1994 Volkswagen Vento GL review from UK and Ireland

No major faults until recently.

Clutch replaced at 80,000.

Electric sunroof developed a fault at around 85,ooo. Small plastic clip broke and now roof only tilts. No slide.

87,000 Fault with central locking caused drivers door to deadlock. Other doors worked okay though. Local auto electrician fixed this for £60 including parts.

120,000 Air flow meter failed - gas conversion had a backfire. I think this caused it.

125,000 Drivers electric window motor failed. Got one from a scrap yard eventually for £40. They are like rocking horse poo and apparently a common fault.

The electric window cables split where they meet the body of the car from the rear doors. This can only be fixed with a temporary repair. Only costs £10 once you know the fault though.

135,000 gearbox stepper motor failed after driving down a steep road too quick for the brakes to handle it. Stopped okay though.

While gearbox was being replaced the crank oil seal was noticed to be leaking. The car uses a lot less oil now.

137,000 miles water pump replaced. Costs £40 all in if you know the right people.

This car is really reliable. I've been everywhere in it and pulled alls sorts.

It didn't really get quick until a 40mile drive one night at 130mph. You have to break these cars in to make them quick!

Its lost its edge a little bit now, but I blame the gas conversion for that.

If people say this car doesn't handle, they're not driving it right.

It has two personalities. You have to learn to drive this thing at speed on tight corners. It will leave anything though with the right tyres on it.