and down several times we began to think the car was haunted until we heard other people’s troubles. I’m often tempted to leave with the keys in the ignition but I would probably have pay someone to take it. I want my golf back. I HATE this car it wallows round corners, drinks petrol like water, it rattles, leaks and is heavy. The back windows now have a life of their own, when you start it up they go up and down for at least five minutes and finally stop and stay open. I’m sick of taking it back to the garage. When the roof is down the fumes from the back of the car are drawn in as you go along.

Responses to this review

You should have got a practical car for your daughter’s disability then instead of using her medical condition to get a poser’s convertable for yourself ;-) - Bob A Job from Lancashire

Too right! I agree Bob, serves her right! - Benny G from Nottinghamshire

You have no clue what this person’s daughters disability is and nor is it any of your business. So why make such a useless comment? This is a site concerning the car not the owner or your narrow minded concerns with it being a motobility car - Grace Barton from England

Just wanted to say how spiteful & bigoted are Benny & Bob! Do they know what this ladies disability is?! Why on earth shouldn’t she drive a convertible?! Grow up boys! - Chrissie Bear from Dorset

I actually know the lady and for your information, she suffers from lazyitus! Sickening how the disabled get free sports cars when us folk who go to work find it hard to run a Corsa! Bring back those little blue cars that they used to give out to the disabled and see how many of them suddenly become ’cured’! - John Boy from England

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.8 Design Manual 2008

Had the car 4 months now and loving it. Coped well with the snow and ice and no leaks. Find it a bit thirsty ’round town, but no problems on a long run. Great to drive and what a head turner. Would recommend it to anyone.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.9 cdti exclusive black 2007

Bought my car new in 2007 after a short experience with a new Suzuki Grand Vitara which kept catching fire. I don’t appear to have had the problems that some people have, i.e. leaking roof, sticky roof etc., etc. (Fingers crossed!) HOWEVER, I have had SIX egr valves (inc a two week period where I had a loan car as there were no replacement egr valves in the country!!) Terrible fuel consumption figures (not always related to egr valve issues) and last week a failed alternator (on a dual carriageway in the dark; no lights, no steering, no hazzards, no power steering and finally NO ENGINE!) The car is out of warranty now. How much did Vauxhall want to repair? £395! I objected and got this down to £118. How many miles from new? 22,800!! Being a Vauxhall man from being 17 and also this is my fifth Vauxhall convertible of one type or another I assumed I would be rewarded for being brand loyal, but oh no! When I asked at a local dealership about changing for a new Antara (Vauxhall have said on their website that they are available to order from dec 2010 and its now Jan 2011) I was stared at in puzzlement by the rep who said "we don’t make them anymore!" Quite right if your talking about the old model, which does not now comply with euro emmission regs, but I was asking about the new 2.2 model. So to sum it up: VAUXHALL GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER; train your staff in the dealerships to be able to know what they are selling, fix what they are selling and stop acting as if they are doing you a favour for taking your money. As for me? A new Volvo xc60 on order, bye bye Vauxhall, good luck and do something with your Luton based customer services team; the woman, who shall remain nameless, who pretends she is the team manager and is disgraceful to customers is NO CREDIT TO YOU WHATSOEVER, give her the heave-ho and take someone on capable of doing the job in a courteous manner!!

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop exclusive 2008

I too am having problems with my 1.8 twintop, I’ve had it two years with no main issues but now I am having problems with the electric circut which opens the roof and the boot central locking and heated rear window. It’s been back in the dealership twice in the last weekand they can’t fix it . I can’t get in the boot the internal alarm is going off constantly and the heated rear window doesn’t work, which is no good in the winter. The clowns at the dealership seem cluleless and now they want to send it to a twin top roof speciast in Preston to see what they can do, they think it is a break in the wireing harness, which costs in excess of £400 to fix. I got a lift to work from one of the people in the dealership and he admitted they have lots of problems with twintops and they have had several in the last few weeks. Even a guy when I dropped mine off today said he got rid of his because he had loads of problems with roof and went back to a normal Astra DON’T BUY ONE - PILE OF JUNK

Responses to this review

My car went into Arnold Clark for service and came out with exact same symptoms. Do you know where the broke wire was? - Colm McKinley from Scotland

