Faults:

Blown head gasket about 10k after original purchase.

Transmission began to start slipping on 3rd gear at 92000 miles.

Vacuum leak that kept recurring even after fix.

Previous owner had an aftermarket alarm system installed in the vehicle that was not uninstalled correctly prior to my purchase of the vehicle, leading to a myriad of electrical problems that would leave the car sometimes immobilized.

General Comments:

Seeing as it was a first year model, I wasn't that surprised at some of the problems, especially since the previous owner did a shoddy job at installing the alarm system.

Operating costs is GREAT for this vehicle. 22 bucks will fill up the tank, and I usually can ride on that for about a week and a half to two weeks. Parts are cheap, and fixing this car (if you're mechanically inclined) is easy. I would recommend checking out the transmissions on these vehicles before purchase, as they are ridiculously fragile, even though it compliments the engine well, and gives the car a lot of pep.

Faults:

Gas tank leak, alternator, suspension parts, engine blew a piston, synchros on 2nd gear, muffler, and more I can't remember.

General Comments:

This car is known for being reliable, but I bought mine in poor condition and with high mileage. I drove it as such for 2 years, and just finally rebuilt the entire car. Here in Costa Rica, car's are very expensive, and it is worth repairing a motor and transmission instead of buying a new car. I also had the bumpers painted.

Faults:

Nothing... literally not a thing!

General Comments:

Cheapest cost to own car ever made! Routine maintenance, brakes, tire, oil, etc. Never broke down or had an issue. Paid $9997.00 brand new on sale.

Faults:

Rear brake cylinders, both sides.

Interior lights for the heat don't turn on unless I hit it, and can't switch the front demister on; something wrong with the cable that runs to the dial.

Rust on the back arches, both sides.

General Comments:

The car is nippy, but not break neck quick. Handles nicely but has been lowered 40mm all round.

This is my first car, I'm 18, and it was a nightmare to insure, but all is good now.

I did a 0-60 run in it. My friend was in the passenger seat, and said it was around the late 7, nearly 8; about 7.9 seconds, and did do a ton 30 down a slight hill. I know it's only got a 115bhp, but it does do 130. I know because it's the fastest I've ever driven in a car, and I made a mess of my trousers LOL.

The Saxo and Escort thing is doing my head in. Saxo VTR is slower than a GTi, Saxo VTS faster than a GTi, end of.

Faults:

Bought as spares or repairs.

Interior lights didn't work (fuse now sorted).

Creaking from the steering rack (rack gaitor renewed & greased so now no longer creaks).

One side of the car lights didn't work on the outer (fuse).

Revs dropped and went up constantly (idle control valve and mass air flow sensor both changed now fixed).

Car juddered constantly when driving. This was due to the car really needing servicing and the mass air flow sensor changing. Now drives brilliantly.

General Comments:

A really nice car. This one had leather seats, electric drivers seat, air con, full service history, 6 CD changer everything!

It had 185,000 miles and never even smoked or used oil.

Buy a good one with low mileage and service history.

These engines can hit 300,000 if looked after!

This had the same engine as the GTI and the si (115 BHP)