Summary:
A very well built vehicle, and generally trouble free
Faults:
Valve stem seals replaced at 245000; cost $300.
Headlining showing signs of coming away.
Serviced door locking actuators as small rubber stops fitted internally had perished; replaced with blobs of silicone.
General Comments:
Quite economical, comfortable to drive.
Does not use any oil. Service it every 12 months with new spark plugs, oil change, radiator flush, and oil filter. Still has its original brake pads and light bulbs. Most trouble free vehicle that I have owned in my 60 years of driving.
Have just had the alternator and starter serviced as a precaution. Should a shock absorber need replacing, I am told that these are no longer available.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th October, 2011
6th Nov 2011, 20:42
Replacing shocks and front McPherson struts is straight forward and inexpensive on the Ei version. If you have the computer airbag actuated shocks on the Xi version, just reverse back to Ei config. McPhersons go after about 200-240K of standard sealed road usage. CV's also go about 250K, and again are inexpensive, while the car is already on the hoist. Watch the anti roll bar mounts, which will be worn out at this time, and will need replacing. The rest of the font end seems quite secure at this mileage; now to turn back from the trip to the moon and return home, another quarter of a million kms ahead! Not bad for 19 years of daily driving.