Hi. I have the same problem with by 1.9 CDTI Exclusive. The gong sound is going off continuously as soon as I go over 20mph and the boot is not opening. The dealer has checked wiring and says its fine, but they say it may be the wiring loom??? do you know how yours was fixed? if so please advise :( - Bee from Lancashire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2.0 turbo 2006

I bought this car 5 months ago, I heard a blowing noise coming from the engine, I’ve had 4 engineers take a look at it and they all said that the manifold has cracked. I’ve heard its quite comon with this type of engine on this car, but the cars only done 30,000 miles. Everyone, including me, called Vauxhall and they are charging £1012.00 inc VAT and that’s just for the part not Labour.... as you can’t buy the manifold with out purchasing the turbo as well. The Boot leaks and there is mould inside it as it’s always wet and stinks, the roof gets stuck, it’s endless costly grief. All in all the car is made very, very cheaply. You would think a company as large as Vauxhall would know how to make a car that functions properly.

Responses to this review

I bought my Twintop 1.8 Sport in 2007 from Grasmere Crewe and all was fine until I had it serviced at Greenhouse Vauxhall in Stoke. They said it was all in good shape, then I started to get the water leaking into the boot. I took it back to them and said it was still under warranty! Their reply was that the seals are not covered under warranty. They tried to fob me off with all kinds of excuses saying the C pillar by the window was damaged, possibly from an umbrella. What a joke! The panel had a slight dent in it which was impossible for an umbrella to do because of where it was. Plus the water was entering the boot on the other side, idiots! I got totally frustrated and called the dealer from where I purchased it. He said "No problem, take it to our Macclesfield body shop and they will have a look". Took it to them, the nice chap there did a water test on it and agreed it was as I had said and the C pillar had nothing to do with it. Booked it in, free courtesy car and all has been done under warranty. Two years later and still no problem (touch wood). I have had the problem where the boot won’t open and or the roof alarm does not beep when fully closed or open. All you have to do is be patient! Leave it for a while and go and try again. It seems as though the computer on board can get confused sometimes. Try dropping the roof with the ignition on too, via the roof switch not the fob. Note: not every Vauxhall dealer is trained in working on the Twintop, there are only a few in the country - Ian Jones from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2006

DO NOT buy one of these cars! I bought one second hand with only 20000 miles on the clock. Love the look of the car but all the common faults that seem to occur on this car seem to have happened to me within the last year! Dents in the roof struts for not reason, leaking roof, horn only works intermitently, roof would not function so needed new wiring harness - £400. Then found out I had a faulty water pump - after nearly crashing at 70mph on the motorway when it sheared off straight through cam belt (at 30000 miles) £1500 and now...bearing gone in gear box cracking it and £1000-£2000 damage which I just do not have. Oh also could have exploded at any time! The car is a pile of junk and made of cheap faulty parts. I am gutted as I loved the car and thought I’d treat myself. The car is constantly in the garage and has left me broke. It is currently in the garage as they would not let me drive it home but I have no money left to get it repaired as I am still paying off the cambelt issue, As soon as summer comes will be rid of it like a shot...just feel sorry for whoever ends up with it! Vauxhall should be ashamed of the product they are selling cheap and nasty sorry to say not a good car. Will never touch Vauxhall again

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

Purchased twintop in or around May 07 have had ongoing problems with roof leaks. Car has been back so many times have lost count had extended warranty, which is just about to run out and hense car back again with leaks.  I was told that the concerns lay with a build up of moss on the seals and that the seals needed to be lubricated regularly to prevent the build up of any outide debris that could be causing a concern with the seals. Only had car back approx. 3 weeks after they lubricated the seals and water is coming in, worse now than ever, back seat soaking wet again, dampness and condensation again. This problem is not abaiting, to the point now that the car is not enjoyable anymore to drive. It is very frustrating when you think you have purchased something that was going to give me many years of nice driving. I am dissatisfied with they way this car is functioning and as this problem continues I am left with a car that is leaking, and who would want to buy a car with a leaking roof? I certainly wouldn’t.

