Holden Astra 2002 Problems

Getting to the halfway mark on the gauge in five minutes doesn’t sound like a problem, providing it sits there and doesn’t go any higher. The gauge will move up relatively quickly while the thermostat is closed during warm-up, but once the thermostat opens the gauge should remain steady. If it continues to climb it could be that the thermostat is stuck and not opening.

Others things to check are the coolant level, coolant leaks, and make sure the thermo fan is working.

If it’s a regular model it will have a 1.8-litre engine, but if it’s a SRi it will have s 2.2-litre.

It sounds like a very desirable car with its very low mileage, the extras, service history and the condition as described by you. It's one of those cars that you have to throw the valuation books out the window and go with your gut feeling. A 2002 Astra CD isn't worth a lot of money, but I would be asking $8000 to $10,000 for yours.

I doubt very much that it is the head gasket; I reckon you would have seen the engine temperature rise if it was a leaking head gasket. You won't know until you actually pull it apart and check it, but I would suspect it's the water pump that's leaking.

The harsh reality is that parts fail and cars break down, sometimes with disastrous outcomes as in your case. As the owner of an Astra you should be aware of the problem with timing belt failures and what can happen when one does fail, it’s well documented and has been extensively reported on here at Carsguide. Most mechanics will check the water pump when replacing the timing belt because they often find them leaking and they prefer to change the pump then rather than send the customer away knowing they will be back when the pump fails. I would have expected the mechanic to check the pump when doing the belt and tensioner, and like the previous Holden dealer, change it as a precaution at least.

It could be a question of adjustment of the roof mechanism. I would take it back and have the roof alignment checked and adjusted if needed.

They are relatively common faults. Carmakers do make parts to be replaced rather than repaired, it's considered cheaper for all concerned if a mechanic simply has to pick up a new part and fit it instead of spending possibly hours repairing the old part. It means lower warranty costs for the carmaker, greater volume of work going through dealer workshops, and usually results in lower costs for the owner. It's impossible to say you will have more troubles in the future, but it's a fair bet that you will.