Faults:

Engine Idle speed increased to 2500 RPM when stationary.

Windscreen had a chip when purchased. The dealer fitted a new one.

General Comments:

This is one of the best cars I have driven.

It sticks to the road like it has been glued to it.

Engine sounds wonderful and likes being revved hard.

The steering and clutch are better than the standard Xsara. The standard Xsara steering and clutch are far too light.

The only thing I don't like is the gear change mechanism, it feels like it has been set in concrete!

Don't get caught out like I did, The car may be affordable, but the insurance can be astronomical, I was quoted £3500 by one insurer. Check your insurance premium to ensure you can afford it before purchasing this car.

Faults:

Left indicator stayed on, even when the stalk was in the neutral position. I bought a new stalk from a breakers yard (for less than £20) and replaced it. I have no technical ability whatsoever, but that was childs play.

General rattles everywhere.

Turning circle is poor.

Rear view mirror vibrates

General Comments:

Handling is good.

ABS makes up for the soft breaks.

Great for all kinds driving, particularly long distance and motorway.

Cheap as chips to run and maintain.

Holds its own in the power stakes.

Faults:

I have only had three minor problems:

The heating blower stopped working about 3 months ago. I discovered it was the switch which has been replaced and is working fine.

When someone shuts a door, there is a metallic rattling sound from near the fuel tank. Nothing seems to be damaged there though.

The driver's door internal trim has loosened a touch (due to a lot of use I guess.) This causes vibrating noises when listening to music.

General Comments:

I have added non-standard alloys and uprated brakes, merely adding to the already sharp handling. I will admit to being a careless driver sometimes, but this car always seems to pull me out of trouble.

The comfort provided makes it a perfect car for traffic jams and open motorways. It may be dated looking, but it is still better than most.

Faults:

Dashboard air bag warning light came on, dealer rectified fault; faulty wires under driver seat. This occurred twice within 2 months of purchase and in warranty, this was some 8 months ago and thus far no further recurrence of the problem.

On a cold morning the car has been vibrating/juddering and it felt as thought the engine is "hunting".Dealer confirmed a faulty injector, which would cost nearly £400 to supply and fit new one, luckily the warranty hasn't expired and it will be change under that warranty; but the cost of fault diagnosis has to be paid for by me.

A cracking noise from the offside and nearside rear pillars the "C" posts, has been put down to body flexing by the dealer; the dealers cure is to remove the paneling and fill full of expanding foam!!

General Comments:

A very hard ride compared to my Mark 1 Mondeo.

The engine is very good and pulls well. At 70 miles an hour it will return some 57 miles per gallon, some 10 miles per gallon better than the Mondeo.

Very good headlights for night time driving, unlike the Mondeo.

Plenty of space in the estate for one person and suitcases/luggage.

Like the steering wheel controls for radio.