Opinions? - Detox
I'm looking for a car that I can keep probably for less than a year before upgrading to a more professional motor, would like something a little sporty but not ostentatious and around the £4000 mark. I have seen a 54 reg Astra coupe 1.8i (not convertible), metallic red with 31k on the clock.

The tag was £4695, I've effectively got that down to £4295 (£3600 with part ex of an old Almera SRi) which seems a little top heavy but the dealer wouldn't push any further. It has a few minor scuffs and chips to the paintwork but no obvious sign of significant damage, however the 17" alloys do show a few (albeit relatively minor) signs of curb damage. The interior looks well cared for and it has a full service history, no receipts for work done though.

Has anyone any experience of these (particularly servicing / reliability) and could let me know if this seems reasonable? Thanks in advance.
Opinions? - akr
We had an 03 1.8 for 4 years. The wife loved it and it was completely reliable. Servicing was reasonable as it's just 1.8 Astra underneath. Fast enough without being lightning quick. Never leaked even the merest drop of water.
We only sold it because we came into a bit of money and bought a 93 convertible otherwise I suspect we'd still have it.
Having said that we had it from new and took care of it - you obviously don't know "where it's been" and if it's been murdered or not.
Opinions? - akr
Sorry - you're after a coupe. Ours was a convertible. But I suppose they're more likely to go wrong than a coupe because of all the roof gubbins so if they were ok you're coupe's got less to go wrong on it.
Opinions? - Victorbox
Possibly a bit too old for you but Vauxhall's original press car tinyurl.com/5ld8fl now under £3K.