Faults:

2 tyres worn down because I waited too long before having the wheels aligned.

Rear window washer n/w. Update - that is because I'm a klutz and didn't know the rear washer had its own separate reservoir in the back.

Bearing on cam belt tension wheel was found to have had it when the belt was replaced at 89000km.

General Comments:

Most Demios in NZ are used imports from Japan. We wanted a good one - not underpowered. So we went for a 1.5L Manual that was newly imported and looked to be in top condition. The dealer had had the odometer certified (winding back is often a problem here).

An excellent buy. Super reliable. Small clutch travel a bit strange at first, but soon you don't notice it. Need to watch the wheel alignment.

Has ABS and Dual Airbags. Torque and acceleration are very good for a small vehicle. Good high driving position. Comfort OK. Tyres can be noisy on rough bitumen. Only average on tight corners, but handles dirt roads well.

Fuel consumption not brilliant, especially when the air-con is on. Good news is that the air-con does not steal the power away.

We plan to keep it a long time yet.

Update - sold it October 2008 after 5 very satisfying years - only because we went mad and bought a Skoda Fabia. No more 'gone wrongs' to speak of. Cheerio old friend.

Faults:

Stone damaged 2 cores in radiator making it leak. Shes been pretty good apart from that.

General Comments:

Great wee car round town. Goes better when run on higher octane fuel eg, about 40-45 km's per tank in city, plus it's a little quicker.

On the highway it zips along fine at 100kph until it sees a hill.

I'm 5'9" tall & have the seat fully back giving myself some leg room. However I would not like to be in the backseat. As for comfort... seats are OK except I did not like the back, mind you I did not buy it to sit in the back.

Body seems OK, no rattles, paint still looks good for age & nothings fell off yet.

Faults:

In 60000km, I have replaced 1 battery, 4 tyres, regular servicing (oil & filter every 5000km) 1 tune up at 40000km. Absolutely nothing else.

General Comments:

Was very noisy on the road until I changed from the 185x65 Jap tyres to some 185x70 Quality New Zealand tyres.

This caused the speedo to read 5% higher, but quietened it down a lot.

Surprisingly roomy inside. No problem for our family of 5 to go away for a 2000km week touring.

The first car I have owned that I don't have to change the seat after my wife hops out. Its her shopping basket.