Faults:

The handbrake cable keeps loosening so I can't park on hills.

The radio will not play tapes and when the radio is on if the volume is turned up it will cut the radio out.

Other than these two there have been no other problems.

General Comments:

The car is not the fastest, but is a good A to B drivers car.

It runs for fun. Since I am only 18 (not much income) I needed a car with good miles per gallon. I regularly get 250+ off £20 with the most I've recorded is 314mpg.

Overall a basic car, but excellent if you need a car that runs for miles.

Faults:

The head gasket went at 105,00 miles, along with the water pump, thermostat and fan switch.

The clutch became very poor at 105,000 miles.

A brake hose needed replacing at 107,000 miles.

The back box started blowing badly just recently (116,000 miles).

General Comments:

The car is very nippy for a 1.0 engine and is perfectly adequate for driving on motorways as it does frequently.

It's a very reliable car and has never let me down either in hot weather or on a cold morning.

The fuel consumption is amazing, perfect for students on a tight budget!

I wouldn't, however, recommend a high mileage car as you do tend to find that even though it is cheaper to buy, you make up the cost through garage services!

Not a bad looking car. I certainly prefer the view from the back although it doesn't look particularly sporty for the townies out there!

A lovely car to drive and has never let me down. Loyal, smart, nippy, compact and good looking. I'd definitely buy another one!

Faults:

Windscreen washer pump faulty when bought. Fixed by dealer.

Cracked filler tube to fuel tank resulting in water contamination of diesel. Tank replaced 40,000 miles.

Head gasket 55,000 miles.

Brake cylinders replaced on the rear at about 90,000 miles.

Water pump failure at 105,000 miles.

Also at 105,000 miles rear trailing arm of the suspension on the drivers side badly worn resulting in replacement of whole rear axle.

Clutch now playing up at 120,000.

General Comments:

Excluding repairs, running costs are cheap. 62+ mpg, low road fund license, cheap insurance.

My model has comfortable seats, electric windows and a manual sunroof.

It still looks good despite being nearly 8 years old.

Faults:

Brake caliper pins badly corroded.

Brake warning light has just started flashing yesterday, probably worn pads or a faulty pad sensor.

Very minor dashboard rattles.

Vibrating steering wheel over 60mph.

The radiator developed a small lea, which was easily fixed with a radiator treatment from the garage.

General Comments:

The car was bought for £900 in October 2002 it is now June 2003 and all the above problems were not present.

The brakes have been a constant problem, they do vibrate quite a lot, this could probably be rectified by finding an alternative type of brake caliper, although I'm unsure as to whether there is one.

The car accelerates well for its engine size, although the extra 200cc in the 1.1i would make so much difference.

Gear changing is a little gritty after 8 years of running, but it is reliable and the clutch is still going well.

It travels well on the motorway for a small car, in fact, small as it is, the engine is the best feature on this car. It runs better than most for its age and shows no signs of deteriorating any time soon.

Not a good choice for anyone with long legs, although if you're strapped for cash and you know how to change your own brakes, this car is for you.