Faults:

The thermostat failed in the open position at 15000 miles. Garage fix.

Replaced timing belt at same time.

The rotary air vent direction controller failed, because the operating cable behind the dash had become detached, but I fixed it with a cable tie. Access was possible after removing the glove box. (An easy fix).

The driver's door speaker failed.

General Comments:

The front seats gradually recline all by themselves over a period of weeks. Spooky.

The windows drop about 1 cm from time to time and cause wind noise.

The power steering is very light, but I like it that way.

Handling, brakes, steering, suspension and ride are all acceptable.

Faults:

Aerial snapped.

Central locking problems on the boot. Still unlocks with the central locking, but will not lock with it. A minor pain.

Steering wheel started clonking on 20000 miles. A fitting had come loose. Very easily (and cheaply) sorted though.

Crunching sound coming from the front left wheel. Only does it every time I turn the engine on and first move off. Does not do it in stops and starts in traffic or at any other time. Been checked twice, but can't find a fault. Very odd.

Fuel consumption could be better.

General Comments:

Apart from the fuel consumption, some minor rattles inside the car (drivers door and parcel shelf) and the slight struggle uphill on motorways I'm more than happy with this car.

It starts every time and has taken me every where I've wanted to go (some long trips included).

No wear and tear showing inside the car as yet.

The crunching noise doesn't worry me. I've had it checked out twice and it's passed it's MOT twice with no problems and it doesn't affect the way the car handles in any way.

In short - I like and trust this car.

Faults:

The aerial snapped off too easily after hitting a tree branch which was sticking out into the road.

Sometimes unable to unlock drivers door in frosty/very cold weather. Need to climb in through the passenger door which I imagine must have a mechanical lock.

General Comments:

Overall a good solid reliable car, although it does struggle a lot to accelerate on uphill stretches of motorways.

I had a very happy 63k miles in the car, and would have owned it much longer had a deer jumping out in front of me not caused me to roll the car upside down and write it off. However the fact that I walked away from this with scratches shows how happy I am with the safety of the car. Unfortunately as the car had lost much of its value, I didn't get as much for it as I hoped from the insurance company.

I was disappointed to find the rear seats didn't fold down flat, but at an angle which caused any small items to roll back into the boot.

I was also surprised to find the boot was narrower than the one in my smaller F reg Fiesta, meaning it wouldn't fit a guitar case very easily. This caused me to break the covers hiding the suspension, so they haven't stayed on properly since.

I ordered the optional CD changer with the car, and this wasn't very well positioned in the boot, restricting the available space.

The plastic bits of the interior scratched very easily.

The tires seemed to wear out quite quickly, but as my wife will testify this may be due to my driving style!

Passengers in the rear have commented that there is a good amount of legroom in the back.