Faults:

Rusty Exhaust when first purchased.

When the interior heater is turned on full it tends to squeak.

Sometimes have difficulty getting into Reverse gear. I've found this on a few cars I've driven, usually helps to leave the clutch down for a few seconds before selecting the gear.

The valves tend to chatter when under load. After reading an article on the Internet, it seems this is a common problem for 309s built in the early 1990s. Valve clearances can be dealt with at a garage, but can be costly.

General Comments:

This is one of the best cars I've ever driven.

The interior, although slightly dated in colour and design, is extremely hard wearing.

Excellent performance for a 1.3 engine, with good acceleration in all gears, even 5th.

Good fuel economy, although this can change if the car is not well maintained.

I learnt to drive in this car, and although its bigger than the average learner drivers Fiesta or Corsa, the good handling makes it a really easy car to drive. The good cabin and boot space, and affordable price gives it a wide appeal.

Faults:

Glove box catch failed, leaving lid open.

When starting, starter motor does not catch 1 time in 10, probably just a worn tooth.

Looks like car had boot leak before I got it.

Radio aerial fallen off.

Auto choke sometimes cuts off a bit too early, car will then occasionally stall with high when electrical load.

General Comments:

Car has been 100% reliable. Accidentally drove it for almost a year with one HT head off. Thought car was a bit slower, but it never became unreliable.

Non-PAS steering light and responsive. Car has not been serviced for 2+ years (apart from oil changes) but feels as lively as the day I got it.

Doesn't grip the road too well, but I blame cheap tyres for this. Light weight means flimsy feeling, but great performance.

Interior lets the car down, it is tacky and cheap looking, despite it being a face-lifted model. Rear lights modelled on 405's, but too narrow to look good. I've grown quite fond of the styling though!

Faults:

Faults with the car are ones that I already knew existed when I bought it.

It has needed a new anti-roll bar drop link.

New fan belt and adjustment bracket.

Idle valve faultyish.

General Comments:

Though I have not had this car for very long, I am thoroughly enjoying it. While straight line performance is not brown trouser fast, it is certainly swift. It is on country roads and corners where it really comes good. The handling is excellent, certainly better than the 205 GTi's, and the insurance is lower to boot.

I have been looking for a classic eighties hot hatch for quite some time that is in good condition, full service history and entirely unmodified. Finally I have found it in this lovely car. Hopefully reliability will not be too much of a problem as it has had services every 6000 miles from new. It really is a forgotten classic and a pleasure to drive.