Responses to this review

I am also having the same problem with my roof. I bought the car in May whilst it was lovely and sunny and purchased the extended warranty at the time at I was told the roof would be expensive to fix should it break. Now the winter has set in my roof is continually leaking and the garage have told me that the roof is not covered under warranty and hasn’t been since it was twelve months old. Why on earth would you sell a convertible car knowing it may leak and then selling extended warranty to me (which I bought for this reason) knowing it wouldn’t be covered. Has anyone managed to have their roof seal repaired whilst still under warranty? Janette Mason from Lancashire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop diesel xp 1.9tdi 2008

I bought the 2008 diesel xp 1.9tdi model- It is great. Has excellent power for a diesel and looks great with the roof either up or down. I would certainly recommend buying one- Had no problems (touch wood) to date.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.6 sport 2008

I bought my Astra Twintop in March 2010. Its an 08 plate. 1.6 sport. Within weeks I realised I had a locking problem. After several trips in and a few battery changes in the keys (which obviously I had done myself) They finally issued me new keys.... I also mentioned the water pouring in from the passenger side. Again, after several trips in and several water tests, door and window adjusting, the car was returned to me, still with the leak. Oh yes, and the power loss from the engine, the motor from the power steering needing replacing...maybe these problems distracted them from the more annoying water pouring into the car and soaking my children every morning after and during rainfall. Eventually, after 5 times in, the last technician has admitted to me there is some kind of design fault. The seals around the car are ’u’ shaped, hence they collect water like a gully. When you drive, the water drips into the car. It’s like having a dripping tap landing on the shoulder of the paseenger and the legs of the person in the back!!!!! This is why when they do the water test in the garage they can’t find the leak. The car has to be moving. The car can drip like a tap for a good half an hour....probably more but i don’t drive that far.. Now at last they are ordering me new rubbers, but if they are the same shape and style, I can’t see the problem will be solved...Looks like I’m getting them done and saying goodbye to the car I really looked forward to owning.....And now I can’t wait to see the back of it!!

Responses to this review

I have the same problem with water leaking in. Mine is a 57 plate 1.6 sport, I have taken it back various times, had different seals fitted but still water leaks in. It has got to the point where I have left the water leaking as I am getting fed up with taking the car back and feel that the garage has had the car more times than I’ve actually had it... The problem is even worse in Winter as the water turns to ice and I can not open my door as the window will not drop due to this being stuck to the frame! Lynsey from England

I just got myself a twintop, you said the garage had ordered you some more rubbers, were they the same or were they different when fitted? I’ve noticed mine are already leaking, especially on the passengers side. The warranty runs out in July - Philip Watson from England

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.6 2007

I cannot understand all the fuss? I bought my Opel Astra at 15 months old and have put 20,000km on her without a problem and believe me, if it doesn’t leak here it never will. The only wetter place to drive it would be in the Irish sea. she is rock solid on the road and handles great at speed. I will agree it is quite slow on acceleration but I knew that when buying her. I was warned about roof problems so I am very careful in that respect. I never put the roof down or up without the engine running as any break in the power feed may cause the roof to jam but that is said to be true about the 207cc also. I am also very careful not to overload the boot as this will cause serious damage. I love my twintop and will definitly buy another one when the time comes.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2006

I bought a twin top in 2006, after loads of problems including a leaking roof the garage had the car more than I did. After 1 year they changed the car for a new one, but the roof is now leaking again. It’s still under warranty but they say the roof seal is not covered - what a shock!

Responses to this review

Got the same problem, bought the car last year for 13,000. The roof seal is leaking and they say it’s not covered, there is only 7,000 miles on the clock, Vauxhall only give a years guarantee on the roof seal, just shows how much faith they have in them, wish i had been told at the time as I would never of bought the car - Karen Curley from Caerphilly

Keep on at them.... my dealer told me that the roof seals would not be covered on my twin top when I started to have problems with it leaking when it was two years old. I took it in and told them that it needed sorting and I wasn’t paying for it. I got a phone call from them about an hour later saying that it was covered. This is a design fault that is under recall so don’t be fobbed off. If necessary get hold of someone at their head office in Luton. Don’t give up! Viv Oulton from Cheshire

I have had the same problem and had loads of problems with my local dealer. Tried to say I had caused the damage and was not under guarantee. I went to another dealer who said he does them all the time and booked me straight in and the work was covered by warranty. No leaks yet! - Ian Jones from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2006

I love the car. A little slow taking off but what can you expect for a 1.6 with heavy roof and so on... Cheap on insurance and OK with petrol. Get one and enjoy!

