Faults:

In the almost 7 years since I have had this vehicle, here are the major items I have had to deal with:

1) Discs x 3 sets, typically 60 to 80 k intervals.

2) Head gasket at 130 k.

3) Hand brake cables at 80 k.

4) Alternator at 170 k.

5) Diesel pump reconditioned at 175 k.

6) Water pump 180 k.

7) Complete exhausts system at 180 k.

8) Rear sub-frame bushes 180 k.

9) Front suspension strut thrust bearings 190 k.

10) Dashboard lights fail regularly.

Nothing outrageous for the mileage I have done, I don't think.

General Comments:

This car has been brilliant. Reliable and economical with adequate comfort and performance.

It has cost me £165/month to run, taking into consideration initial purchase price and service costs. This excludes the £500 I have just got for the car.

I so liked the car I have bought a 1994 ZX turbo diesel Dimension with 71 k on the clock. I expect 4 good years out of this, maybe 5.

Faults:

Two worn drive shafts.

New front brake pads.

Occasional starting problems fixed for £50.

A few minor snags that most cars get at this age, but all liveable with.

General Comments:

Great little car that was bought as a run around and I have kept it for 2 years now. Compared to my old 900, it's a little gem and really cheap to maintain.

On the plus side I think it is extremely good value for money and is quite good fun to drive, and doesn't mind being driven hard!

Excellent design, electric sunroof is fab, as well as remote locking etc on such a cheap car.

It does exactly what is says on the tin! Highly recommended as a no nonsense run around. I keep thinking about a replacement, but can't really part with it when you consider what it offers.

Faults:

The exhaust pipe had an hole in it.

General Comments:

This car is extremely wild when it comes to performance. Overtaking is no problem. Also the general ride is excellent with independent suspension fitted. Good lightweight body with plenty of power.

Faults:

Seized front brake calipers (work done 1999).

Rear brake hoses cracked (replaced 2000).

Front wishbone bushes worn.

Both front struts leaking.

Half shafts and CV joints showing some signs of wear (2001).

All these items are obviously in need of replacement now due to high usage, not because of unreliability.

Except for intermittent central locking problems, no other electrical problems to note.

The ZX was never imported into Australia so parts have to be acquired from the UK which is expensive for us.

General Comments:

Very comfortable car that my wife enjoys driving.

It is a little slow because of the diesel engine coupled to the automatic transmission.

Parts are now a problem for us as we now live in Perth in Western Australia.

Faults:

Erratic fuel starvation fault - replacement carb (under 2nd hand dealer warranty) cured the problem.

Uneven rear brake wear - requiring replacement brake lines twice plus shoes.

Paint finish starting to oxidise in places even though garaged from new.

Dash lights failed - fiddly to replace.

General Comments:

Quirky styling means it's cheaper than its Peugeot 306 sister.

Extremely comfortable, well laid out interior with plenty of headroom.

Typically French smooth ride and faultless handling.

Very easy to live with and drive - only criticism is the tendency for the cabin to get hot during the summer.

Faults:

New radiator.

Rear brake calliper.

Front suspension.

Front discs.

Handbrake cables.

Idle control valve and battery (and tyres!)

Most of these would be expected on a car of this mileage.

The new idle control valve did not help with the poor idle revs which were OK for 90% of the time, but would then idle anywhere between 300 rpm (stalls) and 2000 rpm (embarassing when sitting in traffic!)

Also the cost of parts is high (Over £240 for one brake calliper!). And the dashboard bulbs blow and are not easy to replace!

General Comments:

I love this car! It's a real wolf in sheep's clothing. Great performance, handling and brakes. The engine is a bit rough at high revs but with loads of low down power you don't need the high revs anyway!

The cost of ownership is quite high as spares are expensive and residual values low (but that means it is very cheap to buy second hand - I paid £4500 for a 3 year old top of the range model but it's now worth <£1000).

It does go through front tyres quite quickly when driven hard.

The fuel consumption is pretty good for this type of car.