Niki Soilemetzidou contacted the Opel Post via email. The lines she wrote – they are a declaration of love to her “star”. This is the translation for Astra in Greek. The silver-coloured Opel model with the Blitz, built in 2001, has been a reliable companion for the young Greek national for many years.

So reliable that she would like to give honour to it: “Can you add my Astra to your gallery of mileage heroes?” she asks. Of course we can. The two criteria for inclusion in the ranking are met: on the one hand, the Astra has over 450,000 kilometres on the clock, and on the other hand, it is loved. A lot.

“It never needed any major repairs. My Astra was always a loyal companion.”

Even if it wasn’t love at first sight: it’s been a good twelve years since her family gave her the Astra G, remembers Niki Soilemetzidou. It was a present to mark the start of her mechanical engineering studies. “I previously drove an Opel Tigra. In comparison, the Astra G was a rather conservative, perhaps even boring model,” says the young woman. But the bond grew. Every day when she drove to university: “The Astra offered me shelter when it rained, warmth when it was cold and great music during our journeys.” It never needed major repairs and was always a loyal companion. “It’s a car full of pride and loyalty.”

The Opel accompanied her through every milestone of her life – the bachelor’s degree, the master’s degree and her first job. “Of course, my star was always serviced in a timely manner,” she emphasises. Aside from the usual signs of wear and tear, there were never any unpleasant surprises. The Astra only broke down once, “but only on my doorstep.” She is certain: “It held out until I got home safely. I’m not joking!”

“Perhaps the era of my star is coming to an end. But maybe not.”

But a few weeks ago, she had to think about saying goodbye for the first time. The problems suddenly announced themselves with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The cylinder head gasket is defective and water has entered the engine compartment. “I understand that my Astra is tired – I can’t blame it.” After all, it is now 24 years old, and the odometer shows exactly 452,761 km. And yet she can’t say farewell.

“Perhaps the era of my star is coming to an end. But maybe not.” She hopes that the Astra can be repaired. Because: “In my opinion, it is the most reliable car ever,” says the mechanical engineer. Our list of kilometre heroes at least proves her right: Most recently we introduced the Belgian Gerry Dirix. His Astra F has driven over a million kilometres – with the original engine and transmission. Maybe Niki Soilemetzidou’s Greek star will also cover many more kilometres. Nonetheless, it has already secured a place in our gallery of reliable cars with the Blitz.