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2009

I’ve got this as a company car and very glad that I didnt buy one. First had problems with the boot sensors, where boot thought it was open when wasn’t, dealer couldnt find a problem twice! Still does it sometimes and I have to get out and slam the boot lid a few times to stop warning noise. Had major problems with the engine almost having a pause, it cut out on a motorway at 70 mph once, then lost power randomly, after three trips turns out a valve needed replacement, which at under 20,000 miles was not good news. The Windows rattle against the roof frame, the visability is terrible with roof on & heaters take about 12 miles to warm in winter. Do enjoy the covertible aspect & only have a few months of this one left, be glad to see the back of it.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.6 Sport 2008

A nice looking car which will only look nice while it is a current model. The ton of chrome is already dating, and the rest of the car will follow quickly, especially since the rest of the Astra range has been replaced. You only have to look at the new Megane and the VW Eos to see how quickly it has dated. The interior is drab and uninspiring. The seats look very dirty despite regular cleaning. The car is slow. Very, very slow. Don’t buy a 1.6! I had an Astra cabriolet before this. I wish that I had kept it. This is probably the most expensive car I have ever owned. Were it not for the fact that I would have lost a fortune I would have got rid of it a week after I’d bought it. It has been in the garage for creaking roof, failed roof motors, poor original paintwork resulting in panel respray and a few other niggles. The bootlid has started to rust near the handle mechanism and is due to go in for warranty repair. The service department at my dealership, Perrys of Dover, are fantastic. They deal with everything quickly and efficiently and nothing is too much trouble. The car is dreadful.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2006

Disappointed is not a strong enough word!!!! Had mine for 10 days and have only done 50 miles before the roof jammed halfway down. I’ve been in the dealership since, it needs 2 new motors and a broken wire. It cost me £9000 to buy and now a further £1000 on a costly repair. Anyone else had this same problem? Am terrified when got the thing back, of it happening again. What a nightmare.

Responses to this review

The exact same thing happened to myself. The garage replaced one of the motors which fotunately was covered with my remaining warranty. Since I had it fixed, I have had no further problems with the roof although was terrified that it would get stuck again. I hope you have no further problems with it - Hazel Crawford from Lanarkshire

I bought this car believing the best of both worlds. The drive is excellent and I loved it for the first 60 miles. There was nothing wrong with the performance but the roof and boot have been an absolute nightmare. I have been pulled over by the police as the boot opened doing 60 on the motorway (at night no less, roof has completely jammed half up 3 times). The kids and the car were left drenched and stranded with every conceivable alarm going off. windows have ghost operation as you find the windows dropped and car fully unlocked after it had been secured twice! Thank god for extended warranty - it goes this week and I will never get another. Gutted. Tess K from Cheshire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

Prior to purchasing my car in November 2009, I was really impressed with the Astra TwinTop. Since purchasing it I have hardly been away from the garage. First of all I had problems with my roof retracting, which resulted in it getting stuck midway. I then had problems with a creaky steering wheel, the garage initially stated that they could find no fault despite it being clearly heard. Since then it has been in again, and the garage failed to align my steering wheel properly afterwards. My most recent problem is a water leak. The water is currently storing somewhere underneath the car and between the chassis, I do not have a clue. When driving all you can hear is the water swooshing around. I am waiting on my car getting checked, just hope a fault can be found and is covered with my remaining warranty. If I had known what problems I was going to encounter I would have purchased a different model of car.

Responses to this review

Recently had my car checked re water storing in my car within the sill area. I got told that there was nothing that could be done apart from draining it when I can hear water in it. The garage informed me that this is a common problem in the twintop model however vauxhall have apparently said that there is nothing that can be done!!!!!! I intend to seek further advice re the matter - Hazel Crawford from Lanarkshire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2006

Bought the car from Motorpoint 4 weeks ago (bad point number 1). The car looks great with roof up or down but it’s been in the garage for 13 days already and being told it will be in for another 4-5 days because of a leak in the roof at the passenger side and also dodgy central locking. The locks close when you press the button but if your next to the car with the key you can still open the passenger side and the boot BUT NOT THE DRIVERS DOOR. The head mechanic at both Motorpoint and Arnold Clark (Mount Vernon Vauxhall Branch) say that this is not a fault. Then there’s the leak both garages have supposedly tested for this and can’t find it but when it rains it’s like a tap has been turned on next to the passenger window. Like I say great looking car just pity spends more time in a garage than on the road.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop Design 2008

Leaks, leaks and more leaks. Has been to two different Vauxhall garages in the Midlands area and still having problems. Feel like it is time to take legal advice on this now.

