Faults:

Recently had to replace the spark plugs because the engine wasn't running right, and had to have some repairs done to the brake system at my last full service.

Also, the exhaust systems seems to be continually rattling - I have had it looked at, but it's a recurring problem.

General Comments:

This is my first car and I guess I will be able to look back on this car with fond memories. Admittedly it's not very fast, and the handling leaves a lot to be desired, but the car has been exceptionally reliable - it has started first or second time every single day I have needed it over the last year and a half.

The only downside is the cost of insurance on this car - I first got insured at the age of 19, and I was paid just under £1000 for my first year, and that was only 3rd party / fire and theft cover.. why so pricy?

Faults:

The alternator went about a month ago.

The CV joints are on the way out.

Leak in the radiator.

General Comments:

I have only had the car since August.

For a normal diesel it is pretty quick off the mark.

The MPG you get is very good, even when you are accelerating hard.

Love the looks, front/rear spoilers give it a nice sporty look.

Faults:

Badly worn seats when bought (common fault on the Rallye), replaced with 1.9 GTi half leather items. 100 quid with fitting.

Ignition module went. Free replacement from the recovery people, as they happened to have one.

Rear suspension trailing/radius arm bearings failed. New rear axle assembly fitted (from a 1.6 GTi), 150 quid including fitting.

New rocker cover gasket fitted.

New exhaust down pipe and silencer, 45 quid, fitted myself.

Valve stem seals are on their way out.

CV boot has just gone.

General Comments:

Bought the car while looking for an XS, as it was newer with lower mileage than any XS I could find, and was in excellent condition with no rust! Loved the bright yellow paint (no one else does though) and sporty looks, then I drove it!

Definitely one of the fastest, best handling small cars out there, and as it's only a 1.4 it's great on insurance. As a first car I couldn't ask for any more.

Driving position and seats are top notch, even comfy on long journeys. Gear change is sweet, with decent ratios. Handling is very safe and predictable, and rewards you when you throw it around.

Since than I have done a lot of tinkering. First up was putting wider 14" wheels on, immediate improvment in cornering grip. Felt the car could roll a bit too much and understeered when driven hard, so I fitted stiffer lower springs to match the stiffer GTi back axle. Handles like a dream now.

Found the brakes faded when driven hard so fitted bigger callipers and pads, and now stops as well as it corners.

Haven't done anything to the engine yet as it's pretty damn fast without it.

They do have there problems though, they are not the most reliable cars around, and can have serious problems that are difficult to forsee. But parts are cheap and plentiful, so it's less of a problem.

The equipment level is poor to say the least, and there are lots of rattles and squeaks, even on a good car, but you get used to them.

But the best thing I can say about the car is I can't find anything to replace it that offers the same performance and value for money, so I will keep messing with it until I do.