Faults:

Thermostat at 42,000 miles.

Starting problems particularly in cold weather.

Idling problems - car runs away with itself and takes a while to get down to idle speed.

Alternator went at 30,000 miles.

Rear right electric window's packed up 2 weeks after I got it.

Minor coolant leak.

General Comments:

Over all it's been very good value for money with loads more equipment than other cars for the same money.

Up until 6 months ago the car had been very reliable, but has since developed an idling problem and starting problem which I think are probably related.

Rear right electric window got stuck down, turned out to be faulty electric window switch. Luckily Vauxhall cavalier one fitted.

Minor coolant leak occured from radiator, rad-weld has solved it, though not the ideal solution.

Thermostat went recently, resulting in minimal cabin heating, Daewoo wanted silly money for new one. found Vauxhall equivalent one to fit. Runs 2 degrees warmer, but won't do any halm.

Similar story with alternator Daewoo wanted £250 for new one, Vauxhall found equivalent for about £90.

Air conditioning can't cope with the big cabin in very hot weather, resulting in it being quite useless, as we still have to open windows to keep cool.

Faults:

The Electric windows on passenger side have failed (twice)

The Thermostat didn't function (minor problem)

Most recently the car broke down due to failure of distributor. This has proved to be extremely costly, the part being £300 GBP and apparently double the price of equivalent Vauxhall.

General Comments:

It is a lot of car for the money & very roomy.

The main problem is, according to my local garage, that parts are difficult to get and are extremely costly.

Faults:

Minor electrical problems including boot release, off side rear window motor and a failed audible warning sender.

The gasket on the engine thermostat housing has need replacing on 3 occasions.

Rear nearside shock absorber spring replaced.

The most expensive failure however has been the air conditioning condenser which developed a very small leak after only 39,000 miles.

General Comments:

It has been said before, but I still regard the Espero as a lot of car for the money, particularly the CDi and the CDXi versions.

The fundamental technology might be a bit old, but it is well proven and should prove reliable as the vehicle gets older.

The only fear I have as age sets in is that in the event of the electrics or mechanics on the sun roof whilst the roof is open there is no manual method of closing. The model I have is fitted with a removable plug on the inside of the car, but when removed does not access any manual closing mechanism.

Faults:

Air conditioning condenser broke down.

Seat belt anchorages had to be replaced.

General Comments:

Overall it is a nice tidy family car that's not too flashy.

Faults:

Door welding, simple job.

Wind-screen wiper motor 'loose'.

Alternator failure.

All quickly and easily fixed, inexpensively.

Fuel tank won't accept full capacity.

General Comments:

Acceptable performance from the engine which pulls from low revs quite well.

Lacklustre handling and ride, but this is a sedate road car and not 'fun' as such.

It's OK on long journeys, quite economical when driven calmly.

The luxuries, including a really impressive air conditioner for such a cheap car, make the car good value because the car itself is average.