I'm prompted to write to you concerning your review of the Astra Coup in Drive 2000 (Argus, December 8). This car was due out in October 2000. The price quoted in the Press at the time was £16,150 (and overpriced at that) on the road. It has now jumped to £18,995.

Our family's last five cars bought from new were Vauxhalls and when the Government stated it was going to tackle "rip-off Britain" we were very optimistic.

So, after my present Astra went up in smoke at Brighton's West Pier, I was not a happy motorist, especially after paying nearly £800 to put it back on the road. The mileage was only 31,000 miles and the AA legal department sided with Vauxhall. I've now changed my rescue breakdown service provider.

The final blow is Vauxhall abandoning the UK after many years (since 1905) and putting 2,000 workers on the dole in Luton. I would not buy a Japanese car on principle, so I'm looking towards the Continent. I shall scan the websites diligently for my next car.

-D. Lawrence, Rodmell Avenue, Saltdean