Responses to this review

I have an 07 Twin Top and it has given me nothing but problems with the leaking roof. The car is going back again, I was just wondering... Did you get anywhere if you took any legal action? Karen Whelan from Ireland

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.9cdti Design 2008

Bought this car when it was 12 months old, listed new at around £28k paid £13.5k. 9 months on I’m glad to see the back of it. Great car with the roof down, nightmare when its up, creaking & leaking. Bought an Astra SRi and now I’m a happy little bunny.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2008

Since buying my Twintop just over two years ago it has spent about 20 weeks in various Vauxhall dealerships with problems with the roof, first a creak, now a leak. Some research shows this is a common problem - check out the owners club for more information. Has really spoilt my enjoyment of an otherwise nice car. I am just constantly paranoid about the roof and can’t enjoy it.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop Manual 2009

I just bought my Astra (Twintop), that is what its called in Australia. It’s awesome. The six speed manual is really fun to drive not to mention how great it looks when the roof is down. Even when the roof is up it looks stylish. Only downer for me is the rear passenger space. It’s really only a 3 seater when I’m driving lol. Overall love the car not many around when I live, though there is no shortage of sun is Australia, so the roof is down all the time.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

I own a great car but there are some aspects that I am not too happy with; visability when the roof is up is poor being one of them.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.8 Design Manual Petrol 2009

Bought the car as an unregistered showroom ’pack’ car, which means the dealer bought it cheap in a Vauxhall package of different models. It has every available extra and for a £23.5K list I paid just under £15K including £2k scrappage for a car I paid £1.3K for 3 years ago! It’s as much fun as you can have with your trousers on! I drive it roof down all weather as long as no rain or snow, even Xmas, Boxing & New Years Day. Heater & seats amazing, as is sound system. No problems at all, I love it and so do the ladies, grandchildren & friends. As the 09 plate is no longer new I’m putting on a personalised plate K999 plus my initials bought from DVLA for £250 all inclusive. Being flash at 65 feels great!

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.9cdti design 2008

My twintop has been in the garage ten times since new, I’ve had problems with the keyless ignition, problems with roof rattles, problems with roof leaks. Vauxhall sent my car to Edinburgh to fix the roof rattle and they added two water leaks in the roof then sent the car back to go straight to another two garages to try and fix the leaks with no luck. Now Vauxhall want to send the car to Luton to have another look. My car has been of the road for 10 weeks so far, Luton say they need the car at Luton for four or five weeks; 15 weeks to fix a water leak? That has to be a record. P.S. Tech centre in Edinburgh put 395 miles on my car test driving.

Responses to this review

Hi there, I own an Astra Twintop 08 that has a horn that will not work if the lights are on, anyone else got this problem? Vauxhall say no but I think there is. I am waiting on Vauxhall to fix this, so far I have waited 3 months and still nothing, the problem will not show up at the dealers because when they take it into workshop they switch off the auto lights. P.S. If you have this problem try switching down the instrument panel lights a little, this is a short term fix - George Bowman from Dumbartonshire

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop twintop 1.8 design (petrlo) 2006

I have first hand experience of the TwinTop boot/roof seal problem. Approx. one week before the three year warrantee was up, I brought a water ingress problem in the boot area to the attention of my local Vauxhall service centre, they explained that the seals had gone. With a replacement costing £650 I told them that I would tackle vauxhall direct, however, no joy. The rep from the customer service centre told me that seals were only covered for 12 months and I would have to pay myself. I now intend to pay for the work but still carry on pursuing Vauxhall on the grounds that the car is not fit for purpose under consumer act. When are these companies ever going to admit design failures? It’s a shame, only for this problem the car would get five stars.

Responses to this review

I too have a 2006 Twintop that all of a sudden leaks like a sieve, predominately filling the nearside passenger well and the boot area. The seals cost me £582 and I’m waiting for more to be fitted. I too am pursuing Vauxhall via Customer Care Head Office which is a waste of time. They will not respond to the Sale of Goods Act 1979, i.e. not fit for purpose, they keep banging on about the warranty. I’ve told them the warranty is irrelevant this it is not fit for purpose!! Looks like I’m off to the small claims court and BBC Watchdog if they’re interested. This case is clearly not a one-off, people all over the country are suffering the same fate. I am so angry!! - Graham Essery from Hampshire

I bought my Twintop in June last year. It has been back to the dealers numerous times now. I have had their loan cars more than I have driven my own. They apparently fixed the leaks at the Dudley branch (four times) and it has been sent to Redditch for the third time. The guy at Vauxhall direct when I called to complain asked me what the weather had been like. When I told him it had been raining & snowing he asked me if I had had the roof down at all in this!!!! I too am thinking of seeking legal advice surely this can’t be acceptable? Good luck hope you get somthing sorted!! - Ann-Marie Marsh from England

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop Design 2007

I bought my Twintop Design 1.8 in power red with leather in July 2007 and have just completed 10,000 fantastic miles. The recall work on the roof and rear boot light was completed by Grasmere in Macclesfield during the first year of purchase and the only other issue was in year two when the power steering pump had to be replaced FOC by Arnold Clark in Manchester from whom I bought the car. They have been great. I am a regular contributor to astratwintop.net (service temporarily unavailable as I write, but try later this week) and you can find all my hints for how to care for your Twintop on that website among the many tips and blogs of other Twintop enthusiasts. These include how to look after the roof seals, how to protect red paint and prevent it from going pink, how to use the load assist mechanism, how to prevent stuck parcel shelf fins (tip - keep engine running at 1500 rpm, use the roof switch, not the key fob) and all sorts of things like this to keep you safe. There are also hints and tips on where to find a space-saver wheel (tip - look for those from a second-hand Vectra) and how to stow it alongside the tyre goo that Vauxhall provide as standard. Invest in a windshield - only a small % of the value of the car and inceases the number of top-down miles you can cover. Best wishes, P2.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop Twintop 1.6 2009

Had car 3 weeks the roof jammed halfway down. Reg Vardey had car for 10 days; got it back now and it rattles on every slight bump. I will have to take it back in but I cannot afford the car to be stuck in garage all the time - very unhappy. It seems when anything goes wrong with the roof it has to be sent to Edingburgh. Worst purchase of my life and I still have 30 months before i can change :-(

Responses to this review

Good luck sending your car to Edinburgh, they had my twintop in to fix a rattle; one week they said, it was there for five weeks and it came back with two water leaks and 395 miles put on the clock. It still leaks and after three garages Vauxhall now want to send the car (19cdti design 08) back to Luton for four or five weeks to have a look. Good old Vauxhall, take your money then you take your chances, good luck - George Bowman from Scotland

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2007

Just bought my Astra Twintop and it feels great! This is the first nearly new car that I have purchased and I’m so pleased with it. I didn’t want a sports car, but I did want style and that comes as standard. Fuel consumption is good and when the roof is down it’s simply fabulous. In short, I love it!

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop Auto Sport 1.8 16v 2008

I have had the car 5 months and compared to other convertibles on the market it’s a lot of car for the price. It looks stylish with the roof up and looks fabulous with it down; equal to the look of the Saab convertible which will cost you a lot more. The car seats 4 which is really handy unlike most convertibles which only seat 2 unless you pay a lot more. Leg space behind the driver’s seat can be a little tight but is manageable. The automatic is great to drive and the 1.8 engine is very responsive. The sports function is easily engaged with the press of a button on the dash and this really turns it in to a sports car, dropping the engine throttle and damping the suspension makes road handling really effective however this does consume more fuel. Driving with the roof back is enjoyable and one of the best features about the car. When the roof is stowed in the boot I can still get the family shopping in. This is a good looking convertible, a lot of fun and a great drive.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.9cdti design (150) 2008

I love this car, I just got one as a company car . The diesel engine is fantastic - economical and quick. I found a lot of information about the car at http://www,astra-twintop.net very helpful when I was choosing which model to go for.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 1.8 Auto Design 2007

Brilliant, had mine for 5 months now, just starting to get to use it with the roof down. Really good ride & handling, smooth engine & auto box. Best looking mid range convertible; with the roof up or down. Fantastic car.

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop Design 2007

Had my Twintop for 3 months now. I’m blown away with it.

Responses to this review

When will the astratwintop.net site be up and running again, Red Leader? P2 from England

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop 2.0 16v 2007

Best car I have ever had. A superb drive. best handling I have ever had in a coupe. Smart and smooth.